Amico CTS plasma TIG Stick welder combo
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- čas přidán 20. 02. 2020
- This is a self sponsored review of the Amico CTS multi process Plasma/TIG/Stick welder.
I think this could be a game changer for a home shop and weekend DIY welder.
The TIG is especially good on this little welder. down bellow is some Amazon affiliate links to the welder and consumables plus a lot of other useful clamps, magnet clamps and a wide range of other things.
Amazon affiliate links
**Use the Hynade Amazon Promo code 05MIKEWELD at checkout and save 5% on selected Hynade produces.**
These Hynade Stick,Tig plasma combo machines offer more options and value then the Amico, They can even run an optional TIG amp pedal.
*****Hynade 3-in-1 50 Amp HF start Plasma, 200A TIG and 200A Stick Welder - Welder Combo, Dual Voltage, (can run optional TIG Amp pedal) (STC520D) amzn.to/3uNKgVq
*****Hynade 3-in-1 50 Amp Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter, 200A TIG and 200A Stick Welder Combo, Dual Voltage (can run optional TIG Amp pedal) (STC520DP) amzn.to/3J5gTmD
*****Hynade Optional TIG Pedal amzn.to/35APHOJ
Amico CTS 160 plasma welder amzn.to/39NusWv
100 Pcs Plasma consumables replacements amzn.to/2V71OeH
23 Pcs clear TIG Pyrex stubby cup set amzn.to/39OZVaB
10Pcs TIG Blue tungsten set amzn.to/37JMzLp
Silicon bronze TIG brazing rod good for cast iron repairs amzn.to/2PelLwC
Shade #5 Plasma cutting glasses Hobart amzn.to/2SIIpza
Adjustable magnetic V hold clamps 4Pcs amzn.to/2P7tvQQ
Adjustable magnetic square holds metal amzn.to/2VaWK9c
2 Axis welding clamp 3" great for welding T and 90 deg joints on square metal amzn.to/2Pcl3jo
2 Axis welding clamp 4" amzn.to/39KHkMW
Miller half mask welding respirator amzn.to/2SJz8H0 - Jak na to + styl
Amazon paid affiliate links
These Hynade Stick,Tig plasma combo machines offer more options and value then the Amico, They can even run an optional TIG amp pedal.
***Use the Hynade Amazon Promo code 05MIKEWELD at checkout and save 5% on selected Hynade produces.***
*****Hynade 3-in-1 50 Amp HF start Plasma, 200A TIG and 200A Stick Welder - Welder Combo, Dual Voltage, (can run optional TIG Amp pedal) (STC520D) amzn.to/3uNKgVq
*****Hynade 3-in-1 50 Amp Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter, 200A TIG and 200A Stick Welder Combo, Dual Voltage (can run optional TIG Amp pedal) (STC520DP) amzn.to/3J5gTmD
*****Hynade Optional TIG Pedal amzn.to/35APHOJ
Amico CTS 160 plasma welder amzn.to/39NusWv
100 Pcs Plasma consumables replacements amzn.to/2V71OeH
This guy is not available anymore do you have any alternatives for a combo machine I really need something this weekend from Amazon I need to order something today no pressure though lol
“👍🏼” for not having a long drawn out unboxing.
What fantastic times We live in when You can get a decent Plasma AND TIG machine for under $400 !
I'm looking forward to Your long term tests of it Mike, thanks for all You do.
I really appreciate your reviews, I made my living for years as a welder, yes high dollar equipment is great, but I'm looking at hobby type equipment working on weekend projects with my son, I've found that alot of reviews on you tube you have either guy that spend thousands of dollars on equipment and most of the cheaper equipment they've already assumed a negative opinion of the equipment, or you have guys that really have no idea of what there reviewing, amico should sponsor you because of your review I've just ordered this machine, I dont want to buy thousands of dollars worth of equipment to build a couple of projects a year and I've been researching these multi process machines and honestly had decided against buying one not really being able to find a decent review of the actual capabilities after watching your video I'm confident this little machine will serve my diy/hobbyist purpose that you
Right on thanks for your comment 👍 I had a few different viewers ask about Amazon plasma torches, this one seemed interesting to me for the fact it was a combo machine. It’s interesting how all the info I read about it was really lacking on all the websites, how do they miss mentioning the TIG is high frequency? I was actually told from the seller it was scratch start 😂 I think this machine will be great for a DIY guy, the fact you won’t beak the bank to do some projects in your home shop is really great. Take care
Nice job on this review. Covered the product really well. Fair and accurate assessment of capability as well as pro/con. Good demo work and well-paced with narratives during functional demonstration. Nice focus on finished result showing quality produced with only wanting for show of the flipside to see penetration. Heat-effect coloring does give good indication of penetration on thin stock.
