MTS 200--Some Comparisons with Thermal Arce 181i Fabricator

[jackw19]

Mark, I don't think the comparisons I made were wrong. I researched the material carefully, and assembled the comparisons carefully. I only mentioned by academic background after you started calling me "malcontent, etc." My intention was to establish some some intellectual credibility in response to suggestions that I was some kind of crazy know-nothing. I see that Everlast tech support has done the same, by mentioning its years of experience, etc. There's nothing wrong with establishing qualifications when having a discussion--doesn't turn me off. I like to hear about peoples backgrounds.

I don't see where any of my comments have been incorrect--if so pls tell me where. Just saying I'm wrong, I've made glaring errors, etc doesn't make it so. What glaring errors?

Potentiometer and Encoders. If the amperage control is digital encoder based OK. That's all I wanted to know. I didn't say a potentiometer was better, all I said was that an encoder was more expensive. That's all. I asked because I was considering replacing it with a foot pedal and that would have been easy to do. Your suggestion that all experienced welders don't need / don't want / don't care about pedals w/ DC TIG on steel simply isn't true. I know several, including my welding teachers and authors of several welding texts. You may feel that way, but not everyone does. And not everyone who doesn't agree with you on this point is wrong. I'll be happy to provide quotes and sources for you.

Smaller rolls. Please, all I want is a simple answer to a politely asked question. Can Everlast technical support assist me in using 4" wire rolls in my MTS-400 machine? If the answer is, "No," then fine; maybe a forum member will have an answer.

Fan-on-Demand. I don't see that any answer to my comparison of fan on demand in MTS and 181i machines has been provided so far. That's fine--but saying I don't know anything about welding isn't an answer. Maybe some welders don't want it, maybe Everlast support doesn't want to comment, that's fine as well. But I think my argument is correct and speaks for itself.

Just for the record--I don't think all potentiometer MIG machines were lacking. I'm not sure--I'll have to check the specs for Millermatic 250 and 251; I'm trying to recall if they had amperage pots.

Lastly, the number of responses to my MTS posts isn't necessarily a measure of interest. I didn't see a lot of MTS posts of any kind on the site. If I've missed them, pls point them to me. I'd like to read them.

[67cudafb]

Wow you think somone with a phd. would be smart enough to do a comparison with other welders before they buy not after, even someone with high school education knows that. As far as color code you think someone as smart as you would read owners manuel before they did anything at all with any piece of equipment. Your post is kinda like closing barn door after the horse got out don't you think? Just my two cents worth. I am confused do you have mts 200 or 400????????????????????????

[Ray]

the big part goes on the spool holder the little spool hangs on the smaller part.

as long as there is room for it,

[sportbike]

Mark, I don't think the comparisons I made were wrong. I researched the material carefully, and assembled the comparisons carefully. I only mentioned by academic background after you started calling me "malcontent, etc." My intention was to establish some some intellectual credibility in response to suggestions that I was some kind of crazy know-nothing. I see that Everlast tech support has done the same, by mentioning its years of experience, etc. There's nothing wrong with establishing qualifications when having a discussion--doesn't turn me off. I like to hear about peoples backgrounds.

I don't see where any of my comments have been incorrect--if so pls tell me where. Just saying I'm wrong, I've made glaring errors, etc doesn't make it so. What glaring errors?

Potentiometer and Encoders. If the amperage control is digital encoder based OK. That's all I wanted to know. I didn't say a potentiometer was better, all I said was that an encoder was more expensive. That's all. I asked because I was considering replacing it with a foot pedal and that would have been easy to do. Your suggestion that all experienced welders don't need / don't want / don't care about pedals w/ DC TIG on steel simply isn't true. I know several, including my welding teachers and authors of several welding texts. You may feel that way, but not everyone does. And not everyone who doesn't agree with you on this point is wrong. I'll be happy to provide quotes and sources for you.

Smaller rolls. Please, all I want is a simple answer to a politely asked question. Can Everlast technical support assist me in using 4" wire rolls in my MTS-400 machine? If the answer is, "No," then fine; maybe a forum member will have an answer.

Fan-on-Demand. I don't see that any answer to my comparison of fan on demand in MTS and 181i machines has been provided so far. That's fine--but saying I don't know anything about welding isn't an answer. Maybe some welders don't want it, maybe Everlast support doesn't want to comment, that's fine as well. But I think my argument is correct and speaks for itself.

Just for the record--I don't think all potentiometer MIG machines were lacking. I'm not sure--I'll have to check the specs for Millermatic 250 and 251; I'm trying to recall if they had amperage pots.

Lastly, the number of responses to my MTS posts isn't necessarily a measure of interest. I didn't see a lot of MTS posts of any kind on the site. If I've missed them, pls point them to me. I'd like to read them.

My comments were mostly leaning towards the oddity of doing all of this research AFTER you already made a purchase. Just doesn't seem like a logical thing to do.

I can assure you, Everlast machines are not suitable for everyone or for every application. The features of the machines seem to be adequate, but some of the other details of teh company and methods of purchase, are bit different as compared to other companies and suppliers. Sometimes going with a bigger company is suitable. That said, for a home user or light commercial, there is not alot out there that compares with Everlast as far as features / performance / cost. There also seem to be some machines geared more toward heavier commercial applications.

Why would you purchase a 480V 3 phase, 400amp machine and then complain that it doesn't use 4" spools of wire? If you are using teh machine to take together a few plant hangers on teh weekend or are you using the machine to do heavy commercial work. 300amps for a gmaw welder is quite alot and will burn threw a little 4 lb spool in no time.

As for your academic standing, don't worry, we won't hold your Ph D against you.

[performance]

The guy has a mts 200, not a 400 but it does have a good bit of power for its size.

[jbirdlebough]

My comments were mostly leaning towards the oddity of doing all of this research AFTER you already made a purchase. Just doesn't seem like a logical thing to do.

I can assure you, Everlast machines are not suitable for everyone or for every application. The features of the machines seem to be adequate, but some of the other details of teh company and methods of purchase, are bit different as compared to other companies and suppliers. Sometimes going with a bigger company is suitable. That said, for a home user or light commercial, there is not alot out there that compares with Everlast as far as features / performance / cost. There also seem to be some machines geared more toward heavier commercial applications.

Why would you purchase a 480V 3 phase, 400amp machine and then complain that it doesn't use 4" spools of wire? If you are using teh machine to take together a few plant hangers on teh weekend or are you using the machine to do heavy commercial work. 300amps for a gmaw welder is quite alot and will burn threw a little 4 lb spool in no time.

As for your academic standing, don't worry, we won't hold your Ph D against you.

Cheers all from Cloudfather@DELL. Dr Jack I liked your comments. Lets talk about pots vs encoders.

Pots are much less expensive, have three or more tapers available, are susceptible to dirt and grime. But generally durable if the housing they are in is mechanically sound.
Encoders are more expensive, are sealed from dirt and grime much better than pots, they are very precise in their increments improving repeatability of settings and have been thermal stability (pots can drift if warm) and are much high precision than Pots.

Functionally they do the same job, they take input from the user and change a parameter on the welder in real time. The detailed method while interesting is irrelevant.

Can you convert, of course. There are multiple vendors of both options. The key is characteristics of the original component must be identical including taper, wattage rating etc.

I can support the 4" as well. In some instances its much easier to work smaller spools.

Enjoyed the discussion.

J B Chief Engineer, Master of Masters HPC and Cloud Computing

PS you must know our neighbors the Flowers Racing Team. World record holders for HD.