Feature Packed TIG Welder for under $800?? The AHP AlphaTIG 203Xi AC/DC TIG.

#tigwelding #metalworking #welder
Going over the feature packed and affordable AHP AlphaTIG 203Xi AC/DC TIG machine. Get started welding both steel and aluminum and not break the bank.
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[@Enmesharra92]

Thought I give TIG a try, so I got my 203 Xi about a month ago. Been practicing a lot. Hopefully in the distant future I can call myself a welder. Right now just enjoying the journey. So far this 203 Xi machine does make setups faster for beginners like me. Glad I purchase it.

[@CraigHollabaugh]

Are you still glad about your purchase? Considering it, would you buying it again after your 3 months of experience. Thanks.

[@gregtucker8777]

I have the same welder. Seems everyone is ha ing the issue once the puddle gets good and wet it starts to arc jump cuts in and out. Are you having same issue

[@jonathangarzon2798]

@@gregtucker8777 you have pulse off?

[@brianbogan3363]

Been waiting to pull the trigger on this machine, good to see someone I respect to plug it.

[@king0cans]

Damn Good job. That's a good price range and 5☆ for supporting Justin!

[@kwkstar]

Hi Justin, I just received my 203xi so I'll be watching for more videos from you. Great video!

[@Justforfun-ek7et]

Just got mine in the mail. Very excited to get this up and running and melting metals.

[@just.some.dud3]

Dude! I just got this machine! I'm so happy you are reviewing it. :)

[@mthewolf1095]

I did too and his machine is WAY different than mine. Mine has a ton more features on it.

[@just.some.dud3]

@@mthewolf1095 Mine is a little different also, maybe he got a pre-release one?

[@mthewolf1095]

@@just.some.dud3 That's what I think it was also. I think we got the better models.

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Very nice welder. Nice review. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work. Weld on. Fad On. Keep making. God Bless.

[@JeremiahHartmanPhotography]

Jesus..I need to get one of these. Thanks for the video. Im really torn between the 203Xi and the 225Xi. AHP seems to be the best bang for buck in town.

[@toycoma98]

Nice digital interface. Good pedal and torch it comes with. Can you review weldpro tig200gd too?

[@Mike-sn9nv]

I've been running a Primeweld 225x ($800) and like it. Comes with a CK 17 super flex torch & hose and a good pedal. It has all knobs and an LED digit display. Wish I'd seen this sooner. I'd have given the aHP a good look.

[@jackguess762]

Screens aren’t always better. If it goes out you’re screwed and the primeweld might have a smoother ac tig arc

[@stevenstarbird1305]

Just plugged mine into 240 and it’s still only going up to 150 amps. Any ideas why? Electrician friend insists the welder has to be required but I don’t think so. Thanks for the video man

[@WTFisAuserFRCKINname]

That swivel head torch looks dope

[@JustVoss]

Yeah I like it a lot

[@mthewolf1095]

@@JustVoss Your display is different than mine. I just got my 203xi a couple of weeks ago. The way your display shows the 2T/4T, Pedal, HF, and Lift selection is different and I think I have more features on the AC and DC TIG selections too. You only have Pre and post flow as well as start and end amps, but mine has upslope and down as well as another or two I believe. Also, at around 5:50 you go through 2T/4T, pedal, etc selections which I thought might open up the other options and it didn't make a difference. I can post a video of mine if you'd like so you can see the differences.....There are SEVERAL.

[@mthewolf1095]

@@JustVoss Also, it looks like you didn't have the AC pulse function either.

[@CraigHollabaugh]

Considering this 203, after 3 months of having it, would you buy it again?

[@trooper11c]

Have you tested lift vs HF start? Also has anyone ran a liquid cooled plug-in torch?

[@philoalethia]

This looks like a great machine with awesome functionality. The only reason I went with Yeswelder's AC/DC Tig instead is that it has hot start and arc force controls for stick IN ADDITION to the all the TIG stuff.

[@JustVoss]

Fair enough!

[@TempleThomas]

Great vid.

[@rogaldorn605]

Can it run on a 220v/230v? Since in europe we do not have 110v/120v

[@timforsthoffer868]

I have the 201XD. Does anyone know what insulator I need to fit my #17 torch gas lens and #9 style stubby cups? Non-CK style?