My first welder was an Amico 160 amp inverter stick welder and I honestly don't have a lot of bad things to say about it. It pretty much could do anything my dad's Lincoln tombstone can do at about 1/10th the weight and it runs on 120v/220v. Not bad for 130 bucks.
Really appreciate not doing silly unboxing! I know how to unbox. I also really appreciate your good, honest reviews which home shop/diy people can relate to. Great content as always Mike. Thanks
Its been 10 months, let's see a update video!
That's a great little welder and to have a plasma cutter is awesome. I may have to grab one of those. Great info in the video and thanks for sharing. We wouldn't have known without you
The machines are only as good as their users. Good job giving your reviews out of pocket and with no sponsors. The folks watching will know you're not being bias bc you're not being paid/compensated.
Great review brother 👍👍👍, I'm a hobby dad with a homemade small shop, cheap tools everywhere lol run a HF mig 170 currently, just started using gas and mig wire, you have inspired me to up my game sir, me and my boys build karts and minibikes etc and that machine you just reviewed was like opening the ark lol that would cover every and anything I would need to do, so thanks for footing the bill and trying it out for us DIYers much appreciated
thanks for the review, I didn't realize they were that affordable but I will wait until your 3 month review before I buy one.
Your set up, demo and discussion were excellently delivered. Thank you
I wanted to thank you for posting this! I ordered one up after seeing your vid and this is a great machine so far. (About a month) Your video gave all the good pertinent info to make the decision to buy. I'm looking forward to see your follow up!
really liked how you "condensed" the video. I wish more people would layout their videos like this especially reviews on products. I feel like it makes the video more watchable and it feels like alot more information is packed into it.
Thanks 👍 I appreciate your comment!
Really enjoy your videos. Your "Regular Guy" type instruction and review makes it feel like a buddy helping me figure things out...honest.
I've subscribed and have already gone back and started to watch the rest of your videos.
Thanks a bunch. Eric from Kissimmee Fl.
Any welding machine will do its job...you have to get the particular machine to do the job YOU need it to do...no certain brand is any better than any other...it's the human holding the lead!
Very good review and demonstration of each tool. Thanks for taking the time and $$$ to make this review. I appreciate it very much.
I am really amazed as the number of welding machines available for the hobbyist welder. When I was young, you had a choice of a Lincoln tombstone ac stick welder and where happy you had one. Today the selection is just endless it seams.
Haha the Lincoln tombstone! That was my first welder too 😂 I think almost any one that welded at home from 1970 to 1990 had one.
I was a teenager at the time I got one given to me and I wanted to cut and modify old bike frames for projects and even with thin rod I struggled to get frames welded with those old machines I just remember the old AC machine sticking non stop set on a low amp setting trying to tack those frames together. Thanks for checking out my video 👍
@@Mikefestiva When I was 9 years old I got a tombstone welder from J.C. Whitney Company. I saved money from my lawn mowing days. The cost was seventy dollars delivered to the door. Bet you that will never happen today and it was made in the USA with a topnotch company world known. That just does not happen today for sure.I used a auto transformer to control the output from the welder itself, I had any amperage I needed just by turning the dial. I still can weld thin metal with the SMAW all day long. Will never forget how and my friends can vouch for me. The money I made with this welder is in tens of thousands on the conservative side. This welder still is perfect with some scuffing of the paint here and there. So nice to hear others are just as passionate about welding things as I am. Keep up the great work showing other that they can get the welding bug too.
