ARCCAPTAIN 250A DC TIG Welder: up to 250 A, 230 V

What it welds

The ARCCAPTAIN 250A DC TIG Welder is a DC TIG with a maker-stated output of 20 to 250 amps on 230-volt input.

At its top output of 250 amps, Miller's 1-amp-per-thousandth rule points to about 1/4 in of steel per pass. Where the rule comes from.

The listing doesn't give a duty cycle with its amperage, which makes long beads hard to plan; the rating plate or manual should state it. Why it matters.

Processes, per the maker: MMA/Lift TIG. Check which torches and guns come in the box; a TIG torch or spool gun is often extra. Process guide.

It's DC TIG: steel, stainless and chromoly, but not aluminium.

It needs a 240-volt circuit; have a licensed electrician install the receptacle the manual specifies. 120 V vs 240 V.

Eye protection: OSHA's minimum is shade 8 for most of this machine's range (shade 10 for stick above 160 A). Full table.

Also on the listing: dimensions of 14.9 x 5.7 x 9.7 inches and a weight of 11.5 lb.

Is it the right machine for the job?

Buy it for

Steel and stainless TIG
Steel to about 1/4 in per pass

Skip it for

Steel much past 1/4 in in one pass
Aluminium

What it does well, where it falls short

Does well

Up to 250 A output

Falls short

Duty cycle not stated with amps
Needs a 240 V circuit
No aluminium (DC only)

Power and setup notes

Ratings are the maker's own, stated under the maker's conditions. Follow the manual, wear eye protection of at least OSHA's minimum shade, keep combustibles away, ventilate, and have a licensed electrician install new circuits.

Rated output and specs

Every figure below comes from the source shown in brackets. Where the maker doesn't state something, we say so instead of estimating.

Model number	250A	Retailer
Product weight	11.5 lb	Retailer
Dimensions (seller)	14.9 x 5.7 x 9.7 inches	Retailer
Size	ARC250	Retailer
Material	Metal	Retailer
Power	Electric Corded	Retailer
Input power	230 V	Retailer
Output range	20–250a	Retailer
Processes	MMA/Lift TIG	Retailer