The new Vulcan PROTIG 205 TIG Welder from Harbor Freight 

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Miller fans are going to love it, because it has miller's exclusive "fan on demand" system. :)

I got the ProTig 205 a couple of weeks ago. I have no complaints! Another thing you didn't mention that's nice is that the machine saves the settings, so for example, if you're welding aluminum and get everything set just where you like it, then do some steel on DC, when you go back to AC tig, all your settings are still there unless you change them. It's also super easy to swap the torch and hose out to a superflex type if you're into that. I made a video review on mine showing how. I actually purchased mine after watching your video on the ProTig 200, and after seeing the upgrades on the 205, I was sold!

Great review! I was an exotic metals welder (51C) in the navy. I really appreciate seeing you using a respirator. That wasn’t an option in the 90’s navy. Now I am disabled from heavy metal poisoning from welding fumes in enclosed spaces. I wish more people understood how dangerous the fumes are.

As I posted the other day I got the 205. I got it all connected finally after the cord issue I had. I started doing all the basic stuff that is suggested on many sites like running a line on aluminum surface to clean the porosity off and make a clean weld with no filler rod. It took a few to learn to hold the tig wand and move with it etc. But once I got it going it was a blast. It took no time to figure out the maching and after a day and half I decided to try using filler rod. It took time to learn to control the flow once it got going I did some nice clean stacks and got excited. I kept going but got to happy and cooked a few spots. Then accidently bumped to tungsten and stopped to calm down from being to happy. I love this dang machine. its worth every penny.

Another Awesome video, can’t say Thank you enough for sharing! I’ve held off buying a Tig machine just bcuz of the pre/post flow issue on the less expensive machines, now I can move Fwd on a Tig Machine purchase. Patience and not wanting to weld any other way, meaning I only want to Tig weld, so love the welds and cleanliness of the Tig welding world. I am only buying one machine for my shop, saved money in the long run, Thanks to your videos along the way to help with my decision making. You are so helpful buy sharing your experience, knowledge, and reviews, Again, Thank you 🙏

I love the tip about welding a few inches at a time in one area on aluminum. I've never been a welder, but having worked in manufacturing I've seen guys in production shops use an old electric oven to heat up smaller parts and assemblies. Since they're wearing welding gloves anyway, they don't have to worry about burning their hands and they weld the pre-heated parts without worrying so much about deformation.

Mike, you put a lot of work and time into your videos. I don't think any less of you for taking freebies - I feel like you have earned them. I am happy to see your hard work pay off for you with some perks! You're a humble and honest person and I will always take you at your word.

Just wanted to say thanks Mike. I just picked up my Vulcan 205 tonight and preordered the titanium 170. They didn’t have it on the shelf. I would have never purchased anything like this from harbor freight had I not come across your videos. I appreciate all the great info ... Richie Sharp 👍😀

I like your relaxed style and speaking about the things that most of us want to hear about. So many of the videos on new equipment are about the unboxing and the unwrapping of all the parts. We all know how to do that! Looking forward to your comparison video with other Chinese brands.

I was hesitant to purchase this. But, now after watching your video. I will be purchasing.

Thank you I just bought the 205 and you so did a great video on the aluminum welding.

I recently purchased a Protig 205, when I plugged it into 220v a pop was heard and the breaker tripped. Reset the breaker, the machine turned on and the display was responsive, that is as far as I took it. Harbor Freight gave me no drama exchanging the machine, this one works great. This is one of the videos that I used in deciding which welder to purchase, Thanks!

Big fan of the channel , watch these kind of videos often and alot of guys day they can weld aluminum but can't , u say your ok but show different results! Great job !!!

Wow, perfect timing. I was looking at this yesterday.

Bro... What! An articulating dump truck?!?! That thing rips ass! That's the coolest thing ever!

Nice review. I've been looking at this machine and your review is the first one I've seen, thanks for sharing.

Thanks for the review, covered a lot of the interface which I was curious about. Good explanations of what / how so thank you. Good short overview / review video.

Thanks, your videos are helpful for me to understand the methods and tools available for DIY metal fabrication.

Mike, who ever you had doing camera work, did an excellent job!!! Great Job!!!

Thanks Mike. I bought one after watching your review.

Nice job on this video. Thanks for sharing with all of us.

Thanks. I have only welded steel for farm applications but find this very interesting.

Without your video, i probably wouldn't have considered this machine. Thx.