Pretty nice for that price when you're on a really really tight budget once again great video
Thanks for the review, think I’ll pull the trigger on one now that I’ve actually seen it used. Hopefully be an inexpensive solution for a plasma at home, with a bonus tig set up!
I hadn't considered any welder that included plasma, but I must say I am impressed.
This is a great video, man. Thank you for making it and being so thorough. It really helps novice like myself that are looking for answers served up in layman terms. I am now looking into getting one of these for my steel bike frame projects.
Man, this is one of the best reviews on this type of machine I've seen. Excellent review, very well done. Oh yeah, the machine looks like it's pretty good too. Thanks for such a complete and informative review, well done.
Thanks Jim I really appreciate your comments!
I bet the CTS 200 is just as good as the 160. If you need the extra amps it’s probably worth the extra cost. Take care
The best ever, Thanks for self-sponsoring, I like the Tig welders, but the others are so expensive, that multi-process machine, is Frkn Great!
Great video man thanks for all the time and details. I’ve had a cut 50 for a few years and it’s worth every penny even after being dropped, kicked, rained on etc it still works like new but I too noticed this multi unit and you sold me on it. Thanks 😎
I bought one of these a while back.. never tried the stick welding.. love it couldn’t be happier with it
Very well made video. Steady camera, good use of close ups, split screen, and text explanations of the process being used. Excellent. Thank you.
Thank you Rick!!
Great video, I recently purchased this welder based on your review. Thank you
Well, I bought one a few months ago and I fixing to use it. That is the reason I am again watching your vide. Thank you again.
congrats on 100k!! (little late I know) Glad you reviewed this. Almost purchased it awhile back but joined a local maker lab instead and used their plasma table. Still will ahve to keep this in mind for the future - seems like the perfect hobbyist plasma cutter, and great option for someone who wants to learn tig.
I am not an expert to welding, plasma nor any metal works.. I am impressed at this video! Good review and good information.
I have that same machine and I love it. Its easy to go from cutting to weld without even switch out tools except tig. I changed my clamp and stinger when I go mine as well.
Thank you for the straight forward.
I bought one a few months ago and had some problems with the leads insulated cup stripping, called the company and they were great with replacing them free and quick shipping, so replacing any cracked or broken parts aren’t a problem.
Excellent review Mike. I might have to pick this up for the plasma cutter function.
I have their plasma cut 50 and their mts 205. The mig is actually pretty good.I like amico. Their not high end but they work for me just fine
I got a amico tig for like 160. And it's great. Had it for 3 years and I use it probably once a month. Good budget machines
I have all the stick welder anyone could need, but the small package, and plasma and tig make it attractive, I'm hoping to setup a small shop at home, something like this could be nice, especially with the low air consumption, great video!!
Dude I really like your videos and reviews have a few engine driven machines and a suitcase but needed a cheap flux so after waching ur review on the small flux titanium i got it what a fantastic little welder now im going to get the unlimited 200 just for fun keep up the good work
Right on thanks for commenting 👍
Yes those little flux 125 welders are a really good value, surprisingly good for a lunch box 😂
I have the Titanium 200 and I love it! Take care Edward
Thank you for this, Sir! we've been wanting a plasma cutter AND to start learning TIG but purchasing both machines was going to be way in the future due to price. Can't wait for your 3 month review!
Thanks for checking out my new video 👍 It will be good to see how it holds up running it at my work over the next 3 months.
Ps I really like the rat rod go kart you two are building!
@@Mikefestiva Thank you!
That’s an old school style ground clamp. I haven’t seen one like that in 25 years. Nice machine for home projects 👍👍👍. ✌️😎
I have a cts-200 I am good at this and this video helped me a lot, hey my friend! Many thanks for the advice they have served me a lot !!! 👍🏼
Ur unboxing is exquisite and appreciated.
Wow definitely looks like a sweet budget welder/cutter!
Nice review Mike! Looked to perform very well for the money.
