Castolin CastoTig 1701 DC is a single phase TIG power source on direct current with an MMA mode. The maximum welding current is 170 A, and at 115 A the machine runs at a 100% duty cycle. The open circuit voltage is 93 V, the weight is about 10 kg.
What this machine is for
This is a two process power source for the workshop and for work in the field. With direct current in TIG mode you weld stainless steel, copper and titanium. Aluminium needs alternating current, so you will not weld it with this machine. A weight of about 10 kg and a 230 V supply make it equipment for service work and assembly.
The strongest side of this machine is the MMA mode. An open circuit voltage of 93 V is high for this class and it translates into a sure strike with practically any covered electrode: rutile, basic, cellulose and specialist ones. That makes the machine suitable for repairs and rebuilding, that is for maintenance department tasks. A high open circuit voltage also helps with electrodes that are hard to strike cold or on dirty material.
The description lists specific uses with Castolin materials: repair of cracks in steels that are hard to weld, with XHD 6868 electrodes and buffer layers, rebuilding of cast iron bodies with 7330 D electrodes, joining stainless steel to carbon steel with TIG 45507WS rods, surfacing of heat resistant coatings with 45513WS rods up to a temperature of 1200°C, and welding of Duplex steel with E 2209-17 electrodes for the chemical and marine industry.
Features and equipment
- TIG on direct current with HF ignition without contact, a clean start without tungsten in the weld.
- Lift TIG ignition by contact for work close to sensitive electronics, where a high frequency pulse gets in the way.
- 2T and 4T modes, short welds with the trigger held or long ones with the latch.
- Integrated gas solenoid valve, shielding led before the strike and after the arc goes out.
- MMA with an open circuit voltage of 93 V, a sure start with rutile, basic, cellulose and specialist electrodes.
- Housing rated IP23 for work in field conditions.
- Supply voltage tolerance from minus 20% to plus 15%, work on a long extension lead and from a generator.
Technical data
| Brand | Castolin |
|---|---|
| Welding processes | TIG DC with HF or Lift ignition and MMA |
| Supply voltage | 230 V, 50/60 Hz, tolerance from minus 20% to plus 15% |
| Maximum welding current | 170 A |
| Duty cycle at 40°C | 100% at 115 A, 50% at 170 A |
| Open circuit voltage | 93 V |
| Cooling | gas |
| Protection rating | IP23 |
| Weight | about 10 kg |
What you get
- Castolin CastoTig 1701 DC welding power source
- TIG torch 8 m
- Earth cable 5 m
What to watch out for
The supply is 230 V at 50/60 Hz with a tolerance from minus 20% to plus 15%, so the machine takes a long extension lead and work from a generator. The duty cycle at 40°C is 170 A at 50% and 115 A at 100%, so for continuous work you count on 115 A. Cooling is by gas, the housing is rated IP23.
The manufacturer description gives a current of 170 A, and the shop filter classifies the machine in the range up to 200 A, so go by the value of 170 A. The TIG torch is 8 m, which gives a good reach, but with a cable that long the flow through the gas channel and the state of the control plug matter. On top of that come a cylinder with argon, a regulator with a flow meter and a set of tungsten electrodes and nozzles.
View the unit on site or ask for photos before you decide. It is the lowest of the three letters we use to describe condition, and it speaks about the look and the completeness, not about the electrical parameters.
How we sell used machines
This unit was checked in our service workshop in Krotoszyn with measurements to PN-EN 60974-4 and a load test. The price includes the first year of the basic service package: an inspection with cleaning of the machine and a validation measurement. Further years can be added. We ship across the European Union, collection in person by appointment.
