Everlast 255ext

[sd455dan]

Agree with yomax and others about letting the electronics run for a bit before use.

I purchased an (inexpensive) 3 in one welder /cutter and the technology incorporated in them peaked my interest in learning a little about how they work.


Some interesting things that came to light in the bit of research


most seem to utilize a switch mode power supply- they take the ac line current and send that directly into a bridge rectifier, so if my math is right there is about 350 volts peak to peak Ac and 175 vac going into the diodes, if on 240ac supply
So... if there is any condensation on the board from say bringing the unit in from the cold it would seem to me that there is a fair chance of some arcing taking place if the board has any conductive airborne particulate that has settled there and even more so in the much higher voltage pilot arc plasma section.
Even though mine is only a couple months old- Made me think twice about just hitting the switch before i got the garage warmed up...

Thought while out there would use my old Tektronics mil-spec scope and figure out the frequency the inverter runs at. - hadn't used the scope in months turned it on and about 10 seconds later -POP- 1!!%$#@@* :laughing:

 

[woodlandfarms]

As I posted above
UPS delivered it on Thursday night after 6:30 PM and I left on a business trip Friday morning at 5 AM so I have not had a chance to use it yet.

I can't wait to get back so that I can power it up.
I am reading the manual while in the hotel on my trip.

Uhmmm You had 10 perferctly good hours to play with the machine. Not sold on your excuse.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Brett, Did you get my email?

 

[dzljon]

Another machine to consider that will do very well is the longevity tigweld 250ex, the new models use a 14 pin foot pedal connection that is the same as miller and the machine performs very well. It is my choice for fabrication.

 

[Bday]

Brett, Did you get my email?

Yes, thank you.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

One thing I was thinking about this morning, after I sent you the email, I was wondering if the 210EXT might be a better, and more economical fit for you. The other units you are looking at are less powered, and definitely less featured than the 255ext. The 210ext has a couple less features, but still way more than the other two, along with a better duty cycle. But it is about the same power range, dual voltage and very capable at a good bit less power.

To be honest, if you are looking at the new Lincoln 200, you are looking at something similar to our PowerTIG 185 DV in features and duty cycle. The 185 is digitally controlled now for 2016.

 

[Bday]

One thing I was thinking about this morning, after I sent you the email, I was wondering if the 210EXT might be a better, and more economical fit for you. The other units you are looking at are less powered, and definitely less featured than the 255ext. The 210ext has a couple less features, but still way more than the other two, along with a better duty cycle. But it is about the same power range, dual voltage and very capable at a good bit
To be honest, if you are looking at the new Lincoln 200, you are looking at something similar to our PowerTIG 185 DV in features and duty cycle. The 185 is digitally controlled now for 2016.

I really focused on the Htp 221. I liked the Lincoln price and the fact the dealer is 8 miles away. I have researched for about a year. I'm still on the fence about the Chinese imports. I have read a few horror stories on other forums. And to be fair have read some good reports also.
I like the 250 amp power range if I need it. I would rather be over powered than under. I love overkill!! I agree the Lincoln is under powered for what I am wanting.

 

[Shield Arc]

I'm still on the fence about the Chinese imports. I have read a few horror stories on other forums.

Here read this thread. Just might change your mind about US companies.:shocked::shocked::thumbdown:
Miller service or lack of!!!!

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

The HTP is only about 20% duty cycle at 200 amps. To get 60% duty cycle level, you need to drop all the way down to 165 amps. It's a good welder, though if that is what you want.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Lincoln is apparently having a few issues of their own as well on this thread with their 200. See the last few pages. It seems they are backordered for awhile along with any parts.
The new Lincoln Square wave 200 TIG - Page 7