240 Volt Inverter Arc/TIG Welder with Digital Readout

Comments about Chicago Electric Welding Systems 240 Volt Inverter Arc/TIG Welder with Digital Readout:

Had the HF 130A smaller welder for some time, it worked OK, but was tough to use with the lift-start, but it held up well for the last few years. I decided to upgrade to the 165A, and realized quickly it had an integrated high frequency start which makes this a MUCH better value than advertised, and it has been a GREAT welder so far. I'm using it to fabricate 3/16" and 1/4" wall tubing frames and suspension and it works very well, good penetration and duty cycle is great even at higher amperage. The Binzel torch is not a high end model, but is a pretty solid torch. I have used both of the high end Dynasty 350 and 700 series welders, and while not as powerful or with as many fancy features, this thing is very quiet and puts down just as nice a weld as they do for a small fraction of the price, very nice addition to the workshop and I'm extremely pleased with the purchase.

Comments about Chicago Electric Welding Systems 240 Volt Inverter Arc/TIG Welder with Digital Readout:

This is a follow-up on my previous review, I took another persons idea an replaced the electrode/ground cables with 3-AWG copper.I purchased a assortment of different 3/32" electrodes, E-6011, E-6013, E-7014 and E-7018. The stick welding side does a great deal better now. The arc start on the GTAW side is a major plus.

Comments about Chicago Electric Welding Systems 240 Volt Inverter Arc/TIG Welder with Digital Readout:

Professionals liked the smooth quiet ark. The highvoltage arc starter works great (they should include this feature in the prod description).
Odd gas inlet connector but easily fixed by removing and replacing with a 1/4" pipe elbow and hose barb. Don't be fooled by the light wieght. Modern design uses a much smaller power transformer with a highfrequency power supply (like all modern computers) to hold down wieght.

Comments about Chicago Electric Welding Systems 240 Volt Inverter Arc/TIG Welder with Digital Readout:

I used an oxygen hose fitting for the argon connection . I redone stick welding lead with copper leads (wire) the original was aluminum welding lead and ground clamp lead . Now it stick welds a lot better .

Comments about Chicago Electric Welding Systems 240 Volt Inverter Arc/TIG Welder with Digital Readout:

very well built had for over a year and no problems yet.

Comments about Chicago Electric Welding Systems 240 Volt Inverter Arc/TIG Welder with Digital Readout:

I use this welder almost every day in a hydraulic cylinder repair shop. It is GREAT for stick welding. Good penetration with very little to no porosity. It will TIG ok but if your cup and electrode are fouled at all you will get a lot of porosity. Also, the lack of fine amp control makes starts and stops a hassle. I have not had ANY problem with the duty cycle laying down beads between 60 and 80 amps for hours.

Comments about Chicago Electric Welding Systems 240 Volt Inverter Arc/TIG Welder with Digital Readout:

As soon as this unit hit the stores, I had to have one. Trigger-controlled arc starting! Most essential in a TIG. But, needs a foot control so that you can start soft, build heat, taper off. So, I made one! Not easy, but worth the effort. Long electrical box for housing, bicycle shift cable up to clockspring-tensioned power knob winder. I used to TIG weld on a large industrial unit at work, but have now refined my skills on this "toy" in my own basemet. Love it. How the heck can an air cooled torch be so powerful? Don't know.

Comments about Chicago Electric Welding Systems 240 Volt Inverter Arc/TIG Welder with Digital Readout:

I got mine "used" from a guy who was frustrated to find it came without a power cord plug or hose fittings, so it was essentially NIB. Went to the local HF store to pick up the tank regulator and cart, then to Airgas for hose and a bottle. I really hope HF gets to selling these in more of a turnkey package as I wasted two days trying to track down the right hose.





Using this as a TIG welder, it is OK, but my lack of experience on other machines prevents a fair comparison. Although not rated for aluminum, I have done some aluminum crack repair work with this and the welds held.





Where this machine really stands out is as an Arc welder, and I mean it is amazing as an arc welder, easily welded better than the last Lincoln I used which had been twice the money. The digital control is perfect for fine tuning weld temp/power and the whole thing is very responsive in striking up a good clean weld arc.

Comments about Chicago Electric Welding Systems 240 Volt Inverter Arc/TIG Welder with Digital Readout:

This is my 3rd Welder purchased from Harbor Freight, I've been happy with the performance of this Machine! I'd recommend it to my friends, and anyone wanting to learn Tig Welding! I gifted to myself this Tig/Arc Welder on January 16, 2011


This new purchase was an upgrade from the Mig 171 which was my second Welder purchased back in January 2010, I originally purchased my first Welder from Harbor Freight it was the Mig 90 Amp Flux Cored Welder, which was purchased in July 2009. Overall performance with my Harbor Freight Tig/Arc has been great for my applications, I'm a custom motorized bicycle builder / designer / fabricator and with this Welder & the others purchased from Harbor Freight I've made some amazing works of art. Did I say the price makes this Welder an affordable option for all.





*The only pitfall was the gas connection / fitting on the rear of the welder, had to use the fitting on the Victor regulators that adapt the 9/16-18 Male "B" fitting to 5/8-18 Female.

Comments about Chicago Electric Welding Systems 240 Volt Inverter Arc/TIG Welder with Digital Readout:

Just got this thing up and running- works better than expected! like the fella on here said about the gas fitting, he is right on; o2 fitting for oxy/ase torch works perfect. we have a miller at work and this dude works as good as it does. I'm not a welder by trade; just stick metal together with heat but I'm telling ya, I have made some welds in tig mode with this thing and they look like a stack a dimes! Great welder for the cost!