Good video really clear you weld very well you must have been doing this many years thanks for video the company needs to pay you for this
Love to see you do this on the yeswelder with onboard air your very comprehensive
Looking forward to your follow up video. I ordered one from your link I ended up getting the 180 modle real happy so far
Nice 👍 I loaned my 160 out to a friend because he wanted to learn how to TIG and also needed a plasma torch. I will do a follow up video this fall. Take care Jerry.
Thank you mate I don’t know how to use it ,but watching n listening from you it’ll help me out with my projects Aloha
Right on that’s awesome
Just got mine in the mail the other day haven’t used it yet! Thanks for the review
Nice 👍
Thanks for the video. I am on the edge about getting one of these. I proudly come from blue collar people but went to school playing basketball and am a Physicist.
Now for fun, on my days off, I play in my shop and plan to add one of these to my toy box. LOL
Thanks for doing this excellent video. I'll be buying one of these.
Thanks for the info! Please do a follow up video in the near future to let us know if it holds up. The price went up to $399..
Ok, I keep watching this video over and over, so from what I hear you saying is I don’t need argon gas for plasma cutting, just for welding with stick, and tig welding, best video I can find. Thank you for all the information, I’m a retired car painter, so I can hook up a water trap on my air compressor , and it it has a internal water trap also, so I should be able to figure it out. Again thank you for the great video.
You only need the Argon for the Tig Welding. Stick Welding doesn’t use any Gas.
Thanks for a no nonsense review. I'm looking for a small multi-process machine with a small footprint. Think I just found it.
Looks right up my alley. Will do all the DIY I need
You are truly good at teaching, thank you very much for this video… now I know what machine to buy, thank you
Another great review, keep em coming!
So far I've only ran stick on 120 amp at 72 7018 im waiting for spring to to try the rest but good to see another person with one of these machines
After watching your review I bought one at Home Depot. Supposedly Amico addressed all the concerns that you talked about hopefully it will be a good machine.
Let me know if they did 👍 thanks for commenting Paul 🙂
Mike festiva after using this welder plas cutter tig from 3 weeks it’s not a commercial grade piece of equipment but it does do an excellent job very consistent no air leaks no gas leaks easy to adjust easy to read love the tig Hi frequency start and plasma start good machine I would recommend it.
Very informative, just like your other videos. Thanks from Colorado.
Great review, just what I was looking for. Thank you
Mike, first I want to thank you for your vids and reviews. Helping me make some good decisions. Thank you. Been a machinist most of my life but have side lined for the last 20 yrs. due to health issues and no longer have access to the big name equipment I've used for years. But have built up nice little machine shop for home projects, including basic welding equipment, Ox-Acy torch, HF style mig and my beloved old Lincoln tombstone. (probably as old as I am @ 68) haha. Problem is had a couple of puke punks break in and stole all kinds of stuff last winter. Most, the cops where able to recover minus the welding equipment. Now the only welder I have is my old tombstone, (to heavy and too much work for them I guess) Basters.
Anyway, I'm at a point that I can finally replace the welding equipment. Have been looking at these combo welders for a while but couldn't justify the cost until now. This CTS unit seems like a good deal currently around $400 on the online site you gave link to. Also looking for a mig replacement. Local HF has a sale on the CE Flux 125 on sale for $99 and the Titanium Flux 125 for $219. Haven't made up my mine yet on these. Would love to be able to weld AL but really can't afford the cost right now for the small amount of AL I would be working with right now. That may change later this year or next fall when I get back to building my CNC stuff.
Now I'm NOT A WELDER, I can weld old school OX-Acy, (dying art), stick and mig. But want to learn to Tig. One issue I have is the bastards took ALL of my gas bottles. Was using mix argon/Co2 on the little mig as well, as the flux core wire. Now that I have no bottles at all I'm looking for a way to minimize the need for them. I see your using straight Argon for most of your projects. Or am I missing something? Most of the stuff I will be making is thinner steel like bicycle frames, racks and so on.
Would like your opinion on the gas or gases I may need? Is argon good for steel, stainless and later on if I go with a spool gun for AL?
Damn didn't mean to write a book, hope I didn't miss and letter "a" as keyboard is as old as I am.
Keep up the good work, your a very sharp creative skilled individual.
