Yeswelder MIG 205DS Update

[@donaldbeatty4171]

Thanks for the update. There certainly seems to be some quality inconsistency issues with the machine. Mine still runs extremely well. I've started doing more lift TIG welding with it and couldn't be happier. And their company service is really good. I hope they get a handle on the quality assurance issues soon as I don't want them to go away. I think they're on the right track. Again, thanks for the update.

[@ultramaga4075]

If you have the welder using 110 the mak output is 160amps if you attach the 220 volt cable the machine functions at 205 amps to my understanding

[@davecundiff3663]

I bought one of these on Amazon during a special sale(15% off). I used it for about a month and then noticed it wasn't running very well at all. I measured the wire output for 10 seconds and only got 8 inches of wire. Yeswelder refunded my money during the Chinese new year. I can still use it for stick welding. The wirefeed drive is working on a different welder, the issue is most likely the control circuit board.

[@bigtb1717]

That's a shame. I guess it's good that Yeswelder gave you a refund, but I'm getting the feeling that these aren't the most consistent quality or reliability machines. Another commenter had some issues as well. Though I believe he narrowed down his issue to a missing piece of the wire spool system.

[@Mrkouman]

Great review, I've read some comments and I think there are some QC issues with yes welder but definitely the customer service is on point so far for me, if only they had an adjustable wire speed also or even a minor adjustment to speed. For the price I'm sure someone will figure out a way to hack the welder somewhat to do a tad bit more with more adjustments.

[@davidjanuszewski5020]

I think you will find different results in this series of welder, I contacted Yeswelder concerning the 250Pro abilities, I was told to let them know what I was needing and they could adjust the machine accordingly before shipping. Sounds like a good thing.

[@bigtb1717]

In what way are they going to adjust the machine?

[@davidjanuszewski5020]

@@bigtb1717 I wasn't given any details, I asked for spray-transfer 90-10 gas, ability to weld 5/8 plate. They told me that they would hack the machine to give me what I wanted.

[@bigtb1717]

Strange. I would think a machine would either provide the output required for spray transfer or it wouldn't. It supposedly has the ability manually adjust settings already, so I can't imagine what they would have to adjust in order to make it accomplish what you want if it couldn't normally. If you decide to order one, try to get them to tell you exactly what they are changing on your machine.

[@photog1529]

I originally had an MP200 on preorder...once my delivery date changed from January 2022 to possibly March 2022, I canceled that order and went with the Mig 205DS instead (couldn't beat the price of 30% off). So far, I haven't noticed any issues, but then again I'm not an experienced welder. Haven't tried using my clamp-on ammeter, but may in the near future to satisfy my curiosity. I'll second the comments on their customer service...very responsive and I always spoke to a human when I called...no menu run-around. Obviously, I'm a year behind your posting so its possible Yeswelder made some modifications (although my user manual is identical to your replacement manual). I'm running primarily .030 wire.

[@bigtb1717]

I still have a lot of testing to do on the MP200 (only done MIG testing so far), but other than a plasma cutter, I don't see the MP200 really adding much over the MIG 205DS. The MP200 is a little bit more flexible on the settings, but I haven't found it to run any smoother or have any more power than the 205DS.

[@gerardjones7881]

Talked for 5 minutes about wire 9and amp output but no mention if that is fllux core or gas.

[@bigtb1717]

This testing was done with solid wire and 75/25 shielding gas.

[@jerrychan1471]

Thanks for sharing your detailed experience with his product. I am considering purchasing this item.

[@BulliKid]

Great review! I used yes welder wire on my flux welder and it did a great job.

[@chevylization]

Excellent review. The one I ordered works fine, mainly because I only use 0.023/CO2 on this one and have a bigger rig for heavier wires. My theory is that the difference may be due to software. I have noticed some variations about the settings and behavior on units manufactured within a timeframe or batch, it seems to me that they make “improvements” over time. I tried reverse-engineering mine to tweak the post-flow, burn-back and somehow display WFS, it makes me paranoid not knowing my WFS. Sadly, someone took the time and effort to grind the numbers of the processor on the control board, hopefully someday that someone will leak a schematic. I can figure it out but that will be another summer project. I’m curious if the processor is grinded on more recent versions.

[@bigtb1717]

I'd check the chip for numbers on mine, but I already sold one cheap and gave the other one away. Unfortunately I have very little room in my garage and I can't let things build-up too much. Get's impossible to work in there.

