Introduction:
Greetings, fellow welding enthusiasts! In today's exploration, we'll delve into a detailed review of Arccaptain's Spool Gun and TIG torch designed for their renowned MIG 200 welder. I'm Tucker Singer from SNS Smithing, and we'll be examining the setup, performance, and overall impressions of these welding accessories.
Arccaptain Spool Gun Setup:
Let's initiate our journey with the Spool Gun setup. Armed with a one-pound spool of 5356 aluminum wire, the process begins by delicately placing the spool to avoid tension issues. Pay close attention to the tensioner for the drive rollers to ensure a smooth operation. The machine comes with a specific drive roll for the Spool Gun, and while it's designed for 0.030 or 0.040 wire, with careful adjustment, you could likely accommodate 0.035 wire. Our machine settings are 22 volts and 14 meters per minute, providing a quick demonstration on an aluminum T-joint.
Performance and Observations:
The initial weld look promising, showcasing a decent bead profile without any burn-through issues. However, sensitivity in the trigger and a finicky tensioner knob on the roller present challenges. As we move forward, it's evident that the Arccaptain Spool Gun runs smoothly on aluminum, displaying satisfactory performance.
Arccaptain TIG Torch Setup:
Transitioning to the TIG torch, we dive into setting up for both steel and stainless steel welding. With the lift arc TIG, we adjust our machine settings to 95 amps for 3/8-inch thick steel. The torch operates with a reverse polarity setup – the TIG torch connects to the negative terminal, and the ground connects to the positive terminal.
Stainless Steel TIG Welding:
Executing a lap joint and a quick T-joint on stainless steel, the Arccaptain TIG torch delivers smooth performance. The coloration may not be perfect due to the absence of a gas lens, but the tight heat-affected zone suggests a reliable weld.
Final Thoughts:
In summary, the Arccaptain Spool Gun and TIG torch prove to be capable welding accessories, offering satisfactory performance for their price point. The Spool Gun handles aluminum well, albeit with some sensitivity concerns, while the TIG torch showcases versatility in welding both steel and stainless steel.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
1. Smooth Spool Gun operation on aluminum.
2. Versatile TIG torch for steel and stainless steel.
3. Affordable options for welding enthusiasts.
4. Decent bead profiles and heat-affected zones.
Cons:
1. Sensitivity in the Spool Gun trigger.
2. Finicky tensioner knob on the Spool Gun.
Conclusion:
Whether you're a hobbyist or a budget-conscious professional, Arccaptain's Spool Gun and TIG torch offer reliable performance for various welding applications. These accessories provide a cost-effective solution for welding enthusiasts seeking quality equipment.