PH
THANK YOU FOR THE QUICK UNBOXING!
Last year I purchased a Ramsond Plasma cutter off amazon for about 250 bucks. I used it to slice through half inch old chiller wall plate like butter, it wasn't fast but worked perfect. all I needed was to make me a 220 circuit here at work and went to action. I ate through a bunch of consumables but comes with the territory and are cheap. I love plasma cutting more than anything. Not to take away from your video which was great btw just wanted to share my experience as well.
As a welder with 40 years welding,90% of the time overheating of machine or torch is caused by bad ground clamp. So a heavy ground is a good thing.
Seems like a great all round machine for the price, Mike. I really like my Amico160 DC inverter.
Another good video Mike, keep it up!
Love my Omni pro, 9 months i have been beating on it and no problems.
Right on 👍 The Vulcan welders are definitely a affordable and solid way to go!
I appreciate the non-unboxing. Thank You.
You make very nice and informative videos.. Thanks for that.
Great content! Thanks the review!!!
I DC TIG welded aluminum using a stick welding rod for the filler rod. It worked. Also, ebay has 3 in 1 plasma, stick and TIG for auction from Accurate Tools for less than $300. I think it's a 50 amp plasma.
Great video. I think I will get one too. Appreciate your review
you said update in 3 months, it's been a little longer than that and i cant find it, did you ever do it?
Thanks for the review. Can't stand the wait for the update so I bought one for myself...lol
Peeps with OCD will do this :) I am about to follow your lead.
Great review. Have stick and MIG. Sure could use TIG and a plasma cutter, but the combined cost of both is a daunting expense to justify.
I found myself uttering the word wow several times during this video. I want one.
FYI: I bought a $80 stinger from an established welding supply store and it last me less than a year. I bought one for less than $20 from Harbor Freight and no complaints.
I laughed so hard when you were talking about the manual. Earned my subscription
Right on 👍 thanks John!
thank mike, very useful demo, also thanks for the affiliated links.
Thanks for the heads up on this multi welder
I got their ARC160D two years ago and it's still going strong. It burns 6011 and 7018 great on 240, but I haven't tried it on 120 because I haven't needed to. I love the little thing.
CavemanJoe Hey Joe it’s good to hear from you again 👍 Thanks for commenting to the guy having problems TIG welding SS, I don’t weld much SS so I would have to do the same research as him to help answer some of his questions. It’s good you have been running your Amico for two years without any problems, so far I think it’s a pretty good little welder. I mostly run my welders on 220 as well but I find there’s a lot of people that like to see how they run on 120. Take care Joe 👍
@@Mikefestiva
Thanks, Mike. If I can figure out how to post photos, I'll show some of my stainless welds. I do more stainless than mild steel, being in a machine shop.
@@Mikefestiva
Almost forgot, my profile pic is a stainless keyed sleeve I welded into a solid roller that was wallowed out from wear.
Thanks for the review. I need this!
Amico Power make some really great welders for the price point, I bought a stick welder from them and it has paid for itself 20x already. Also good job Mike.
About a year and a half ago I bought the 180 pig Tig Mig Stick. I like it for the most part but found the quality control was a little lacking. Off the start the plug for the trigger on the Mig gun wasn’t completely assembled. Once I figured out what the problem was there I started welding with the Mig and it worked great. I ran it on 110 V and 220 pushed it as hard as I could and it worked great. Until about a year later. Then the wire kept bundling up inside the hose. I called them up and talk to them they didn’t have any idea what it could be but they did send me a whole new mig hose and gun. I plugged it in and immediately had the same problem. I then took to taking apart the hose completely and found out that the interior tube that the wire runs in separated from the fitting or the end. I reassembled it screwed on tight and it worked great it has come apart one more time since then so I will have to see about getting some adhesive or something to hold it together but other than that I’ve been real happy with the machine. I think their assembly Quality Control probably needs a little improvement there customer service was great and I like the American made. I’m hoping that they’ve already fixed these little quality control issues I am looking forward to purchasing more machines from them in the future.
