Never welded before looking to TIG aluminum in the future

So a local welder who also teaches lessons suggested that if I wanted to get into TIG welding for not too much money is check out EVERLAST welders. It's his opinion that they aren't as good as the miller he uses, but are a really inexpensive way of getting into welding.

So I am thinking about picking one up but there are a couple things that I find a little disconcerting. Why does the exact same machine cost less in the US and have a 5 year warranty? The Canadian and US dollars have been at par for some time now. If I could get that 5 year warranty in Canada I would have bought one the day before I decided I wanted a welder. I am just wondering if it's the exact same machine why does it cost more and have less warranty in Canada? The cost I can understand, let's say its more shipping or something. But the warranty should be the same accross the board.

Also I have read some great reviews in these machines ability to do aluminum. A Powertig 200dx can probably suit my needs as I rarely would need it to do anything more than 1/8"... at the absolute most I might need to weld is 1/4" in very rare instances.

Since the cost to move up toa 225LX isn't much more when it's on sale and the fact that it has a watercooled torch (is that right?) also intrigues me. Finally would there be any reason for me to step up to a 250EX, they are yet even more money, but the only real difference (Aside from power) I can see is the frequence adjustment 0-500hz vs 0-25hz on the other machines. Why is the difference so vast? And what does this effect?

I am actually only about 20 minutes drive from the everlast dealer in Burlington, Ontario.

Thanks guys!

I have no idea why there is a price and warranty difference between the Canadian and USA market for Everlast. Perhaps the additional cost of delivery from the West Coast to Ontario? And perhaps Canadian laws differ regarding warranties?

For a casual user or hobbyist the difference between a well made import inverter style welder such as Everlast and the domestic, or European, models such as Lincoln, Miller, and Esab are primarily cost. The domestic machines are probably (I say "probably" because I'm still waiting for my first Everlast machine, a 250EX, so I don't know for certain) more robust in their design and are meant to work on a daily basis for years and years. For the casual user this is not an issue. Consider that the primary enemies to these machines are heat and shock. I have seen a Miller Dynasty 200EX (about $4000 retail) drop from 8 feet onto concrete and keep right on welding. I would not expect that to happen with a $1400 Everlast, although you might get the same result if you're a lucky person. And I've seen Miller and Lincoln machines run from 8AM until 9 PM in high school and college welding labs, and suffer every kind of abuse known to man, and still work well after years of such sadistic treatment. I doubt that an Everlast machine would survive that long or we'd see more of their machines in the field. Also consider how important local availability, service, and support are to you. Many of us have been waiting literally months for the latest shipment of Everlast machines. You could probably walk right out of your local Lincoln or Miller dealer today with the machine of your dreams under your arm, if you're willing to pay the steep price. The devil is always in the details. That being said, everything is a trade off. If you're a thoughtful and cautious person who takes care to learn the limitations of his equipment, and respect that, a less expensive machine can be a real value.

Regarding the issue of power; more is almost always better. Remember that the power rating is the maximum, and the "sweet spot" for a welding machine always lies somewhere in the mid range. So for the very little in added cost up front, it is best to get the larget machine you can power up in your shop. And if you are going to TIG aluminum or other alloys and exotics then the greatest amount of frequency control is essential for the best results.

Regarding learning to TIG; it is the most versatile of all the welding processes available, but it comes with a steep learning curve. Unless you're Einstein I strongly recommend taking a class or two at your local community college or trade school. Or, at least buy a good textbook if you're a disciplined self learner. The other processes like SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, have highly refined the various welding parameters for you and eliminated much of the decision making process. With TIG you are the "welding engineer" and must set all the parameters yourself. But the payoff is that with adequate skill, knowledge, and material, you can weld virtually anything, and do it well with TIG!

Good luck with your new adventure!

DavidShearer has offered very good and sound advice.

