REVIEW: ArcCaptain MIG-200 - We try it ALL!

In-depth review of the ArcCaptain 6-in-1 welder, I put it through its paces, and I even bought a spool gun just to try out all the features!
Oh, and oops: it's not "push Aluminum through the whip" as an offical feature, it's "Spot Weld" as a feature, which I do mention when we're testing out the MIG (and I like it). I still do both....
ArcCaptain MIG-200:
www.arccaptain... (save 5% with discount code "gwellwood")
Teflon Liner:
www.amazon.ca/...
Spool Gun:
www.amazon.ca/...
SP21 Plug:
www.amazon.ca/...
SP21 Wiring:
arccaptain.com/blogs/article/how-to-match-your-aluminum-spool-gun-to-arccaptain-mig200

[@BAT-man...]

Much appreciate the most thorough review of this welder, and your dedication to trying to make aluminum MIG work with it, all the way through getting a spool gun! Keep up the good work, and thanks again.

[@denseleit]

Just ordered one yesterday. I've been using a MigPak 150 for 20years now. Still works great. Wanted something with some new features.

[@aparisi59]

How did you like it?

[@Robalo-2660]

Thank you Greg, I enjoy how you make your skills available to us mortals. My father was a production welder for Electromotive. Welding is a skill that requires all you mental facilities. I learned on stick, found mig and now I'm dabeling in tig . I thought it would be easy, not! It takes a lot of practice to make a good looking weld.

[@GregWellwood]

My first welder was a TIG, because I figured: if I'm going to buy one welder, I might as well buy the best. It was _months_ of butt-kicking until I finally got the hand of it. For a long time I regretted not buying a MIG instead. I certainly LOVE TIG now.

[@Winstella333]

You may consider a welder that could recommeng you data automatically, such as you just choose metal, thickthess, machines will give you recommended welding current, this is Arccaptain serial.

[@katanamaki9015]

I just took delivery of my arccaptain mig 200 today. I played with it for a while with some 0.035 self shielding flux core wire and seems to be a decent little welder. I love the fact that at 200 amps it has a 60% duty cycle, and 100% duty cycle at 155 amps as I'm used to 600amp 100% duty cycle machines at work. Most inexpensive mig welders are only 20% or 30%! Now i believe the arc force adjustment is mostly for stick welding so I'm pretty sure that 3rd knob is off for mig and tig.

[@jimssawsnstuff8903]

Thanks for the demo’s! That was great! For the price, it would be exactly what I’m looking for😉. I was lucky to have a great shop teacher like you, when I was in high school and that really helped me. I’ve got a Lincoln 140 migpak, that I was welding aluminum with the mig whip Teflon adapter kit from them…I found it worked ok as long as I prepped the aluminum really good, ran the spool tension a bit loose, (like at 3 vs 5) so that if it didn’t want to feed, the wire would slip vs birds nest, and went up at least in size on the tip…then try to leave the wire out a bit longer than normal, to keep the heat back from the tip…I actually drilled the tip out with a tiny drill bit to recess it a bit more. I found normally pushing worked better than dragging too…anyhow I bought a spool gun, but something in my welder seemed to quit working right when I switch polarity, it doesn’t seem to weld how it should… I’d bought a Lotus from Amazon and watched it basically burn up on my shop floor.:.I know there is a good outfit in Prince George that make welders, but my budget is no in the 2k zone..🫣

[@donyboy73]

Nice welds Greg, greetings from Ontario!

[@TheLaRell]

Great video thank you! I just ordered this welder yesterday and was looking to learn some of these exact things about it. I’ve been stick welding since I was 16 (28 years ago) and doing small amounts of mig welding for about 18 years. But left my welders and plasma cutter with my dad about 10 years ago and haven’t welded a thing since. Been desperate to get back into welding. Besides I just bought a 50 year old Jeep that needs the floor boards and some body mounts replaced 😉

[@mattsan70]

For whip welding Al you need a tip size one up from the wire size to prevent tip to wire fusing

[@GregWellwood]

I _think_ I was running an 0.040" tip with the 0.035" wire, but I could be mistaken.

[@DerekPetersonLives]

The other thought I had was if the tension was too high, a little slip is actually desired instead of getting a birds nest

[@ajkolodziejski118]

I’ve had really good success running blue demon 5356 alloy .030 through the wip with an .035 tip in Lincoln 140 with argon. Almost half the spool and no birds nest.

