Arccaptain MIG205 Pro | Ultimate MIG Guide with the Best Multi-Process MIG Welder

From this article, we will follow the perspective of Garage Time, a YouTube influencer, to conduct an in-depth review of the Arccaptain MIG205 Pro through unboxing and setup, welding tests on 20-gauge steel, and practical project demonstrations.

I. UNBOXING & SET UP

Garage Time discovered, after unboxing, not only the machine and essential accessories like solid welding wire and a regulator, but also some really cool little gadgets, such as stickers and a dust cover. There is also a recommended parameter chart on the side of the Arccaptain MIG205 Pro. During the unboxing, Garage Time compared the new unit with his 20-year-old Miller 135. In terms of size, the Arccaptain MIG205 Pro is significantly smaller and lighter than the Miller machine. Additionally, the welding gun used by the Arccaptain MIG205 Pro is the same model as the one used in the Miller welder.

After setting up the Arccaptain MIG205 Pro, Garage Time compared the differences between the Arccaptain welder and the Miller welder. The Arccaptain welder features a large LED screen, while the Miller welder has just two knobs. Additionally, the wire speed on the Arccaptain MIG205 Pro is indicated in IPM (Inches Per Minute), whereas the Miller 135 uses a simple scale from 10 to 100 to represent wire speed. Thanks to the Synergic Function, when Garage Time adjusts the wire speed, the voltage automatically adjusts as well.

II. Welding Test On 20-Gauge Thin Metal

Garage Time conducted a welding test on 20-gauge thin metal to assess the stability of the Arccaptain.

First, Garage Time turned off the MIG205 Pro's Synergic Function and switched to manual mode. He initially set the wire speed to 60 but only achieved a poor-quality weld. After continuously increasing the wire speed and adjusting the voltage, Garage Time finally reached a high-quality weld after 9 adjustments, operating at 120 IPM and 15V. 

Then, Garage Time turned the synergic mode back on and tried again. Just on his fourth attempt, he achieved a high-quality weld. Although he had never experienced this feature before since his Miller 135 did not have it, he expressed that he was starting to like the Arccaptain's synergic function, as it helps users produce welds more efficiently, even for an experienced welder like himself.

After a series of tests, Garage Time stated, “This machine’s welds are really consistent with excellent penetration. The arc stability is great, and the on/off stability is awesome. The burnback was set perfectly by default. I have no complaints at all with the welder—it's performing really well.”

III. Practical Project Demonstrations

Garage Time demonstrated the Arccaptain MIG205 Pro's welding capabilities by showcasing techniques for handling rusted metal and filling weld holes. 

Garage Time also used the Miller 135 and Arccaptain MIG205 Pro to weld 1/8 inch steel, showcasing the welds produced by both machines.

Finally, Garage Time concluded by stating that he would consider selling the Miller 135 and replacing it with the Arccaptain MIG205 Pro, as the Arccaptain MIG205 Pro can perform many tasks that the Miller 135 cannot.

Garage Time's video also includes more details and welding techniques, like Spot MIG, Pull, and Push techniques. If you're interested in MIG welding, you should not miss the video from Garage Time.