Duncan will explain the cost and other items related to Canada as he is the owner of Everlast Canada. The machine are the same, however he does make changes on some machine. Also, he double tested each machine. Sure there are duty or fee at the port as well, as his unit come to his building.

Far as not welding as well as the other color machine. I would search the internet for reviews from weldingtipsandtricks.com. In the hands of a good welder you will see they both weld as a professional would expect. In fact, ours tend to look a little better which was mentioned here sometime back by a member.

I have used the 225LX and 250EX for a couple years. If you can swing the EX, more power and freq range is worth it. Some feature like lift, etc., you might never use. The LX is a great unit and I have done aluminum with it as well with no problems. I have never use the DX personally, but many customers love them. The power factor is a big key for me.

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Originally Posted by DavidShearer

I have no idea why there is a price and warranty difference between the Canadian and USA market for Everlast. Perhaps the additional cost of delivery from the West Coast to Ontario? And perhaps Canadian laws differ regarding warranties?

For a casual user or hobbyist the difference between a well made import inverter style welder such as Everlast and the domestic, or European, models such as Lincoln, Miller, and Esab are primarily cost. The domestic machines are probably (I say "probably" because I'm still waiting for my first Everlast machine, a 250EX, so I don't know for certain) more robust in their design and are meant to work on a daily basis for years and years. For the casual user this is not an issue. Consider that the primary enemies to these machines are heat and shock. I have seen a Miller Dynasty 200EX (about $4000 retail) drop from 8 feet onto concrete and keep right on welding. I would not expect that to happen with a $1400 Everlast, although you might get the same result if you're a lucky person. And I've seen Miller and Lincoln machines run from 8AM until 9 PM in high school and college welding labs, and suffer every kind of abuse known to man, and still work well after years of such sadistic treatment. I doubt that an Everlast machine would survive that long or we'd see more of their machines in the field. Also consider how important local availability, service, and support are to you. Many of us have been waiting literally months for the latest shipment of Everlast machines. You could probably walk right out of your local Lincoln or Miller dealer today with the machine of your dreams under your arm, if you're willing to pay the steep price. The devil is always in the details. That being said, everything is a trade off. If you're a thoughtful and cautious person who takes care to learn the limitations of his equipment, and respect that, a less expensive machine can be a real value.

Regarding the issue of power; more is almost always better. Remember that the power rating is the maximum, and the "sweet spot" for a welding machine always lies somewhere in the mid range. So for the very little in added cost up front, it is best to get the larget machine you can power up in your shop. And if you are going to TIG aluminum or other alloys and exotics then the greatest amount of frequency control is essential for the best results.

Regarding learning to TIG; it is the most versatile of all the welding processes available, but it comes with a steep learning curve. Unless you're Einstein I strongly recommend taking a class or two at your local community college or trade school. Or, at least buy a good textbook if you're a disciplined self learner. The other processes like SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, have highly refined the various welding parameters for you and eliminated much of the decision making process. With TIG you are the "welding engineer" and must set all the parameters yourself. But the payoff is that with adequate skill, knowledge, and material, you can weld virtually anything, and do it well with TIG!

Good luck with your new adventure!

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Thanks for the insight David. I am usually pretty good about taking care of my stuff. The other thing that makes me paranoid about these machines is as I understand it when failure occurs it usually catastrophic (this includes the millers inverters as well). And you know how the old saying goes " I am not rich enough to buy cheap stuff". And this is why I am curious about the warranty difference. I mean 2 years is a hell of a difference, I would understand if the price wasn't more expensive as well.

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Originally Posted by everlastsupport

DavidShearer has offered very good and sound advice.

Duncan will explain the cost and other items related to Canada as he is the owner of Everlast Canada. The machine are the same, however he does make changes on some machine. Also, he double tested each machine. Sure there are duty or fee at the port as well, as his unit come to his building.

Far as not welding as well as the other color machine. I would search the internet for reviews from weldingtipsandtricks.com. In the hands of a good welder you will see they both weld as a professional would expect. In fact, ours tend to look a little better which was mentioned here sometime back by a member.

