PowerTig 225LX question

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02-02-2010, 03:01 PM
alexm

PowerTig 225LX question

I am real close to deciding what TIG machine to purchase, I was considering the PowerMaster 205 and now I am more inclined to get a separate plasma and Tig.
I was reading a post regarding the PM 205 being an entry level machine and the foot pedal had a separate rheostat for TIG.

1.-Does the PowerTig 225LX have a rheostat on the foot pedal or is it controlled by the panel?
2.-I do not see a manual for the 225LX or I cant find it on the website.
3.-What are the main advantages of the 225LX over the 200DX, what are the main "extra" that you get

Sorry to bother with all the questions but I really want to make an informed decision. Many Thanks!
02-02-2010, 07:09 PM
performance

The pm 205 and 200 dx have similar setup on the foot pedal.

The manual should be up soon. pm me your email and I will email it to you.

The 225 lx are built with modules rather than individual igbt's. It has more amperage, better features and panel control over the foot pedal.
02-03-2010, 01:54 AM
jtybt

I have the 225 LX. My understanding was it had AC for welding aluminum. Not 100% sure on that but that's what Oleg said. I was confused exactly what model did what so I waited til I got to the warehouse to choose.

It just doesn't have a plasma...that's on order.

Oh, The rheostat sets the max output on the panel that the foot control can deliver. Pretty neat so you won't put too much amps into the work.
02-03-2010, 02:37 AM
performance

DX and LX both have AC
02-03-2010, 08:31 AM
jtybt

Does the DX have the high frequency start and foot control? Maybe I should have bought the DX.

On a side note. I was wondering what would be involved in trying to spot weld(quick tack) some of the .040" SS. I was thinking about building a small set of draws to hold the consumables on my cart...seein' as my TIG welding of the .040" is so bad.
02-03-2010, 04:36 PM
performance

The DX is only 35% duty cycle and it also has a foot pedal that works differently. Amperage is controlled through a separate rheostat on the foot pedal, that limits maximum amount of amps. On the lx and ex, it is controlled at the panel.

As a note on the spot welding, the EX has a feature just for it that actually times the weld cycle. But, if you a use the 2t torch function, it will do a fantastic job since you can easily preset all the parameters, especially on the lx, that control slope and post flow. All you have to do is time it your self.
02-03-2010, 07:03 PM
jtybt

Wow! More stuff to play with. Glad I got the 225 LX, now.
02-03-2010, 07:55 PM
everlastsupport

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtybt

Wow! More stuff to play with. Glad I got the 225 LX, now.

I am a big fan of the LX, I picked up an EX in December. Gonna keep the EX, but will really miss my LX, many month for work on that thing.
02-03-2010, 08:31 PM
alexm

Thanks for the input Gentlemen!!!! any of you have any pics of the 225LX in action?
02-03-2010, 08:36 PM
alexm

Is a water cooler required for the 225LX??
any of you currently using the 225LX please let us know.
I understand the unit comes with a water cooled torch, and an air cooled torch is available as well.

Hey "jtybt" are running your torch through a water cooler or have an air cooled torch?

THANK YOU!
02-03-2010, 09:05 PM
everlastsupport

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexm

Is a water cooler required for the 225LX??
any of you currently using the 225LX please let us know.
I understand the unit comes with a water cooled torch, and an air cooled torch is available as well.

Hey "jtybt" are running your torch through a water cooler or have an air cooled torch?

THANK YOU!

Alex,

If you are working under 150amps in general and small TIG projects, you are fine. I did some 1/4" aluminum (stacked; no filler) this weekend and had to use water cooling.

That was with a 250EX, but the same applies to the LX just a couple less features.

Did you see the weldingtipsandtricks.com videos? If we do anything today maybe I will get the camera and shoot you at email.
02-03-2010, 10:10 PM
alexm

Thanks Mike!
Yes I saw the videos, they are great!
Is it mandatory to run water through the water cooled torch on the 225LX?
Is the water cooler something I have to purchase along with the TIG? I don't want that 225LX showing up at my door step and not be able to use it because I needed a water cooler.
Just want to find out all the details as I want to get my pennies together for this welder, don't want to just look at the thing because I needed a cooler.
I have never TIG welded (only MIG) and want to make sure I don't forget to purchase the needed items (budgeting too).
02-03-2010, 10:45 PM
everlastsupport

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexm

Thanks Mike!
Yes I saw the videos, they are great!
Is it mandatory to run water through the water cooled torch on the 225LX?

No, it is not required. I only run water when I run over 120 amps for long periods. You can run 200 amps for a short short weld without it. But this is what I do.

Quote:

Is the water cooler something I have to purchase along with the TIG? I don't want that 225LX showing up at my door step and not be able to use it because I needed a water cooler.

I was doing 1/2" aluminum (2x1/4") and I fired the water for that. I do 1/4" steel all the time and never use the water. Most of what I do is under 3/8" or less steel and short runs

You do not need the water cooler to get started. But it is a nice thing to add down the road. Your torch will like you for it.

Quote:

Just want to find out all the details as I want to get my pennies together for this welder, don't want to just look at the thing because I needed a cooler.
I have never TIG welded (only MIG) and want to make sure I don't forget to purchase the needed items (budgeting too).

PM me a phone number or email. I will send a picture of what I flipped the water on for or I can call and help answer your questions.

It really depends on what you are doing. The water cooler is nice, but not needed for a lot of projects.
02-04-2010, 02:13 AM
alexm

Will Do Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!