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Just saw the New ESAB 161LTS unit in KC at one of the LWS today it is made in China and Looks a lot like the Power Arc 140, I think the front and rear covers would interchange. I asked the manager where they were made and his comment was they make 1 or 2 machines here in the US still.
Priced at $499.99 with no pedal option no HF and no arc force. Did have the 110/220 plug with it.
Sure does look alike. It does have fixed hot start and arc force, but no included TIG torch, or carrying case.Quote:
Originally Posted by cbmkr
It's hot the same unit.
Guy at Sema in the ESAB booth had the nerve to tell me they were made in Sweden and even tried to deny it when I showed him the sticker.
The dealer rep looked at me a little funny when i told him they were made in china. Pretty evident when like you say the stickers and cables all are made in China.
Looks like they are trying to get some of the market back.
Yeah, they still make the ENORMOUS Heliarc 252 and Heliarc 352 Here in USA. Since they bought out L-Tec about 20 years ago, they have systematically broken down the system, as happens with just about any US company bought out. It's the way business is done. The problem I have with it is the DENIAL that they're selling a Chinese made unit as something other than, whether it's as a Swedish made, or US made. It's as if they can justify their ridiculous price by lying about the machine's origins. What's even FUNNIER (or more pathetic) is when a sales rep will point out the advantages their machine has over that "cheap, chinese crap". Just like I had happen when I asked a Thermal arc rep about their Fabricator series compared to the EVERLAST MTS series. He went on this diatribe about how the Thermal arc units were SOOOO much better. To which I politely disagreed, which had me informing him that his precious maroon machine was probably made in the same building by the same people using many of the same parts. I don't have a problem with where a machine is made, just with the mis-representation, and the profit that they pocket at the consumer's expense. That's why if you come to my shop, the "welding department" is all green, and everything works BEAUTIFULLY. I'm really liking the 160STH, compared to ANY of the "suitcase welders" out there, and would buy one in a heartbeat, even if the ESAB unit was offered at the same price, which isn't going to happen.Quote:
Originally Posted by cbmkr
I agree that the denial or misinformation is not a good thing.
That said, there is a difference between those brands and Everlast, primarily being distribution, sales, and service. Most of those units are locally purchased and service / warranty work is dealt with through the local rep as well. Everlast is primarily a mail order/ internet experience.
I have a 200DX and have had no issues with it at all. If I do, I know what is required to get service, and I understood that when I purchased. I am pretty experienced with mechanical and electrical repair and would likely work over the phone / email to diagnose and repair myself, which is actually a selling point for me.
Everlast, by pretty much selling direct, have much less overhead and very few folks along the food chain who each need to take a bite.
Haha, "going green" was never so fun or easy! I fully agree about the 160STH being a great welder and working as smoothly as the (much) more expensive welders (suitcase or not) that are offered by competitors.Quote:
Originally Posted by hooda
Practically everything is made in China now and the US is swamped with Chinese made items, some that work well, and others that break in 10 minutes. While I don't agree with all the outsourcing, I do believe they have the technology and ability to produce a nice quality product when given the chance. Everlast is a good example of that. I've come to realize that there is such a thing as "Good China" and "Bad China."
Grandpa was a used car salesman from the 1940's to the early 1970's, so I am still suspicious of salesmen and reps until they give me reason to believe otherwise! Gramps would have sold a car to blind Chimpanzee (or an ill family member) if it meant making a buck!:O
Totally agree on the "good vs bad' imported stuff. I have a problem with cheap crap that doesn't work right and/or falls apart quickly, whether it's made here or abroad. On the flip side of that coin, quality products can be from anywhere also.
I've noticed that some Longevity welders also have similar cases to the Everlast cases (specifically, one that looked darn near identical to the PA140ST - but maybe that was an earlier model of their box). So either they're made in the same factory and badged differently, or a variation on the theme with some of the same components and/or circuitry, or just the same case from a common supplier. Either way, I love my little Everlast welder and plan to upgrade and/or add to the stable, largely because their machines just seem to work (and for alot less money than machines of other colors). If they didn't work, or if they broke down alot, I'm not interested.
I guess I'm kinda like sportbike, in that if it breaks, I'm completely comfortable with opening up the case(with our without tech support guidance) to try to fix it myself first. And if that doesn't work, everything I've heard on this form makes it sound like Everlast will do what it takes to make things right. I don't expect many problems though!
Quote:
Originally Posted by cbmkr
ESAB 161 has no HF, not pedal ready , no tig torch and argon regulator
its very similar to out PA140ST for 275$