Another great video mike thanks for taking the time to make the video

Great video! So far the best explanation on this equipment. I will definitely subscribe. 👍🏽

biggest issue I had with my 200 was the hard AC starting with a balled tungsten with a high balance (50-60%). Sharp it was fine but once it balled it was a toss up. We also converted ours to a water cooled setup, but Ive had it 2 years and it works great, might be picking up a 205 as well!!

Mike - I don't usually comment on vids, but yours are very well done. I like the step-by-step explanations you give and simple to follow instructions. You would make an excellent instructor! Nicely done!!

i just got mine a month ago. I didn't realize it had that secret compartment! mind blown.

Bro hell yeH i can't wait for my 205. I accidentally bought the omnipro220 thinking aluminum would be chill but learned the hard way, ill just get that Vulcan double setup cart and it would be perfect.

Great review, excellent information, and clear presentation. Keep up the good work!

Really love your videos. You've come along way with editing. Great content and explanations of the work and welder. I wish only one day to have a welder like that one. Thanks

It's nice to have fit ups and welding tips explain in detail

Got a Mig welder from H/F over 10 years ago still works just fine.

I just got this last month. Been working great. Although my welding sucks.

0:41 lmao that look though. Good video Mike thanks for sharing. I'm thinking about getting this to add to my shop.

Thanks for another great video. I gave up trying to tig weld because for me it was like playing the drums, I can't get both hands and feet to do what I tell them to do. lol I got the OmniPro 220 and the spool gun for the few times I need to weld aluminum and so far only use it for mig but it works great!

Dude, that articulating truck is the perfect Forwarder for harvesting firewood.

Just got mine today! I had to special order it at the store but I got it for $799 with the 20% off with Inside Track Club when they had that coupon last weekend. Can’t wait to start using it!

Great video! My 205 is on the way. You are an amazing welder!

Thanks Mike for sharing, Good work

I bought this machine based largely on your review. I haven’t had a chance to TIG with it yet, but I did try it out with 7018 and 5P+. The 7018 (3/32” Excalibur) ran as smooth as butter. The 5P ran better than I expected, but certainly not as well as an alternator machine. Some of the things that stick out to me are the quality of the lead and power cord insulation. It’s very supple like silicon rubber. All the dials and buttons feel like quality. The ground clamp and stinger are also of decent quality. This is much less important, but I’m a weirdo about it: The cardboard packaging was real cardboard, not like the typical Chinese stuff, and the operator’s manual was actually translated very nicely👍🏼. I didn’t expect that. Can’t wait to get a bottle of argon so I can try out the TIG.

When he chucked the box, I subscribed

This was an extremely helpful video. Thank you.

thanks Mike..for all the tips..

Nice review, Been wanting to look at a tig welder. thanks much.

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Your video helped me decide to buy one last week. Having never ever used a normal welder in my life, i was pretty happy to figure this machine out on aluminum with the help of your video and several others online. No issues with your 205 since you've made this video? $900 is a lot of money to fork out at harbor freight. Hopefully these machines last and/or there's no supply issues down the road replacing them through extended warranties.

I Love your Videos! I'm going to get a welder soon and these videos are helping me out with some options I had a little Blue 90 amp flux core welder from HF but it had issues with the feed and I'm looking to get something that is versatile and can be used in several ways Thinking about the Titanium 200 multipurpose but I'll have to do some thinking on it

I love the product review because in retirement you have to watch expenses, but this seem like a great jobber level machine. I bought a tank of 25%/75% shield gas for my 150 amp MIG from 1984, and the price was $55. In my area, that is $25 lower than a year ago. I am the oldest from a family farm, each is different but we never got an allowance. For the reason, I work for a neighbor who had the first John Deere 4 X 4 tractor and work on the same principles. I put the first 950 hrs on it but found a cool feature. When turning the steering to lock, if you pulled harder, the inside brakes applied. You could walk this huge tractor around a basket ball in the dirt. I have saved this video as a go to as I learn what I can afford. Working with aftermarket parts for vehicles is like the oak wood phone we had with 5 neighbors and giving a smart phone in its place. My oldest son sent me an I-6 this March and still working on it as a 2008 flip phone was the last cell GM provided. I retired then. I know every video that is about a TIG, the comments are; “Can I weld Aluminum?” Nope, it has to have a positive ground and negative torch to deal with oxides. I am learning in my sixties after stick welding with a “Crank-Top” Lincoln welder at age 10. My stepdad tried and his dad never attempted but for me it was learning. We didn’t have a shop class in high school, no cars, no wood, but drafting. So, I learned to draw. I get an idea for a cable operated HVAC door control for my 67 C10 pickup I am building, I use paint sticks, drill, cut, screws for pivots, then time I have a working design. I am not here to take aluminum over, just work with it, and some stainless exhaust using re-claimed materials. Thank you so much for the demo, info and tips. It is in my private folder for review if I pull the trigger. Please excuse me for being long, but I will be watching you other builds. I have not seen that much fun with a Subaru since I helped my buddy turn his Subaru Brat right-side-up on a muddy back road and deep tire grooves. Thanks much! Love the machine. Certified automotive ASE Master Tech since 1978 - Retired

