Everlast 140 and other DC welders

[paulharvey]

So, im looking at DC stick machines and I want to hear from people who actuallly own them. Im looking at Everlast 140, Chicago Electric 240v 140 amp (good reviews but im steering away as it seems similar price with more unknowns), and other. I currently am leaning towards Everlast but I would welcome options. What are "Lotus" welders? Im assuming they have the unknowns of the Chicago Electric without the ease of a local store to return or warranty.

For people own cheaper DC invertor welders I have several questions

1. If you could do it again would you buy the same machine

2. How does it perform

3. How long have you owned yours

4. How many truely trouble free pounds of rod have you ran

5. Any problems with your machine at all

6. How much did it cost

7. If you had any warranty work done, was it easy and taken care of

8. Any post warranty problems, if so did you get it fixed or replace the whole thing

9. Other options under $250.

10.. would you consider buying a used inverter welder? Transformers seem simple, but all the computer chips....

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Even though I work for Everlast, I won't comment about the HF. They have had good stuff and bad stuff in their welding line. Pm me and I'll tell you about LOTOS...seems like anything I say here can be construed as an attack on someone else's product.

I can answer # 10 without any skin in the game though. To me, buying a used inverter is no different than buying a used transformer. I'd worry more about the person I bought it from...how they treat things, take care of them etc. If they maintained it, kept it cleaned out, didn't throw it around etc...

 

[paulharvey]

Well Mark I have two questions specifically to you. Is the 5 yr warranty transferable? And is there a rated or tested hours before failure spec for the Everlasts. Im not a heavy user, I guess im comparing these too much to computers and similar items that seem to have a built in life span.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Warranty is stated as to the original end user, just as most other brands including Miller. (Despite what is said, it's what is in print that matters when all is said and done.) Upon certain conditions, we will transfer, in hardship cases for the original customer. But the customer needs to contact us first to arrange that.

Rated or tested hours before failure isn't something that is publicly released, but I'd take my cues from the warranty length. We couldn't stay in business if there wasn't a reasonable expectation the product would last then length of the warranty and then some.

 

[Shield Arc]

I have an Everlast PowerArc 200, I'll see if I can answer your questions.


Question #1. If you could do it again would you buy the same machine.
No I would not! I would buy the PowerArc 300.

Question #2. How does it perform
Flawlessly! For the money I dare anyone to show me a better arc.

Question #3. How long have you owned yours
Little over 3-years.

Question #4. How many truely trouble free pounds of rod have you ran
I'd say a couple hundred pounds.

Question #5. Any problems with your machine at all
Not a one, and UPS tried their best to break it during shipping!

Question #6. How much did it cost
you should get a quote from Mark.

Question #7. If you had any warranty work done, was it easy and taken care of
No work done at all.

Question #8. Any post warranty problems, if so did you get it fixed or replace the whole thing
Still under warranty.

Question #9. Other options under $250.
I have no idea.

Question #10.. would you consider buying a used inverter welder? Transformers seem simple, but all the computer chips....
I have bought a used inverter, turned around and sold it, and made money off of it.

 

[flusher]

Hobart LX Stickmate AC/DC stick welder, 240VAC. Bought it 7 years ago at Tractor Supply (~$400). Have run about a dozen types of rods from 6010 through 7024, Ni-55, Ni-99, Nomacast, Muggyweld, Missile Rod, 308L, 312 Plus, carbon rods for gouging etc. Will probably get a TIG rig for it sometime to learn how to TIG. Reliable welder. I'd buy one again.

 

[yomax4]

All this over a $250.00 welder? If it lasts 5 years it owes you nothing. 1 or 2 repairs and it paid for itself.

 

[k0ua]

All this over a $250.00 welder? If it lasts 5 years it owes you nothing. 1 or 2 repairs and it paid for itself.

Exactly!. I paid $269 for my PA160, and it doesn't owe me anything. I have gotten my moneys worth in the last 3 years or so with it. I used it last night to repair a lounge chair's broken recliner mechanism. If it went up in a puff of smoke today, 1: it is still under warranty, and 2: I have truly gotten my money's worth out of it already.

Sometimes we overthink things.

 

[arrow]

Exactly!. I paid $269 for my PA160, and it doesn't owe me anything. I have gotten my moneys worth in the last 3 years or so with it. I used it last night to repair a lounge chair's broken recliner mechanism. If it went up in a puff of smoke today, 1: it is still under warranty, and 2: I have truly gotten my money's worth out of it already.

Sometimes we overthink things.

Sometimes we do not think enough and become rather myopic. Since you have gotten your money's worth already James, send that welder over to my house (ok, I'll pay freight) so I can also get my money's worth. (25 bucks enough?) Might as well take advantage of the situation as I figure its worth nothing if it blows up. Hurry! before it happens!

 

[k0ua]

Sometimes we do not think enough and become rather myopic. Since you have gotten your money's worth already James, send that welder over to my house (ok, I'll pay freight) so I can also get my money's worth. (25 bucks enough?)

Well you got me there arrow! Shall I just box it up?