YesWelder TIG-250P AC/DC TIG Welder: A Comprehensive Review

Quick Overview of the TIG-250P

What is included

• TIG-250P AC and DC welding machine
• WP-26 TIG Welding Torch 13 Feet
• Electrode Holder 10ft
• Ground Clamp 10ft
• Welding brush
• Gas Hose 6ft
• 5 pin pedal
• Other TIG accessories:
  • 3 collets
  • 1 collet body
  • 3 alumina ceramic mug
  • 1 long back cover
  • 1 short back cover

Technical Specifications

Advantages

• 250A of power for welding thicker materials
• Start and end control of the amplifier
• Adjustable amplifiers
• IGBT inverter technology
• Square wave technology for clean and precise aluminum welds
• Adjustable pulse frequency and width
• 2T and 4T control
• High-frequency start for minimal sticking of tungsten electrodes
• Control gas front/back flow time
• Compact and lightweight for easy portability
• Automatically saves welding settings
• Integrated dust cover for control panel
• Can be used with “dirty” electricity from generators

Shortcomings

• Runs on 220V only
• Stiff foot pedals and finger trigger
• Foot pedal must be held down to use
• Regulator and consumables not included

Things to Know Before Buying the TIG-250P

You need a 220V outlet

While the TIG-250P is compact and lightweight, it requires a 220V power outlet, not 110V. However, it is compatible with “dirty” electricity from generators, providing portability that other high-end TIG welders often lack.

Items not included

As a budget-friendly option, the TIG-250P doesn’t come with additional accessories. You will need to purchase a gas regulator and consumables like filler rods and electrodes separately.

Metric units

This unit operates using metric units, which means you’ll need to set measurements like tungsten electrode diameter in millimeters if you’re used to working in inches.

Trigger is stiff

Some users have found the foot and finger triggers to be too stiff, although trigger performance can vary from person to person. It may be necessary to replace them for a more comfortable experience.

Nitpicking on foot pedal

A unique quirk of the TIG-250P is the need to depress the foot pedal to activate its function. While it’s not difficult, some users find it inconvenient and wasteful of gas. It would be more user-friendly if the foot pedal mode could be selected directly from the control panel.

Key Features of the TIG-250P

Welding processes

The TIG-250P is not limited to TIG welding alone. It can perform TIG using both AC and DC current, allowing for aluminum welding and spot welding, as well as stick welding. With AC and DC TIG pulse welding capabilities, it offers a versatile range of welding methods.

Square wave technology

Unlike traditional sine wave TIG welders, the TIG-250P utilizes square wave technology. By removing the top and bottom of the sine wave, this welder allows for more time dedicated to cleaning and heating cycles. This results in improved performance and better weld beads, particularly when working with materials like aluminum.

Control

The unit features a user-friendly interface with a single dial and multiple buttons for adjusting various welding parameters. Once you become familiar with the control panel, you can easily fine-tune settings such as pulse width and frequency, gas flow time, start and end amplifiers, and more. The welder even saves your current settings in memory, ensuring convenience and consistency for future welding projects.

5 to 250 Amps and 60% Duty Cycle at 250A

Despite its affordability, the TIG-250P offers impressive power and versatility. It can operate at a wide range of amperages, from 5A to 250A, providing the capability to work with thin and thick materials. With a 60% duty cycle at 250A, this welder is suitable for both small professional welding shops and light to medium duty applications like DIY projects, hobby welding, and auto restoration. The ability to start as low as 5A and gradually increase allows for smoother weld starts and stops on thin materials.

2T and 4T control

The TIG-250P features both 2T and 4T control options. While 2T involves pulling the trigger to start welding and releasing it to stop, 4T control offers an additional method. With 4T control, you can pull the trigger to start the arc, release it while welding, and then pull and release the trigger again to stop the weld. This feature is especially useful for long welds, as it reduces fatigue and enhances welding efficiency.

High-frequency arc startup

Included in this affordable TIG-250P AC/DC welder is high-frequency (HF) arcing, a feature commonly found in high-end DC TIG machines. HF arcing allows for easy arc initiation by simply pulling the trigger without the need for scratches or other manual actions.

Portability

Weighing just 35 lbs and with compact dimensions, the TIG-250P offers excellent portability. While it can be used as a portable unit, it’s important to note that it operates solely on 220V power.

Generator compatible

To further enhance portability, the TIG-250P is compatible with generator power. Unlike many other TIG welders, this unit can handle “dirty” electricity generated by generators, providing flexibility in job locations where a 220V outlet may not be available.

What Others Are Saying

Common sentiments expressed by users in discussions, threads, and reviews include their appreciation for the machine and its great value for money. Users particularly highlight the lightweight and compact design, making it significantly easier to transport compared to older, bulkier TIG welders. The affordability of the TIG-250P, combined with its impressive features, has garnered positive feedback, with comments such as, “Best TIG welder for the money” and “Worth every dollar.” Smaller welding businesses and professionals have also praised its performance and reliability, making it a highly rated choice among welding enthusiasts.

One minor drawback mentioned by users is the need to hold down the foot pedal to activate it, leading to some wasting of gas. However, this unique feature does not hinder the overall positive perception of the welder.

Claim 10% off Your TIG-250P AC/DC

Weld Guru readers can enjoy an exclusive 10% discount sitewide when purchasing any YesWelder products, including the TIG-250P. By entering the promo code WELDGURU10 at checkout, you can save around $75 on the TIG-250P. Don’t miss out on this great offer!

Conclusion

The YesWelder TIG-250P AC/DC is a feature-packed TIG welder that provides exceptional value for its price range. With high-end features like high-frequency start and pulse width/frequency control, it stands out in the low- to mid-priced market. While it may have slight limitations, such as running solely on 220V and its stiff triggers, it compensates with the ability to run on generator power and its compact and lightweight design. Its broad range of applications and 60% duty cycle at 250A make it an ideal choice for small professional welding shops, as well as DIYers, welding enthusiasts, and auto restoration shops. With a 3-year warranty and a reputation for being the “Best Choice,” the YesWelder TIG-250P AC/DC is definitely worth considering for your next TIG welding investment.