Are you in need of a multifunctional welder? Then you have come to the right place. There are lots of multi-process welders on the market today. When you want the best you need to understand your needs first so that you select the right one for you. Doing this will save you money as well as time. While there are a variety of such machines, going through each one of them can be intense and you will take a lot of time.
Fortunately, we are going to review one of the best that we are sure will suit your needs. The Esab 161LTS welder. It is a multifunctional machine that comes from a reputable brand. Esab has been manufacturing welders for decades now and with this tool you will find out why it is popular. Continue reading our Esab 161lts review to find out more.
Who should buy this welder?
A multifunctional welder offers flexibility and a wide range of welding applications. These include mild steel, stainless steel as well as aluminum. It is important to find one that will handle your needs accordingly. The right welder comes with features that will give you the best beads on all your applications.
Who is eligible to buy this unit? The Esab 161lts can be bought by professionals looking to work on a variety of projects. Also, DIYers looking to work at home can also buy the welder. It is ideal for tasks such as repair and Maintenance, light industrial projects, automotive work among others. Anyone looking for a high-quality stick welder capable of DC TIG welding can also buy the unit.
Things to consider when buying a welder
Before you purchase any welding machine there are a few things you need to keep in mind before making a purchase. Below we shall discuss the key factors you must consider.
Type of metal
Understanding the type of metal you are going to be working on is very important. Buying a welding machine that can’t handle your projects will be a waste of time and money. Check the thickness capacity before you choose a welder. This will enable you to select one that will not frustrate you as you weld. Will also offer you the best Welds in the long run.
The price
Price affects a lot of things when it comes to buying any product. It can affect the quality and performance of the welder. The best way to go about it is to set a budget and find out if the welder you have in mind will be able to handle all your needs. Don’t go with the attitude that the most expensive welder is the best.
Buying the most expensive will be a waste of money especially if it’s not the right machine for your projects. Likewise don’t go for a welder simply because it is the cheapest you can find on the market. Consider a welding machine that is going to be useful to you in all ways. Invest in the right machine for your needs.
Brand
There are several welder manufacturers today, but are they all worth a try? We can never be certain because we have not tested all the Brands out there. It is best to select a welder that comes from a reputable brand. That way you are guaranteed of quality and Performance. These brands offer the best terms of service and purchase. You will also get the best customer care in case you have an issue with your machine. With them, you will also get a series of welding machines to choose from.
Weight and portability
For any welder weight and portability is a crucial consideration. Imagine you have projects in different locations and you have to go with your welder but get exhausted when you carry it. This can be very big in the challenge to your work. Although the performance may depend on the weight at times, consider a unit which is lightweight but won’t let you compromise on the performance and quality of the machine.
Voltage input
The voltage input of a welder will determine the type of tasks you can work on. Likewise, your electrical supply will also determine the kind of welder you buy. It is best to choose a welder that has a voltage input that can allow you to work where you want. We recommend a device with a dual voltage input. That way you can get to work anyway whether at home or at your job site.
Esab 161lts welder
The Esab mini-arc 161lts comes from a well-established brand called Esab. They are known for their reliable high-quality welders made to offer customer satisfaction. They have been around for decades and they are among the leading manufacturers of multifunctional welding machines.
The Esab 161lts is a high-quality stick and DC TIG welder which runs on a voltage input of 115 volts and 230 volts of power. The amperage range is also impressive ranging from 5A to 160A. Is perfect to weld with using E6010 electrodes. It is Multi-functional and it is capable of automatically configuring to a primary input.
Additionally, it features arc touch, hot start and lift arc TIG. With it, you can work on a number of projects including light Fabrications, automotive works, home and general repair, HVAC repairs as well as maintenance. The unit is lightweight as it comes weighing only 18 pounds. It also features a strap handle which can allow you easily carry the machine whichever way you want to.
The only downside to this machine is that it doesn’t come included with a Tig torch as well as a regulator. It is also not ideal for heavy-duty industrial applications. If you need a machine that can handle such you will have to look at other options.
Pros
- It is ideal for a wide range of projects.
- The machine comes as a multifunctional device.
- It only weighs 18 lbs meaning you can easily transport it and carry.
- It also features an automatic primary select configuration.
- It is capable of lift arc dc TIG welding.
Cons
- The machine doesn’t come with a regulator or a Tig torch.
- It is not ideal for heavy-duty industrial applications.
Esab 161lts features and benefits
Multi-process
This welding machine comes as a stick welder but it can also handle DC TIG welding. The performance for both processes is great and you will get the best results from it. With this capability, you can also be able to handle more applications without any difficulty.
Dual voltage input
The dual voltage input will allow you to work anywhere conveniently as long as there is an electrical supply. The dual voltage it features is 115 volts and 230 volts. This will also enable you to work on different materials thickness is effortlessly.
Duty cycle and output range
The welder comes with a generous Duty cycle and output when welding the two different processes. When welding with the stick process the duty cycle is 160A/26.4 volts at 35% and 88A/23.5 volts at 100%. With the lift DC TIG process you will her 160A/16.4 volts at 35% and 88A/16.4 volts at 100%. This output range and the duty cycle is when you are using the 230-volt input
When you are the 115 input you will get a stick process output Range and duty cycle of 110A/24.4 volts at 35%. When with the lift DC TIG you get 110A/14.4 volts at 35% and 60A/12.4 volts at 100%.
Warranty
This device comes backed by a 3-year warranty. The three-year warranty will guarantee the quality of the device. You will be able to get a replacement for it within that period of time from the day of purchase. Aside from that it also comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. This means that within the first 100 days of purchase if there is anything wrong with the machine or you are just not satisfied with it, Esab will make it right for you or they will give you a cashback refund.
User-friendly design
The device comes with a simple interface with easy to operate controls. It also features an automatic primary select which will allow you to operate the machine on either 115 volts or even 230 volts. It will also automatically configure the primary voltage input that you always use.
With it, you can get to use E6010 electrodes without any difficulty. Allow you to handle multiple tasks such as fabrication, automotive works, domestic repairs, among others.
Weight and portability
The machine is lightweight weighing only 18lbs. This is convenient for someone working in different job sites. Also, the adjustable shoulder strap adds to its portability. You can carry it around your shoulder without getting any fatigue.
Conclusion
We have reached the end of our Esab 161lts review and buyer’s guide. When it comes to buying a good welding device you don’t have to compromise on quality and Performance. The Esab 161lts is a good entry-level device that can handle most of your welding needs. It is durable, reliable and of good quality. The warranty and the 100% guarantee shows that the quality of the device is unbeatable.
You will get the best quality Welds with this tool provided that it can handle the tasks you plan on doing. You have got the information now all you have to do is to make a decision.
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