Wow... those welds are impressive. The welder looks great

Great video Mike, very informative. That unit only weighs 50 lbs according to the HF website, so I would call it portable which makes it attractive for me. Also attractive is the hydraulic press box-brake project you are planning! Everybody selling a good gauge thickness tool like that is pretty proud of them, averaging $20 a copy, I'll let someone else gift it to me....maybe this Sunday even! Happy Father's day to you and everyone else starting their weekend with some Festiva!!

Just a tip, you can buy a variable temperature, infinitely variable fan speed control for computer fans. You could simply toss it inside the welder with some double stick tape, and connect it in series with the factory fan. It will limit the fan speed according to temperature, and it is adjustable so you can adjust how fast the baseline "low temperature" fan speed is. I have my computer fans barely turning at all unless it gets hot.

Vulcan welders are pretty damn good machines. I still find it hard to believe its from harbor freight lol. Their brand name products are actually all pretty good tools. Ive got the bauer line up for impacts and their earthquake xt series. A titanium 200 unlimited and the 125. The vuclans we have at work in the shop are used and abused pretty hard but they keep going. Next upgrade is the omni pro

Great review! Thanks!

Sharp looking welds. Ive wanted a OmniPro 220 for a long time, just havent been able to pull the trigger

Nice collection of welders you have there, I would love to have just one machine 😁

Please consider making a video with the 205 welding thick aluminum, I've searched everywhere on RU-vid for a "maxing out the Vulcan 205" video on RU-vid and all the videos are basic and none show what the upper limits of this machine are. I think it would make for great content, 3/8 thick with a helium argon mix would be a bonus.

seems it has its own power on self test including fan functionality test. nice.

Great video, I am buying one next month.

Great instruction and review. Nice Build Sir !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nice. Now as a tip, if you can cut at a 45 degree angle with your plasma cutter, you then have a nice trough to fill with bead when welding it up. :-)

BEST. UNBOXING. EVER.

Very nice demo ... Thank you

Thanks buddy I’m gonna get one of these. I’m restoring a 69 cj5 tdi project.

Great video. Thanks. You have mad welding skilz and mad videography skilz as well. I need a tig for light automotive use (restoration work) and for some metal art use. I am hopeful that the HF unit will do the trick. Would you buy the 2-year replacement plan?

Not bad man usually see people on RU-vid absolutely struggling to tig weld aluminum that’s literally the first decent bead I’ve seen outside welding tips and tricks.

Hi Mike I just wanted to say I am truly impressed with all your videos and I just stumbled onto these about a week ago. Because of your great tutorials on the titanium welders and the Vulcan welders I am buying the titanium 170 and the Vulcan 205. Because you really gave honest reviews, and I did a lot of research with other videos as well looking for the negatives and just really couldn’t find any I am also considering the Cnc crossfire pro but I want to see it out there for a little longer to see how it holds up after longer use from you and others. I have a Eastwood versa 60 plasma right now and it pretty good unit. Anyway thanks for the videos and great way of sharing info. Ps. Until I get a crossfire would you be interested in making some small parts if I sent you an email of what I’m looking for. Thank you Rich.

Nice video Mike, Hope the 205 is improved, Looks great, all the reviews on the old 200 were good except that a few problems with the Hi Freq start on a very small amount of them, HF replaced them with no problem I guess.

Great little machine mike

Perhaps it's name could be'Super-Route',as you can choose almost any.I'm guessing most of us thought it your 'Mountain Goat'.Regardless.I don't weld enough to understand all the settings,and am always glad when they're explained.TY.(mig when I Have too,and not well)

Awesome, I've been thinking about one of their machines , how thin of aluminum will that weld , I have a lot of hand line irrigation pipe that need repaired occasionally ?Great video !

You had me at "standardized". ❤️

Great vid Thanks Mike.If you could please recommend weather the 205 could be used to repair my Valco riveted boat hull, I wish I bought a welded boat but If someone tells me it can’t be done CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.

Thanks. Great video.

This guy will survive the apocalypse....true skillz!

