HTP Invertig 221
 

Anyone have insight regarding the HTP Invertig 221?

http://www.usaweld.com/ProductDetail...ode=70221-12.5

Thanks

I have bought a few thing's from HTP.But never any welding machine's.I like to buy either Lincoln or Miller.That way if they need service I can take them to the nearest welding supply store for repair.I belive the welder's that HTP sell's are made in Europe,maybe Germany. Ask them about the Warranty their machine's have.GL:thumbsup:

They're actually built in Italy. Definitely agree on the convenience of local service.

I've been focused on a Diversion 180 since it's for light hobby work, but there are times I may need to weld 1/4"- 5/16". All said the Dynasty 200 is probably the better move in the long run. Though most my work will be light sheet metal and bracketry. The convenience of portability and 115V would be nice at times.

We've used an Invertig 201 (previous model) for years in our shop and it's always worked flawlessly.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy the 221.

I love my 201 . I know your looking for feedback on the new one but I'm sure some happy 201 customers recommendations couldn't hurt. Would not heitate to purchase another welder from them. They are local so I get my consumables from them too.

Appreciate the input gentlemen. :thumbsup:

Stopped by the local Air Gas shop and spoke queried a knowledgable counterman. He brought back my earlier choice which was discounted by another shops service tech. The Thermadyne/ThermalArc ArcMaster 185 AC/DC Sitck/TIG unit.
http://www.thermadyne.com/thermalarc...dID=10-3073A-2

What really impressed me was they had the Miller and Lincoln options I was considering in stock and his recommendation was one they didn't stock.

I like the longterm versatility of the unit in respect to light guage and 1/4" plus capacity in a small package for my hobby level usage. Price was $2500 with leads/tourch/foot control/regulator.

Pros and cons on the Thermal Arc unit?

Sieg,

I just wanted to throw it out there that I own an HTP mig welder. I bought it LONG before the internet and didn't know anything about welders and were to buy them etc. FWIW, I love it. It works flawlessly. I have the smallest mig they made at the time (runs on 110v!) BUT it had the same mechanics on the inside as the bigger more expensive models. I used it for panels and brackets, fixing stuff around the shop. It runs sometimes 8 hours a day on a Saturday and then sits in the corner for 3 months, but I have never had an issue.

Having never seen anybody post about HTP, I just had to throw this out there!

Darren

One of my staff members loves his HTP 201. Article/feedback here:

http://www.planetlsx.com/review/Tool...vertig_201/121

I have Millers.
On any brand, be sure you can get local service on the unit and the parts that break are readily available. A buddy of mine has an old BluePoint 110v unit. It is a great little welder but he couldnt get it worked on and couldnt get consumables for it. It broke a small part inside that no one had and it uses specific nozzles that he couldn't get.


Jeff-

I had a 110V Lincoln which I had some issues with,went down to the local store thinking, they will have the parts on the shelf:rofl: .I had to wait over a week to get parts. My HTP MIG is awesome no problems. I've ordered wire and had it in 2 days, they claim over night on all parts. My opinion I'd buy HTP before blue or red.

Travis

Hi, we have two htp welders at shop and they have been working flawless. The 140 mig and the quickspot II. I have always had great customer service with htp and have called on a saturday before and left message and had a call back from the owner on phone regarding any questions I had and was treated great. I definitely will be talking to them when we get around to buying a new tig welder. :thumbsup: Joe.

Very good article, thanks. :thumbsup:

And thanks to all the other contributors, it really helps the selection process.

I've never heard a single complaint about HTP machines.

But of course... welding is like Golfing - it ain't about the clubs... it's the guy swinging 'em. :unibrow:

I got it covered. Shank, snap-hook, worm-burner, pop-up, block, cold-top, skully,wiff, sinker, sandy, Michael Moore, hole-out..............all with the same club.

http://www.desmonorthwest.com/forums...smiley-027.gif

OMG! I almost peed myself laughing so hard... Just great!

Luckily I weld way more than I play golf!

I swing - miss - then move my feet around like it was a practice swing... LOL

HTP welders etc
 

I have their mig welder (mig 200) great machine. also I have their plasma cutter, also been a great machine. I also have a Lincoln precision tig 185 which also works quite well. I buy most if not all of my consumables from them and as far as spare parts go very fast shipping. The local welding shops here are a joke, no stock, wait days for parts etc. I prefer to deal with HTP, good knowledge fast shipping, great support on their products.

So........I have a landed package price from USAWeld http://www.usaweld.com/default.asp on the HTP MicroCut 600, MIG 200, and Invertig 221 that is very tempting. I've yet to hear any negatives about HTP equipment or WeldUSA's customer service and support..............anyone have more insight?

I have zero info regarding HTP. But.

From the dates of your posts you don't seem to be in a hurry. Have you ruled out used? I recently purchased a Lincoln precision 275 tig full package with aux panel, bottle, extra cups, lenses and a some filler for 2500.
And there are deals like that, that pop up all the time, if you have the luxury to shop for a good deal. The dynasty models seem to be harder to come by.

I bought a plasma cutter from HTP about 12 years ago. I called up about 3 years ago needing some repair parts and they fixed me up with the parts just like I had bought it earlier that day. They definitely get an A+ from me on the plasma and especially the service. I'm contemplating that Invertig 221 if I can get a buyer on my current machine.