[@GregWellwood]

Clearly I'm going to have to have another go at this.

[@THX..1138]

Yeah I've actually managed to birdnest 4043 with the spool gun on my Miller, it's way too soft to run through a wip. 5356 is a much stiffer alloy it should run much better.

[@Raggzzaug11]

I saw this on another channel that I don't know. Searched for reviews and saw yours pop up. Came here because I know I can trust you! I have watched a lot of your stuff. Some others looked like shills. thanks!

[@GregWellwood]

I have been using this welder as my own since the review, I liked it that much. I put my old "red brand" welder on a shelf.

[@scottsherwood8555]

Wow there are a lot of circuits under the hood! Great video. Very good information. Thank you.

[@jarniotes]

A nice practical video, I would've like to see you use an amp meter to test the amp output versus the digital display. Another KZbin video showed the machine wasn't as advertised.

[@GregWellwood]

I don't have a ammeter to test that, but I'd bet most everything isn't as advertised (grin).

[@rickyhinton5726]

The Tig does show 200a, so technically, they are not lying.

[@opa_plays_mw5318]

Like most shop equipment that has electronic's cooled by a fan I recommend a filter on the intake. I have carbon steel dust all over my shop. One change - take the nozzle off of the gun when doing flux core arc welding - you can literally see a lot better what the wire is doing and the puddle.

[@wendell454]

I run 50 series aluminum wire through my mig gun all the time with a Teflon liner you just have to clip the end before you start your weld ive never had any problems the 40 series aluminum wire is way to soft ive got one arcaptain that I use aluminum on that's all I've ever ran in it we use it daily

[@hu5116]

Great video! I think they make a graphene liner for this that one is supposed to use.

[@TradeWorksLLC]

I had heard that when trying to MIG weld aluminum through a standard whip using a tip size 1 larger is usually necessary because the “U” groove roller drives end up deforming the round rod into a slight oval. Since swapping for teflon liners and keeping your whip line as straight as possible didn’t seem to help I thought maybe this might be the final piece. I have no experience doing aluminum in MIG so I’m just throwing out what I’ve been told by others more experienced.

[@GregWellwood]

It's also possible I used a softer alloy than recommended.

[@Pino830]

It did go to the full 200 amp with mig welding. You had it at the max of 180 with the nob, but when you where welding, the machine went up to 200 Amps. Watch at 4.55 min

[@AlpacaRenee]

There’s a light inside the spool compartment, too!

[@davidanderson3999]

I just go That welding machine, your vido was very helpful, can’t wait to fire mine up, have to redo my shop wiring as I lost 1/2 of 220, have new heaver wire , my old wire lasted 25 years so hopefully new wire will be trouble free, I know it can run on 110, but I want to give her full juice, I think the machine will have more than I will ever use,as my old mig has wire speed and amps, that is it lol but she. Is still running also 27 years old Sams Club machine, so they didn’t sell junk machines,wish they still did tools as I have 7 1/2 ton floor Jack I got or 50$ back then,keep up the good work

[@GregWellwood]

I really, really liked this MIG, and am still using it. Currently testing their TIG200....

[@jinhuayuan6341]

looks good inside,well organized and neat design

[@GregWellwood]

Yes, it pleases me.

[@homesteadfromscratch]

Greg, I did not catch it or you didn't say, but on the Tig were you running the Argon CO2 mix or full Argon?

[@GregWellwood]

TIG uses straight Argon.

[@nivekirv2039]

Can this machine use a 150AMP Spool Gun with Euro Connection, Aluminum Welding Gun Torch? The one you modified is a 200AMP.

[@GregWellwood]

Hmmmm. I don't know the maximum current it will provide to a spool gun. It gave 160A max through the whip with Aluminum. You could try it and see if it doesn't catch fire or melt. You could sell it, and buy a 200A one. Bigger is always better, isn't it?? (grin) Cheers!

[@euro232]

for aluminium use 53 series wire is more stiff

[@WalterBarger-io9ck]

Yes you can run aluminum through a Mig gun successfully if you get the right size liner and you got to get right size tips the tip has to be larger than the wire size and you will get good aluminum weld and appearances

[@GregWellwood]

My problem might have been running too soft an alloy. I'll try again.

