Lotos CT520D experiences

[sarg]

Well, I thought I would start a log for others that might be interested in this particular welder. I have been doing a ton of reading on tig and various machines on here as well as a couple other sites. I tried to research this model and unfortunately everything I found ended quickly in buy name brand welder debate....not so useful for a consumer trying to research. I decided to take a shot on it after piecing together quite a few various recent positive reviews from various sources. Everyone on Amazon.com seems happy with them.

I purchased it on an offer off an ebay listing. The particular model is: BLCT520D LOTOS 50A Plasma Cutter 200A Tig Stick Welder & Pedal & Stick Aluminum. I REALLY wanted to start learning how to tig better but just didn't want to fork out $2000 for a name brand or buy a used machine that could have unknown issues.

This comes with a 3 year warranty and a DOA shipping both ways. The warranty they claim: 3 Years (Parts and Labor) (Repair service available even after your warranty is expired, you only need to pay parts and labor, $25/hr, maximum 2 hours) This was kind of important to me...I know you can guarantee a piece of poo and all you have is guaranteed poo, but at the same time, most people were having good luck with these and I heard a good number of positive claims of customer service. I was able to reach someone on the second ring with a question I had on setting it up.

Impressions so far:
-directions are about USELESS. But if you go online, Lotos Canada has a good pdf file that helps out a good bit. I did not find it until after figuring it out Thankfully I have some experience with some of the name brand tig machines. The plasma I might be a bit lost, lol. I have yet to try the plasma or arc welding functions. Hopefully I can figure out how all the pieces of the plasma torch go together.

-Machine was wired up to 220 volt. Wiring was standard as were colors on the wires. I wired it to a 3 volt plug that I already had for my Lincoln mig. Again instructions were no help at all.

-tried out the tig on some scrap stainless tubing and some scrap mild steel sheet and plate. Seems to work well and lights off every bit as easy as others I have used. I am still quite new to tig, but I bought this to be able to practice and get better while working on my own projects at the house.

-Foot pedal is not like I am used to. I was used to one where you could adjust the amps on the unit and the foot pedal would go to a max of what you set. Apparently on these the foot pedal goes from 0-200 regardless of what is set on the machine...at least that is what I gathered from the vague directions I have found. The torch also has a button for the tig and that can be set from the machine itself. I really would prefer to be able to set a max voltage and still use the foot pedal, but again, that is just what I am used to.

-hoses and clamps that come with it suck. I'll be going to the local hardware store to get replacements

-came with a couple sticks of 100% tungsten which I hear is not as good. Got some replacement 2% red tungsten that I am pretty sure will work with this machine.

Overall so far I am pleased with the machine. I will update as I try the plasma and do more tig. Maybe after I get some practice in I can post up some welds for critique.

[sarg]

reserved for future posts and maybe some pics.

[sarg]

Hmm seems you can not edit on here. oh well. On to the next part. I did some cutting today and it seems to cut fine. I have never used a plasma cutter before, so I don't have much to base this experience off of other than to say it does in fact cut!

[sarg]

Did some more practice today. I can honestly say at my experience level (limited) it seems to work just fine. The guys there at Lotos have been very responsive to any questions. The only downside I have seen is that they do not offer any other cup sizes for the tig torch other than the three sizes it comes with. There are various sizes for the tungsten, just nothing over a 6 on the ceramic cup. I think I am going to run down to the local welding supply place and see if they can match my torch up with anything they carry. I know longevity has several options and I think even a gas lens option. Apparently this has not been developed for Lotos just yet.

[sarg]

Well after watching some videos and reading on here about plasma cutters and "methods" of using them I took another stab at the plasma cutter. Cuts very smooth and as well as I can hold a straight line. It cut through 1/8" mild with ease. I tried it on a 1/2" thick cast iron manifold flange and as long as I went nice and slow it did just fine. Sheet metal is super easy and quick. So far I am quite satisfied.

I also did some more tig welding and I am starting to get mildly proficient with it. I am by no means a master like Zap or any of the other pros on here, but it is coming along and I am starting to get a bit more confidence.

I will say the machine has worked flawlessly for me. I really have zero complaints.

[Llundberg]

Shame on you! Don't you know its a criminal offence to write anything positive here about any brand other than MilLincoln?

[LarryO]

Originally Posted by Llundberg

Shame on you! Don't you know its a criminal offence to write anything positive here about any brand other than MilLincoln?

If you have nothing intelligent to add, perhaps you should stay in the MultiPOS forum...

[sarg]

Well it is better than everyone trashin g machines they have never used before. Fact is that not everyone can not afford a $2000 machine. Maybe miller or lincoln will realize something more budget oriented would be better and more competative in today's world market. Hyundai and Kia were onced looked down on too, but they are starting to sell and make some pretty nice vehicles.

[sarg]

Time for another update. I am still quite happy with the machine. I recently had to cut out some metal to do a patch panel on my 1966 F250 and the machine worked flawlessly. Cuts were like a straight edge and were very fast and easy! I know it is thin sheet metal, but that is probably what the majority of my cuts will be. The only thing I would change is I wish now I had purchased an ac machine to be able to do aluminum.

[doublecheese]

Originally Posted by sarg

Time for another update. I am still quite happy with the machine. I recently had to cut out some metal to do a patch panel on my 1966 F250 and the machine worked flawlessly. Cuts were like a straight edge and were very fast and easy! I know it is thin sheet metal, but that is probably what the majority of my cuts will be. The only thing I would change is I wish now I had purchased an ac machine to be able to do aluminum.

great post =D

actually i also had a CT520D before till i got a newsletter from Lotos that a newer model had just came out. since i only purchased that machine for less than a month ago, i got an exchange with no cost. lol, can't beat it for such nice customer service.