Affordable welders are a treasure for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts. The YES Welder YWM – 160 promises value and versatility without emptying your wallet. This post dives into the unboxing, features, and real-world testing of this compact MIG welder from YesWelder.
Unboxing and Initial Inspection of the YES Welder YWM – 160
Contents of the Package: Cables, Accessories, and Documentation
Upon opening the YES Welder YWM – 160 box, you’ll find essential items:
- Grounding cable
- Welding torch
- User manual
- Instruction sheet for settings
- Gas line for use with gas bottles
My package came in with some shipping damage, the contents were unharmed. The welder includes a roller to accommodate different wire sizes, which allows you to use 0.030 and 0.035 wire.
Build Quality and Design: A Closer Look at the Welder’s Construction
The YWM – 160 features a compact design that is smaller than expected. This can be advantageous for easy storage and mobility. It comes with a protective screen and easy-access knobs. Although the knobs don’t have end stops, this design helps prevent accidental damage.
First Impressions: Size, Functionality, and Ease of Use
Right out of the box, the welder appears user-friendly. The components fit well together. The unit is designed to work primarily on 220-volts with a 120-volt adapter, which speaks to its build quality in my opinion. I like the concept of being built for 220-volts because I plan to primarily use it on 220-volts and when really pushing it to the test it should be better suited.
YES Welder YWM – 160: Features and Specifications
Multi-Process Capabilities: MIG, TIG, and Arc Welding
The YWM – 160 isn’t just a MIG welder; it also offers TIG and arc welding capabilities. However, my primary focus is on MIG welding. I think this welder would be good for most any beginner level welder, or someone looking to start welding in their workshop/garage.
Control Panel Overview: Understanding the Settings and Adjustments
The control panel is intuitive, featuring settings for voltage and amperage. Users can easily switch between modes, making adjustments as needed.
Wire Feed System: Roller Selection, Spool Capacity, and Tension Adjustment
The wire feed system is designed for simplicity. It accommodates both .030 and .035 wire with easy adjustments for tension. The spool can hold up to 10 pounds, allowing for longer welding sessions without constant changes.
Setting Up and Testing the YES Welder YWM – 160
Flux-Core Welding Setup: Preparing the Welder and Choosing Wire
For the initial tests, I set up for flux-core welding. This setup is common for DIY projects. A cheat sheet provided helpful settings for a successful start. This will help most users get the voltage/amperage close to what they need to weld. This also allows for easier setup because it helps guide users on whether the whip needs to be on positive or negative.
Initial Test Welds: Troubleshooting and Fine-Tuning Settings
Initial test welds didn’t meet expectations due to the smart settings issues. If I knew what the thickness of metal I was using and was more willing to spend time with the smart setting I’m sure they’d work fine. But switching to manual gave me better results. Adjusting the voltage and amperage improved the weld quality significantly.
Practical Application: Welding Scrap Metal and Evaluating Performance
Welding scrap metal allowed for real-world evaluation. The performance showed promise with decent penetration and bead consistency, making it a solid option for DIY projects.
YES Welder YWM – 160: Performance and Value
Weld Quality Analysis: Penetration, Bead Appearance, and Consistency
Overall, the welds produced by the YWM – 160 aren’t perfect but show reliability. The penetration was good, and the ability to fine-tune settings improved the overall bead appearance.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Identifying the Welder’s Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Compact design
- Multi-process functionality
Cons:
- Some initial setup challenges
- Limited advanced features
- The MIG whip isn’t removable
Conclusion: Is the YES Welder YWM – 160 Worth It?
Final Verdict: Value for Money and Suitability for DIY Projects
At a price around $160 on Amazon with the coupon, the YES Welder YWM – 160 delivers decent performance and versatility. It’s an excellent choice for hobbyists and those just starting in welding.
Tips for Success: Mastering Flux-Core Welding Techniques
To get the best out of your YWM – 160:
- Experiment with settings for your specific materials.
- Practice on scrap metal to gain confidence.
- Keep your workspace organized for efficiency.
- Make sure to clean your material.
Future Plans: Exploring Gas-Shielded MIG Welding with the YWM160
As I plan to acquire a gas bottle for gas-shielded MIG welding, this welder may soon take on new projects, enhancing its utility in the garage. I have a big project coming up here soon that I’m very excited to get to use the welder on.
For anyone looking to dive into welding without breaking the bank, the YES Welder YWM160 is worth considering. Happy welding!
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