[@CarlosMorales-jd5hb]

Its something about their mig guns. I had similar issues with one of their welders and I swapped the mig guns with another high quality machine that I have, the Yes welder performed perfectly and my other machine didn't perform good at all. I did try another gooseneck on the mig gun provided by "Yes" and that seems to have solved the problem.

[@bigtb1717]

Interesting. I don't have any other Euro style guns to try. If I can get my hand on one maybe I'll give the welder another test with a different MIG gun and a better work clamp and cable.

[@milanmilan1740]

My yes welder 250 pro quit and I could see burnt resistor on top off board.I took the board out and it has some writing that starts with mig 180.How could this be 250 amps welder?I guess I got what I payed for.

[@bigtb1717]

It's possible that that specific board is common to multiple welders and some other component is different. But it's hard to say. I'm very interested to test out the 250 pro, but I just haven't brought myself to buy one at this point.

[@DIYHomesteadProjectsDIYHP10]

That is interesting, thank you for the update and additional info.

[@tsl7881]

Project Farm tested the new black case model, hard to says if his tests were for running at 160A. His max out test was for three seconds.... He said it was a great value.

[@gerardjones7881]

I'm going to do 2 mods , 1. use better quality ground cable and clamp. ( I have the cable from another welder already.) 2. Install a toggle switch to jump the 24v drive motor and use a spool gun for alum. Others have already done this mod and it works.

[@qfdforme]

I ordered .035 flux wire. I wonder how it is going to work. Piece to piece variation could make it an adventure. My hope is to be able to take advantage of the presets. By the way copper plated aluminum wire is what you get with inexpensive wiring kits for low cost LED spot and flood lights.

[@gerardotorres9963]

Oh excellent video thank you for the review thank you for all the information I have exactly the same welder you’re using and you are definitely right I’m 100% agree but that’s what happens when we buy cheap machines It is what it is.

[@jobu9224]

Their customer service is pretty spectacular and I've read many other similar testimonials about yeswelder. As more and more Chinese companies start to elevate their customer service, this is very, very bad news for North American "Branding" companies.

[@bigtb1717]

I absolutely appreciate good customer service. It can go a long way to inspiring confidence in a product. But in my opinion, they are also going to need to elevate their quality and quality control before they are a true threat/competitor to the bigger brand welders (North American or otherwise). No offense to Yeswelder here, as everybody starts somewhere. And there is obviously a huge market for cheap welders, so I'm not saying that spending $1,500-$3,000 for a welder will make any kind of sense for most people. There is a chance they will be successful without changing a thing. But for me, particularly if I'm using a tool at my job, customer service is great but never having to contact them is WAY better. If I arrive a site that needs an emergency repair, a thunderstorm is rolling in and I need to get something fixed quickly, efficiently and properly, I'm willing to have spent little more on the tools I take with me (not just welders) if it means I'm that little bit more likely to have things to go well. Do I think the big brand stuff never fails? Of course not. Anything can fail, and a box of electronics and electro-mechanical components, no matter who "made" it, can fail. And a lot of good work gets done with cheap tools of all kinds. But does the big brand stuff generally work in a more consistent, reliable and as-expected manner? In my experience, yes. If I show up to a site and some tool I need to use won't work properly, or won't get the job done without extra messing around, I might have wasted a trip, wasted time/money, upset a customer, etc. In that case, I would gladly pay a bit more for a tool that is designed, engineered and built better so that I have a better chance of it working properly the first time and again the next time. So for me, I don't think they are in a position to truly replace the big names yet.

[@cec4]

as a side note my welder came from the factory with the max amp display setting 6 amps over what it claims to do on 120v ( 166 mig, 146 stick) i got in contact with yes welder to see if there's a way to calibrate it. im hoping they don't just offer a refund because unless there shipping way more of these then i thought, that doesn't seem like a very sustainable business and i rather have them stick around and get better since there social media presence is rather good

[@bigtb1717]

If you don't mind, let me know what they say. I'm curious how they will respond.

[@BudMasta]

@@bigtb1717 yeswelder just rebrands mass produced chinese products. You used to be able to find all of their first welders on alibaba and other similar websites with different brands and names. You probably still could tbh. i know even recently when buying an auto darkening helmet on wish i seen the yeswelder auto darkening hoods there as another brand name. They can probably buy 3 or 4 welders from the factory for what you pay for 1 so even if they send out 2 they are making profit. I will say they dont price gouge too hard except for their auto darkening hoods, really cheap glass tig kits and cheap tungsten.

