My Smallest Welder (Arccaptain 130)

[@jspice-kl2wc]

Great video, finally a welder I can afford. Thank you.

[@NittyGrittyDirtVan]

I really enjoy watching your channel. I'm an old guy with a 50 year old Lincoln Tombstone buzz box who has done some reasonably sound welding but would be too embarrassed to show it you. I would love to see you weld some broken suspension components using this welder like you explained. You could get a 2000 watt inverter for cheap with some really heavy gauge battery cables and try it from your Jeep with a short duty cycle to give the alternator a chance to recharge the battery. Maybe somebody will send you one to test. Thanks!

[@dirtfarmer7472]

I started welding in 1964 on the farm, things have sure changed Thank you Sir for this video

[@KING-FU]

I can only imagine the humiliation when you pull out your tool and the review is, “That’s Cute”. 🤣

[@TheVillageIdiotUk]

When it’s your wife it really stings..

[@ypaulbrown]

Greg, wishing you a wonderful Sunday and a great time with your family on Mother's Day.....cheers from Florida....PB

[@travisfrench9221]

Thank you for this video. This is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I recently bought a Miller Thunderbolt at a liquidation sale but have no means of running it yet.This welder will allow me to practice until I get my shop built. And in case Arccaptain is reading…. I ordered this welder directly after watching your video.

[@jamesdrake2378]

This vid is the opposite of the 800amp vid., we are back to even lol, thanks from NJ.

[@BCole-bj4lv]

Nice. I'm glad to see an actual welder reviewing these type units. KZbin is full of review videos by people who don't weld and I think they are a waste of time. I bought and use a Hynade unit that is much like this. I use it occasionally at work when I have to climb up some where and weld something or do some job in the field where it's handy. It works very well all day with 6013 3/32 but not really good with any other stick.

[@terrminatoragain461]

That’s awesome they trust your opinion, thanks for reviewing it

[@jackdawg4579]

those little inverter welders are a game changer for the home handyman.

[@timtrax918artisan8]

I recently aquired a Arcaptian 200P for AC tig welding. These inverter welders are impressive

[@AndreZA979]

That's great performance/price for the hobbyist at home!

[@lefty1999]

This is basically what all the small shops like sign makers and decoration shops us in Arabia , they can use it on the sidewalk in the middle of the market and no one gives them a second glance

[@BigT5]

Unbelievable how small they become

[@MrRebar15]

*On Fire Welding* Interesting little welder, thank-you sir for taking the time to show us. GOD Bless.

[@MrRebar15]

@OnFireWelding2 SCAMMER

[@YR7A]

I have one of these little toaster inverter machines. Mine's a Forney Easy Weld 100st, but they probably come out of the same factory. If you just need to lay down a few beads of 3/32 7018, or weld some exhaust on with 3/32 6011, these little things are perfect. Cheap as shit too.

[@j.b.6855]

At least you are reviewing something on topic with the channel and not Nord VPN or Athletic Greens.

[@aticuss]

Waiting for you to finish what's missing from that shark 😆

[@bowboysam]

Can imagine lots of guys spending time separating the melted power plug from the outlet plate😁😁

[@dougwilson7530]

It looks like a nice welder for somebody that has very little use for one. My concern would be the cycle time and longevity of the unit.

[@MySynthDungeon]

Alright!! Let's check this welder out! Coffees on! Cheers!;-)!

[@georgeross9834]

Could you explain to us why you pre heat some jobs and not others, why the structure of the weld area will fail if not pre heated. Nice wee unit. Scotland

[@OFW]

Typically thicker material should be pre heated and it’s also dependent on the alloy. Pre heat gives better fusion.

[@johnuppole]

I'm not a welder, not by a long shot... But I've got a little buzz box welder similar to that who comes in handy when I just need to stick some metal together here and there!

[@iainkinsella4708]

Thanks, could be handy in a pinch

[@henrycole8705]

I miss my Lincoln ACDC buz box i had years ago that got stolen. could build so much with it.

[@ronbelldvm]

Very interesting review. I'm definitely not an expert, but I have head that most inverter welders don't like 6010 rods for some reason. Just some tidbit I picked up long ago.

