Invertec V155-S Review

admin

It finally came today.  Double boxed, shipped UPS from Lincolns Kalafornia warehouse. (they didn't have any in Ohio).  It takes a good knife and some time to get the machine out of the boxes.  It came with 3 instructions in different languages.First things first.  I plugged it into a 30 amp 110 v outlet in my shop.  Started out with Hobart 3/32 7018 right out of the oven.  Arc force on smooth and 85 amps which is where I run the stuff and had my way with it.  First rod stuck to the plate.  After that it was a little too hot, so I turned it down to 80, then 75 and the slag started curling up on the 1/4" plate I was playing with.Next I plugged it into a 220 outlet and set it at 140 amps and ran some of lincoln's best 7018 again right out of the oven.  The first strike stuck to the plate.  After that, it too was a little too hot, so I turned it down to 135 and ran a few sticks.  Nice welds more slag curling.  Life is good so far.  Then for fun, I ran one stick of 5/32 lincoln 7018 to see if it would do it. I turned it all the way up.  It ran it, just a little cold.  As I burned up  the one rod when I got towards the end of the bead, I put the arc out twice.  So far all good except the rod sticking on the first strike.Next I put it back into the 110 30 amp outlet and ran stick after stick of 3/32 7018 for almost 15 minutes.  I didn't even stop to chip the slag.  13 rods total.  No problems, no overheating, no temp light, just pretty beads.This is good!  NOW for the same test on 220 with 7018.  I set it on 140 and ran 7 rods in just under 15 minutes.  No over heating of the machine.  The air coming out of the front was 75* f according to my infrared thermometer.  The cables were another story.  They are #4 and were 94*f in my 60* shop.  So much for the claimed duty cycle.  I think I could have welded all day with it.First up grade will be #2 cables.  I then plugged it into a 15 amp 110 volt outlet and ran 3/32 rod at 75 amps.  I got ONE INCH and the breaker popped.  Turned it down to 65 amps and tried again.  Got two inches and it got dark in the shop again.Tonight I have another metal box to make out of 16 guage bottom and 1/8" sides.  I am going to tig it to see how it works.  This has no plug for a remote, but I have done more tig welding with out a remote than with.No pictures today, I left the camera at work.  I will post them tomorrow.Machine weighs less than 15 lbs and comes with a shoulder strap.  It has one knob for amps and a switch for smooth or crisp smaw and touch start tig.  That is all....simple like me.  All in all, it does more than I expected and more than the manual says it can as far as duty cycle.  I'm gonna go tig with it for a while DavidLast edited by David R; 05-21-2008 at 07:04 PM.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:I found the same with my little miller maxstar 150. I could tig until I could not touch the torch, or anything around me it got stuff so hot. And I never hit the duty cycle on it. I wish I had kept the little bugger!!!And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:That's good to know David.  I've been keeping my eye on that machine myself.  sounds like I need to go ahead and put an order in.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:David,How did you make out with the V155-S, I bought one this morning at 10:00 am and had to return it at 12:30 pm, It kept tripping the breaker, I have a 110 vac outlet at the breaker panel, fed with a 30 amp breaker, originally set up for my original Hougen mag drill, and the welder was plugged directly into the outlet. When welding with 3/32" 6011C at 75 amps, the unit was drawing 38 amps, after about 2-3 minutes the breaker would trip, to get the amp draw down below 30 amps, I had to run the unit at 60 amp output. I tried to run some 3/32" Lincoln Excaliber 7018, couldn't get it to flow, so I turned the amps up to 80-85 amps, it would run for about 45 seconds, then trip the breaker, real nice bead, but was drawing 40+ amps. Switched over to 230 volt supply, made all kind of stranges clinking and buzzing noises, with no weld output, shut the unit off waited 5 minutes, turned it back, on lots of clicking and flashing lights still no output, at this point gave up and returned the unit. Hopefully you will have better luck, I guess at this point I wll stick with my Miller Maxstar 200SD. I'm very interested in your continued review of the welder.Jack
Reply:Jack,For now, I can tell you I ran 1/8" 7018 at 130 amps on 110 volt 30 amp breaker for about 2 sticks before the breaker tripped.  It seems the only duty cycle I have to contend with is the breaker.  Sounds like you got a bad one, sorry to hear it.  This thing rocks.  PICS later tonight.  Today I made #2 gauge stinger and ground for it.  I will be running it more tonight.  I have a hall effect inductive DC pick up and will see what I can get out of it for Max amps and to see if the dial is accurate like I do with every machine I get.If there is anything some one wants me to do, go ahead and ask.3 year warranty.  That is why I ran it hard the first day, if its going back, it would be now.  I have some work for it and want to see how fast I can make it pay for its self.David Last edited by David R; 05-22-2008 at 05:19 PM.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Here come the pics.First is the 1/8" 7018 at 135 amps 220 outlet. Set on Smoooth.This is the 5/32 7018 machine turned all the way up.  See any spatter?Here is where I put the arc out twice.3/32 7018 110 volt 30 amp outlet.  