Chris

HTP America / USAweld.com came through as stated!

http://sieg.smugmug.com/Other/Weldin...MAG2334-XL.jpg

Looks like I'll be going to self-taught night school this summer. Looking forward to the learning curve!

Great set up! I too would love their 221 TIG. I've only heard great things about HTP and would be my first choice in an inverter TIG for the price. At least a grand less than a Miller Dynasty 200.

Let us know how it goes..

Wes

If you can gas weld you can TIG.... exact same hand movements except you don't move the torch in a small circle - you step forward and back - dip on the backstroke - move the puddle forward - back up the torch and dip... it's just a hand dance.

:cheers:

Thanks Wes, I'll keep you updated.

Thanks for the tips, I'm looking forward to experimenting with puddle movement. Starting with scraps of steel, aluminum, and stainless sheet.
Hopefully I catch on after a few hours of experimentation.

Just finished installing a dedicated 50a 250V circuit in garage for the equipment so I'll be ready to roll tomorrow afternoon.

It will be nice to have a MIG with horsepower for a change and a TIG to produce artwork quality beads........sadly (and hopefully) I won't be able to blame mediocre welds on the equipment anymore. :lol:

Last night was the first night of practice........

You left out the step: over to the bench to re-grind the tungsten. It took the dog a few re-grinds before he figured out I mad at myself not him. :D

Found a $30 3" bench grinder at Harbor Freight that works decent, hopefully I can find a finer wheel for it. Quiet and smooth........so far.

http://sieg.smugmug.com/Other/Weldin...IMAG2344-L.jpg

Oh trust me -- you'll be doing a LOT of tungsten pointing!


Are you that old - or do you just have that many people in the shop - that you had to sticky note the grinder? :rofl:

Here's what I do on all my tungsten --- I bite the bullet and sharpen them all - all sizes - all types.... then when I FOU I just toss it in the drawer and grab another.... when I have a few I point 'em.

The real key to TIG is being able to SEE..... and a one lens helmet don't cut it... pee away another chunk of dough and get yourself a real helmet with adjustment from about 5 to 12+.... 'cause when you're doing thin stuff and only using 30 amps -- ya got to be able to see!


http://www.amazon.com/Sperian-Optrel...832387&sr=1-80

Also --- please where a particulate mask when grinding tungsten....


AND --- Never clean ANYTHING with CHLORINATED ANYTHING.... if you use brake cleaner - use NON-Chlorinated....

Denatured alcohol works well.

2 KEYs TO TIG.... CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN.... and then be sure it's CLEAN and TIGHT fit up.

Especially at my age!

I like that strategy, though the cool down period after contaminating another tungsten isn't a bad thing. :D

Thanks to your previous posts Optrel, my current helmet goes down to 9 and I've been running 35-80 amps and visibility isn't too bad surprisingly. The same helmet impairs vision to a degree when MIG welding.

It doesn't qualify for Prime, WTF!!! :rofl:

Might be worth it since a friend told me tonight that I'm no good unless I can TIG beer cans together end to end. :unibrow:

Thank you :hail:

Any pictures of your HTP equipment? I assuming it has arrived?:D

Wes

Okay - Now let's see your little stack of dimes!

:lol: :woot:

Sieg-
That is a nice stack of equipment you've got there! I agree with Greg, we need the stack of dimes! (this coming from someone who has never TIG welded once :lol: ....)

Yeah, give us a review when you have some time in on the equipment.

Wes

OK, I can handle that request.

http://sieg.smugmug.com/Other/Weldin...MAG2375-XL.jpg
:yes:

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Now that's funny sh!t right there!! :thumbsup:

:bow: :bow: :bow: :cheers:

:unibrow:

Here's the second practice session. Stainless w/o filler just practicing working the puddle with torch and pedal.
http://sieg.smugmug.com/Other/Weldin...MAG2597-XL.jpg

Looks good Scott!

When you get the hang of it - and you're on your way - you'll just LOVE TIG.

Whenever there's something to weld - I'll grab the TIG over the MIG any day.

Also for easy puddle work -- get yourself some silicon bronze rod.

Sieg-Looks Great! Nice work.

Greg,
Is the silicon bronze rod some of the custom shops use (DSE, Holohans, Troy's, etc.) for sheet metal joints just standard old silicon bronze rod such as you would use with a O/A gas welding set-up or is it a particular alloy to use with TIG?

Thanks-Wes

Wes -- forgot to add --- YES --- Gas welding SB rod uses a flux or flux coating - TIG does not.

http://metalshapers.org/101/covell/c...ilbronze.shtml

Thanks for asking Wes and thanks for the info Greg!

TIG is very challenging in a good way. Beside requiring a lot of basic knowledge education it appears to require a LOT of seat time. My argon bottle isn't going to last too long. :D

Regarding helmets, my cheapie goes down to 9 but on it's scale something around 7-8 would be an improvement. I see an Optrel or comparable in the future.

I've also noticed you can't put too good a grind on the tungsten, it definitely impacts the arc shape and performance. Maybe I can get a package deal on a helmet and grinder. :rofl:

Wish I had a Surgar Momma to support my perfectionist traits.............:willy:

Yes Greg YOU told me so........

Thanks for the replys.
Greg, I appreciate the link to the SB rod. That's exactly what I needed!
Wes