Anybody try a ESAB Rebel?

[tkevan]

In the ESAB giveaway info, they have to list a "approximate retail value". $2599 for the EMP 235ic, $2299 for the EM 235ic.

 

[Cord]

They got the spec sheet updated. It is a multi-voltage machine. What they slipped under the radar is that they also introduced a Renegade 300. That one has some impressive duty cycles, however I believe it's 3 phase only. The mind blow is that it only weighs 33lbs. The PowCon 550 inverter welder that I currently have weighs 189lbs, but it has a significantly higher duty cycle.

Rebel™ 235ic Series | Arc Welding Equipment | Products & Solutions | ESAB

 

[Firefighter912]

i was debating on the Rebel, the everlast 211si, tweco 211, and the new miller 215. hard decisions. i feel for you

 

[MinnesotaEric]

i was debating on the Rebel, the everlast 211si, tweco 211, and the new miller 215. hard decisions. i feel for you

Miller 215.

Miller Multimatic 215 Multiprocess Welder 907693

 

[tkevan]

Miller 215.

Miller Multimatic 215 Multiprocess Welder 907693

If you want a basic welder, no preflow/postflow control, no upslope, downslope, no burnback, the 215 is fine. Not for me at that price. The 211si is good on paper, many love them, a couple have had trouble firing up in cold (below 40 or so) weather. The rebel is probably the best all around deal, if you don't mind the gas valve on the tig torch.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Or the lack of HF, or the fact the TIG accessories, including the foot pedal doesn't come with the basic unit, and it is a costly add on. I think it is a better deal than the Lincoln 210MP feature for feature, dollar for dollar.

 

[tkevan]

HF may or may not be a big deal on a DC only machine. The foot pedal for the Rebel does add another $150-odd to the price, already a stout $1600. The S-mig is probably the coolest feature of the Rebel, as it adjusts the welder as you're welding to give the novice welder the best chance at being successful.

Everlast still has some work to do, at least in my mind, to show that they can consistently meet the service capability of the others for someone buying these machines. It will likely be the only machine for many, and having it down for service for an extended period is a non-starter. But, that possibility comes at a very attractive price, at least $500 cheaper than the rebel.

As they say, you pays your money, you takes your chances. More for the comfort of dropping it at the LWS for service for the Rebel, quite a bit less for the possibility you may have to do some troubleshooting with the techs on the phone, and a possible UPS trip if it needs to go to the Doc for fixing.

At least in my eyes, the Miller and Lincoln are not even in the same league, control/feature wise.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

The units are plug and play. The customer, if the unit has been properly diagnosed can replace almost any board within minutes if downtime is a concern.

 

[tkevan]

The units are plug and play. The customer, if the unit has been properly diagnosed can replace almost any board within minutes if downtime is a concern.

Absolutely. Anyone comfortable with upgrading a hard drive, video card or network adapter in their PC would be more than capable of taking care of the swap, providing the boards are made available in a timely manner, and that they solve the issue, not just mitigate it.

 

[CADplans]

I hate to bring back an old thread, but, this is EXACTLY the machine I think I want!!

The EMP 235IC seems to be the do-it-all machine I want, and it can weld 1/2" steel one pass,,,

So, is there any feedback on the ESAB multi-process machines?? (Good,, or Bad!! :thumbsup::thumbdown