13 rods, 15 minutes continuous welding 80 amps.Slag off same weldsLast edited by David R; 05-22-2008 at 08:52 PM.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:1/8" 7018 110 amps, 220 outlet vertical upI tigged another box, this one is 4X6, bottom is 1/16", sides are 1/8" X 1".  No fillerThis was done flat, but I couldn't get a good pic, so I turned it sideways.Tig up, machine turned all the way upMore UPLast edited by David R; 05-22-2008 at 09:13 PM.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Here is a weave over the stringer up.  I kept switching between S2 and S6 filler, so I don't remember which.  sorry.Vertical up profileReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Inductive pick up.  The dial is spot on. settings and set up.Here you can see the hot start in the beginning.  The dotted line would be 100 amps, it was set on 80.  You have to ignore the average since it includes the time I wasn't welding.  I checked it through out all the ranges on the dial.  1mv=1amp.  Machine was on "crisp".  When its on smoooth, the line is flatter and hot start is less.I was running 1/8" 6013 DCEN, my son turned the machine all the way down to 5 amps and I kept the arc going.  It was small, but..... then he turned it back up.The only bad thing is inital strike can stick if I am not gentle.  Once one rod has been run, it doesn't do it any more.  Must be the automatic self adjusting hot start.I LIKE IT!David Last edited by David R; 05-22-2008 at 09:11 PM.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Welds look good David..Getting the weave down pretty good!...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Thank you Zap DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:David glad to see you like you new welder.  Monday I purchased a Esab 150 miniarc. The v-150 Lincoln was my first choice, however the stick only unit was back ordered until July.  I didn't need the tig accessories.Try some stick welded Aluminum.   The Esab welds Al. wonderfully.  It is like welding with 6011.  My miller 150s didn't weld Al as well.  My thermal arc 80 did better than the miller but start up was difficult.  Curious how the lincoln will do.
Reply:Tapwelder, I never stick welded aluminum.  I would try it to see how it does, I have some scrap to give it a shot. Next time at the LWS, I will pick up some.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:David i thought you were getting the V160.How would you compare arc quality to your Lincoln engine drive?Thanks for the review.
Reply:brh1969,So, ya didn't get the story.....I wanted a V160-S.  Went to my LWS, they told me the -S was discontinued.  The V155-S replaced it.  Duty cycle was lower, and no plug for a remote on the 155.  THEY recommended the V160-T.  It has the exact same electrical specs and the 160-S, but Pulse, a gas valve, and High Freq start or Touch start tig.  NO adjustable arc force.  With tax, $500 more.  I ordered it and waited.... and waited....  Finally I made them call and see if it was shipped.   Ship tomorrow....  I went back in a few days they called again, no ship for another 2 weeks.  Back order.  Went home, spotted a V250-S used on Ebone for a good price so I bought it.THEN I ordered the V155-S off the internet for $670.00 to my door.   After buying both, I still didn't spend as much as the V160-T would have been.  I stopped at the LWS this week and made sure there were no hard feelings either way.No plug for the remote on the V155-S,The tig is in post #7.The V155-S and V250-s both have soft and crisp arc.  For the quality of the arc compared to my Ranger 250, I can get a smoother arc from the ranger than either one of those inverters. Not by a lot.I am still playing with the 155.  I found if I touch the rod to the work straight in, then rock it in the direction it should be, the arc starts right up.  The rod does stick the first time after being turned on.  Its a quirk of the machine.  I can start it by touching the rod gently.  If I bang the rod on the plate it just sticks.  Once an arc is established, then next time and all after that the rod doesn't stick.That and the slightly small cables are the only two things I can find fault with.  I paid $1.56 a foot for #2 cable, even got red and black.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Sounds Good, David.  Looks Like I'm gonna have to order me one now.  I've been looking for a small inverter stick machine  That looks like it will fit the bill just right.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:I ran the Ranger 250, V250-S and V155-S  All with 3/32 7018.  I got the machine set best as I could and ran one flat and one horizontal bead with out changing the settings.  All of em run sweet.The rod has been out of the oven for a week or so and shows it.  Sometimes it sticks.  The ranger 250 will start welding from an idle.  My last machine would not do that.Be back with the pics.David Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Here are the beads.Ranger 250 on smooth, 85 amps flatRanger 250 horizontalV250-S just over 85 amps, hot start 4 arc force 4 set on smooth flat.Same as above horizantalReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:V155-S smooth, 80 amps flat.HorizontalA practice bead same settings.3/32 Hobart 7018 not right out of the drier.As you can see, the V155 seems to run a little hotter.David Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Guess i didnt get the story sorry David.Thanks for the info.