[@tdotw77]

It's crazy how small these welders are nowadays. A suitcase sized one used to be compact, now it's fits in the palm-of-your-hand small! Cool for occasional use & fits in a vehicle for emergency repairs like a trail rig or offroader! Affordable, small & capable too! 👍🏻👌🏻🛠️🔧⚠️🔌🔋⚡💥💨🦺🚧🚜🏗️

[@tdotw77]

@OnFireWelding2 cool send it to me now

[@tdotw77]

This one right here Greg

[@tdotw77]

Apparently everyone is a winner now! Onfirewelding2

[@fordlav]

I have the 210 model and it loves 3-32 7018 yes weld and 6013. It was just something to try and I actually like the little things. It bets pull out sa 300 when I only need to burn 2 rods on a farm fix

[@fordlav]

@OnFireWelding2 that's awesome

[@jamesarnold6059]

I'm curious about it's longevity & durability. How much can you get for $100? BTW thank you for your emphasis on penetration, as it should be. & thanks again for sharing

[@JetIgniter2k2]

I was going to say they should make that battery powered, but it looks like ESAB and DeWalt already beat them to it.

[@scrapmanindustries]

you mean fronius? The dewalt battery welder is a rebranded fronius accupocket 150 I believe.

[@AUMINER1]

Surprised that machine runs 6010 (cellulose), even some name brand machines won't run it. I bought the harbor freight titanium 225 as a backup machine in case my miller goes out. it runs 1/8 6010/7018 good on 220v, and 3/32 on 120v. for $100, that arccaptian is a no brainer'

[@bryanthornton6787]

Didn't look like it "ran" the 6010.

[@AUMINER1]

@@bryanthornton6787 yea, maybe. 33/2 limited.

[@bryanthornton6787]

@@AUMINER1 Not enough voltage to run 6010's from what I understand. Greg from "Making mistakes with Greg" has a good video on the subject.

[@victorjeffers1993]

I was wondering would it weld better if the ground cable was connected straight to the metal that you were welding as i noticed you had the ground connected to the big metal table ? Just curious as i dont weld that often and definitely am not a professional !

[@OFW]

It could make a difference. But I am trying to replicate what an amateur might do with this machine.

[@victorjeffers1993]

@@OFW That would be me ! Amateur ! Lol

[@timblack33]

My thoughts on this are why not have one? I’ve got xmt’s trailblazers dynasty’s etc For 68 bucks if I use it one time on some odd job I need a 110v welder it’s worth having. I had some ornamental work in a friends house this would have been perfect for instead I spend 2k on a fronieus I haven’t plugged in since.

[@regsparkes6507]

My welder, similar size to the Arccaptain 130, from a well know on-line supplier will run 7018 x 1/8 at 110 AMPS like a champ. Now I have to say that my welder runs WAY better on a 220/230 volt 30 amp power source.

[@deanl2427]

Haha! We need a pic of it next to the new 800!!! I really do not like 6013. I would like to see how it runs 3/32 7014. I'm not unimpressed because my former employer gave us Miller 150's (our industry standard for our work, because it's the bare minimum) and even those sucked trying to light up 1/8 7018. Most jobs had 1/8 6013 and a few had 1/8 7014, which ran much nicer on those small boxes. I have to say though, often we were running 600+ ft of SO cord for power, so that might have something to do with it. Not sure, because when the welds had to be done by a cert welder they would give me a bump and I would bring in my Miller CST280 which ran 7018 fine. I just think these little boxes can handle lo-hy very well, idk. As far as battery power, Fronius makes a sweet looking box that says it will run eight 1/8 or eighteen 3/32 on a single charge. To me that is very enticing for someone doing small repairs especially on fences, gates and railings. Oh well, thanks and stay safe.

[@waynekinzey5304]

try attaching the ground to the item you are working on you might get better results

[@9Antonian]

Thanks Greg, I saw an ESAB battery powered welder at the welding supply store the other day it was not cheap I would like to see you do a review on that at some point….ESAB you listening? Take care sir.

[@MyLilMule]

I'm impressed by the small size. I do like the idea of the off-road application, though. I wonder if it would run powered by an inverter. Hmmm.

[@scrapmanindustries]

why would it not? feed it clean power it doesn't care how that power gets made.

[@MyLilMule]

@@scrapmanindustries Don't know if the inverter could handle in inrush current.

[@scrapmanindustries]

@@MyLilMule there's plenty of guys running inverter welders on inverter generators. My generator ain't exactly an inverter but it does power plenty of inverter welding machines. you just gotta get a big enough generator and it would be totally fine. lots of electric motors suck way more juice to get started than a stick welder.

[@MyLilMule]

@@scrapmanindustries Not a generator. An inverter off the Jeep battery.

[@scrapmanindustries]

@@MyLilMule oh ok. that makes more sense. I would still imagine that if you had one big enough it would still work. you would definitely need at least a 3kw unit. 5kw or bigger preferably. if wired correctly it would be pretty much the same as an inverter generator just not as compact.