[@kenneth6731]

What waveforms does it offer?

[@jayzee2977]

How’s the pedal sensitivity?

[@kenmey6803]

I have not tried it yet but why cant PLUG A SPOOL GUN into the socket for the door control ?? Got any dies

[@ErtsenPlayGames]

in Poland we have few welder brand to choose i choose sherman u can probably find this welder with different box/brand of it with the same interials ...u can easly find simmilar ones by the same screen on them sherman digitig 200 ac dc multipro have it 2 years , works avesome and still like new in comparsion to esab fronius or other 10k$ welders that my friend have (who tested it) the only 1 difference he can see was that his machines have more powerfull hf start...but for 600$ he was super suprised that it can weld ac like on expensive ones and have almost all possible settings there is more and more cheap but good welders on the market u only need to find them :)

[@toycoma98]

The sherman machine looks like weldpro tig200gd.

[@ryanpatterson249]

I have an older model ahp and the only problem I have is when running 6010 it does it but cuts out after like 1/2 a rod or so

[@zod-engineering-welding]

Most lower-cost TIG welders (and multiprocess, for that matter) simply can't run 6010 like a true stick welder, or a high-end TIG/multi-process machine.

[@gagemartin4902]

I wanted to see how it sticks

[@jarobuilds]

Seems like this is the pre-production version. The production version has upslope and downslope settings also for welding with torch switch. Also the torch is not a true 150 amp torch. It is rated at 120AC /150DC @ 60% Duty Cycle. CK version is rated up to 150@100% but it costs 3x as much. So just keep that in mind when welding higher amps.

[@JustVoss]

You're right it is a pre-production version.

[@just.some.dud3]

@Justin this is going to sound like a silly question, but what was the voltage/amperage of the circuit you plugged it into? I have 240v service in my shop, but I think I may need to upgrade it for this welder. Thanks!

[@JustVoss]

240v with a 50amp breaker. The manual says a 40amp minimum breaker.

[@just.some.dud3]

@@JustVoss Thanks Justin! My electrician is going to be here Friday to put a 240v/50A in my sub panel. Until then I'm just practicing on 120v which is fine for my skill, lol. Thanks for the awesome content man, it has helped me a lot. And I liked the gloves so much I got a second pair! :)

[@GforGarbage]

If you push the amperage button in it can adjust in increments of 10

[@JustVoss]

👍 Yeah I like that it does that, works on all the settings.

[@TheForeverAlpha]

I know you didn’t use it in this video, but I was curious to know what kind of long neck air cut off tool you use in your videos

[@JustVoss]

I use a MAC one right now but it’s shown signs of wearing out. I’ve probably had it for 7+ years though. Not sure what brand I’ll get next, maybe the same.

[@TheForeverAlpha]

@@JustVoss Thanks! Keep up the good work, I really enjoy your videos!

[@mtnton1]

No finished weld shots? That's like having a cooking show and never seeing the plated food.

[@SWC44]

MUST OF BEEN MY EX-WIFES!🤪🤔🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤮🤮😝😛😂🤣

[@jimdandy849]

I would like to have seen them, too.

[@benjaminbuilds5761]

Been back and forth between this one and the primeweld, which one would you get? Just curious

[@JustVoss]

I don’t have any experience with the primeweld so I can’t really say.

[@benjaminbuilds5761]

Got ya, thanks for doing the review and the response!

[@randomstuffno1caresabout3]

@@benjaminbuilds5761 I’ve been back and forth between this one and the primeweld to. Did you ever pick one? If so which one and are u happy with it?

[@fastylep.3240]

The front and back as well as case cover are the same as the previous model Everlast 210/255EXT's Now that Everlast has redesigned them are the now selling the old style boxes?

