AHP AlphaTIG 200X Review

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Are you wondering if the AHP AlphaTIG 200X TIG welder has enough juice and power needed to complete your TIG and stick welding jobs with ease? If your answer is yes, you should continue to read this AHP AlphaTIG 200X review.

In this article, you will find all the information you need for your buying decision. Why?

Because I do not only list the technical details of this new TIG welder, but also mention all pros and cons, review the welding performance and show you the unboxing video. So you will get a complete idea of what the AlphaTIG 200X is capable of.

Please use the links below to navigate through the article quickly.

Table of Contents

Where are AHP welders made?

The AHP AlphaTIG 200X is sold by AHP welding systems, a company located in San Francisco, California. I was curious where are AHP welders made, but unfortunately, I could

not find any information on the official AHP website. Nevertheless, I read in a forum article at weldingweb.com here, that AHP welders are made in China. Actually, I was not very surprised since it is quite usual these days to manufacture electronic components in China. However, this will count to the cons of my pros and cons list later on.

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What technology is inside the AlphaTIG 200X?

The 2018 AHP models were upgraded with 200 Hz on pulse frequency and AC frequency. Additional AHP delivers an improved welding torch and I guess this is because the old welding torch was not the best in quality.

The inverter technology inside the AlphaTIG 200X works with PWM (pulse width modulation) and IGBT (insulated gate bipolar transistor). For all interested in the electronics:

Similar to a MOSFET, an IGBT is an electronic switching module that changes the current in your machine. IGBT technology is usually used when high switching frequencies and high currents are required. Read more about MOSFET vs IGBT in the mig-welding.co.uk forum here.

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Machine functions

AHP AlphaTIG 200x - TIG welding arc

TIG welding arc with AHP AlphaTIG 200

The AlphaTIG 200x is a welding machine that can operate in TIG or stick welding mode. Furthermore, the AlphaTIG is designed to operate on either 110 or 220 Volt single phase. Depending on your welding job you can either select AC or DC output current.

I noticed that the pulse of the AlphaTIG 200X can be used in both DC and AC modes and offers a good range of frequency control. As you may know, other welding machines have a fixed pulse speed and can’t be easily adjusted.

According to the manufacturer, in unfavorable situations like being outside in windy conditions, the AlphaTIG 200X welding machine makes welding easy with its versatility in power.

The pre and post flow control and start and end cycles are programmable features.  In addition, the 2T/4T sequencer function can be switched via a remote. A fully adjustable pulse feature helps to control the heat by adjusting pulse frequency, base and peak welding amps, and between low and high amp stages division of time.

One thing I like is that the 2T/4T switch lets you choose between two touch (2T) or four touch (4T) operation. But take care, the foot pedal will only work in the 2T mode.

2T operation (two cycles)

When you are in the 2T mode, you must decide to either connect the foot pedal or the torch switch cable. You cannot use both. The 2T mode is the best setup for beginners. In the 2T mode, you just press the switch and hold it down. During welding, the machine will operate at the preset power settings on the machine. When you release the switch, the welding arc quits.

4T operation (four cycles)

The 4T mode is for experienced users who want to have more control over upslope and downslope cycles.

Initially, when you press the trigger (switching number 1) preflow of shielding gas will start. As long as you keep the torch switch pressed, also the start amp setting will be active. Once you release the torch switch (switching number 2), power will ramp up to main amps. When you press the switch again (switching number 3), amperage will ramp down to end  amps. Once you release the trigger (switching number 4), the arc will quit and postflow of shielding gas will continue.

2018 AHP AlphaTIG 200X 200 Amp IGBT AC DC Tig/Stick Welder with PULSE 110v 220v 3 YEARS WARRANTY

Last update was on: February 26, 2024 2:57 am PST
*Affiliate Disclosure / More Information
in stock

Control knobs

Moreover, this machine offers a full range of features and controls for AC welding. In detail, you can adjust the following parameters:

  • Start amps (10-200 A)
  • Main Amps
  • Pulse Amps (10-200 A)
  • End Amps (10-200 A)
  • Pulse Frequency (5-200 Hz)
  • Pulse Time on (10-90%)
  • Post Flow (1-10)
  • AC Balance (30-70%)

Control switches

In addition, the machine allows the following adjustments with the 5 switches:

  • Remote switch: torch/pedal
  • Pulse switch: on/off
  • 2T/4T switch
  • AC/DC switch
  • TIG/MMA (stick) function switch
  • Machine switch: on/off
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AlphaTIG 200X – welding performance

How much power does the welder have?

AlphaTIG 200X welding performance

The AlphaTIG 200X brings a lot of power for small bucks. With a duty cycle of 60% @ 200 A for TIG welding, you should have more welding power than you will ever need.

In general, a duty cycle of 60% @ 200 A means you can weld for 6 minutes at 200 A. Then you need to wait for 4 minutes for the machine to cool down until you can restart your welding cycle.

The machines maximum output current is 200 Amps at 220 Volts and 140 Amps at 110 V outlet.

What materials can you weld?

