The only way you can make your welding career to be more rewarding is by ensuring that you have invested in the best welding equipments and gears. For instance, you will need a top quality-welding machine which is not only powerful but also efficient. Searching a quality-welding machine requires you to do a lot of research whereby you will need to compare the features in different welding machines. This will allow you to pick the best machine with features that suits your welding tasks.
In this article, we have compiled a detailed Vulcan Protig 165 review for easier comparison with other models. Check its features below to determine if it is the kind of machine you would like to have for your welding projects.
Vulcan ProTig 165 Review – What Makes It So Awesome?
Top Quality Arc
One of the most important things you should look when buying a welding machine like the Protig 165 is consistency of the arc. In this regard, you will be pleased to note that this is one of the areas where this machine excels because it has a super efficient arc quality that is powered by inverter technology. Due to this technology, it has a very strong arc which enables it to weld any type of material.
Dual Voltage Capability
Another benefit of having this machine is that is compatible with both 240V or 120 V. This means that you won’t need to buy a transistor.
Heat Distortion
Heat energy is an important by product of an arc machine for welding. However, if the heat is extremely high in production, it might weaken the arc power. The good thing about Protig 165 is that it has an inbuilt pulsing technology which prevent this from happening. This technology also helps in boosting the travel speed to minimize heat distortion.
Lightweight
If you are searching for a machine that you can use on the field, Vulcan Protig 165 will be a good choice because it only weighs 20 pounds. As a result, it is more convenient as compared to other similar MIG welders. It is also equipped with a sturdy and comfortable handle for easier carrying.
Auto Sense Function
With this machine, you will be able to get the right arc at the right place and at the right time when welding different types of materials. The auto sensor detects your welding position and this enables it to provide the right arc whenever you intend to use it.
Versatile
For those who deal with different metals, this machine might be a good choice because it works with a wide variety of metals such as cast iron, aluminum, chrome- moly and stainless steel. It is also compatible with all industry standard metals.
Vulcan Protig 165 Vs Vulcan Omnipro 220
In terms of performance these two welders performs almost the same. However, they have some slight differences which you need to note before making a choice on which one you should use.
Duty Cycle – The duty cycle allows you to determine the efficiency of the machine and this means that it is another key thing you should check. It also determines for how long the machine can function without stopping in order to cool down. The duty cycle of Vulcan 220 is 40% at 130A while that of Protig 165 is 30% at 150 A. Among the two, Vulcan Omnipro 220 provides the highest duty cycle. This means that if you will be using the machine for long hours you should consider a welder that has the highest duty cycle. However, if you are on a budget, Protig 165 will still be a great choice.
Features – When it comes to performance, the two machines uses advanced technology and are very easy to use even for beginners, Due to this, you can use them to weld mild steel brass, aluminum and stainless steel. However, Omnipro 220 is able to weld mild steel which is as thin as 24-gauge and up to 3/8 thick. As a result, it is more versatile and you can use it in difference places like auto body workshops, ranch, home projects and farms.
On the other hand Protig 165 is capable of handling up to 3/8 mild steel and metals with a thinness of 24-gauge. As a result, you can use if in farm related projects, small industrial sites, DIY, and body work.
You can use any of the machines for light industrial applications. In terms of penetration ability, efficiency and flexibility the two machines performs the same.
Power Output – The power output of Protig 165 ranges from 10A to 165 A while that of Vulcan Omnipro 220 varies from 30A to 220 A. As you can see, their maximum and minimum power output is very different which means that Vulcan Omnipro is more powerful than the Protig 165. However, the two machines have enough power for handling small industrial and home projects.
Key Things You Should Think Of When Buying Protig 165
Before you buy this machine, you need to consider several things in order to determine whether it is worth your money or not. Some of the features you should check include;
Safety features – The best welding machine should be equipped with safety features which protects you plus the machine. For example, a thermal overload protection is one of the key things the machine should have. This feature protects the machine from the damages that might result from overheating. You will be pleased to note that Protig 165 has this feature which means that you can use it for long hours without problems.
Weight – The weight of a welding machine is another important thing especially of you are planning to use the machine in different areas. In regards to this, Vulcan 165 is one of the most lightweight machines since it only weighs 20 pounds.
Easy to use – Irrespective of your level of experience, you should look for a machine with accessible features. If you are a beginner, you need to ensure that the controls are easy to understand. It should also come with an easy to understand user manual.
Voltage input – The voltage input of the machine should be compatible with the one provided by your electrical supply. Buying a machine with different voltage input means that the machine will not function once you connect it into the power supply. Also note that using the wrong voltage may cause damages to the machine. What most people love about Vulcan 165 is that it is compatible with both 120 and 240-volt AC power supply.
Thickness of the material – You also need to understand that welding machines may not work with all materials since they have different strengths. Before you make a choice on the best machine you should buy, you need to think of the type of materials normally use.
Who Should Use Vulcan Protig 165?
Before you invest your money on this machine, you need to note that it is ideal for light duties. This makes it a great choice for anyone who needs a heavy-duty welder for light projects. Again, it is very easy to use for hobbyists as well as beginners. It is also great for professionals because it can handle different tasks. For those who work in different place or those who need a top quality machine they can use for fieldwork, Protig 165 is one of the most lightweight machines that are easy to carry.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Thermal overload protection
- Single power source
- High frequency arc starting
- Works perfectly with different metals
- Compatible with 120V and 240V
- Ideal for light industrial tasks
- Consistent and high frequency arc
Cons
- Not the best for heavy industrial applications
- It uses a lot of shielding gas
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Vulcan ProTig good for professionals?
If you are a professional artisan who deal with light applications, this machine will be a great choice. However, it is not strong enough for heavy-duty tasks.
2. Where should I buy ProTig 165 welder?
The best place to get this machine is from Amazon because they sell it a very good price as compared to other places. They also have a high reputation as compared to other online sellers.
Our Final Verdict
Vulcan Protig 165 is one of the best welding machines on the market. It has many outstanding features which enables it to provide an exceptional performance. If you deal with light tasks and you are in need of an affordable and top quality-welding machine, you will never regret buying this unit. What we can assure you is that your money will never go to waste once you decide to go for this machine.