[@oasismike2905]

Two Questions (for anyone): 1.) Can we assume these budget AC/DC TIG welders use square wave for the AC? I don't see anything on their websites stating that. 2.) And, given that square wave is the standard (according to YT channels, "the fabrication series,"/"weld coach,"), if I just want to get started in welding for home brewing & DIY sanitary tri-clamp flanges onto 3" welded seam muffler pipe where I'd passivate the inside weld (sanitary welds with straight argon and back-purging) but soon after also want to TIG aluminum plate for homemade catalytic converter covers for family and neighbors...does anyone know of internet resources to DIY my own rig using online PCB mfg's, or re-purpose square wave constant current generators? (I've got more time than cents, double entendre intended). I'd ideally like to get a schematic even if I have to generate a PCB file -- I don't think I'll need to adjust AC frequency or AC balance if it's stuck at 120 hz, 30/70. Sorry to be so wordy -- maybe the obvious answer is just forgo the aluminum side of things until after I've got a job. EDIT: While I've found igbt welder plans in progress from 2021, nothing that works. I have found, "used," AC/DC rigs from Amazon warehouse for as low as $373., however no reviews exist and the website's sketchy (hasnsocktech)... so... best me thinks to start where I want with SS sanitary welding, push aluminum down the road (until I have $850). Thx,

[@aarongraham-ly9iu]

so does this feature lift arc?

[@jimdandy849]

Does the fan run continuously? Sounds like it.

[@JustVoss]

yes it does

[@cr-us9ch]

In your professional opinion…..what machine is better….the Alpha or the prime weld 225

[@mthewolf1095]

@Justin Voss, Your display is different than mine. I just got my 203xi a couple of weeks ago. The way your display shows the 2T/4T, Pedal, HF, and Lift selection is different and I think I have more features on the AC and DC TIG selections too. You only have Pre and post flow as well as start and end amps, but mine has upslope and down as well as another or two I believe. Also, at around 5:50 you go through 2T/4T, pedal, etc selections which I thought might open up the other options and it didn't make a difference. I can post a video of mine if you'd like so you can see the differences.....There are SEVERAL.

[@jarobuilds]

You got the production model. He got the pre production version which never had upslope or downslope.

[@mthewolf1095]

@@jarobuilds After seeing another preproduction one on another video that makes sense.

[@RoyMeraki]

i wish this was available in India, at this price point..

[@jdeluisa]

So why would you get this one vs. the AHP AlphaTIG 225Xi?

[@jsnyara]

225 has analog controls and can do 225A at 30%. This does 200A @60%

[@jarobuilds]

225Xi seems just an afterthought to compete with the primeweld 225 which is silly. It is just a number. I will take 60%@200amps over 30%@225 any day. Also digital is much more accurate than analog.

[@NewJerusalemTimes]

@@jarobuilds Gee, the AHP site states the 225 get 35% duty-cycle at the max 225 amps, not 30%. So, I'm guessing the 225 duty-cycle curves down to about 45% duty-cycle at 200 amps, which is quite respectable. Of course, I like the Digital interface of the 203, the memory function, and the 60% duty-cycle at 200 amps too. And, I'll agree, the 225 does seem to compete precisely against the Primeweld. But the new 203Xi is a real sensation for around $725, for an AC/DC, Digital TIG welder with the deluxe torch hose and Rotating head, which CK Worldwide seems to only sell as a torch and hose together for another $150. I have and use an Everlast 210EXT, so, to me, Digital, is better. And now, this new AHP is an obvious no-brainer, right out of the box! I mean, the 203 even includes that RapidSet function that the 210EXT didn't include, like the Everlast 225EXT and 325 does, which they call an EasyMode. I was glad that my 210EXT didn't include the EasyMode, though, because I wouldn't use it, and it would just make the interface panel more busy or cluttered, as my 210 still has the schematic diagram as a step-through visual, and more features take up more so-called real estate there. Of course, I dig the added waveforms on mine, especially Triangle, for thinner aluminum, and the AdvancedPulse/MixTIG feature does make the unit more potent for thicker aluminum too.

[@ColossalCrib]

Looks a good welder for the price.

[@august7324]

Not to be that guy but after about 4 days of research the primeweld blew this out of the water

[@jarobuilds]

@@august7324 why? because it got 25 more amps? Digital will always be superior for settings vs analog. Those analog knobs are not linear so you setting knob between 0 and 50 is not 25 it might be 15 or 41. Not only that but the primeweld is huge and heavy. It also has a slighty lower duty cycle 40@225 60@183 where the AHP is 60@200. Other than the 25 extra amps which is irrelevant for a beginner welding up to 1/4 material, there is nothing better at $800 as of right now.

