Another new TIG guy on the everlast Forum

Thought I would post my first post here to make sure I introduce myself properly.

While I did lots of stick welding and Millrighting when I was a young lad (my dad had a sawmill), I spent the years following being a software engineer, and did not do really any welding during that time. However, I did keep to the hands-on work I enjoy in my spare time, and now spend time working in my shop on various projects, ranging from woodworking to engine rebuilding (mostly Porsches).

Anyways, I have a lot of projects in mind that will require welding, and many of them would be in aluminum. I also always thought TIG welding produces one of the best looking welds around and was the most versatile, so I did a few things

1 - I enrolled in a part-time TIG welding class in a local vocational school to learn the basics. We are working our way though mild steel and stainless, with Aluminum coming up shortly. That gave me a chance to try a few different machines as well, including a Syncrowave 250 and a Dynasty 300. I liked the feel of the Dynasty much better, the HF start is better, and the welding is really smooth.

2 - I started to shop for a welder. Once my heart attack stopped after looking at the Miller prices, I stumbled upon weldingtricksandtips.com, and found two major welder suppliers, Everlast and HTP, and seemed to have great features at a reasonable price. I spend several evenings pouring through the reviews and issues with both welders, and am rapidly converging on a selection -with Everlast leading due to the return on investment and the 5 year warranty.

So that is where I stand. My rule is to buy the best tool I can afford up front, which leads to much less trouble later, so that is why I thought I would join the forum to ask all the usual questions... so I will be posting and actively participating as best as possible.

And hopefully will have a new welder in the shop soon...

Cheers,

Mike

Welcome to the group Mike, if I read you right, I expect you will soon be the proud owner of a 250 EX or 250 EXT. I have a 250 EX my self, it's a first class unit at the right price.

Welcome aboard Mike,

The 250EX and EXT are great picks, the 250EX is a long time favorite.

The PowerTIG line is right for your aluminum needs and I would lean towards the higher amps (250EX) to reduce the duty cycle on the machine. The EX and LX are the higher power choices in that line. I use both. The EX has a couple extra features as well.

If you are welding in tight areas, you might look at the WP7, 9, 20 torches as well. I like the WP20 for the water cooling. It's smaller size allows for tighter areas and easier on the wrist for long use.

If you have any questions, ask away, either our support staff or a knowledgeable member will offer direction. Or give us a call toll free.

I've got the 250EX and I love it!! I am also in night school for TIG and the Lincoln I use at school is terrible for HF starts and doesn't work well, not to say that all Lincoln welders suck, but I just enjoy welding with the 250EX compared to it.
This Everlast is smooth and plenty of controls to keep you happy!

Guys, the quickest way to get thrown off the board by me is to speak badly about Lincoln welders. IF you're still wet behind the ears, then all is forgiven. :)
But anyone that has ever used an old tombstone, ideal arc, a ranger or an SA 200 would never do that. There's a reason many pipeline sites won't let you on the site with a blue machine. If its not lincoln gray or red, you can turn around and head back home.

There's a reason my old SA 200 built in 1958 is still worth more than what it sold for, and its not because its antique that someone wants to crank up now and then.

But seriously, the Lincoln probably has its points out of adjustment or they are dirty.

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Originally Posted by performance

Guys, the quickest way to get thrown off the board by me is to speak badly about Lincoln welders. IF you're still wet behind the ears, then all is forgiven. :)
But anyone that has ever used an old tombstone, ideal arc, a ranger or an SA 200 would never do that. There's a reason many pipeline sites won't let you on the site with a blue machine. If its not lincoln gray or red, you can turn around and head back home.

There's a reason my old SA 200 built in 1958 is still worth more than what it sold for, and its not because its antique that someone wants to crank up now and then.

But seriously, the Lincoln probably has its points out of adjustment or they are dirty.

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But I covered my but with "all Lincoln welders don't suck"!! :)

We have twisted and turned every knob on that thing but it just doesn't do as good as my 250EX.. Maybe because this is an Invertor!??!
BUT, it is a school and a lot of high school kids take the class and don't respect the equipment so I'm sure it's just out of tune...Everyone know's Lincoln makes the best welders out there! :D

I fixed and used an old 200 2 weeks go. The owner had welded a handle and rack on it way back (angle no less and apparently did not own a square I am gonna bet) for wrapping the longer lead on it. Was funny. Welded like a champ after fixing the missed up lead. If the rack was straight and square or round tube I would not have cracked on that part.

My Dad still has SA200 (I used when I was like 10-13) and a buddy offers to loan me and my son his his ranger all the time.

Yea, they seem to last for a long time and they work well no doubt.

BUT, I will just stick with my Everlast :D Nothing red or blue here anymore (unless you count shop rags and stuff).

Which unit do you have at school? Maybe I can help...But knowing if its an invertec, its an italian machine most likely. They do weld good.

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Originally Posted by performance

Which unit do you have at school? Maybe I can help...But knowing if its an invertec, its an italian machine most likely. They do weld good.

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I'm pretty sure it's a Precision TIG 325. It's a Nascar edition and I'm sure it's older.
It's not a big deal...it welds fine, just different than my Everlast.