Welding Tips and Tricks

I am planning on buying one or the other for my first tig machine. They both offer better foot pedals now. The one kicker that I can't get past is the roto torch comes standard on the ahp. The AHP is some cheaper at 690 + 30 shipping, and prime weld is now 799, but the primeweld comes with the CK 17 flex out of the box. I guess my question is, do you trust Primeweld over AHP? Which would you recommend? My funds are very limited and these two meet the price point. I would be ok with buying the AHP and dealing with the roto torch for a while and upgrading to a 17 series flex head from CK down the road when funds freed up. But, if you think Primeweld is the better option here that may be the way I go. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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I would go with the PrimeWeld hands down. Just IMO from what I've seen/read about it. You can always add the roto-head torch later on. If you're just barely learning to TIG, the roto-head will not have you learing how to weld anytime sooner.

Oscar wrote:I would go with the PrimeWeld hands down. Just IMO from what I've seen/read about it. You can always add the roto-head torch later on. If you're just barely learning to TIG, the roto-head will not have you learing how to weld anytime sooner.

I am leaning that way. I have taken some tig classes and passed all the way through 4f on stainless and only had 2 or 3 classes at the end on aluminum but was getting comfortable with it. I have never used a roto torch and to me it seems to be a disadvantage versus a plus unless you typically have hard to weld places, which I wouldn't typically. I did buy the lunchbox prime weld 160 welder to take and hook to generator and have used it successfully a few times and it seems nicely built and did the job without a minutes trouble.

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I've also heard you need to pay tax on the AHP, so calculate that in. I did just buy a Primeweld and just got it last Tues. so don't want to be bias. $775 was the total I was charged to my account.

I have an Everlast DC Tig machine and because of that would not buy AHP, they are essentially owned by the same people through incest. The customer service and support is subpar, IMO, and they charge shipping both ways if you have a problem after the 30 day period after you buy. Caveat Emptor.

The Primeweld has a 3 year warranty, shipping paid, and the owner will refund the full purchase if for any reason you're not satisfied. Mike is a top notch guy and I like the welder so far. I'm not the greatest welder, but I can glue pieces of steel and aluminum together (as my wife would say ).

The roto torch is a plus for AHP, but it's still a Chinese copy of the CK. I have one of their 26 copies that came with my green weenie (as I like to call it), but replaced the head for a flex head from Amazon for $10. With the Primeweld you get a genuine CK17 flexhead, what I use mostly on my green weenie.

Minor differences in the pedal, but the Nova on my green weenie is larger (bought after my purchase), and it squeaks some. The Primeweld pedal is a bit narrower, but no squeaks. Even if the potentiometer is better on the Nova as they claim, the squeak will most likely annoy me for that much longer. Also the Primeweld has a better piece of rubber on the bottom, the Nova has a piece of sand paper that slips easily on my shop floor, the Primeweld holds in place much better.

Consumables are pretty comparable, I don't use any of them, I've replaced my ground, torch, gas hose, etc...on my green weenie and everything just moved over so I left the consumables in the box, but use the CK17 as the gas connector is threaded rather than quick-connect. I use a Stubby gas lens kit I got from Weldmonger.

TraditionalToolworks wrote:I've also heard you need to pay tax on the AHP, so calculate that in. I did just buy a Primeweld and just got it last Tues. so don't want to be bias. $775 was the total I was charged to my account.

I have an Everlast DC Tig machine and because of that would not buy AHP, they are essentially owned by the same people through incest. The customer service and support is subpar, IMO, and they charge shipping both ways if you have a problem after the 30 day period after you buy. Caveat Emptor.

The Primeweld has a 3 year warranty, shipping paid, and the owner will refund the full purchase if for any reason you're not satisfied. Mike is a top notch guy and I like the welder so far. I'm not the greatest welder, but I can glue pieces of steel and aluminum together (as my wife would say ).

The roto torch is a plus for AHP, but it's still a Chinese copy of the CK. I have one of their 26 copies that came with my green weenie (as I like to call it), but replaced the head for a flex head from Amazon for $10. With the Primeweld you get a genuine CK17 flexhead, what I use mostly on my green weenie.

Minor differences in the pedal, but the Nova on my green weenie is larger (bought after my purchase), and it squeaks some. The Primeweld pedal is a bit narrower, but no squeaks. Even if the potentiometer is better on the Nova as they claim, the squeak will most likely annoy me for that much longer. Also the Primeweld has a better piece of rubber on the bottom, the Nova has a piece of sand paper that slips easily on my shop floor, the Primeweld holds in place much better.