[@brexitnow4078]

Can you run a comparison between an American brand in the same price range with the same functions.

[@cutweldngrind]

I was looking into the basic 205d arc welder and wonder if this machine houses the same internals. The welder is under $140 so not expecting much out of it just need a light welder to move around versus my heavy machines. Well good video.

[@bigtb1717]

I have tried the ARC 205D. It works okay, but be aware that the actual output on 240V is around 160 amps, not 200. And the output on 120V is around 115 amps. It also comes with the typical, not great quality cables, clamp and electrode holder. But it does work. It is certainly very small and light weight.

[@cutweldngrind]

@@bigtb1717 inflation affected the output lol. The reason I went for the 205 was me thinking that I would have enough power for my needs over the 125 or 165 amp machines. I would be disappointed if the smaller machines output more. Thanks for the quick reply.

[@kkc1577]

Nice video!! Thank you!! What about that new Yeswelder MP200 ?

[@bigtb1717]

So interesting you bring that up. I just finished and posted part one of a review of the MP200 a couple days ago. So far, it's very similar in terms of MIG welding, though maybe a TINY bit easier to get dialed in. But it doesn't have any more power, and it definitely doesn't run any smoother. I've only tested MIG with it so far.

[@mthewolf1095]

I just purchased the 250A MIG PRO and I have been falling in love with it, but I haven't tried out the TIG yet. Yeswelder really needs a better technical writer for their manuals, but if you have a decent understanding and google you can figure it out.

[@bigtb1717]

I would be very interested in putting the MIG 250 Pro through its paces. Maybe I will at some point, but it won't be super soon if I do.

[@mthewolf1095]

@@bigtb1717 That would be awesome.

[@oiygfdxssfgg]

I just bought one and the cooling fan is defective, yes welder support has asked me to look inside at the connections but I don't know how to get the top handle off, how did you take yours off?

[@bigtb1717]

I believe there were just two long screws, one at each end of the handle. I can't remember if there was a some kind of cover over the screws or if they were visible.

[@Ezekiel-OffRoad]

I'm pretty sure there's like a potentiometer or something controlling the Amperage output at max setting and they are calibrated or supposed to be calibrated I Remember watching a review of another branded welder where the guy took the case apart and turned up the potentiometer Because it wasn't set properly from the factory

[@bigtb1717]

When I contacted Yeswelder I was kinda hoping for something like that from them. I hoped they would say "try adjusting X" or maybe just give me some info about it. But they just refunded my money. I thought about looking for an adjustment pot or something, but I didn't go that far.

[@markashlock9017]

Good review. Would you mind checking to see if your new machine will allow you to select .30 wire in the “flux core” setting? Thanks!!!

[@bigtb1717]

I'll try to check that out this evening and let you know.

[@bigtb1717]

Both of them only allow 0.035" selection when in the gasless flux core setting. Seems they only intend it to be run with 0.035" wire. Strange.

[@markashlock9017]

@@bigtb1717 : That’s ashamed as I purchased this to run in 120 and 0.35 pops my 20amp breaker on .35. I going to try and run .30 in the .35 setting and see what happens. Thanks so much for checking for me. I am still very satisfied with this little welder for the price I paid. It does Mig and Stick great.

[@jamiepursley1045]

Hi - I like your metal workbench - where did you get it?

[@bigtb1717]

It's a Certiflat table from weldtables dot com. Unfortunately, the price has gone up quite a bit since I got mine, but it's a great table. I got the 2x4 foot table top with the leg kit. The top and legs are a both kits you weld together yourself. I use it as a general workbench and as a welding table for TIG. I really like it. It's sturdy enough for what I do and the leg kit came with casters, which is convenient as well.

[@cutweldngrind]

Is your machine still working? My 205ds blew up last week, I took apart the welder and all IGBTS are fried. No replacement parts means its a nice tire chock block now.

[@bigtb1717]

Yikes, sorry to hear that. I had two of these machines. I sold one cheap and gave the other one away. I don't have any way to find out if they are still working. Have you contacted Yeswelder? If so, were they any help?

[@cutweldngrind]

​@bigtb1717 I'm like 5 months past warranty so not much that they can do. I ordered a diffrent brand to use for my youtube projects just waiting for it currently.

