Just Got the 201 HTP America Tig

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What a cool machine. Just set it up, and it welds like butter. I love the AC frequency adjustment. Makes a big differance welding alumumin. Very easy to operate..... I am glad I got this instead of the Miller..or Linclon...and I know I am going to get some flack over that statement, but I have one of their plasma cutters, and it works great also. This is a top quality inverter machine if you want to save a few dollars.
Reply:I had a HTP plasma cutters.  "Had..." because I  got it for 100 dollars from a pawn shop...sold it for $550.  I was as impress with their customer service and patience. I think you'll be satisfied with their service and readily available supplies. I order consumables from them. I have never been caught up with the name or color of a welder.  Got Panasonic, Thermodynamic,Zena,Lincoln,Century(recently sold) and an old Twentieth Century(century)
Reply:Can you post some pics. I too am very interested in this machine. It's between the HTP and the Thermal Arc 185. Very, very curious to see the quality of the welds. How heavy is it? It's not too cumbersome to carry around?Tony
Reply:mopar,Did you catch on of those demo specials they have been running on ebay?  I have been watching those.  They happen quite often, and they must be good welders, cause none sell much cheaper than brand new.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:I am sorry I don't know how to post pictures. This thing is about the size of an old sewing machine case. A bit taller, with two handles on the top and easy to carry. As you know the quality of the welds depends on the welder, my bud who builds race cars for a living came over and welded with it. He was very impressed, and of course his welds all look perfect. I can't say the same for mine, but I am not bad. Just went to the community college for two semesiters of tig instruction. One thing I like about HTP is when you buy the unit, you also get the torch, ground, and gagues. You have to buy a kit for the torch, but that is all. Heck, after you buy the Miller you have to spend another 595.00 for the quote "contractors kit" to get all that stuff.I am going to be building a welding table this weekend. I am using a 1/2 3'x4' plate for the top, and 2"x3" .120 wall for supports. That should give this thing a work out. I will let you know how it goes.Here is the link with a picture.http://www.htpweld.com/products/tig_welders/tig201.htmlI saw them selling these for $2050.00 on ebay, so I called them up and ask them if they would sell me one for the same price. They said yes. The first time I called and ask the price it was 2225.00. So they will deal a bit.
Reply:Hi - I just got one a few weeks ago and am verry pleased with it so far.  Yup, I like the freq adjustability too.  My tig welds quality improved from the ESAB 161 I was using, which had automatic freq adjustment.  This thing has power.  It easily tigs 3/8 alum., the thickest I've tried.  I wish it had a preflow control and if you get one new, be prepared to shell out another $50 for a stinger lead, which should be included with the machine package, not optional.
Reply:Glad you guys are happy with the machines, although I did not expect anything less.  I thought I would figure out how to upload some photos of the unit.  If you want a manual, send me an e-mail and I can send you a pdf.The 2 shots show the inside of the unit - not meant to scare you - just that this machine is physically larger than the competitor’s machines and in my opinion, much easier to service. We can figure out which board you have a problem with, ship it to you, you put it in and more than likely you are up and running faster than with a local distributor.There is also a front panel shot and the generic shot from the catalog.  Hope this helps. Attached ImagesJeff NolandDrive a LincolnDrink a MillerWeld with an HTP
Reply:Well I put this thing thru the ringer this weekend. I built a welding table out of 1/2 plate with legs of 3x2 .120 wall tubing. My only doubt was welding the uprights to the 1/2 plate. So I put the ol 201 on 200 AMPS and slamed the foot petal to the floor. I was very suprised at the penetration I got on the plate. This thing works great. I am more that happy with it. I have been playing with thin aluminum, and getting great results. I would highly recommend this machine to anyone thinking of buying an inverter machine.
Reply:I've had mine for almost two years now, it's never let me down.It works great in stick mode, I've been burning up some old rods and they don't stick to the metal like they do with a transformer machine. I've been running it with the H-F turned on I assume that it still works in stick mode? Is that correct Jeff?
Reply:How is this unit priced ,compared to the Dynasty 200 or the thermal arc 185,i will be getting either an inverter like these or a transformer machine in the next 6 months,.thanks
Reply:Just read a post above about the price,have you stick welded with it? would be interested see here how it burns 6010s.
Reply:I have a bunch of old rods at work, US Alloy is the name on them, they have strange numbers on them 825, 8002,etc. The boxes list them for high strenght repair,wear build-up,( these look like a stainless alloy)one box list for cutting! I think thier about 30 years old! I did a cast iron repair used n-99,it ran a very smooth arc on DC.I have a new box of 6013's, just haven't ran them yet. Rich
Reply:I have an HTP MIG 240 and a 380 plasma cutter. I love the plasma cutter but the MIG now is starting to act up. I always get a pop when I pull the trigger no matter how much I tune in the heat and wire speed. I think I am going to call them and see what I can "tune, clean or adjust in the machine". The plasma cutter hammers it's competition though. I have a dynasty 200DX, love it but I cannot comment on the 201 Inverig though. I have not tried one. T.J.www.tjsperformance.com
Reply:Caliber,Sorry for the delay in my response.  I do not think the HF works in the stick mode.  The HF is only used to start the arc, and since welding current is on all the time in the stick mode if the HF worked at all, it would be on for just the first 5 seconds or so when the machine is initially switched in the stick mode.However, if you are stick welding in the AC mode, both the AC frequency and AC balance are adjustable.  Additionally you can stick weld with the remote on in either AC or DC and use the remote amperage control (either foot pedal or hand control) to adjust the amperage while you are welding.Garauld,We try to price the machine as competitively as possible.  We do not include a “stinger lead” with the machine because if someone were only using the unit to TIG weld, then they would not need it.  A 15-ft stinger lead is $32.50, not $50.  If you already have the cable and electrode holder, the plug would be $9.00.JeffJeff NolandDrive a LincolnDrink a MillerWeld with an HTP
Reply:I spoke to Jeff from HTP yesterday about my MIG 240 concern. Great customer service and a great team as well. Thanks Jeff. Sorry to Hi-Jack thread.T.J.www.tjsperformance.com
Reply:Did Jeff or anyone mention the weight of the Invertig 201? What about thewarranty?Thanks,Don
Reply:Don,The machine weighs 68 lbs.  It has a 3 year warranty.  Also, we give you a 90 day money back guarantee.  Try the machine in your shop for 90 days on your projects.  If you don't like the way the machine welds, we are happy to take it back.There is currently a Tig School Demo on e-bay right now.  Let me know if you have any other questions.Jeff NolandDrive a LincolnDrink a MillerWeld with an HTP
Reply:Originally Posted by Jeff NLet me know if you have any other questions.
Reply:Heath,Send me a $2300 check for my birthday, and I'll send you a 201 for yours!LOLJeff NolandDrive a LincolnDrink a MillerWeld with an HTP
Reply:Good plan.  Though I was hoping to score one just a bit cheaper than that.  I'll probably grab one of the demo units off ebay when I get ready to throw down the cash.-Heath