pure plasma or multi process?

Hi guys,
I am no professional welder, all I have is a Lincoln Weld Pak 100 (no gas) and have managed to get by.
I was talking to Alex earlier in the month regarding a Power Plasma 50 and gave me general information regarding the unit. Sure seems like a nice unit. Have not yet ordered since I was in the process of plumbing up my garage with an air compressor and lines, project done! and now for the electrical outlet.
I was pretty set on the power plasma 50 but now looked at the new PowerMaster 205 and are thinking about getting that unit instead.
Any of you out there know the electrical breaker requirements for the units?
a.- Power Plasma 50?
b.- PowerMaster 205?
I believe the Power Plasma 50 can get by with a 30 amp breaker but are not quite sure.
Any of you out there have any experience with these units? if so how well do you like them? good or bad experience?.
By what I have read on this and other forums seems like the guys here (Everlast) are supporting the units and are willing to help in any customer support issues that may come up.
Also, the warranty is 5 years but what does that cover? only parts? I realize that covering a unit that has beed abused or neglected doesn't count.
Many Thanks in advance for any information you are willing to share.

Alex

Alex,

If you'll go to the sites terms and policy, you can read the details of the warranty. We offer a full replacement warranty on your welder. If you will go and read it, you can get all the details of what you can expect. Occasionally we will provide parts if that is the customers request, but generally, we will exchange your unit.

My personal preference is for the PP 60 as it will handle heavy plate with no struggle. The PP50 will work great up to about 1/2 inch for fast cutting speeds, but even though it will cut thicker material, it will slow down on the thinner stuff. The PowerMaster 205 is a good choice for a tig combination plasma unit. It is the entry level machine and doesn't have as many features, but it really does do a good job welding. The PP 50 might scrape by with a 30 amp breaker, but maximum start amps is a little over that at about 32 amps. I'd upgrade the breaker, and any wires for at least 40 amps on that circuit. If you are considering the PM 205, then you'll need more anyway.

Maybe some of the guys can chime in here on there experience.

Maybe if you give us an idea of the types of projects you are working on we could better understand your needs. I have the Super Cut 50 and the 250EX and love both machines. For the money a multipurpose maching can sure offer you a lot of options. With the ioo amp welder you have I would not think you are welding much heavy work. Having the extra welding amps may be nice so think about what you want to do with the machine and let us know. I love spending other people's money!
Wayne

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. Yes up to now I have managed to get by with only my Lincoln 100 Weld Pak, and no I am not doing much heavy work. The welding I do is for repair and small scale fabrication (daughters 4H project fencing), I just finished doing some brackets for my daughters 4H fencing that the other kids in the group would love to have, that is the reason I started considering the plasma cutter! there is NO way I am fabricating brackets for fencing with the chop saw and reciprocating saw!.
I would love to have the ability to weld aluminum but from what I have gathered TIG is the way to go for that type of welding.
Money IS always a consideration so I am torn between purchasing a Power Plasma 50 and a TIG welder or maybe a multi-process unit? I just finished plumbing my garage with air so that portion is done now for the electrical outlet I am trying to figure what would the best size breaker would be for both the welder and plasma (my Weld Pak is 115v so I do not have a 230 volt welder outlet) as soon as I complete or get close to completing the electrical outlet I will place an order for the best unit(s) to suit my needs. If you have any input on breaker size please pass it on, I was thinking of a 40 amp breaker but maybe I should go for 50?
I would like to purchase the right machine and not be sorry a year later (I need more speed scotty!) but I don't foresee doing very heavy work, maybe only the occasional heavy weld.
THANK YOU for the input!

Alex

Alex,

The SuperCut 50 is an excellent choice as well, depending upon what you are cutting. Its a high frequency start without a pilot arc, but it will do a lot of cutting. Its more compact and lighter weight. Although its mosfet design, it is a reliable machine. It economical as well. The PowerPlasma 50 is a good machine of course, but just don't forget, if you don't need all the bells and whistles, it is a good little cutter. The combination units are a good choice, if you are considering a cheap solution, the powerUltra is a DC welder with plasma or the Power I-TIG is inexpensive for a dc pulse machine. If you combine it with a Super cut, you will get the independence that the separate units offer, at the best price. Keep in mind that you will be able to weld almost anything, except aluminum. The stick weld feature of the ITIG is good as well.

Now, if you are just going to be welding typical farm type welds, the best stick welder we have is our PowerArc 200. It can be used for tig, but it is primarily a stick welder and a fine one at that. You could get it and a Supercut 50 or PowerPlasma 50 unit for about $1000

I sure did my share of 4Hprojects for my kids (all grown up now) so I know what you are up against. I think one of the first things you need to consider is the aluminum welding because that decision will steer you towards an AC/DC machine. If you really don’t plan on welding AL then a lower cost welder will suit then its weather or not you want just the plasma with a separate welder or a multifunctional unit. Is space in the shop a concern or what thoughts do you have on mobility? I know you are looking for answers and I keep asking questions but I hate to see someone spend money and not get what they really want or need.
Wayne

Many Thanks for the reply Wayne!
I am glad you did the 4H with your own kids!, it is a worthwhile project for the kids (the dad's are the ones stuck building the pens, fencing etc etc etc).
Yes I would definitely like to weld aluminum, I need to get the most bang for the buck and DO want to make the correct choice.
I need to install a plug and breaker for the welder/plasma, I already plumbed my garage with air and are ready for that part of the plasma.
I suspect a 40 or 50 amp breaker would do?
Is the power plasma 50 better than the inclusive multi-process unit?
Space is a consideration but I would rather maybe get a stand alone plasma and tig IF it will be better way to go if not that new PowerMaster 205 is looking mighty nice! to say the least.
Will the new PowerMaster 205 perform as good as the stand alone units?
Many Thanks!

Well......
I have been doing plenty of reading on several forums and sites. I do not have deep pockets for a name brand Tig and Plasma, but do not want to buy paper weight as well, I looked at HF, Longevity, Giant Tech and a few others.
Seems like the guys here at Everlast respond quickly and have a genuine interest in keeping their customer satisfaction, so I am inclined to purchase:
Power Plasma 50 and
PowerTig 225LX
If anyone out there has first hand experience with these units PLEASE post your comments and/or pics.
The DOA, try it for 7 days money back and warranty seems fair enough. I need to get my 230 plug in place before I order anything (no fun having a plasma or TIG and no place to plug it!). All I have now is a Linc. Weld Pak 100.
I will email or call Alex later and maybe we can come up with a decent price.
Again, if anyone out there has any input or pics please post and send!
Thanks in advance!

The policy is 30 days money back. :)
The best way to get a good idea how one works, is to see it in action. Weldingtipsandtricks.com has posted a new video featuring the unit. Although it isn't an endorsement, it does give you a fair idea how the unit will perform.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5u4Efn1twUo