[@august7324]

@@jarobuilds sort of, digital is nicer but primeweld is better every other way that matters it has a much better warranty than the ahp comes with the ck welding torch stock and the fabrication series tested the duty cycle and couldn't get it to trip at max amps till the point where he couldn't even hold the torch the metal was so hot, trust me I spent days deciding between the two

[@jarobuilds]

@@august7324 I respectfully disagree. Things you mention have nothing to do with the actual welder. You won't be able to hold an air cooled tig torch even at 150 for too long either. You will saturate it with heat eventually. Mr Tig tested the old AHP 200 and couldn't trip it at full 200 amps. These tests prove nothing, other than the machine can reach full advertised duty cycle. Just because Primeweld's warranty is better (if you need it) or it comes with a CK torch doesn't make the actual machine better. I can set my machine to EXACTLY 65 amps 33 pps, 33% on time, and 33% background with an exact preflow postflow down to a decimal value. Try doing that with analog knobs. AHP is going to kill it with this welder. The only competition they have is weldpro 200 which has non standard pedal, less duty cycle, small dinse connectors. The digital eastwood welders are not even close in value, you are paying for the name. The Yeswelder Tig 250 is a toy with a goofy pedal and a humongous torch. The next step up from this is the everlast 210ext which is twice the price. For the price the AHP203 is the best value digital welder.

[@august7324]

@@jarobuilds I agree with everything that you say, but ahp kinda has a reputation for blowing up if your unlucky and the warranty is less helpful, (primeweld literally have a welder to someone in California who's house burned down because they asked) also primeweld has digital amps, if you watch the primeweld vid on it he goes for like 15 minutes at max amps, he also says it's one of the best arcs he's ever seen

[@alexchliwnyj5941]

The gas hose is absolute crap and the material is so thin that a very slight bend will cause it to kink completely cutting off the gas. I also accidentally set the unit down on the torch lead when I took it outside and it ripped the inner white hose. I wasted a lot of argon before I figured out that the hose was ripped a couple of feet away from the unit. I kept turning up the argon because I thought it was the wind until I realized I had a leak. It seems like a good unit so far but the few dollars they saved in obvious inferior materials makes me wonder where else they cut corners. My 11 year old TIG welder died, but the torch lead is still in great shape. I am very disappointed. Where can I buy a quality lead for this torch? Or should I just by a complete CK torch?

[@ruubguus4321]

👍

[@somd_lftd_hoe8074]

This or primeweld 225 for a beginner or learner?!?!

[@carpediemarts705]

Either. Question is, are you going to even make use of all the bells and whistles from either?

[@somd_lftd_hoe8074]

@@carpediemarts705 yes I will be. My first welds were on a highly advanced machine and I tried put the different settings on that and enjoyed it which is why I'm looking at these 2 machines.

[@johnwagner8465]

Dumb question...you use argon gas with this machine?correct

[@fabmakebuildcook6274]

Legitimate question. Tig welding is typically done with pure argon for shielding gas on steel/stainless steel. In A/C for aluminum you can add helium to get more performance out of the machine as well. Not sure on ratios but there's videos out there showing this. Jody at Welding tips and tricks uses helium from time to time to weld thicker aluminum.

[@mrmidnight32]

I won’t buy another AHP after both my 200x and 201XD failed after a couple years and they wouldn’t honor their warranty cause I bought from a 3rd party vendor. They also stick weld like shit

[@user-ws8ev7nz3e]

It looks like Everlast.

[@SWC44]

THEY RAN OUT OF GREEN PAINT!!!!!!!!!!

[@joshuaclaygaines]

I'm team Primeweld - but this was a close second for me.

[@GiovanniGiorgo]

Why the Prime over this?

[@joshuaclaygaines]

@@GiovanniGiorgo customer service, warranty, ease/accuracy in use...

[@user-go8nk5qw6e]

How happy are you that it is a very cheap machine. The price of this machine in my country is about 2000 $dollars ... How do you see the difference 💔💔

[@SWC44]

DOES 1 SAY MILLER??????????

[@glengee4462]

Well done mate keep supporting china

[@letscheckitout1985]

10 years plus and these Chinese companies can’t make the most simple best change to these tigs. PUT THE FUCKING ON/OFF BUTTON ON THE FRONT OF THE MACHINE.