Consumables are pretty comparable, I don't use any of them, I've replaced my ground, torch, gas hose, etc...on my green weenie and everything just moved over so I left the consumables in the box, but use the CK17 as the gas connector is threaded rather than quick-connect. I use a Stubby gas lens kit I got from Weldmonger.

I appreciate the response. I am in a spot where I don't need a industrial machine, just one capable of AC/DC tig with light use. I think from both responses, I am going to go the Primeweld route. I just kept seeing more videos on the AHP variant and that's why it was still in play. I bounced around the idea to get an everlast, but I knew I would want to upgrade from the euro style torch right away and I would be encroaching on 1000$ if I did that. I would love to be able to get an HTP or Miller or Esab or any of those bigger names, but the funds just aren't there, and truthfully, I don't need that high end of a machine, just need something that is capable and reliable and it seems the primeweld will fit the bill. I have added my email to get notification when the Primeweld comes back in stock. I do believe I will immediately get a gas lens kit for it. Do you know what support beyond the 3 year period is? Would they repair the unit or do you think it is a throw away item at that point? I understand I would need to pay shipping both ways potentially but just curious if you knew what things look like beyond the warranty.

ctbme02 wrote:

TraditionalToolworks wrote:Do you know what support beyond the 3 year period is? Would they repair the unit or do you think it is a throw away item at that point? I understand I would need to pay shipping both ways potentially but just curious if you knew what things look like beyond the warranty.

I honestly don't know. Keep in mind, this is a $775 machine which includes a CK17 flexhead torch.

I will say this. I am yet to see one posting of anyone who has had a bad machine that even needed to go back to Mike. I believe Mike tests them before he sends them out, but I don't know for certain. These machines have been selling for more than 2 years.

With Everlast/AHP we see posts continually where a machines doesn't work. If you have seen the boxes they ship it, it should be no surprise. The Primeweld, OTOH, ships in fairly decent box with metal corners in the bottom and the unit completely packed in dense foam. That may have to do with working units, but the AHP from what I have seen is packed better these days, it's still in a Chinese brown box that looks like toilet paper.

I think Mike goes out of his way to make sure the machines work and they arrive at the customer as they would expect.

I'm sure you have seen some of the reviews, such as The Fabrication Series on YouTube or you probably wouldn't have this on your choices. If someone has had one break, I haven't seen it. You won't be getting an HTP or Miller quality machine, but this is a good machine, IMO. Quite amazing for the price.

ctbme02 wrote:I bounced around the idea to get an everlast, but I knew I would want to upgrade from the euro style torch right away and I would be encroaching on 1000$ if I did that...

I think most of the everlast machines are now shipping with the typical CK clone torches.

I also just so happen to have a 210EXT for sale in the classifieds right now

I planned to include the original euro-style torch with the sale, but would consider upgrading the torch to a used 26 CK clone if needed.

TraditionalToolworks wrote:

ctbme02 wrote:

TraditionalToolworks wrote:Do you know what support beyond the 3 year period is? Would they repair the unit or do you think it is a throw away item at that point? I understand I would need to pay shipping both ways potentially but just curious if you knew what things look like beyond the warranty.

I honestly don't know. Keep in mind, this is a $775 machine which includes a CK17 flexhead torch.

I will say this. I am yet to see one posting of anyone who has had a bad machine that even needed to go back to Mike. I believe Mike tests them before he sends them out, but I don't know for certain. These machines have been selling for more than 2 years.

With Everlast/AHP we see posts continually where a machines doesn't work. If you have seen the boxes they ship it, it should be no surprise. The Primeweld, OTOH, ships in fairly decent box with metal corners in the bottom and the unit completely packed in dense foam. That may have to do with working units, but the AHP from what I have seen is packed better these days, it's still in a Chinese brown box that looks like toilet paper.

I think Mike goes out of his way to make sure the machines work and they arrive at the customer as they would expect.

I'm sure you have seen some of the reviews, such as The Fabrication Series on YouTube or you probably wouldn't have this on your choices. If someone has had one break, I haven't seen it. You won't be getting an HTP or Miller quality machine, but this is a good machine, IMO. Quite amazing for the price.

It sounds like support is top notch. Also, I agree, it is a $799 machine, if I get a good 3 years out of it and can help hone my skills and maybe a few projects along the way it will be well worth it. I did discover it from the fabrication series and have seen the packaging and your right extra detail. There really hasn't been a single red flag. I just kept AHP in play so long because I know they have been around longer and truthfully if they would have had a 17 series flex head in their current offering for similar price I may have went that direction. But as you have stated and I have seen some reviews of problems out of the box as of late and the roto torch is not something I want as my daily use torch. Not to mention support is very important to me. I'm a younger guy and I don't rely on support often but it's nice to know it's there if needed. I know last year I looked at Everlast hard because of reviews and the 5 year warranty on some of the welders but when I talked to a sales rep he put me off right away by his lack of knowledge and general non helpfulness. Thanks again for your response I'll be ready to order the primeweld as soon as it comes back in stock.

