I bought one of these early on and thought it was gonna be great. I don’t have a meter to test the output amperage, but I noticed significant changes in how the machine would work when using the foot pedal and when not using the foot pedal. Then I noticed a dramatic drop in argon gas output. I complained to customer service and after many weeks, they just sent a replacement machine. I hooked up the new one and the gas flow was nonexistent as well as air flowing from the internal air compressor. I told them I wanted my money back and that they could have both machines back. They refunded me my money and said they did’t want the machines back. I bought a primeweld 225x and it’s great. But I have one CT2050 that doesnt work and one that sort of works. I will say that the plasma torch does work well. I’m gonna swap out the solenoid valve and see if that makes a difference. Don’t buy one of these machines.
That's a good thought, but I definitely had it correct. The percentage shown is the amount of electrode positive, sometimes called "cleaning." So a setting of 25% should give 25% electrode positive and 75% electrode negative. I say "should" because I forgot to measure the times to calculate if the displayed percentages are accurate. Doesn't matter all that much. Based on the waveforms I observed, they are at least close.
@@lobpants When using just a switch, no foot pedal or torch mounted amperage control, I did get rated output on DC TIG. But just like AC, the DC TIG output is lower when using the foot pedal or torch mounted amperage control.
@@bigtb1717 Wired. As an EE, I would be inclined to hook myself into the CC output setting and check if the MCU does indeed decrease the current in AC mode and lies to the user for the displayed value or if something else is going on. Let me know if you are willing to and would need any assistance.
I'm willing to try something like that. And I'd be happy for any pointers to make sure I measure the right thing. You can shoot me an email if you'd like bigtbcontact@gmail.com I will say that this isn't an isolated case. There are many welders I've tested from Yeswelder and others that put out FAR less than their rated output and far less than the displayed setting. It's not at all uncommon for welders from this and other brands to be overrated.
They should rename themselves to “No welder” lol. Honestly it’s pretty sad, they charge pretty decent money for literally bottom barrel performance. I feel bad for all the people who got conned into wasting money on them.
Lol. I think some of their newest welders show that they are at least...sort of trying. And I will give the CT2050 props for the plasma cutting. I don't know how well the internal compressor will hold up, but it cuts pretty well in general, and surprisingly well with the internal compressor. It's just a shame that their AC TIG doesn't have better control and their stick welding isn't a bit better. The $1,600 it currently costs is a whole lot of money for something with so many questionable aspects. I only hope they have tweaked the design (proper argon connection, maybe?) and software to provide more consistent operation. Unfortunately, I may never find out because I'm not buying a second one, lol.
Another great video as usual and nice oscilloscope!
I bought one of these early on and thought it was gonna be great. I don’t have a meter to test the output amperage, but I noticed significant changes in how the machine would work when using the foot pedal and when not using the foot pedal. Then I noticed a dramatic drop in argon gas output. I complained to customer service and after many weeks, they just sent a replacement machine. I hooked up the new one and the gas flow was nonexistent as well as air flowing from the internal air compressor. I told them I wanted my money back and that they could have both machines back. They refunded me my money and said they did’t want the machines back. I bought a primeweld 225x and it’s great. But I have one CT2050 that doesnt work and one that sort of works. I will say that the plasma torch does work well. I’m gonna swap out the solenoid valve and see if that makes a difference. Don’t buy one of these machines.
Hi Tony!!!
Hi Timmy!
Given how much the controls resemble an ESAB, you may have the balance setting backward.
That's a good thought, but I definitely had it correct. The percentage shown is the amount of electrode positive, sometimes called "cleaning." So a setting of 25% should give 25% electrode positive and 75% electrode negative. I say "should" because I forgot to measure the times to calculate if the displayed percentages are accurate. Doesn't matter all that much. Based on the waveforms I observed, they are at least close.
@@bigtb1717 Ah well, it was worth a try.
True RMS current clamp meter?
Yup. The current clamp is true RMS. Values were confirmed but the Fluke oscilloscope as well.
@@bigtb1717 That's indeed odd. Do you get correct current on DC setting?
@@lobpants When using just a switch, no foot pedal or torch mounted amperage control, I did get rated output on DC TIG. But just like AC, the DC TIG output is lower when using the foot pedal or torch mounted amperage control.
@@bigtb1717 Wired. As an EE, I would be inclined to hook myself into the CC output setting and check if the MCU does indeed decrease the current in AC mode and lies to the user for the displayed value or if something else is going on. Let me know if you are willing to and would need any assistance.
I'm willing to try something like that. And I'd be happy for any pointers to make sure I measure the right thing. You can shoot me an email if you'd like bigtbcontact@gmail.com
I will say that this isn't an isolated case. There are many welders I've tested from Yeswelder and others that put out FAR less than their rated output and far less than the displayed setting. It's not at all uncommon for welders from this and other brands to be overrated.
They should rename themselves to “No welder” lol. Honestly it’s pretty sad, they charge pretty decent money for literally bottom barrel performance. I feel bad for all the people who got conned into wasting money on them.
Lol. I think some of their newest welders show that they are at least...sort of trying. And I will give the CT2050 props for the plasma cutting. I don't know how well the internal compressor will hold up, but it cuts pretty well in general, and surprisingly well with the internal compressor.
It's just a shame that their AC TIG doesn't have better control and their stick welding isn't a bit better. The $1,600 it currently costs is a whole lot of money for something with so many questionable aspects. I only hope they have tweaked the design (proper argon connection, maybe?) and software to provide more consistent operation. Unfortunately, I may never find out because I'm not buying a second one, lol.