AHP AlphaTIG Review

Last updated on January 30th, 2020 at 11:20 pm

ahp alphatig welder review

The quality you will achieve in TIG welding depends on the welding equipment in use. TIG welders may differ in capability, pulse frequency, etc. Although there are many models out there, in this AHP AlphaTIG review, we will explain why it’s probably one of the best you can find around. AHP AlphaTIG 200X welder is a favorite choice for both amateurs and professionals. It’s affordable, flexible, portable, and offers good control. 

This particular model is well suited for heavy-duty metalwork. It has two working modes TIG and stick, which gives you the ability to work with thin and precise welds, as well as thick metal plates.

It features superior settings that are favored by professionals, while offering enough room for beginner welders to improve their learning curve. Although it can take some time and practice to master, but once you get accustomed, it won’t disappoint.

It’s suitable for light to medium industrial work. You can use it for daily welding tasks, maintenance repairs, and it will not have any problem TIG welding heavy-duty tasks as well. Besides, with the stick welding mode, you can tackle lighter jobs, such as welding pipes or welding outdoors.

Contents

Features

alpha tig 201xd
  • It offers quality TIG welding on aluminum, steel, and stainless, and it does not perform poorly on other materials like copper, iron, magnesium.
  • It can be used to carry out precise welding on thinner-gauge materials as well as thick articles.
  • Capable of welding 1/4-inch aluminum sheets and 3/8-inch mild-steel sheets.
  • It’s also suitable for 7018 and 6013 steel rods. Thanks to the stick welding feature that allows you to work with almost any welding rod. This makes the learning process much easier for any beginner.
  • The welder is made of stainless steel, has HF start TIG, and can work on both 120/240 volts.
  • The TIG welder has a duty cycle of 60% at 200A. Besides, a duty cycle of 35% at 155A for stick welding.
  • At 240V, it’s capable of running at the maximum output current of 200 amps, and at 120V, the maximum output reaches 140 amps.
  • The AlphaTIG 200X makes use of the inverter technology, which works with pulse width modulation (PWM) and insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT). This allows you to tune the right pulse setting and manipulate the heat output easily. 
  • While the newer, AlphaTIG 201XD, offers pulse speed control. Which not only allows for better penetration, but it also improves the tungsten life, the arc cone, and the etching width.
  • It also works on alternating (AC) and direct current (DC), which will give you ample control over the frequency range (PPS).
  • Adding to its versatility, it has a 2T/4T switch, which allows you to work with a remote foot pedal to start and end a cycle, control the post-flow, and more. This is particularly useful for welding in odd positions.
  • Moreover, it’s backed by 3 years warranty. 
  • Given the price and features, the AHP AlphaTIG is an excellent choice for beginners and professional fabricators alike.

Specifications

ahp alpha tig 200x

Input: 110/240V, 1Ph, 50/60Hz

Current Type: AC/DC

Amperage Range: 10A – 200A

TIG Output: 200A @ 60% Duty Cycle

Stick Output: 155A @ 35% Duty Cycle

Welding Thickness: 1/4 – 3/8 Inch

Pulse Frequency: 0.5Hz – 200Hz

Weight: 50 Pounds

Dimension: 19 x 23 x 12 Inch

Possible Concerns

  • The main concern is in the foot pedal not responding properly. You may find it useful to set it on top of a rubber ground as it tends to slip away as you press.
  • Possible limited quality control during manufacturing.
  • In some cases, the torch leaks argon where its plugged into the machine. Also, the torch gets very hot after a few minutes of use.
  • The included welding accessories are of low quality. For example, the gas valve may not deliver the needed quantity of argon, or the regulator pressure gauge may not work properly. This is to be expected due to its low cost. However, if you invest in better torch, pedals, and regulator, you will get excellent performance from this machine.

What’s Inside the Box

On purchasing this welder, you will get a lot of other welding accessories such as argon regulator, flow-meter, 2T/4T function, metal foot pedals, pigtail 110V plug, 9 feet ground clamp, 9 feet stick holder, and WP17 TIG flex hose torch.

AHP AlphaTIG 200X Review – Conclusion

AHP AlphaTIG Review

The front control panel can be overwhelming to an inexperienced welder. But they are really easy to use, the provided product manual explains all the details about how to use them. And the built-in digital display will show you the output amperage during welding. Not to mention, when you adjust the pulse feature properly, it will give you full control of the weld heat. Overall, the AHP AlphaTIG 200X welder is affordable and easy to use, suitable for both novices and professionals. However, the product has a lot of limitations. Some users complain about several defects in the regulator pressure gauge, foot pedals, low-quality accessories, leakage in the torch, etc. Nonetheless, it offers versatility in a more budget-friendly package with a good warranty. It can be used to weld aluminum and mild steel of various dimensions, and it’s efficient in welding most types of materials, both thin and thick.

Overall
8.4/10
8.4/10
  • Performance - 8.5/10
    8.5/10
  • Durability - 8/10
    8/10
  • Good Value - 9/10
    9/10
  • Ease of Use - 7.8/10
    7.8/10
  • Warranty - 8.5/10
    8.5/10

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