My opinions on the PowerTig 250EX (so far) and first beads..
First off, thanks to Oleg et al. for prompt service and communications. Oleg was the first person I had a conversation with at Everlast and he made a good impression.
Brief overview of where I'm coming from:
I learned to stick weld and gas weld/cut in my mid teens and have been hobby-type welding since. I've never been paid to weld other than paid with beers if you know what I mean.. I recently learned MIG/FCAW although it wasn't that much of a challenge, really. I've found that a little flux core wire machine is VERY handy for fit-up and tack but not so much to run longer beads. Long story short, this is one of my hobbies I love most but I don't depend on it to put beer in the fridge or butter'n my bisquits. I've always wanted to buy or rig up a TIG machine so that I can weld aluminum and other non-ferrous metals and alloys with precision.
I understand how power inverters work (I've designed, built and cursed at a few in my lifetime). I squint every time I plug in a Chinese product and squint again when I flip the power switch. That's the honest truth and yes, I grimaced when I plugged and switched on my new Everlast for the first time.
[...]Fast forward the boring stuff a little.. ;)
I called in the morning and the machine shipped out that same day. The shipment was delayed by UPS but arrived in good condition (was just A LITTLE nervous about that). Here's how the machine and accessories were packed:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9...220_173038.jpg
Nice layout and workmanship. All around great looking machine:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-j...220_173736.jpg
Accessories strung out on the floor:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7...220_173452.jpg
I currently have tap water from the garden hose running through the water cooled torch. I plan on buying a gas cooled torch in the near future (for light to medium work) and a water cooler for heavy or lengthy work in the not so near future. I had been getting acquainted with TIGging steel but finally got around to trying aluminum recently. I got hold of some 1/2" thick triangular aluminum scraps (don't know the precise alloy). I used one to run a few short beads to gauge heat requirements and dial in settings. NOTE: I didn't realize at first that I accidentally grabbed a filler rod for stainless. Just picture me scratching my head and silently muttering "WTF??" Also note that the scraps were very dirty and I didn't make any effort to clean them. I learn best with NOT BEST CASE scenarios..
My first TIG welds on aluminum (for your amusement): :D
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-O...229_211828.jpg
After a bit of fiddling around, I stuck 2 of the triangles together and ran a bead, pausing twice to make sure all was good with the torch and machine:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-M...229_211240.jpg
Again, dirty metal but this time I lightly brushed before welding. You can see that I started out a bit cold and ended a bit hot. I also didn't tie in the previous beads well. The torch stayed completely cool to the touch. The work, however, got very hot - I should have taken a little break halfway through but was only testing so no biggie. AC; 250Hz; ~35% balance; main amps set at 175 max (but used foot pedal - not floored); no pulse; a bit of pre-flow and ~5 seconds post flow; 3/32 1.5% lanthanated tungsten; 4043 filler; HF. When the metal is clean, arc starts are crisp. With dirty metal, one has to wait a bit for the cleaning action to bail you out but gets going just fine.
So far, I'm very pleased with the purchase of this machine. Time will tell the tale of durability and if needed, warranty work. From what I've read, I have no doubt that Everlast will make good. I need a lot of practice before I can give this machine a proper review but so far, this machine is worth every penny that it costs and then some.
Happy New Year!
Tom