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Spartan wrote:

ctbme02 wrote:I bounced around the idea to get an everlast, but I knew I would want to upgrade from the euro style torch right away and I would be encroaching on 1000$ if I did that...

I think most of the everlast machines are now shipping with the typical CK clone torches.

I also just so happen to have a 210EXT for sale in the classifieds right now

I planned to include the original euro-style torch with the sale, but would consider upgrading the torch to a used 26 CK clone if needed.

Are you the one from Maryland?

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ctbme02 wrote:Are you the one from Maryland?

Indeed.

Yeah I saw it and if I had more cash I would be very interested. I'm in Southwest Virginia.

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One thing I will say about the 210EXT (although support wouldn't be one ) is that it has better stick capability. The 210EXT is one of the Everlast digital machines and can do E6010 stick. Mostly used for code work and root passes. That is one advantage of that machine.

Spartan's machine is a known working machine, but the support would be on you if something happened. I don't know if that would make a difference to you or not, and don't want to make that decision for you.

You can search for 210EXT to see some of the problem people may have had, but I wanted to point out that it is certainly a better arc welder than the Primeweld, IMO. (although I haven't used one)

I think he'll get $950 on craigslist fairly quick.

TraditionalToolworks wrote:One thing I will say about the 210EXT (although support wouldn't be one ) is that it has better stick capability. The 210EXT is one of the Everlast digital machines and can do E6010 stick. Mostly used for code work and root passes. That is one advantage of that machine.

Spartan's machine is a known working machine, but the support would be on you if something happened. I don't know if that would make a difference to you or not, and don't want to make that decision for you.

You can search for 210EXT to see some of the problem people may have had, but I wanted to point out that it is certainly a better arc welder than the Primeweld, IMO. (although I haven't used one)

I think he'll get $950 on craigslist fairly quick.

The stick function would be an advantage, but not very necessary for what I use a welder for. I typically weld on farm equipment at my family farm, and 6011 and 7018 serve me just fine typically, and I have a solid Mig machine that I use regularly as well. I agree what he is selling it for is well worth the price and in no way am I downplaying that fact, because I do believe he can sell quickly at that price.

I believe the Primeweld will suit me well. Generally though as most of the work I do is on old rusty equipment, I see me really using the tig welder as a way to keep me sharp and further hone my skills, and of course I love to weld so it is enjoyable just to practice for me.

ctbme02 wrote:The stick function would be an advantage, but not very necessary for what I use a welder for. I typically weld on farm equipment at my family farm, and 6011 and 7018 serve me just fine typically, and I have a solid Mig machine that I use regularly as well. I agree what he is selling it for is well worth the price and in no way am I downplaying that fact, because I do believe he can sell quickly at that price.

I agree with all you say, and if I had mig I probably wouldn't care as much as I did about the stick capability on the Primeweld. I rely on my snap, crackle, pop from stick.

ctbme02 wrote:I believe the Primeweld will suit me well. Generally though as most of the work I do is on old rusty equipment, I see me really using the tig welder as a way to keep me sharp and further hone my skills, and of course I love to weld so it is enjoyable just to practice for me.

I'm completely satisfied with mine, even if it wasn't to weld 6011. I am ok with 7018 which I think it will run fine. I'll find out, but need to fix my garage door first so I have some ventilation. So far I haven't gotten rid of my green weenie, and may keep it. It's smaller than the Primeweld and is a good portable DC Tig/Stick welder. Might be good to take up to a shop/home I'm trying to build. Or keep at my current home and take the Primeweld up there. Either way, probably not bad to have 2 welders if you have 2 shops...My wife wouldn't agree with that, but luckily she won't argue either.

TraditionalToolworks wrote:

ctbme02 wrote:The stick function would be an advantage, but not very necessary for what I use a welder for. I typically weld on farm equipment at my family farm, and 6011 and 7018 serve me just fine typically, and I have a solid Mig machine that I use regularly as well. I agree what he is selling it for is well worth the price and in no way am I downplaying that fact, because I do believe he can sell quickly at that price.

I agree with all you say, and if I had mig I probably wouldn't care as much as I did about the stick capability on the Primeweld. I rely on my snap, crackle, pop from stick. [emoji14]

ctbme02 wrote:I believe the Primeweld will suit me well. Generally though as most of the work I do is on old rusty equipment, I see me really using the tig welder as a way to keep me sharp and further hone my skills, and of course I love to weld so it is enjoyable just to practice for me.