Hope this info helps someone as there's been a lot of confusion about the warranty from various online welding groups about these machines. If it's still 1 year or 90 day. Even HF website has it listed as 90 day, but I talked to the manager at my local HF yesterday about this and basically if the protig came in a box that says 1 year risk free trial, then they are a one year warranty. However, he told me that they are phasing out the one year warranty and units will be coming in NEW boxes that no longer say 1 year risk free trial and those units will now only be 90 day warranty. I just got mine first week of December and my box said one year. Manager said to hold on to that section of box as your "proof" . Kind of sucks they are doing this but still a good deal with discounts and extended warranty imo

That metal gauge tool is sold at Canada’s princess auto for 20 bucks Canadian (15 usd). It would be nice for you guys down there to have them in your HF. They’re handy to have

Nice video Mike, and nice TIG welder too! Just want to add, be CAREFUL of some Harbor Freight TIG welders that DON'T have A/C, which means you can't weld Aluminum. The 205 dopes have A/C so you're good to go, but many of the cheap ones don't. I have a older ProTIG 250EX, great machine, even without a liquid cooled torch it's generally still good for about 130A for short duration welds. Above that the consumables are going to start cooking.

Ha, they named it after my ESAB 205. Actually that Titanium 125 I bought that you recommended for that oddball work, has worked very well. Doesn’t replace the big machine of course, but for a small 120 volt flux core machine, it’s actually great. The adjustable angle finder idea is one I hadn’t thought of. I’ll have to buy a second one to do that now. Why do you cost me money so often?

very cool Mike you do good video's thanks for the tech tips ,might be build something soon like your truck , have a Subaru justy it runs but the body is crap, so going to make a little rig out of it

Good video. What are the available frequencies this will run. I saw that you were running 120hz, but will it go as low as 60hz output? Thanks

Got the 215 kicks butt

Annealing the aluminum will make it easier to manipulate/bend and eliminate relief cuts for a cleaner bend area.

Mike, how are the arc starts on AC now compared to the 200? From what the camera is showing, its pretty sweet.Thanks for making this to the point video, un-biased video. You ROCK!

What would DC tig be used on? Thanks for the great video. I picked up a pro tig yesterday!

Really think the truck needs shark teeth decals on it, front or sides. Great info in this video, the welder looks solid.

Very nice the 205 has a on demand fan my omnipro don't do that

Mike festiva I have just purchased a Volcan pro tig 205 .just wired my garage for 240 outlet . 50 amp outlet Is what matched the 240 plug that came with the welder do I use a 50 amp double pole breaker with a six gauge wire just want to be certain before I plug it in

First of all I just want to say awesome job! After seeing this in the Harborfrieght new page I was waiting for a review on it. You did a very good job at making this video. I do have one question though. How do you start the arc on this welder? Is it lift start or scratch start?Do you have to use the petal to start it? Thanks, I hope we can get some more videos on this machine!

The drop test got me 😂😂😂🤣😂😂😂

Which one do you recommend for welding aluminum without having to buy a spool gun? Thanks for the videos. Preferably a 220 volt one not a 110. Which would you recommend?

Glad yours worked out of the box. Mine was DOA. Got my money back. They tried hitting me with restocking fee. Ha no way. Great vids man.

Great review Mike. I just bought this machine. One question I have is about the torch. When welding aluminum in the past, the torch body would get extremely hot and I would have to stop after a minute or two, to let it cool down. What was your experience? Thanks

Left a thumbs up when you threw the box lol

Hey Brosuff quick question for you. Which platform do you prefer the Vulcan liner or the titanium lineup? And have you already done a comparison/review?

Great video. The dump truck is soooo awesome. Well done on the fenders.

That is awesome my friend

As I mentioned I went to get the welder from the store. Like a fat kid in a candy store, I was excited to get home and try it out. Well, I plug in the 110 outlets first. Just to watch it power up for the first time. I didn't have it in the garage yet because I had to warm it up. So after I see it on. I wanted to crank it on with 240 connected to it. So I decide its time to go start melting things together. I get it all outside to get going. And run the 220 line over to the machine. I needed an extension cord, due to where the 220 outlets are. I go back to get the one short plug-in that comes with the machine and I cant find it anywhere. I had it once and now its gone. I searched for 5 hours looking for it. I think extension cord midgets stole it.

Nice to see HF reach out to an actual HF customer for a change. Did this machine loose any features compared to the 200? I know there was some legal action from Lincoln regarding the 200. I wonder if HF won or if they had to re engineer some features? Do you ever do aluminum mig welding? I think the Omelet Pro can do that with a spool gun.

So you just did that using 110V with aluminum?? I welded years ago on my job with a Miller. Thinking of buying one of these.