[@bigtb1717]

Hopefully the new one works for you. What did Yeswelder say the warranty period was? Was it 1 year?

[@cutweldngrind]

@@bigtb1717 This one fell into the 1 year warranty while others have 2 years. I ordered an ArcCaptain this time and thinking on a Primeweld MIG180 as well. I am building some 12x12 inch welding squares and don't really want to use the Arc Welder. I might use my Titanium MIG140 on this 3/16 mild steel project. The Yeswelder Arcpro 165 has been a great machine and has tons of hours, think the price was about $70 back then.

[@tsl7881]

Unfortunately, this is the fate of many electronics devices. Parts if you can get them , can make the repair uneconomical even with no labor. It sounds like Wes Yelder tweets their designs so often it could be a nightmare to get the correct diagrahm.

[@bfairchilds2283]

Any chance you could Review an eastwood mig welder?

[@bigtb1717]

I'll consider it. I've got a LOT of welders I'd like to try out an unfortunately, only so much time and money, lol. But I'll definitely keep Eastwood machines in mind. I wouldn't mind trying out one of their MIG machines.

[@choruzvargas4009]

Helpful update thanks

[@GCG1956]

Thank you for sharing your experiences. Excuse me, if your car indicates 200 miles / hour on the odometer, do you frequently run it at that speed? I think your expectations are very high regarding the specifications of the MIG-205DS, if you really want to weld at 200 amps you can opt for a more expensive option and from a more renowned brand, actually I think the return on investment is quite good with the premium features that this welder has. I have read very good opinions regarding the performance of this welder and I just bought it on Amazon, it is coming and I hope to obtain good results, but I want to clarify that my applications are not industrial, they are rather for a small workshop. Greetings from Mexico.

[@bigtb1717]

Greetings. I hope the welder serves you well.

[@dcale15]

Not even close to the same thing!

[@bumpmodei3itch]

If the car indicates 200mph on the *speedometer* not odometer, then likely the car goes over 150 mph. The manufacturer didn't put that figure in the specs and that's why people test them. They will show torque specs that are more comparable to amps of this welder. We all know you get what you pay for, in this case and other cases when the product is engineered and manufactured in China you'll get a product that is 90% of what it should be.

[@GCG1956]

Thank you, you are right, the correct term is speedometer not odometer. Regards.

[@tsl7881]

This guy sounds like the tech guy at Neverlast. If you intend on running it max, get a bigger machine. Take away; even though they claim a 35% duty cycle at max, please Never do it. I guess max setting are for accidents on chinese machines.

[@philoalethia]

FYI: I recently purchased this model. I ran it from 80 amps through 205 amps on 220V with .035" fluxcore wire. I tested at every 20 amps from 80 up to 205 with an AC clamp meter and it was within just a couple amps except at 205, where it was 3-4 amps short. I'm just a beginning welder and can't speak to its ability to hold up to heavy use, but it has been pretty good for me thus far.

[@bigtb1717]

I'm glad it's working for you. While I did have some inconsistencies on MIG, it is the TIG and STICK processes which are primarily not able to reach the claimed specs on Yeswelder machines. At least, from my testing.

[@henrye718]

Hmmm it got really cold here in the northeast right when recieved mine. So I only got to test it a few times. I was noticing it was acting wierd as soon as I tried to crank up the thickness/amperage, started getting a lot of splatter. Not smooth at all I also notice it ran a lot better when set to the co2 setting when using mixed gas. Yikes this welder is starting to scare me.

[@bigtb1717]

It sounds like you might need to adjust the voltage. When running 0.035” wire in my second machine it ran rough when I turned the amperage up. I had to adjust the voltage down from the auto setting to get it to smooth out. Hopefully it’s that simple for you as well. I think their auto synergic settings aren’t very consistent.

[@henrye718]

@@bigtb1717 thank you I'll fool with it some more.

[@henrye718]

@@bigtb1717 oh come to think of it I was using .030 wire. Got windy then cold again still haven't had a chance to fool with it.

[@henrye718]

It got warm and I had lots of time to fool with it again. So my entire spool was rubbing on the back wall of the machine since there is no hub in there to keep the spool from contacting the wall. The spool was was pausing, jerking, binding, speeding up, slowing down pausing. I put some grease on the back of the spool and it made much better welds. So I added a washer and its much better now. I just have a shaft and the wall. What the hell??? I went and looked at other videos and saw that on other machines there is a large plastic piece with a built in spacer to keep the spool from contacting the wall. I then also ditched the harbor freight .030 wire for some Harris wire even more difference, for the better. Made in China phooey they need some real QC..