[@nathanleiter3473]

I own like 10 welders and the best cheap welder is a hone 185d which on sale is around 130$ and it actually does weld amazing. I had my helper run my Everlast 210 stl and then my Miller maxstar 161 and the hone welder and he said he liked the red one the most(hone) lol

[@Watchyn_Yarwood]

My ancestors would have s stroke if they could see one of these in action today! Either that or they would laugh themselves silly.

[@charliewilder9398]

I have a couple of the lunch box welders of other brands and neither will do 6010's. On 120v or 240v. 6013 and 7014 are gravy for them. They are handy if you are doing concrete work and want to weld some rebar together instead of tying it.

[@scrapmanindustries]

fronius's lunch box will weld 6010.

[@russtuff]

Good stuff. I'd like to see run off 12v too.

[@deltab9768]

I have a 2kVA 12V->120V inverter. That’s definitely part of why I’m interested by this…

[@mjg6966]

Is there a model that can be used in uk 240v interesting video 🇬🇧👍

[@peteb3365]

i think the open circuit voltage is bit low, hence why starting the cellulistic rods is hard(typically need 100vplus), be worth measuring it. also seems like it needs a bloody great smoothing capacitor to reduce the voltage fluctuations, hence why its bit peaky. due to the size they prob had to do away with it. perfect for the odd rutile rod...

[@bombardier3qtrlbpsi]

6:01is that you/flux on rod. Its stopping/hesitating. Or the machine. One thing going for it is a compact machine.

[@OFW]

The machine is hesitating

[@jayusher576]

It more geared for the under 3/32 rods that were are popular for thin guage sheet metal and tube say E6011 1/16. Doing that quick repair on that mud truck or rock crawler..👍🏻

[@crbrepairmotorcycles6608]

AWESOME, work perfect for me making catfishing rod holders❤ maybe run off my 400 Amp power converter in my chevy silvarao

[@runifuceeme406]

good for those kind of jobs where you dont want a lot of fumbling about.. climbing up ladders and things..

[@gregweinfurtner7774]

Is this welder AC? IF DC can you reverse polarity by changing the leads?

[@OFW]

I believe it’s DC only. I switched the leads and didn’t notice a difference.

[@richardtobias192]

I just purchased the same welder you demonstrated for my automotive shop. I would like your opinion on weldeing exhaust pipe wiTh this welder and what stick would you run? Thank for the videos I really appreiate your help and insight.

[@OFW]

I would probably choose 3/32 6013 for that job.

[@chele-chele]

Always great! How's the other ArcCaptain stuff holding up?? Thanks

[@OFW]

Actually it’s been great. No issues so far.

[@popswrench2]

i have harbor FAKE 80A inverter and found little welder welds better with 6011 but as you saw with 6010 , harder start , but much better weld . 7014 better , but same slag inclusion problem if snot "coriographed" perfectly . now IRONY , i can run 1/8 rod on my $175 FAKE , compared to that unit , darn !!! i had hopes of an upgrade from HF ... 😅😅

[@PrairieMechanic]

I’ve read about open circuit voltage .. an important spec especially when starting an arc. I’m sure you know all about that term? I would guess this little guy has low open circuit voltage.

[@runifuceeme406]

now if only they could make a mig or multi welder this small..

[@paulusmarc]

Tu fais dans le miniature maintenant 😁😁👍👍

[@sim-sam]

That's quite the contrast to that other monster you have (a Miller?) where you were stickwelding rebar... But hey, if it does the job...

[@Stan_in_Shelton_WA]

Yeah his Miller 800 air pack!

[@marksolheim9690]

Gonna replace the miller 800 with this bad boy or what?

[@JOHN27398]

Do you happen to have an extension cord just behind your table or maybe you have a plug right there that's wired to the breaker right behind the table because I noticed that that cord on that welder is not very long I would've been really curious to see where you have that plugged in.

[@OFW]

A 25 ft extension cord. Seems like something that would be common.

[@VashStarwind]

Seems like the machine didnt like being turned up all the way. Probably some limitations in the electronics happening i imagine.

[@armandhammer9617]

You should give it to one of us 😁

[@OFW]

I am working on a giveaway. It will be nicer than this machine for sure.

[@DonnyHooterHoot]

So, if I was just "goober" welding at home this would be good? Cool viddy!

[@OFW]

It would get you by. I would probably spend a little more and get something with a little more power.

[@rihovaher]

In Europe, it is important for welding devices operating on 230 v that the diameter of the groove of the extension wires is not less than 2.5 square millimeters, then there are no voltage losses and it is good to weld, the welding must be of high quality.

