Lotos TIG 200 Review

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 Overview

While not the cheapest welder on the market, it's also not the priciest and you get plenty for your money. We feel it is a good value machine. One of the great things about the Lotos TIG 200 is that it is dual voltage so you can use it for aluminium as well as steel. It's easy to use with clear, intuitive controls. This machine has plenty of features for the more experienced user, but it can also easily be picked up and used by a beginner. With the machine you get a very good manual. That's not something you often think about when considering which welder to buy, or any machine or gadget for that matter, but if you're new to welding, or simply want to learn how to use every aspect of your Lotos TIG 200 you will find the clear and detailed manual highly useful. I tend to dive straight into new machines and work them out by trial and error, but I can recommend taking time out to read this manual. It will save you time when you come to use it.

The machine

The machine itself is pretty robust. It weighs in at a sturdy 58lb. While there are lighter machines out there, it's still light enough to carry around and has an integrated handle. Personally I find this machine just the right weight. Lighter machines tend to feel a little flimsy while heavier ones are a pain to move about on site or even just around your home.

I am particularly impressed with the control panel. All the controls are located on the one front panel so you won't be hunting around for the switch or dial you need.

The machine measures 28x13x17 inches. Not too big if you're storing it in a smaller space. While the looks of a welder are probably not really a major influencer on your purchasing decision, this machine does look good too.

Key Features of the Lotos TIG 200

Related: Best Tig Welder Reviews

One of the main features of this machine is the foot pedal. It can be a little tricky to get to grips with at first, but do persevere. Once you've got the hang of it, I can assure you, you'll find it very useful. By using the foot pedal you're freeing up both your hands to get on with the job in hand and your mind focused on your work. When you get the hang of it, you'll find you get a really good level of heat control.

The switch between 220v and 110 v is made easy because the process is automated on this model. This takes away the decision making process, the machine simply detects which voltage is needed and adjusts accordingly. This makes it ideal for welding aluminium as well as steel and stainless steel. The machine works well for both TIG and stick welding jobs.

The Lotos TIG 200 has a duty cycle of 60% at both 150A for 110v and 190A for 200v. The TIG output current ranges from 10A to 200A and stick output from 30A to 200A. With this machine you'll be able to weld metals from 6mm thick to quarter of an inch thick.

Advantages of the Lotos TIG 200

The Lotos TIG 200 has a 200 amp AC/DC square wave inverter which really helps you to achieve accurate welding or aluminium.

When you buy the Lotos TIG 200 you get a lot of extra kit in the bundle. Basically, you get everything you need to get up and running with it and the accessories are all of a decent quality too. In the package you'll get a TIG torch and accessory pack. There's a stick electrode holder, a ground clamp with cable and you also get the foot pedal and an argon hose. Additionally, there's also a mask set included.

Lotos welders, including this machine have a good reputation for reliability.

The price point makes it ideal for a home or beginner welder to get a good machine without spending a  fortune, but without going for the most basic of machines on the market. On the other hand, it's perfectly at home on a building site or a professional workshop and makes a good choice for a professional welder on a budget.

Disadvantages of the Lotos TIG 200

The foot pedal can take a little time to become accustomed to.

Some users may find the machine a little heavy. If you're constantly on the move with your welder, you may want to consider a lighter machine.

To conclude...

This mid-range machine gives you everything you need in the box. It's a robust welder with plenty of useful features that you won't find on most cheaper welders, and even on some more expensive ones. The machine itself, while not the lightest on the market, makes up for the extra weight by the robustness of it. This is one you can take onto a building site without fear of it getting damaged.

The foot pedal is a great feature once you've got to grips with it. You'll wonder how you ever managed without one. It just takes a little practice to get the most out of the pedal as there's a bit of knack to it. It also benefits from an automatic switch between 110v and 220v which is a handy feature to have.