[@danielsplayhouse3804]

If you remove the Euro plug you'll see that there's a metal rod on a circle clip they have to take out and feed the Teflon liner in the hole of that metal rod.

[@GregWellwood]

I pulled out the original liner, and installed the teflon liner in its place.

[@danielsplayhouse3804]

@@GregWellwood the Teflon liner has to extend into the machine to the roller mechanism. If you unplug the stinger and you look at the front of the machine towards the roller drives you'll see there's an e clip with a ride that goes through the plug to the roller drive you have to remove that and then the Teflon liner extends through that opening to the rollers.

[@GregWellwood]

I will try that, thanks.

[@lovewillfind884]

Hi, I recently bought a Amico electric, 200 amps multi-purpose 3 in1 welder, from Amazon. I got the the welder. However i discovered, it have a factory defect,(the wire speed dial isn't working). I informed Amazon about it. They asked that I return the item. However to do so is costing more than i bought it for. I am outside the usa. So I am left stuck with a a defective product. So i am looking for a solution.

[@GregWellwood]

They are usually just a potentiometer. Find one of the correct value, and solder it in?

[@raydemos1181]

fix it yourself

[@603adventures9]

I love mine does everything I need even use mine on side jobs works great

[@DHaun-i3g]

What aluminum wire r you using ?

[@luisbrito6034]

Ola bom dia qual o melhor apar 18:31 elho para solda mig arcacptain 200 ou vevor 270 obrigado

[@GregWellwood]

eu gostei mais do arccaptain

[@yenerm114]

Good review👌🏼👌🏼🤘🏼 I’m really impressed with my mig200 fs

[@youcefbouheraoua6160]

Hi ,very nice video? which gas are you using when using spot gun for aluminum please ?

[@GregWellwood]

Aluminum I use straight-Argon.

[@nephtalilucero740]

How is the welder doing up against other welders?

[@yangthao4612]

Still waiting for mine taking forever to even prepare to ship do they even have these in stock

[@lewismartin9980]

What plug is needed or gauge wire to plug this thing up on website I don't see a plug ? Thanks.

[@GregWellwood]

It's wired with a standard North American 110V(15A) plug, and comes with a cheater 110V-to-220V(50A) adapter. The machine will figure out what you've plugged it into.

[@rickyhinton5726]

@@GregWellwood The 110v plug is recommended 30a breaker, not 15a

[@brich2929]

@@rickyhinton5726 wow

[@jimmytate7587]

@@GregWellwood my arc captain came with a 220 volt cord with adapter for 110. the receptacle should be a 50 amp, but U.S. NEC allows a welder to operate on a 30 amp circuit. check NEC codes for the details. one thing the receptacle needs to have labeling that only welders or 30 amp appliances are to be used on this circuit.

[@heck129]

Love this! Thank you!

[@abelbujorean3201]

Hi! I want to buy a Mig welder and I was looking for Arccaptain mig200 but recently I found out that someone is selling a second hand (like new) Parkside PMSG 200A1 for half the price of the Arccaptain mig200. Could you give me an advice if I should go for the Parkside (because it's less expensive) , it is good enough? Thanks

[@ZILAwelds]

Here is your problem with the aluminum: 1) you are using 4043 wire How do i know? Your arc is white/blue The program in your machine is for ALMG5 Which is 5356 The arc on 5356 is green. 2) you absolutely can NOT run 4” spools of aluminum and push it through a regular 10’ welding gun, no matter what liner Why? The cast is way too tight and it comes of the spool like a corkscrew and makes too many contact points with the liner and creates a lot of drag…. 3) also 5356 is a lot stiffer and feeds better. And 8” spools i bet could work ok …. 4) i didnt hear you say using a contact tip oversized on the aluminum. Miller will sell you 035 contact tips and 035A…. 99% of all others you have to use an 040 tip for 035 wire …. If you want to know more about mig aluminum welding, let me know or check out my channel

[@rickyhinton5726]

Thanks for the detailed explanation.

[@Yoder52]

Can I run 100% argon for mig welding mild steel? It would be nice to not have to buy 2 bottles

[@AXNJXN1]

What V/A settings did you end up figuring out that worked well with the Aluminum Spool Gun?