[@billsmith5166]

This is flat out weird. It must be intentional, but why? It adds no safety that I can see. Oddly, I've only been running 30 since I bought it. Is there any chance the resistance of marginal ground/lead is tripping some sort of reduction on the 35 when Amps bounce too high? Maybe the initial pulse on the 35 is say 230 and that trips the safety? I don't understand this at all. Thanks for the info! PS: Is there any chance it's throwing your clamp off in some way? I know that's not likely, but I'm grasping at straws.

[@bigtb1717]

It's always possible my clamp meter is getting thrown off. Stranger things have happened. I only know that I test it against other meters occasionally and they're always within an amp or two. MIG is a constant voltage process, not constant amperage. So it's going to just maintain a certain arc voltage. Anything that effects the amount of wire being fed into the puddle, or if the current is being restricted for some other reason, it can make a difference in the actual amperage delivered. It's possible that better cables, better MIG gun, better work clamp, etc. would all add up to making the difference. Still a bit strange. And if it takes $200 worth of MIG gun, cables and clamp to allow the welder to reach full output, it still means that, as it comes, it can't reach the rated output.

[@billsmith5166]

@@bigtb1717 Thanks for the response. I wish there was a way to go one or two steps above their standard tech support to try to figure it out. You did an excellent job of finding that 30 works differently than 35. I would never have checked. It just makes no sense, and it would also seem such an easy fix or obvious problem in the design stage.. except that it seems to be a pretty original design that might use a weird chip. Thanks again!

[@stu-po]

I hope Yeswelder watches this and offers their feedback.

[@bigtb1717]

I don't think there is a "problem" with the welder, per-se, I just think their synergic settings could use a little fine tuning. Or maybe it's just an issue with tolerance and variability of components that makes it tough for them to put in settings that will work perfectly with every machine. Both of them ran well enough with 0.030" wire. The first one just didn't have quite as much output as the second one and the second one didn't run 0.035" wire as well as the first one without tweaking the settings. Both worked and I'm sure someone could spend a little time practicing on some scrap and work out good settings for their welder and then get good use out of it. In fact, if I only ever tried the second welder and only with 0.030" solid wire, I would say it runs pretty darn well and has good output. Still, a little more consistency would be nice, for sure.

[@weldphd]

Received the 250 PRO today, and ran a quick test - 200 Chinese Metric AMPs…….

[@eringabbybennett]

When setting the mag setting to .035 wire on my machine the material thickness will only go to 2.9 mm max? Also my amperage will max out at 166 amps on the screen. Is this normal? If I go to .023 wire size the material thickness will go all the way up to 13.7mm. But still max is 166amps. I think I may have got a defective one.

[@bigtb1717]

Are you connected to 120V or 240V?

[@eringabbybennett]

@@bigtb1717 110v at the moment. I’m suspecting that’s why I’m only able to max to 166amps. But the wire thickness to material thickness is almost backwards? Maybe I’m missing something. I’ll check in 220v this coming week when I get a receptacle wired up.

[@bigtb1717]

The material thickness thing is definitely a bit odd. But running on 120V is why it won't go above 166 amps.

[@eringabbybennett]

@@bigtb1717 well. After sending a video to yeswelder showing the material thickness being really off, they agreed that something was wrong. They sent a replacement welder that I just received today and it’s the same as the first. Lol. After reviewing your video again, I’ll check amp draw on mig setting on mine and see if mines the same as yours. I did do a amp draw on arc welding and it was spot on with what screen was showing

[@bigtb1717]

@@eringabbybennett Mine was accurate on stick welding when running 240V. The Yeswelder machines are much like a lot of the Chinese brand welders in that they work, but many little things simply aren't quite right. Like the Amico I had where the gas fitting wasn't right and didn't work with the included hose (or anything I could find locally), or the other Amico I had where the gas post flow was adjustable from 1-10 seconds according to the knob, but actually adjusted from 1 to about 5 or 6 and only in the first fraction of a turn of the knob, after which it was all the same. Just stuff like that.

[@ellirechy3546]

It would be great if you can make a review with this brand and multiprocess model AXT- EM 207LCD

[@bigtb1717]

Unfortunately, that brand doesn't seem to be available in the US. At least, not that I can find easily.

