Machine selection help

Printable View

03-26-2013, 12:14 AM
tjcoatney

Machine selection help

Hi All,

NooB here to the forum. I know these types of questions are probably pretty common on this site, but hopefully someone can point me in the right direction.

A new endeavor has presented the need for a solid tig machine, and I have always been interested in getting a multi-process when the time was right. I have welded many years mig and some tig, but only on an old, large Miller machine that was in the shop, therefore my knowledge on all of the new technologies is pretty slim to none.

The new job mentioned is fabricating beer-brewing equipment in stainless steel exclusively (no AC needed). The majority of the work will be 16 ga sheet, but other duties will be 1/8" tubing and the occasional 3/16-1/4 plate. I would like to have a dual voltage machine as well because I will be doing some prototyping in a small garage that only has 110 outlets with 100 amp service.

With that said, I was looking at the PowerUltra 185. Would this machine be a good fit for me? If not, I am open to all suggestions.

Please excuse any/all ignorant questions. I was directed to Everlast by a professional welding friend and am very impressed with the features/prices I am seeing.

Thanks!

Travis
03-26-2013, 01:48 PM
m j mauer

Welcome to the forum.
As for machine no advice there, personal choice match machine to your needs and future needs.
03-26-2013, 05:07 PM
agent4573

I really like my powetig 185, and while I'm not positive, I would assume the powerultra is just the powertig with the plasma added in. I've welded quite a bit of .095 and 1/8" tubing with it and it does a great job, so it should work just fine on 16 gauge steel. When I first got the machine I attempted to do .25" plate to .25" walled tubing and it didn't come out so good. I think with pre-heating and a super-clean piece of tungsten it could be done, but if you're going to be doing more than one or two 1/4" welds a month, I would step up to the 205 unit or larger.
03-26-2013, 08:27 PM
performance

Look at the i-tig 200. It will be better suited.
03-27-2013, 10:02 AM
everlastsupport

IMIG-200 and spool gun and a couple spools of wire is a great combo if you like MIG, the 160STH is a good pick for TIG. Both will run under 30 amps on 220 and on most generators.

If not on a budget or extra tax dollars, the ITIG-200 is nice.
03-28-2013, 02:58 AM
geezer

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjcoatney

Hi All,

NooB here to the forum. I know these types of questions are probably pretty common on this site, but hopefully someone can point me in the right direction.

A new endeavor has presented the need for a solid tig machine, and I have always been interested in getting a multi-process when the time was right. I have welded many years mig and some tig, but only on an old, large Miller machine that was in the shop, therefore my knowledge on all of the new technologies is pretty slim to none.

The new job mentioned is fabricating beer-brewing equipment in stainless steel exclusively (no AC needed). The majority of the work will be 16 ga sheet, but other duties will be 1/8" tubing and the occasional 3/16-1/4 plate. I would like to have a dual voltage machine as well because I will be doing some prototyping in a small garage that only has 110 outlets with 100 amp service.

With that said, I was looking at the PowerUltra 185. Would this machine be a good fit for me? If not, I am open to all suggestions.

Please excuse any/all ignorant questions. I was directed to Everlast by a professional welding friend and am very impressed with the features/prices I am seeing.

Thanks!

Travis

I am confused,,,if the little garage has 100 amps on 110 volts ,,then surely they all cannot be on the same leg from the supply panel and that would suppose that you have a 220 volt supply in the garage.....that being the case a dual voltage machine all though handy may not be your best choice..
Dual voltage is a nice option,,but it certainly limits your overall abilities when it comes to every day welding tasks...I would suggest checking into the garage supply and see if 220 volts is attainable,,,and as an entry level Tig the 200DX is a good choice,,AC for aluminum is also a handy feature,,you are planning on buying once then get the biggest bang for your buck,,,I have a 250EX,,,dual voltage and something like the 185 are on my list for their portability etc,,,but the 250ex is my first choice,,,,portabilty dual voltage,,,yes I like the idea but with that comes limitations,,,how ever who knows your needs better than you..