joshuabardwell
Elite Member
What a bargain!
A good budget priced welder?
- Thread starter PapaPerk
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What a bargain!
Scooby074
Super Member
Well I see the neverlast circle jerk is alive and well in this thread.
To the OP, I suggest posting this question over on WeldingWeb. You'll get a more unbiased opinion there. Many non-everlast users here now refuse to post in "what welder" threads because of what you see here. Good luck in your decision.
To the OP, I suggest posting this question over on WeldingWeb. You'll get a more unbiased opinion there. Many non-everlast users here now refuse to post in "what welder" threads because of what you see here. Good luck in your decision.
k0ua
Epic Contributor
The "neverlast circle jerk".. that was a rude thing to say. Just because we don't agree with you, is no need to be that way. You had your say, and we had ours.. Noobies can buy what ever they want. Including my big boat anchor, that looks like new.
Shield Arc
Super Member
As far back as I can remember reading your posts where you take jabs at Everlast, and Longevity. I've never said a word! It's not that I agree or disagree with you, it's that I don't know how long these machines will last either. My Everlast PA-200 is of no concern to me now, I've already got my money out of it. My concern is the Lincoln V350-Pro. I spent $5,500.00 for it, even bought the extra guarantee. I hope it holds together long enough so I can say I have got my money's worth out of it! But then again I may not live long enough to say that.
If you'll think back, we have seen Longevity step right up to the plate and replace two Stickweld 250s for members here. Then there is Mark with Everlast! Look what that man has done for this site! Don't know about you, but I respect the man immensely! Look how he has taken care of members here. And look how much he contributes to the site with his vast knowledge of welding!
I'm a member of Welding Web too, I read the posts over there. Some of them I just shake my head. Then I think how lucky we are here, how Longevity, and Everlast take care of us here.
It's obvious you got a hard on for these two companies, maybe you can enlighten us to the facts as to why! Not what you've read, but first hand experience with them!
Ken45101
Elite Member
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2009
- Messages
- 3,669
- Location
- southern Ohio
- Tractor
- Kubota M5040, M9540, B21 TLB, B2710, RTV900, JD 325 Skid steer, KX-121-3 mini excavator
Joshua, that was a good comparison, thanks.
One thing I will add: how long will replacement boards be available for an inverter welder? You mention replacing the diodes in a transformer machine, those are simple components that should continue to be replaceable. But try to find a circuit board for a 20 year old welder (or computer). I doubt they will be in stock anywhere even at a high price. Of course, if you got 20 years out of a welder, you may not care.
One thing I will add: how long will replacement boards be available for an inverter welder? You mention replacing the diodes in a transformer machine, those are simple components that should continue to be replaceable. But try to find a circuit board for a 20 year old welder (or computer). I doubt they will be in stock anywhere even at a high price. Of course, if you got 20 years out of a welder, you may not care.
gwdixon
Elite Member
I am 100% with Shield Arc and k0ua on this one.
Most farmers do not weld for a living. Everlast (and apparently Longevity) fill a need for those of us that weld once a week or several times a month. Sure, they are basically disposable welders that are warranted for 5 years. If it breaks down we can haul out that old buzz box sitting in the barn and get by until the inverter welder is replaced. Generally a welder breakdown does not cause us to lose our income as it would a professional weldor.
As far as WeldingWeb goes, I too am a member there and have witnessed the bullying and bias against "Chicom" welders. That website is about as biased as is possible. It is just that a bias is not apparent to one that shares the bias.
Now that Miller, Lincoln, and other less famous brands use many components from China there is much less of the rancor and ill-will piling on toward foreign welders.
Yes, buy American when you can and can justify the expense. But to spend $2000 for something that is used an hour or so a week when a $300 unit will do the job just doesn't make sense on the farm.
Mark @ Everlast
Advertiser
New "transformer" welders are NOT electronics free. There are boards and other electronically related parts. Diodes ARE electronics. Diodes are used to make DC current... The thing about our inverter welders, especially the analog ones, is that we use "off the shelf" components, not proprietary ones. Transistors, diodes, resistors, chipsets, etc are all common parts that are replaceable on the boards with basic soldering skills. We use name brands, most of which are based in the US and the part numbers are on the item itself, and a quick google search will turn up multiple points of purchase. On other companies, you see the same thing by and large. Not much different than you'd find on a more advanced transformer unit, or engine drive welder. The major difference is that the main transformer is replaced by IGBT transistors. These are what usually give up or have problems long term as they wear out. But they are relatively inexpensive to replace, unlike a transformer, which when (if) it goes out the whole unit should probably be scrapped.
We're still providing parts and repair service for our units sold nearly 10 years ago, when we started, and expect to continue doing so for some time. That's half way to 20, and will continue to provide components and assistance on those parts.
buickanddeere
Super Member
If it doesn't do DC. You don't want it.
