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One of the best TIG/Stick combos available on the market today is the Lincoln Square Wave 200. It’s simple to use, comes with everything you need to start welding, and has all the features for reliable performance. It’s perfect for hobbyists, small fabricators and craftsmen. The functionality of the machine will allow you to easily learn the process and expand your expertise. Let’s take a closer look at all the features of this machine in this Lincoln Square Wave TIG 200 review.
Lincoln Square Wave 200 offers a lot of versatility by having options of TIG and Stick welding. This allows working on a bigger variety of materials, including aluminum. You can use the TIG option when you need the bead to be more on point and precise. When you need to weld thicker materials and the aesthetics are less relevant, you can switch to the Stick option. You can also Stick weld on the projects in the outdoors.
AC/DC TIG
This welder offers both AC and DC power options. AC TIG is applicable for aluminum welding, while the DC TIG welds steel, stainless steel, and chrome-moly.
Power
It’s a dual voltage welder, giving you the choice of either using a standard household 120V outlet or plug it into a 230V for more power. The unit comes with two power cords, one for each voltage, making switching from one to another quick and easy.
It also features the following power output, which differs depending on the voltage used:
120V: TIG 10-125A, Stick 10-90A
230V: TIG 10-200A, Stick 10-170A
As for the duty cycle, they have the following rating:
120V: TIG 25% at 125A, Stick 20% at 75A
230V: TIG 25% at 200A, Stick 20% at 170A
Simple Interface
Some welding machines have so many complicated controls, that it’s easy to get confused with its setup. The controls on this Square Wave 200 welder can also appear a bit daunting for a first time user but it’s pretty easy to figure them out after a few minutes.
The simple interface features the following basic controls:
On/Off switch.
A button in the top right corner which allows you to choose the setting you wish to adjust. It can be adjusting amperage, pulse frequency, AC frequency, and AC balance.
Using the big knob in the center of the interface you can do the necessary adjustments to the setting chosen with the above mentioned button.
Under the setting selector, there’s another button that lets you choose the welding process: AC TIG, DC TIG, and Stick.
For better control of your weld, the welding machine offers you the AC balance feature. For this unit, you can adjust in the range 60-90%EN (electrode negative).
You can choose a lower electrode negative if you’re welding a thin material, need a wider bead, greater cleaning action, and a shorter tungsten lifespan.
A higher electrode negative is better for welding when you need greater penetration, a narrower bead, higher travel speed, and better aesthetics.
AC Frequency
AC frequency means the number of times per second the current changes from positive to negative. This welder offers the 60-150 Hz range. A lower frequency produces a wider bead, while a higher frequency allows making a more focused, narrow bead.
Pulse Mode
The pulse mode, instead of a constant output, allows having a pulsed current. For the Lincoln Square Wave 200, the range is .1-20 pulses per second.
You can choose the lower frequency for welds with moderate filler metal deposition and higher frequency for minimized metal distortion. The higher AC frequency gives better control when welding thinner materials.
High Frequency Start
High frequency start is a non-contact method to start an arc. During the process, the torch does not come into contact with the workpiece and this helps to reduce contamination. It’s one of the most advanced starting methods, but it also has a downside. Since it uses high frequency, it can create interferences with nearby electronics. So just move away from any electronics from the work area and don’t keep your phone in a pocket.
Inverted Based Design
Inverter technology allows for more power to be stored in a smaller box. This technology is what makes it possible to pack 200 amps of power in a 46 lbs unit. It used an internal microcomputer to store and disperse the power.
The technology also makes this welding machine portable. So you can take it anywhere where your work requires it. If you want to make it even easier to move it around, you can also buy an optional wheeled cart.
With the Lincoln Square Wave 200, you get great value for money, even though the price tag is quite high. You get a tool from one of the most reputable companies in the industry and it guarantees its quality with a good warranty. The machine has capabilities of welding a variety of materials and its adjustment features give an incredible degree of control.
We hope that you found this Lincoln Square Wave TIG 200 review informative. We also feature different articles on welding helmets, TIG welders, Stick welders, and others, if you’re looking for more welding equipment.
If you also don’t have yet safety gear for welding, check out our article on welding helmets.
Lincoln Square Wave 200 offers a lot of versatility by having options of TIG and Stick welding. This allows working on a bigger variety of materials, including aluminum. You can use the TIG option when you need the bead to be more on point and precise. When you need to weld thicker materials and the aesthetics are less relevant, you can switch to the Stick option. You can also Stick weld on the projects in the outdoors.
Some welding machines have so many complicated controls, that it’s easy to get confused with its setup. The controls on this Square Wave 200 welder can also appear a bit daunting for a first time user but it’s pretty easy to figure them out after a few minutes.