I have used the 225LX and 250EX for a couple years. If you can swing the EX, more power and freq range is worth it. Some feature like lift, etc., you might never use. The LX is a great unit and I have done aluminum with it as well with no problems. I have never use the DX personally, but many customers love them. The power factor is a big key for me.

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So the 250EX is more appropriate for aluminum? I also noticed no one is selling their Everlast welders second hand, so either they are really young right now, or everyone likes them and keeps them! If I bought a unit from the US would the warranty be Honoured? Or lets say I bought a unit from Canada and moved to the US would the warranty work the other way? I tend to move quite a bit and this would be a concern for me. Also can anyone elaborate what the warranty covers? Is it a replacement as long as it wasn't a user induced death for the machine?

There are a number of reasons for differences in pricing on the same units For the USA and Canada . You mention the price difference on the 250EX ( U.S price $1600.00 vs CDN $1695.00) The three major reasons are as follows We purchase from the U.S and our price is higher , Shipping and Duty,s for Canada cost more. Some models are actually cheaper from us but for the most part they are more expensive than the U.S. Although we do have the same units some accesories are different ( better foot Pedals and on some units Torches etc.
Warranty differences are very simple , The U.S are in the Process of changing there Warranty to 3 years and while it has taken a lot longer to do than was previously thought by me , I did not want to be in a position of lowering the time frame when it was finally anounced and as in my opinion a three Year Warranty is a good Warranty , So why not do this from the start.
If a unit is purchased from the U.S and does require warranty work then it can be shipped back to them for any maintenance / work required.
As for the TIG Welder you should be looking at i would highly recommend the 200DX as this is a good al round unit that you will not find wanting for any of your needs and it has the versatility and is very user friendly.
When you talk about numbers such as 500hz it is really beyond the scope of 99.9% of the welding done out there from the casual user.
Normally we welcome potential customers to drop in and try there hand with what ever strikes there fancy . This generally makes for a busy Saturday morning most weekends . Unfortunately for the next few weeks if you wish to do this you will have to either be prepared to evaluate the welder yourself or bring someone with you as i have a Order being made and will be at the factory during this time.
If you wish to try a welder it is still a good idea to call ahead so we can set something up for you.
Cheers

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Originally Posted by Titan winch

There are a number of reasons for differences in pricing on the same units For the USA and Canada . You mention the price difference on the 250EX ( U.S price $1600.00 vs CDN $1695.00) The three major reasons are as follows We purchase from the U.S and our price is higher , Shipping and Duty,s for Canada cost more. Some models are actually cheaper from us but for the most part they are more expensive than the U.S. Although we do have the same units some accesories are different ( better foot Pedals and on some units Torches etc.
Warranty differences are very simple , The U.S are in the Process of changing there Warranty to 3 years and while it has taken a lot longer to do than was previously thought by me , I did not want to be in a position of lowering the time frame when it was finally anounced and as in my opinion a three Year Warranty is a good Warranty , So why not do this from the start.
If a unit is purchased from the U.S and does require warranty work then it can be shipped back to them for any maintenance / work required.
As for the TIG Welder you should be looking at i would highly recommend the 200DX as this is a good al round unit that you will not find wanting for any of your needs and it has the versatility and is very user friendly.
When you talk about numbers such as 500hz it is really beyond the scope of 99.9% of the welding done out there from the casual user.
Normally we welcome potential customers to drop in and try there hand with what ever strikes there fancy . This generally makes for a busy Saturday morning most weekends . Unfortunately for the next few weeks if you wish to do this you will have to either be prepared to evaluate the welder yourself or bring someone with you as i have a Order being made and will be at the factory during this time.
If you wish to try a welder it is still a good idea to call ahead so we can set something up for you.
Cheers

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Was just looking at the adds on kijiji and it would seem that you are having a sale. Looks like I'll try to drop by this week maybe we can work something out.