Everlast powertig 250EX Welder / Anyone bought one / It's on my list

[Mark @ Everlast]

dgarnier's unit did have issues in a batch where we had some issues with the chipsets getting overheated on installation and before we added some additional circuit isolation. (The chip was an opto isolator chip, and too much stray HF would zap it). Most of them were fine, but when you see an uptick in the same repair, you have to go back and look at the mfgr process. We discovered that the chips were being overheated during the soldering process. (We are in the factory during production runs, overseeing the general process). Not sure about the display issue.

Most of the chipsets are Texas Instruments, Sharp, Panasonic. The display is made by Intersys, Misc transistors are Fairchild. Diodes are IXYS. Power Module IGBT's are Siemens. Yes sometimes quality issues come from assembly, but since we have been visiting the factory during manufacturing, problem rates have dropped (though they weren't excessively high before) and the issues I see are comparable with other issues people report to me having with units from other manufacturers. We are a smaller company than any of the majors, so that is a good thing for some people, and a detraction for others.

Dgarnier: if you display was "melted" please send me pictures of the concerned area.

 

[BIG DOOLEY]

I too have been researching the 250ex and also the 200dx. It seems like the 200dx has alot more better feedback then the 250ex, but I sure would like the extra 50 amps. It seems like these machines are pretty capable welders and use some quality parts in them, but I think in the assembly is where the quality control is lacking. So if you can deal with some problems and dealing with them to get a machine straightened out, I guess sooner or later you will get a dependable machine. With a 5 year warrenty they should be able to get it right sooner or later. I'm still waiting to pull the trigger on one, maybe after the New Year.

Good to know.
I'll read the reviews, and yes the extra 50 amps sound more appealing to me also.
With 5 Yrs warr. bugs can be worked out.
I can be patient since I don't need it daily. I just want the capability to learn aluminum and use for repairs that pop up time to time.
Making lightweight jigs, tools, brackets... from time to time also.
and
Shield Arc
great to hear about DC and Helium.
I will have to look into that too.

 

[vpd66]

It is true aluminum sucks up the amps like a kid eating candy. But you can always go old school and us DC and helium. I found I can just about cut my amps in half when using helium. :thumbsup:

Do you use straight helium on DC? I've never heard of welding aluminum with this method. I've heard of using Helium/Argon/Co2? mix on AC for more penetration, but never on DC.

 

[Shield Arc]

Do you use straight helium on DC? I've never heard of welding aluminum with this method. I've heard of using Helium/Argon/Co2? mix on AC for more penetration, but never on DC.

Yes I used 100% helium. A lot of people use argon and helium blends.

• View topic - TIG Welding Aluminum on DC

 

[vpd66]

Yes I used 100% helium. A lot of people use argon and helium blends.

View topic - TIG Welding Aluminum on DC

Thanks for the link. If I had a tank of helium, I'd give it a try!

 

[Shield Arc]

If you do try it remember, there is a really, really small window where the arc will light off. So move the tungsten very slow up and down! And you have to make an extra effort to clean the aluminum. Notice the black around the weld with helium? Then notice the white around the pipe weld that was done with 100% argon on AC? AC will clean the aluminum more so than DC!

 

[BIG DOOLEY]

dgarnier's unit did have issues in a batch where we had some issues with the chipsets getting overheated on installation and before we added some additional circuit isolation. (The chip was an opto isolator chip, and too much stray HF would zap it). Most of them were fine, but when you see an uptick in the same repair, you have to go back and look at the mfgr process. We discovered that the chips were being overheated during the soldering process. (We are in the factory during production runs, overseeing the general process). Not sure about the display issue.

Most of the chipsets are Texas Instruments, Sharp, Panasonic. The display is made by Intersys, Misc transistors are Fairchild. Diodes are IXYS. Power Module IGBT's are Siemens. Yes sometimes quality issues come from assembly, but since we have been visiting the factory during manufacturing, problem rates have dropped (though they weren't excessively high before) and the issues I see are comparable with other issues people report to me having with units from other manufacturers. We are a smaller company than any of the majors, so that is a good thing for some people, and a detraction for others.

Dgarnier: if you display was "melted" please send me pictures of the concerned area.

Mark
I also noticed you have a multi process tig machine PowerPro 256 very similar price wise and function wise as the PowerTig 250EX
I understand the 256 has capability of Plasma cutting
As far as tig welding Features and not so much amperage or thickness capabilities
Would the 256 be a Better unit? and does it come with the USA premium foot pedal?
The USA foot pedal alone will bring them to the same price.
What is your opinion on the 2 machines.
Tom

 

[ironnut]

I have had a 250ex for a good 6 months. It was delivered in less then 2 weeks after it was ordered. The shipping box was a bit beat up but no damage to the unit. Once I figured out how to wire it up (it can run on single phase of 3 phase power) it came right up and works as advertised. The cooling fan is noisy but, it is way more welder than this welder will use. Understanding and using all the adjustments is rather daunting. Jody on weldingTipAndTricks website has video on setting and using the 250ex. The video and comments are in part why I decided to go with the Everlast product. I am not a professional welder by any stretch, and the machine gets used sporadically so I cannot comment on longevity of the unit or its ability to survive in a production environment. I had the hood up on it and the insides are rather busy. The workmanship is okay, some of it more expedient than professional. Everlast has been selling this unit for a number of years and the comments I have come across on the net have mostly been favorable. It seemed a more reasonable value, as a red or blue equivalent machine, was 2x more money. I do intend to replace the the tig torch with a CK unit. The Everlast tig torch is functional and water cooled and on the bulky side. My welder lives in an unheated building so the water cooled torch is problematic in the winter. I have an old Eutectic air cooled torch which seems to work better than the water cooled Everlast supplied unit. Unfortunately the old Eutectic Tig torch has age induced stiffness in the cable which interferes with my rude attempts at making those stacked dimes hence the desire to replace it.

I think the Everlast 250ex is a decent value. Assuming it doesn't die tomorrow, I need to do some welding, I am a happy camper. If it does die, well then I get to find out the value of their warranty and service.

gordon

 

[BIG DOOLEY]

Gordon,
Thanks for the review
Tom

 

[dgarnier]

Dgarnier: if you display was "melted" please send me pictures of the concerned area.

pics dont show well, but the plastic cover of the display was a rigid on the first machine then on the replacement machine it was a more like a rubber pannel. I call it melted becuse it feels like like your old tackle box that was not wormproof and you put some rubber worms in it and the plastic get soft and rubbery.