decieding what to get now.

[McClary]

ok , i was planning on getting a Plasma cutter from Everlast. but now im considering the PowerUltra 205 combo unit.. at first i wanted a separate units for my shop.. but for the price maybe i can just get the combo unit and get the single plasma later, due to this one has a plasma ...
right now im try'n to keep my budget low on the item , but i dont want something that i will regret later.
heres my need ...
i run a small automotive restoration/customizing shop..
so basicly , i will be DC tig welding cr metal from 20gauge to 1/8"(11gauge?) sometimes 1/4" thick..
plasma cutting same type of metals..
i wont be doing anytype of aluminum welding, if i do, i have an Airco 320amp tig machine, which is old, but suited for thicker metal and etc.. its just a pain to move around the shop (500pounds possibly ) .
so having a smaller unit and putting it on wheels would be great..

would the PowerUltra 205 be suited for my needs on what i mentioned? or any other recommendations?
Alex (everlast) sales , was telling me about the new plasma machines with the new technology in it ... does the PowerUltra 205 have this as well?
is this in stock or on the waiting list like the plasma cutters?
any pics of the welds, cuts and etc?

thanks for any info .... ive tried to read some on the forums , but have not found the answers im looking for...

[performance]

My opinion only...of course,

Get the separate units. I know there are considerations...But with the type setup you have, you will appreciate the separate units. The Pultra's are fine, but I don't think this would suit your situation...maybe it would...but again its my opinion.

IF you really want a DC only machine, then the I-tig is the choice, because it includes a pulse feature, something the Pultra doesn't have and it is great in controlling heat input on crmo with the pulse.

There may be a 250 I tig still in stock..plenty of power...I believe they are dual 110/220 as well.

It also has a higher stick welding capacity as well.

[McClary]

thanks Mark for the reply,

that was my first choice was the PowerITig 250 and getting the plasma separate... Alex was giving me a deal on the Plasma once it comes in...
but speaking with Alex, he suggested the Power altra 205 and giving it to me at a discount. in which i though, maybe just get that , then later get another plasma alone ...
it seems i would just prefer to have the PowerITIG 250 , and separate plasma ..
i dont want to step on any toes... should i contact him about this? or can i speak to you? i dunno if you guys or on commission sales. i would like to see what kind of deal i could receive and if that unit is in stock or will be in stock...
im really shooting to have a plasma cutter in a few weeks for a project coming up ..

thanks
mat

[everlastsupport]

thanks Mark for the reply,

that was my first choice was the PowerITig 250 and getting the plasma separate... Alex was giving me a deal on the Plasma once it comes in...
but speaking with Alex, he suggested the Power altra 205 and giving it to me at a discount. in which i though, maybe just get that , then later get another plasma alone ...
it seems i would just prefer to have the PowerITIG 250 , and separate plasma ..
i dont want to step on any toes... should i contact him about this? or can i speak to you? i dunno if you guys or on commission sales. i would like to see what kind of deal i could receive and if that unit is in stock or will be in stock...
im really shooting to have a plasma cutter in a few weeks for a project coming up ..

thanks
mat

Mat,

If you get the Power ULTRA and Power IMIG, you have MIG, plasma separate and a DC TIG/Stick extra. Only thing missing is AC.

That is a pretty good combo. And like you said, you can get a separate dedicated plasma later.

We do not work on commission, and Alex is the guy to talk to for a good deal.

[McClary]

thanks Mike!
mainthing i was wondering about is the Pulse control... i have never used a tig with Pulse control.. so i dont know what im missing , if its something that would help on thicker metal welds or not for me...
i like the Ultra, but no pulse control....
but the stand alone dc tig has the pulse control...
so im up in the air with this... i hate to get a unit and down the road wish i got the other unit.. lol

[performance]

The reason you cite about not wanting to buy more later down the road is why every welder ends up with at least a half dozen welding machines.lol.

It is a difficult descision. If you need a high quality weld on chrome moly, I believe the the pulse is a mandatory feature. I am not endorsing this guys site, but since I don't have time this week to write a long and drawn out article on the benefits of pulse on CrMo, here it is: http://www.thefabricator.com/arcweld...le.cfm?ID=1679
This is about pulse mig, but pulse is pulse when it comes to reducing overall heat input.

The issues with cracking and overheating in CrMo are real...Pulse will help prevent that issue. Remember that alloying elements is steel are other metals usually(though sulphur, carbon, silicone are used) and with other metals in the mix, the melting point of steel changes. Once the steel melts, the elements can segregate and then vaporize, leaving the welded joint weak or brittle.

I will suggest that you consider the AC/DC machine anyway, since you will occasionally find the need to weld Al. Even if you get the new PowerMaster 256, it will include nearly all the capabilities of the New 250 EX plus a 60 amp plasma cutter. I know money is an issue, but it should kill all your birds with one stone. lol

But if you insist on pure dc, then the I tig is the way to go, if we still have units in stock.

[pvitor]

I am also on the fense of which way to go and feel that this thread has made me realized that getting two units one for tig and then a plasma would be the way to go. TIG is my main puprose here and it is what brought me to Everlast.