I'm completely satisfied with mine, even if it wasn't to weld 6011. I am ok with 7018 which I think it will run fine. I'll find out, but need to fix my garage door first so I have some ventilation. So far I haven't gotten rid of my green weenie, and may keep it. It's smaller than the Primeweld and is a good portable DC Tig/Stick welder. Might be good to take up to a shop/home I'm trying to build. Or keep at my current home and take the Primeweld up there. Either way, probably not bad to have 2 welders if you have 2 shops...My wife wouldn't agree with that, but luckily she won't argue either.

I got into welding when my great grandpa passed away in 2015. He left me his mig welder. From there my passion has grown for it. I know the prime weld will run 7018 great. The primeweld 160 lunchbox I picked up on eBay for 150$ runs 1/8 7018 beautifully. I will assume the tig 225 will run 7018 the same way, and yes it never hurts to have more welders than you might need at the moment. That primeweld and the generator combo works great. I took it with me to a location we keep one of our tractors to bail hay off of. I had to weld on the brush hog while it was down there. It's a lot easier to throw a generator in back of the truck and a small welder then go get the implement and take it home. That Everlast would do nice for a portable machine.

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ctbme02 wrote:I got into welding when my great grandpa passed away in 2015.

Nothing better than tools that are passed down. Something I didn't get many of...

Just wanted to let everyone know, the Primeweld 225 came back in stock today at 10:00am. I had my order placed at 10:01. Should be here soon. Thanks to everyone again, cant wait to get some time behind it.

ctbme02 wrote:Just wanted to let everyone know, the Primeweld 225 came back in stock today at 10:00am. I had my order placed at 10:01. Should be here soon. Thanks to everyone again, cant wait to get some time behind it.

I just ordered a 225 also. Very excited to learn a new skill!


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ctbme02 wrote:Just wanted to let everyone know, the Primeweld 225 came back in stock today at 10:00am. I had my order placed at 10:01. Should be here soon. Thanks to everyone again, cant wait to get some time behind it.

I just ordered a 225 also. Very excited to learn a new skill!


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DavidR8 wrote:

ctbme02 wrote:Just wanted to let everyone know, the Primeweld 225 came back in stock today at 10:00am. I had my order placed at 10:01. Should be here soon. Thanks to everyone again, cant wait to get some time behind it.

I just ordered a 225 also. Very excited to learn a new skill!


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Good deal. I'm very excited as well. Good luck to you.

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Remember:

• Don't tilt the torch more than about 5° from the vertical. (even 10° is too much if you actually measure it).
• Don't extend the tungsten too far out of the cup. Keep it to about 2x - 2.5x the tungsten diameter to ensure initial success (later on you can see how much you can get away with).
• Keep the arc length short (2-4mm), and keep it consistently at that length.
• Argon flow rate (CFH): roughly 2x - 2.5x the "size" of the cup (in 1/16ths).
• Stop immediately if you dip the tungsten and/or see the "orange dust of death" and/or see "bubbling" porosity. If you see any of those, you must address these issues immediately to have any chance of success.

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Good luck!

Thanks Oscar!


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Thanks Oscar. Appreciate it.

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DavidR8 wrote:Thanks Oscar!


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Just to elaborate a bit, I'm not saying you eventually can't get away with more tilt on the torch. I'm simply recommending a very limited torch angle to ensure initial success. 10° is still perfectly acceptable, but a lot of times new TIG welders start to compound the [excessive] angle with excessive stickout AND a excessive arc length. Those three bad habits spell almost instant failure when starting out.

Oscar wrote:Just to elaborate a bit, I'm not saying you eventually can't get away with more tilt on the torch. I'm simply recommending a very limited torch angle to ensure initial success. 10° is still perfectly acceptable, but a lot of times new TIG welders start to compound the [excessive] angle with excessive stickout AND a excessive arc length. Those three bad habits spell almost instant failure when starting out.

Oscar,

They sure gave Justin a spankin' over on WeldingWeb, heh?

I know he talks fast and is annoying, but he's a great fabricator and quite a good tig welder. Seems to teach a lot of tig classes in Las Vegas.

At the end of the day, Jody has had more impact and the biggest following on the web. I would even wager to guess he's sold more 2% lanthanated tungsten than anyone to date, as well as stubby kits. Even though it does splinter, I use 2% lanthanated as my sole tungsten, have only used ceriated once. I'm not really that good of a welder that it would make a difference, so I just stick with 2% lanthanated as Jody recommends. As I've seen Diresta refer to Jody, "The Godfather of Welding". TFS likes the purple tungsten.