Everlast Micro 185 AC/DC Dual Voltage Review

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10-20-2013, 01:57 AM
sirsparkalot

Everlast Micro 185 AC/DC Dual Voltage Review

After having a PowerArc 160STH, and loving it, I decided to upgrade to be able to tig weld aluminum. I purchased this machine after doing a lot of homework on the powerarc, and receiving a lot of help and good reviews from users. This machine has exceeded my expectations in almost every way. The stick welding cables were of decent quality, and the tig torch was about what I expected for the price point (having been spoiled on weldcraft since starting tig welding) The regulator was also of decent quality, however it leaked at the outlet fitting (not a big deal to me - I have several). Having spent numerous hours welding aluminum, and carbon steel with this machine, I would have to recommend it totally. For the price it simply can not be beat. And once the hood is down, you can't see the colour of the machine anyway:D
Other than what was previously mentioned the only gripe I have would be that this machine is noticeably louder that the power arc, and the fan blows a LOT of air around (have to be careful where it is pointed so not to blow away shielding gas)
So if Everlast could change anything, I would suggest a rear exhaust for the cooling fan.
Over 9.7/10 on my scale!!!!!!!
Keep up the good work Everlast Welders
10-20-2013, 01:44 PM
performance

The unit and all welding units that I know of exhaust air to the front. The thing is, that the welder shouldn't be used on the same table as or in proximity to the weld area. This is a poor practice which can cause other complications including possible damage to the welder. It needs to be on a cart or mounted under a table somewhere.
10-20-2013, 10:43 PM
nils

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirsparkalot

After having a PowerArc 160STH, and loving it, I decided to upgrade to be able to tig weld aluminum. I purchased this machine after doing a lot of homework on the powerarc, and receiving a lot of help and good reviews from users. This machine has exceeded my expectations in almost every way. The stick welding cables were of decent quality, and the tig torch was about what I expected for the price point (having been spoiled on weldcraft since starting tig welding) The regulator was also of decent quality, however it leaked at the outlet fitting (not a big deal to me - I have several). Having spent numerous hours welding aluminum, and carbon steel with this machine, I would have to recommend it totally. For the price it simply can not be beat. And once the hood is down, you can't see the colour of the machine anyway:D
Other than what was previously mentioned the only gripe I have would be that this machine is noticeably louder that the power arc, and the fan blows a LOT of air around (have to be careful where it is pointed so not to blow away shielding gas)
So if Everlast could change anything, I would suggest a rear exhaust for the cooling fan.
Over 9.7/10 on my scale!!!!!!!
Keep up the good work Everlast Welders

Very interesting story of evolution. I too bought a PowerArc 160 for my mobile business, and I love it! Except, it don't like no 6010. Just got the PowerArc 185 for the same reason, been turning away a lot of aluminum business and needed something portable.

I also got the SSC pedal, which is awesome. Do you run a pedal? The spec says the pedal overrides the panel, but not on my unit. The panel on my unit is in control of the maximum amperage, pedal or not. Also, the dinse for the torch was positioned to interfere with the 7 pin connector when fully twisted. It was a easy fix but also a pain. This unit loves 6010 too, and also runs stick in ac mode, with freq adjustment. Weird.

I'm starting to work the quirks out of this machine and the performance is improving. Low freq ac, like 20hz is pretty cool, it's almost like pulse. I also noticed running up high, like over 200hz, get's the torch super hot. Probably need to back down the balance a smidge. That make sense since the current is running back into the torch that many more times.

Your point about the fan blowing out the side is a good one.

I'm glad you're happy with your machine and hope it continues to do well.

Nils