Reply:Thanks for the write up, I have been considering a V155 and I think  you made up my mind for me.  Now if I can just get my salesman back off vacation I will get this thing on order. Jamie WebbWelder & InspectorBusiness and HobbyLincoln Pro-Mig 180 with Spool Gun and Lincoln AC225
Reply:Newbie looking for advice:Is the V155-S suitable for a novice to tig weld aluminum? Suggestions appreciated. Thanks
Reply:its dc only but dcep will weld thinner aluminum. ive done it with mine with outstanding results. a very amazing little machine.
Reply:Forgive my ignorance: what is DCEP?Is there a better entry level (cheap) welder for a novice to TIG weld aluminum?Steve
Reply:Originally Posted by HuskydogggForgive my ignorance: what is DCEP?Is there a better entry level (cheap) welder for a novice to TIG weld aluminum?SteveDCEP requires a larger tungsten than DCEN. I use a 5/32 diameter for DC aluminum at about 65 amps. any more amperage than that and your tungsten will not hang in there, will melt.
Reply:Where did you get your v155s? Sounds like you got a smokin' deal.
Reply:David:You reviewed the Invertec V155-S three years ago.  I expect that by now you have had much more substantial experiance with it.  Are you still happy with the machine? How is the durablility, i.e. how well has it held up to the rigors of commercial use?  Has it been reliable? Do you have any comments to add?Thanks!- MondoMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:Sorry, missed this one.    It still works the same and fine.   Still sticks a little with 7018.  I also have a V160 because it takes a foot pedal.   Both are working fine.I gave the V155 to m y son, he loves it and uses it a little.  Many machines in my shop, so it only gets used when out of the shop.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:how come no 6010 / 6011?
Reply:doublepost sorry
Reply:Originally Posted by weldbeadhow come no 6010 / 6011?
Reply:Read the review, and very happy.  Looking at the same welder.  How thin/thick of steel can you weld with it??Thanks,Will
Reply:Originally Posted by WilliamBosRead the review, and very happy.  Looking at the same welder.  How thin/thick of steel can you weld with it??Thanks,Will
Reply:For rod, it will weld with anything.   Tig welding with this machine is smooth as can be and the touch start works great.  6013  DCEN and set on crisp works quite well with NO problems starting the arc.  I have been able to take on some jobs that I could not because I own this size welder.   Last week my son and I went out to "secure a door" for the city.  It was in an old factory.  Rusty as can be.  I threw an extension cord from my Ranger 250 to him from the RR tracks.   He first ground the old rusty steel with a 4 1/2", then used the V155 to weld the door shut for ever going vertical up using  3/32 7018.  Door was 3/8" plate.It would have taken hours to run welding cables from my machine to the place he was welding.With multipass you can weld almost as thick as you want.   1/2" Clean plate?  Sure with 1/8" rod.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Thank you David.  So, it would not be a mistake to sell our mig pak 100, and our old Arc, and replace them with this??
Reply:You might miss the mig, I don't know your situation.  Once you use the V-155 the old ARC will not be missed.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Originally Posted by David RYou might miss the mig, I don't know your situation.  Once you use the V-155 the old ARC will not be missed.David
Reply:There are some pictures here some where I stick welded exhaust pipe.     I would rather mig stuff that thin any time.  V155 does go down to 5 amps.  My son turned it all the way down "for" me while I was welding.   It held the arc.  DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Originally Posted by David RThere are some pictures here some where I stick welded exhaust pipe.     I would rather mig stuff that thin any time.  V155 does go down to 5 amps.  My son turned it all the way down "for" me while I was welding.   It held the arc.  David
Reply:David,I'm new to welding and this blog thing, but am interested in the v155-s.First things first... Are you still happy with it?Still running well?Second, was wondering where you bought yours from. I'm really weary about buying online... Had some bad experiences in the past.
Reply:Will the 155s burn a 1/8 6010 5p+ ?Does the 155s have lift start tig mode of is it scratch start tig only?JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Originally Posted by sparky1981David,I'm new to welding and this blog thing, but am interested in the v155-s.First things first... Are you still happy with it?Still running well?Second, was wondering where you bought yours from. I'm really weary about buying online... Had some bad experiences in the past.
Reply:Nice write-up David, and thanks for keeping up with it.Have you tried any aluminum rod yet?Thanks, Tom.Lincoln SA 200Esab Caddy 160Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Dialarc HFI don't like making plans for the day because then the word "premeditated" gets thrown around the courtroom....
Reply:Originally Posted by dubl_tNice write-up David, and thanks for keeping up with it.Have you tried any aluminum rod yet?Thanks, Tom.