The AHP AlphaTIG 200X is a one of a kind welding machine that you can use to weld multiple metals for different projects.

In order to give you an overview, the 200X is capable of welding at least the following materials:

  • Aluminum/Magnesium
  • Stainless steel
  • Mild steel
  • Iron
  • Copper

The minimum metal thickness you can weld is 0.040″ and maximum thickness is 3/8″.

In TIG mode you usually use DC for stainless steel, iron and copper. In AC mode, you can TIG weld Aluminum and magnesium.

Of course, the 200X is capable of welding the very common 7018 and 6013 welding rods.

The AlphaTIG 200X welds mild steel with a thickness of up to 3/8″ and aluminum up to 1/4″
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AlphaTIG 200X – general technical specifications

So let’s take a look at the technical specifications of this welding machine.

Product features

In detail, the AlphaTIG 200X has the following technical specifications:

  • Duty cycle TIG: 60 % @ 200A (20 V)
  • Duty cycle Stick: 35% @155 A (28 V)
  • 200 amps max output on 220 V
  • 140 amps max output on 110 V
  • 110v/240v 50/60Hz rated electrical input
  • AC/DC output power type
  • DC 10A & AC 20A minimum start amps
  • 2T/4T functionality
  • Start and end amps adjustment in the 4T mode
  • High Frequency TIG start
  • Pulse frequency 0.5 to 200Hz
  • Anti stick control
  • Weight: 67 lbs
  • Dimensions: 30 in x 12 in x 24.5 in
  • Part Number: Alpha-TIG200X-2018

Source/product manual: https://www.ahpwelds.com/manual/ALPHATIG_200X_MANUAL_03-20-14_VER2.pdf

2018 AHP AlphaTIG 200X 200 Amp IGBT AC DC Tig/Stick Welder with PULSE 110v 220v 3 YEARS WARRANTY

Last update was on: February 26, 2024 2:57 am PST
*Affiliate Disclosure / More Information
in stock
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What comes with the welder?

Included in the box with the TIG welding machine is the following:

  • Stick holder (9 ft)
  • Ground clamp (9 ft)
  • WP17 TIG flex hose torch (14 ft)
  • Metal foot pedal
  • Argon regulator
  • 110v plug adaptor
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AHP AlphaTIG 200X – pros and cons

Check out my pros and cons list on the AHP AlphaTIG 200X:

PROS:
  • You receive a smooth welding arc
  • Setting up the machine is a simple and easy process
  • You can choose between 2T and 4T mode
  • Very attractive price

CONS:
  • Only stick / TIG welding possible (No wire-feed MIG welding)
  • The machine is not manufactured in the USA
  • The ergonomics of the foot pedal
  • The instruction manual is short
  • Since there is only 1 display you have to do a little adjustment on the control switches to read the current set value

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AHP AlphaTIG 200X – unboxing & video review

In this video review you can get a more profound impression on the features of the AHP AlphaTIG 200X:

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General hints when working with the Alpha-TIG 200X

Safety first, so make sure to wear your welding safety clothing.

If you are completely new to TIG welding you should take a look into Millers TIG welding tips.

Other than that, please make sure that the cooling fans operate to their fullest potential by uncovering the vent of the welder. To prevent leaking, all fittings and connections from argon bottle to welder must be correctly placed. The grounding rod should be driven into the ground when using a generator. Turn the ground clamp connector clockwise to secure the work port into the welder. Going clockwise, tighten the TIG Copper nut connection to the TIG port.

If the pedal is being used, connect the 5 pin plug to the control outlet socket. Select the TIG/MMA switch for stick operation and select torch/pedal switch for torch position.

As mentioned above, when in AC mode the machine will only weld aluminum and magnesium. DC current is used for all other metals such as copper, stainless steel, and iron.

To turn on the machine, the power button is located towards the back of the unit. Also, make sure to regulate the flow meter when you open the valve on the gas cylinder.

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Conclusion: A powerful TIG welder for little money

To sum it up, I really can’t say anything bad about the Alpha-TIG 200X. In general, you can do either TIG or stick welding with this machine.

On the downside, this machine is not capable of MIG welding and as far as I know it is manufactured in China. Moreover, the foot pedal could be improved.

In my opinion, the AlphaTIG 200X is an attractive machine for both, the professional but also the hobby welder. Most of all, because it comes at an affordable price and offers a lot of power and plenty of options to adjust the arc.

If you ask me, I don’t know any other TIG welding machine that comes with such an excellent price/performance ratio like the AHP AlphaTIG 200x.

Don’t hesitate and check out the following offer and take a closer look:

2018 AHP AlphaTIG 200X 200 Amp IGBT AC DC Tig/Stick Welder with PULSE 110v 220v 3 YEARS WARRANTY

Last update was on: February 26, 2024 2:57 am PST
*Affiliate Disclosure / More Information
in stock

Image Credits: Pixabay / Amigos3D

8.5 Total Score
Excellent price / performance ratio

This TIG welder offers a lot for its price and is good for hobby and professional use.

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