Everlast iMIG 200?

[Alex_Mendoza]

Anyone out there have any experience with the Everlast iMIG 200 out there?
There seems to be youtube video reviews on the TIG and Plasma series machines out there but nothing on the MIG.
Maybe Mark can put a link to a review or product demo of the Everlast iMIG.
If you have an Everlast MIG machine , I sure would appreciate your review or input.

Many Thanks!

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

The I-mig 160 and 200 are the same physical size. I have an I MIG 160. It has the same features. I can tell you from using it that its unlike anyother MIG on the market in its class. Smooth and near spatter free welds. The arc force control makes it a miracle worker on about any surface. Also the unit is spool gun compatible. I've got some work to do with it, so maybe I will post a video of it soon. The 160 has plenty of power for most welds. I am using .030 and it seems ideal, even on thin gauge material with the arc force conrol. I am impressed also by its stick welding capability, even though its fairly low amperage.

 

[Alex_Mendoza]

Mark,
If you have work to do with the welder anyway, it would be fantastic to take a peek at the MIG video. I have the 225LX and the PP60. I would like at some point to replace my existing MIG so looking at your MIG would be great.
My current MIG does not have an "arc force" control and are not quite sure what it does on a MIG.
Anyway thanks for the info.
Have a great day everyone!

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Arc force control for MIG is sometimes called inductance or some companies call it slope (though there may be some minor technical differences...I am not an electronics engineer). But essentially they do the same thing....or the end result is the same anyway. Basically it refers to the voltage rise time between short circuits to burn away the wire from the tip. This is also called "pinch-point" timing, where the wire "pinches" off and goes into the weld. The practical effect being a whiny sounding (like a mosquito), stiff, penetrating arc, that seems relatively "cool" though the wire speed is high and volts are up with low arc force setting, or a wide, smooth, buttery feeling arc, that allows the puddle to spread and the sound gets a little more sizzle than whine to it with more arc force.

 

[IXLR8]

..... I am impressed also by its stick welding capability, even though its fairly low amperage.

Mark, what is the stick welding capability of the 160 and 200? I have never done any stick welding... but I think it might be a nice option to have.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

135 amps and 160 amps respectively @ 35% duty cycle.

 

[IXLR8]

135 amps and 160 amps respectively @ 35% duty cycle.

What material thickness can one weld up with those currents?

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Rod size would be a more appropriate way of determining capacity. For 135, you can easily manage most 1/8" rods. For 160, most 5/32. As far as thickness, both welders can handle any thickness. When welding, you will be making multiple passes on about anything over 1/4", similarly with MIG.

 

[dstig1]

I see the 250 is not compatible with a spool gun. What's the deal there? Is there a way to do that?

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

We are making some improvements in the next generation. It is currently designed for using a liner to run aluminum in the main gun. Its a great welder, but Pulse MIG is not for everyone.

 

[Shield Arc]

Pulse MIG is not for everyone.

Why is that Mark?
I have never run pulsed Mig before. If the smoke ever gets out of my Linde, I have Miller's 350P on my radar. Or maybe even bite the bullet and look into the XMT CC/CV series.:licking:

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

The reason I say that (IMHO), is that pulse is a tool that is used for a specific set of applications. I think that at least 60% of people wanting pulse machines are not able to appreciate what the pulse does for them. They get it because they think it will work miracles. I would compare it to giving someone a reed and prince screwdriver. There are several things about it: 1) It is not a Phillips head, though it looks kinda like it. 2) You have to still know which way to turn the screw to make it work even if you match up the head. Same with Pulse MIG. Though it is similar to regular MIG, most people never have "sprayed" with MIG. And Pulse MIG reaches spray range. It requires a different blend of gas (More money), and you have to have the skills to get the best results.

 

[Shield Arc]

I have never sprayed Mig either. Really doesn't interest me that much, from what I've read it's only good for flat to a slight incline. But supposedly very fast. Seems as I remember it requires a power source that is capable of putting out 25 to 26 load volts at 200 amps. Also have to run a longer stickout.
Now a days I'm not in that big of a hurry, so no need to gear up for spray arc. Regular ol Mig or dual shield suits my needs just fine.

 

[stuckmotor]

Shield Arc,
I'm thinking about getting a Mig outfit. I was leaning toward one capable of spraying because I seem to remember you recommending it yet, in the quote below, as of 2010, you'd never sprayed with Mig. Maybe you spoke highly of it, it in the interviening years or, maybe I'm just confused. My question is, do you spray Mig these days? Would you recommend it for farm repair and fabricatio?
Thanks,
Stuck

I have never sprayed Mig either. Really doesn't interest me that much, from what I've read it's only good for flat to a slight incline. But supposedly very fast. Seems as I remember it requires a power source that is capable of putting out 25 to 26 load volts at 200 amps. Also have to run a longer stickout.
Now a days I'm not in that big of a hurry, so no need to gear up for spray arc. Regular ol Mig or dual shield suits my needs just fine.

 

[Shield Arc]

Hi stuckmotor! Last year a member over on Welding Web who works for Hobart, shipped me a roll of wire used for spray arc. I rented a bottle of C-10. 75% Argon / 10% CO2. Yes it is very fast, and hot, and makes very nice looking welds. But the base metal has to be spotlessly clean!:thumbdown:

"Would you recommend it for farm repair and fabricatio"? No! To me its not worth the hassle. I'll stay with Lincoln's L-56 Mig wire, and C-25 gas.
Here are a few pictures of spray arc I did.

 

[stuckmotor]

Shield Arc,
Thank you. Your opinion is much respected and if there's anything I don't need it's more hassle.
Stuck