[@ellirechy3546]

@@bigtb1717 Thank you very much for taking a bit of your time to reply. A big hug and thanks for those reviews of the equipment. They are very helpful.

[@jameskogan6401]

I want a multi process welder but I also want something that would last would you rather get the Miller thunderbolt 160 which is only stick or the 205ds because it is cheaper and multiprocess

[@bigtb1717]

The Yeswelder MIG 205DS does okay, but it has enough inconsistencies that it's tough to recommend. That said, the newer Miller Thunderbolt welders don't seem to be the best value. They have Miller's standard 3 year warranty, which is nice, but they are fairly basic machines for the cost. I have been wanting to get one to test out and take apart to see if they strike me as cheap or good, but I haven't gotten my hands on one yet. The ESAB Rogue ES180i is a bit more expensive than the Miller Thunderbolt 160 but it has higher output, better features, better included accessories and it also has a three year warranty. Seems like the better buy to me. But I'd still love to take a look at a Miller Thunderbolt one of these days. Are you in the US? If so, where about?

[@jameskogan6401]

@@bigtb1717 yes I’m in the us (illinois). I’m gonna look at the esab one you recommended.

[@jameskogan6401]

@@bigtb1717 and I’m mainly going to be using 1/8 inch electrodes but how’s the esab rouge do with 6010 electrodes

[@bigtb1717]

Another thought: Do you have a 240V outlet you can run the welder from? If so, you could look for a used, transformer based stick welder to start with. I don't know where you are, but I can find them around here for around $100-$200 and most of them will last just about forever. They are big, heavy and 240V only though.

[@bigtb1717]

The Rogue does great with 6010. Illinois is a little far, but I was going to offer to give you a welder. Will you be around the NW Ohio, NE Indiana area any time soon?

[@lances9895]

bigtg1717 I'm an old guy that purchased the 205DS for hobby use. Will this run on a 115v 20amp circuit? I've got electricians wanting to charge $$$$ saying a 40amp breaker for 115 or 50amp for 220. Again, just hobby.

[@bigtb1717]

On a normal, 20A circuit you should be able to run at all but max output without much issue. Even max output you should be able to do for very short welds. If you try to weld very long at max output you may end up tripping the breaker.

[@lances9895]

@@bigtb1717 Thanks very much. They'll be up Monday (hopefully) to run a dedicated 20AMP circuit.

[@bigtb1717]

If you think you will be doing very much welding (even for hobby use) a 240V circuit provides a lot more power. Most dual voltage welders run better on 240V. But I understand if the cost is prohibitive to have a circuit put in.

[@lances9895]

@@bigtb1717 The quote was $1200 to run the circuit to my small man cave. I don't have any other need for 240V. If I find I have any talent for welding then maybe next year I'll step up to a Lincoln or such. I'll keep you post how things work out

[@hobbyholic_LoveLive]

It looks similar to the interior of the Andelli welder.

[@tahongchipsahoy]

Whats the max amp draw?

[@bigtb1717]

Unfortunately, I hadn't made the adapter to measure amp draw yet when I reviewed this welder and I don't have either of the welders any more.

[@qfdforme]

What voltage? 110v or 220 volts?

[@bigtb1717]

In this update I only ran it on 240V, just to test the max output. In the original review I tested it on 120V and 240V.

[@qfdforme]

@@bigtb1717 Thanks. I ordered one and I will check max output using clamp on amp meter like you did. Any lessons learned on using a clamp on amp meter?

[@bigtb1717]

If you are alone, you basically have to record the meter, even if you are just testing for yourself. In most cases, trying to look at the meter while welding is impractical and will lead to inaccurate readings because you won't be maintaining consistent travel speed/arc length/wire stickout, etc. Also, keep in mind you will need a DC ammeter. Most of the cheaper clamp meters only read AC, so that's something to be aware of. With some clamp meters, placement of the cable within the clamp area can have an affect on the reading, so it's good to take several readings with the clamp in different positions to verify you are getting an accurate reading. Alternatively, some manufacturers publish specs on how much the reading may vary with wire placement, so you could factor that in if available.

[@qfdforme]

@@bigtb1717 Thanks for your thorough response.

[@johnwhan7288]

Were you running on 110 or 220?

[@bigtb1717]

I was running 240V.