[@WmSrite-pi8ck]

Greg doesn't do a lot of welding in Europe.

[@randynewtonsr9659]

To say I have my reservations about these cheap “ other side of the pond” welding machines is an understatement lol There is just no substitute for good ole American quality like Miller, Lincoln, or Hobart. Of course , Fronius, and a few other European companies make some very good quality machines however their price isn’t much different then the US machines and I imagine repair and parts costs would be high because of them being made overseas. Awesome video btw Greg , always well done and super informative 👌👍👍

[@Thedudeabides803]

I bought an Everlast lightning 275 MTS with their cooler and I’ve been very happy with it. I have been tigging a lot with it. The 5 year warrantee sold me. I really wanted the others but I couldn’t afford to spend 2-3 grand more.

[@harveystephens6115]

Nice

[@RambozoClown]

Those little inverters don't like 6010, they usually do ok with 6011.

[@fluffyfullbox2075]

Why not a 6011?

[@OFW]

Using what I had

[@Stan_in_Shelton_WA]

Tell us about the WORK BENCH, LOL, that must have a 30 ton work rating.

[@OFW]

It’s very stout. 3/4” top 4’,x8’ the legs and support under the table are all 5” 3/8” square tubing. It would probably hold 30tons

[@WmSrite-pi8ck]

Are you switching polarity off camera? Between the 6013 and 7018, I mean. It's not surprising that it doesn't like 6010. Lots of inverters won't run a sodium rod. Might work with 6011.

[@OFW]

I tried different polarity off camera and it didn’t seem to make a difference.

[@Baczywas]

13:30 this rod is pure? I see flame on the tip of the rod and this told me the rod can be soaked

[@JOHN27398]

I don't understand what you mean by that the rod can be soaked. soaked by what? you have to speak more clearly and in complete sentences. I'd like to get a really good look at where he's got that plugged in unless he's got an electric plug right on the other side of that table that's hooked up to a 20AMP breaker.

[@Baczywas]

@@JOHN27398 soaked witch oil or other stuff

[@johnscott2849]

You have to keep a short arc with these inverter machines. Different brands of rod will run quite a bit differently. I have a 250 Everlast old Hobart 6013 runs great. The newer stuff not so good. If I weld something thick I can easily make the weld wider to match the material. The new rod for some reason not so much. You have to go with a thicker rod if you want a wider weld or do multiple passes. It may or may not be the machine.

[@scotthultin7769]

432 👍's up on fire welding thank you for sharing 🤗

[@riprock23]

The voltage is too low for the 6010. Most inverters don't like them.

[@merkyworks]

He little welder that could haha

[@12wingwfetech]

Jodie alway said 6010 do not work good on inverters

[@JOHN27398]

Ah I see the extension cord now you can't run those things off an extension cord!

[@Cancun771]

The important question is, can you do car and motorcycle repairs with that? As in, weld thin sheet metal without burning _more_ holes through it? So please, guys: *Somebody give this man an old rust bucket to try it on!* Or more to the point, for the apprentice to try it on.

[@samuelsnyder5169]

Will it tig though. Lol

[@rihovaher]

Hello! This welding device is only suitable for welding with a 6013 type electrode, preferably 2.5 mm diameter. This device does not have enough power for a 7018 type electrode. A very compact tool can fit in a small suitcase. I would also buy such a super small welding device. I myself have personal welding devices JASIC 180 PFC mma, FRONIUS TP 180 RC mma and LINCOLN 3-phase mma 380 v power 270 A. I am not a professional welder, but I really like tools, just like women like jewelry.

[@gregj3515]

maybe your gigantic big hands make it look smaller than it is....

[@jtelliso]

I watch Matts Offroad Recover and they just showed a video using a trail welder they were given called the Karnage Trail Welder. It is a battery powered welder/mig. Check it out, I'm curious your opinion on something battery powered.

[@armandhammer9617]

Its a paperweight haha

[@bratvlad]

I think for 100 bucks there are plenty cheap welder that will do 1/8th rods

[@danielpullum1907]

Not my favorite vid. I've had enough of the el-cheapo welders on my own. 😒😒😒😒

[@somebodyelse836]

Pass

[@Surimokoto]

Thank you for video. My opinion - this machine is just garbage! If a professional welder with vast experience struggles with this machine, I'm afraid to imagine what will happen with a beginner welder. The current readings are absolutely false - as if there were 30 real amperes there, not 130. Half of 130 is 65, at such a current, one could somehow weld with 1/8 electrode, but here... It seems to me, an absolutely useless machine. Perhaps it's just a fake or defective product. Arccaptain cannot make such bad machines.