No collision-repair shop is fully equipped without a dependable welder on hand, whether the task at hand is a critical repair or simply pulling dents. So, Fleet Maintenance caught up with Michael Robinson, a technician/welder at MAS in Lansing, Michigan, to get his take on the ESAB Rogue ET 200iP Pro.
Q: How did the tool function as far as saving you time?
A: The welder is very quick to setup and saves previous setup settings to get you back to welding quickly. It’s also a dual voltage machine, meaning no matter where you go you can complete the job, saving time not looking for a certain plug in to connect to. It can also run off a generator.
Q: How has using this tool impacted your shop’s profitability?
A: The tool’s time savings on setup and ease of portability allows you to go out in the field quickly and have no worries about running back and forth for other equipment. It saves many man hours of wasted time. Whether you need to TIG weld stainless pipe or do some stick welding, this machine has it covered with plenty of power.
Q: How easy was it to use?
A: The welder is very easy to use if you have welded before. Setting up is super simple and adjusting the settings to what is needed is also very simple.
Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories?
A: It came well packaged and with just about everything you need to start welding. It came with a very nice flexible TIG torch and some tungsten and cups to get you started. You will need a bottle of Argon, but the welder does come with a nice regulator and hose for the gas, so that's one less thing to worry about buying separately. The TIG torch has the controls on it, so the foot control is not necessary to start welding. The best part is that any accessory you may want is easy to find, although you won't need many as this is a well-equipped bundle.
As far as the stick welding goes, it came with a nice stinger that is really hard to beat for an included accessory. All the accessories are rated to the maximum output of this welder at 200A.
It also came with the 120V/230V power adapter which is a nice addition to have when 230V may not be available.
Q: Was there a manual included?
A: Yes, a manual was included. It was very easy to understand and comes in multiple languages. It goes over all the settings and how to adjust the welder, for example hot start and arc force which can be handy on thicker material.
Q: What features did you like?
A: The adjustments and its digital easy-to-read display were among my favorites. One thing that really puts this above other similar units is its compact size. It’s very easy to transport. It also has a quality fan for keeping it cool. I have never tripped the over temp safety on the unit thanks to the fan. When you weld with this machine you can tell it’s a quality machine. Arc is very stable. High frequency start is also a huge benefit, and it offers live TIG start.
Q: Is there any way you could think to improve or add to this tool?
A: Not much I would change on this machine as it works very well for multiple job applications. For welding steel and stainless steel, the unit is very budget friendly.
Q: Have you used a previous version of this tool? How does this tool compare to other tools you’ve used like it?
A: I have used similar machines, but they all weighed more and had a bigger footprint than this machine. With the pulse capabilities using TIG mode, you can set your pulse settings through a wide range for ultimate control. Not many other machines offer something of this caliber in such a small lightweight package.