[@GregWellwood]

I played with settings until it looked like it was working, I don't at all remember what I did.

[@wendell454]

What aluminum wire was you trying to run

[@tomwild2214]

very cool and informative video...also fun to watch....thank you very much ! 🙂🍀🍀🖖

[@davidraybould6987]

I order mine came in 3 boxes I got the mega saver bundle

[@todds5956]

Does this have a setting chart under the hood like every other welder? I just ordered one. Thanks

[@GregWellwood]

No, but the synergic mode works so well I don't miss it. I am currently using this welder as my own MIG (it replaced my other "red" welder).

[@todds5956]

@@GregWellwood how do you know where to start? Can you pick thickness of material etc in the display? I’ve used a Hobart for a number of years and it started to get real erratic on wire speed ,in the shop twice. I thought I would give this a shot despite being less than half the price

[@GregWellwood]

@@todds5956 1.0A for every .001": 0.063" = 63A. 0.125" = 125A. 0.188" = 188A.

[@todds5956]

@@GregWellwood perfect. Thanks!

[@THX..1138]

🤔....Did you say this welder has presets for 100% CO2? I'm a cheapskate and don't like to pay for C25 it would be nice to know if the cheapo welder has presets for cheapo gas.

[@GregWellwood]

Yes. It has a setting for straight CO2. I didn't have any straight CO2, and didn't want to buy a bottle to try it, so I did not try that.

[@derekbryant6137]

You can run 5000 series aluminum through the whip 4000 series aluminum must be done in a spool gun because it's too soft for the mechanism inside the machine I think the wire you need is 5056

[@GregWellwood]

I think you are correct!

[@Bennyboy-dog]

Looks very good inside. Environmental coating on PCB's nice terminations, a little sloppy in the cabling but nothing that a few cable ties won't fix! Over to you for the welding performance. I'll shut up and watch an expert!

[@dankrzeminski6370]

I’ve never migwelded aluminum without a spool gun

[@wizardind3203]

the paint will kill the argon purge like you are welding with no gas

[@datzent83]

Did anyone else have a 1lb spool kickback inside the machine?

[@scottyglenwalker2345]

I read that on Amazon review should I order this welder it has 150 coupon?

[@chrisf9607]

Can I use this welder for dual sheild flux core?

[@GregWellwood]

If that's just running gas with your flux core, I don't see why not.

[@Winstella333]

Yes, you could. it has both MG gas and gasless function.

[@billboat10]

You drag flux core not push

[@drumtwo4seven]

not necessarily If you push it lays down flatter most of the time yes, but it isn't set in stone

[@dennisrockwell7834]

YOU INTRIGUE ME, FANTASTIC SHOW! THANK YOU!

[@patrickzeus2444]

Sie verwenden diese Gerät falsch 🤣 dieses Gerät habe ich mittlerweile seit 1,5 Jahren und es liefert absolut perfekte Schweißergebnisse wenn man es richtig anwendet und weiß wie man zu schweißen hat 🤣

[@GregWellwood]

Aufklären

[@patrickzeus2444]

@GregWellwood Sie haben zb vergessen beim Aluminium schweißen das Metall Röhrchen aus dem Euro Zentralanschluss zu ziehen . Die Teflonseele muss mit dem Anschluss angepasst werden die Teflonseele muss Bis fast an die Drahtförderrolle gehen, so ca.3mm und es wird auf 1- maximal 2 gespannt dann hat man auch keine Probleme mit dem Aluminium Schweißdraht..... War jetzt nur ein Beispiel 😉....hab keine Zeit das ganze Gerät zu erklären.

[@GregWellwood]

@patrickzeus2444 kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIqqnH-leqafh9E

[@patrickzeus2444]

@@GregWellwood Dann war es ein fertiger Zuschnitt....das ist trotzdem falsch! Ich rede vom Metallröhrchen das im Schweißgerät im Anschluss steckt....das muss raus 😅..... Und die Teflonseele muss länger sein sie müssen diese bis 3 mm vor die Drahtförderrolle schieben. Dann gibt es auch keine geknickten Aluminium Drähte 😉

[@GregWellwood]

@ Ich freue mich auf deine Videos

[@nrpforty]

Keep you welder far from work place as possible !

[@jorgecarvalho2923]

Stupide test