PowerTig 225LX question

[alexm]

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!

[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.

[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.

[performance]

DX and LX both have AC

[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.

[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.

[jtybt]

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

[everlastsupport]

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.

[alexm]

Thanks for the input Gentlemen!!!! any of you have any pics of the 225LX in action?

[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!

[everlastsupport]

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.

[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).

[everlastsupport]

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.

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.

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.

[alexm]

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