I have the Amico Power ARC160 for about 3 months to learn stick welding, its a brute at 80%duty at 160amps. My weak link is also the breaker, but I can run 3/32 like you at about 80amps. My machine did not have any flaws like you saw, my stinger was good quality. I was actually looking at getting one of these soon, so thanks a lot for the review. Nice that they put the moisture trap inside.
You weld 3/32 7018 at 90 amp! I'm a boilermaker, any more help will cost you
@@jamesfoster9115 youre right, no not 7018 it will stick that low. 7014 and 6013. I need more power, like Tim the Toolman.
This is a pretty impressive little machine
It's a good little machine, I've had mine over a year.
Nice product review. I'm learning brother.. I'm learning! Subbed, hopefully I'll learn some more.
Excellent choice for a beginner or diy
Amico,Hitbox,Lotos,and Mophorn are all excellent welders for their purpose and price point. I feel much better banging around my 600 dollar Mophorn than my 2200 dollar Lincoln. It was a great investment. I have made that 600 back a hundred times over.
Great Video! I just purchased the CTS 200 version because the 160 was not available. I hope its every bit of the 160!
Either way I want it just for the plasma cutter. And to get stick and tig is just a bonus thanks for the review
yea on the gas flow , might been a good idea to be able to set the flow time... thanks for the video. i think this will be good enough for me to start welding Tig, and to use the plasma cutter is a plus
I run an Amico tig 185 ,as my portable ,take to the job machine.Its been great,160 amps max on stick (230 volt) 185 amp tig (230 volt).Im not a fan of the Euro style tig torch,so I replaced with a 17 flex head CK torch,and superflex cable.The HF is great!plus the gas solenoid in the machine.Ive welded up lots of 1"-1 1/2" sched 80 socket weld elbows,couplings etc to pipe.The Amico machines are very inexpensive,I like the HF tig 185 so much,I bought another one for a spare,its still in the box,lol! they have decent cables,large dinse connectors,and will run 6010 stick electrodes!
It’s good hear you have been happy with your Amico welder. I think for the price it seems like a pretty good little machine. Take care Jeffrey
@@Mikefestiva yup ,I've had at least 6, actually more like 9 of these Chinese inverters.kinda like a hobby.The Amico tig 185 cost me like $225 a few years back.its just the ticket for taking to the jobsite to either repair pipe weld leaks on refrigeration systems,running new lines,or making pipe supports using 6011/6010 stick.how can u go wrong with high freq,gas solenoid ,dual voltage,good stick capability with cellulose rods,for 225 bucks.although lately ,I've used that HF flux 125 for some light structural stuff and even welded up some 1 1/4" socket weld fittings.
Outstanding for the plasma alone so tig and stick just icing on the cake 🍰
BEST REVIEW FOR ME SO FAR ON YOU TUBE
I've always said the machine is only as good as the person using it. Cheers !
Purchased the CTS 200 based on your review!
Right on I hope you like it 👍
Yes. I saw the entire presentation. Just wanted to make sure. Thanks.
Right on 👍 Yes it’s definitely misleading when you look into the specs on web sites, they say it’s lift or scratch start. But as I mentioned in the video it’s a pleasant surprise it’s actually HF start.
@@Mikefestiva thanks for the confirmation
Just stumbled upon your video... Great unboxing review I've been wanting how to weld for many years... Kids come along and haven't been able to take the year long class at my local college but I want to start so I can be able to create another source of income... Can't wait to see an updated review...
You definately dont need a year long class. You really dont need any class. You need a welding helmet, an electrical, source, some welding gloves, a few hand tools like pliers and stuff. And go for it. I taught myself to weld on a miller 212 but you can learn on anything. These videos are nice. I encourage you to go with a cheap combo machine like this or even everlast machines. Matter of fact nobody needs more than an everlast. Encourage you to get started. They have a ct520d tig, stick, plasma, for like $325 or a smaller for $225. You'll need a harbor freight 21 gallon air compressor.
@@thornyturtleranch6152 ... I figured you needed a certificate to be able to make money doing it as a service... Thanks for the reply as soon as I get my taxes back hopefully this month I'll get ct520d then ...