What is the difference between this Elite MP200i AC/DC machine and the older Elite MP200i (20569)?

This unit has a lot of additional features that make this a more versatile machine. This new unit can TIG weld aluminum while the older unit can only TIG weld steel. This unit comes with a rocker style foot pedal for precise amperage control for TIG welding while the older unit does not have a foot pedal and relies on the torch trigger to turn the amperage on and off and doesn't have the ability to raise and lower the amps as you are welding.

This newer unit comes with casters attached to the machine and doesn't need a cart. It also holds two gas bottles. It also is fully plumbed for two bottles and doesn't require hoses to be changed when going from MIG to TIG welding. The older unit must be set on a cart and hoses must be swapped when changing welding functions. The newer unit also comes with an upgraded flex head torch with gas lens kit for the best welds, even in tight areas.

What is High Frequency Start for TIG welding?

High Frequency Start (HF) allows the operator to position the tungsten electrode near the metal to be welded and simply press the torch trigger or foot pedal to start the arc. HF is typically found on professional TIG welding machines with AC/DC function that also allows you to weld both steel and aluminum. This is a preferred method over lesser units that use a Scratch Start system that is not user friendly because it makes the operator touch the tungsten to the metal to be welded to start the arc. This makes it very difficult to maintain a good clean tungsten because it can easily stick to the material to be welded.

What does AC/DC mean in TIG welding?

DC polarity means the machine can weld steel. AC means it can weld aluminum. An AC/DC machine has the capabilities to weld both steel and aluminum and is typically the preferred machine for fabrication because of the ability to weld both materials.

What is the best way to sharpen a tungsten?

A dedicated grinder should always be used to sharpen a tungsten. If you use a standard bench grinder that is used to grind other metals, the debris from the grinding wheel will contaminate the tungsten and create a bad arc and poor welds. We suggest a dedicated hand held TIG Tungsten Grinder to sharpen tungstens and get the best TIG welds.