[@shawnhenderson5124]

Hey are you running flux-core?

[@bigtb1717]

This machine will run flux core, but I didn't run any flux core for this testing.

[@lanceegan3317]

So what is your over all Opinion on this sub 400.00 dollar machine? Is there bang for the buck or would you go another way for this price point. I for one don't expect MILLER specs coming from this or any sub $400.00 machine. As you have pointed out so well all the negs What are the Positives if any? Or is this just a negative review? This is for the home hobbyist starter. You would not take this to a jobsite to rely on. So would it be OK for a guy just starting out ( because your beads looked pretty awesome for a cheap welder. I know that that goes with experience. But noobs wouldn't know. Overall your review was in depth and well done. Other than the negs I would have given more account for the guy who would be able to afford this welder and still be productive in his shop.

[@bigtb1717]

It's tough to say, because everybody puts different value on different things. As a multi-process welder, it does seem like you get a lot for the money with the MIG 205 DS. But if you just want the best thing you can get for $400, I think you would probably be better off deciding if you want a stick/lift TIG welder or a MIG welder. If you pick one or the other you can likely get a better machine for the money. This welder fall into one of those tough spots for me where it initially seems like an ideal starter machine due to the price and the multi-process capability, but on the other hand there are little quirks that could end up frustrating someone who is just getting started. Both machines seemed to run pretty much okay with 0.030" wire, though I had another commenter say theirs ran rough at higher amperage settings and they were using 0.030" wire. Little inconsistencies like that make it a tough machine to recommend for a beginner. But if you are okay working through some stuff like that and are aware of the other issues I point out and can accept them for the price, maybe it will work for you.

[@cec4]

only time will tell if there customer service sticks around, since they have 10,000 followers on facebook (but are they all real) its a peaced together china direct welder. however i do like how the brain board is separate from the power board, easier for repairs vs ones that are all in one like that titanium welders

[@garypostell5268]

That’s crap if you advertise 205 amps then it should do it no problem! Good to know, glad I didn’t buy one from them!

[@joederue2392]

Remember guys. Ypu get what you pay for. I would waist my money.

[@RaptorRotorHead]

115-volt input the machine tops out of 160 amps that's normal

[@bigtb1717]

The first machine topped out at 160 amps when running on 240V. This second machine did a little better.

[@RaptorRotorHead]

@@bigtb1717 voltage drop in the line plug connecting to the welder

[@bigtb1717]

I suppose that's possible, but I don't think that is causing the issue in this case. The welder doesn't draw all that much current on 240V and I know the circuit is okay because I've run 280A stick welders on that circuit with no issues. Unless the voltage drop is happening in the welder power cord itself, I doubt that's the issue.

[@bigtb1717]

Also bear in mind, when I ran 0.035" wire on 0.030" settings I actually got over 200 amps of output.

[@RaptorRotorHead]

@@bigtb1717 don't assume what you need to do is get a voltmeter and put it right where the energies going into the inverter and measure the voltage if it's dropping below 120 if it drops to like 105 that's a an issue right there

[@garypostell5268]

Man that’s awesome Quality Control (NOT)

[@user-uq7sr9eb7v]

Wait so did you get a free welder? Haha

[@bigtb1717]

Yes. I ended up giving it away after the review. I explained the situation and limitations to the person I gave it to.

[@billmaharry4874]

15 minutes of a talking head comparing amps and voltage output. We never see the results of an actual weld. Not everything is about the data.

[@bigtb1717]

I agree that the numbers aren't everything. But the main point of this update was to see if the replacement welder Yeswelder sent me would behave differently in terms of output than the first machine. Either one of them will produce a good "looking" weld if I (or whoever) does their part. I did show some weld results in the first review video.

[@Mrsvetsare]

Chep made inside

[@vladbej959]

These welders are junk.

[@bruced1429]

its an interesting hobby welder ,I do not think I would buy one because of the inconsistencies in current. I will stick with my Fronius and Esab welders as you still get what you pay for.

[@cec4]

It's basicly a cheap way in the door but currently hobby grade quality control more at a level of its cheaper to buy for a couple of one off projects then to buy a hire grade welder kinda thing. Mine out of the box had the amp gage go up 6 amps past where it's suppost to be able to go on 120v. I contacted yes welder to see if there was a a way to correct and adjust it

[@mattsan70]

Basically Chinese junk that wont last five minutes - save ya dosh and buy a decent machine