EverLast MTS 211Si

[WeldMore]

Hi All
Recently retired and wanted to get into some metal working (just for fun and light projects). Prior to this I have primarily just worked with wood (again only light projects).
On the metal work side, I have a small RF-30 type milling machine and a Grizzly 8 x 20 lathe. Both are older units that I had to rebuild.
I also have a Lotos LTP 8000 (80 amp plasma cutter) that is great - still amazes me every time I use it.
But back to welding. I got tired of always having to fasten things together with nuts and bolts so decided it was time to try to pick up welding.
A few months ago I bought an el cheapo HF 90 amp FCAW only unit and quickly found out it wasn't going to keep me happy. But at least it got me started.
I have been investigating larger GMAW/FCAW units as well as some multipurpose ones (with TIG/Stick). Definitely wanted something I could grow into that was also carryable (when necessary) and with 120/240 input. I ended up blowing the wad on an EverLast MTS 211Si. It is due to arrive next week.
It's a fairly new design so I have not seen much info on the forums (like none). So I would like to start a thread here.
Anyone out there playing with it yet?
Thanks,
WeldMore

[TheGary]

Welcome to the forum. You made a good choice, about the only thing that machine won't do is tig weld aluminum. You wii probably never need more welder than the 211. It has only been out for about 5-6 weeks so there have not been a lot of users on the site with them. I have the earlier MTS250S that does not have some of the features that your 211 has. you should be all set with your other equipment.

[mts211si]

I've had one for a few months now and love it. Best of luck with yours. Here's my thread on WeldingWeb:

http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php...PowerMTS-211Si

[WeldMore]

I've had one for a few months now and love it. Best of luck with yours. Here's my thread on WeldingWeb:

http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php...PowerMTS-211Si

Visited your thread and noticed your welding cart has a carry bar in the front. Did that come with your cart?
I have a similar unit from HF and the carry bar would be a great addition.

[mts211si]

Visited your thread and noticed your welding cart has a carry bar in the front. Did that come with your cart?
I have a similar unit from HF and the carry bar would be a great addition.

You are correct. That is a HF cart I modified slightly so it would hold the MTS211Si. I had an older gas power washer that died and wasn't worth fixing. I removed the top portion of the washer cart's handle and mounted it (front side facing downward) to the HF cart. It was a no cost and very easy project that worked well. I might build another cart down the road, but this one works absolutely fine for now.

Best of luck!

[TheGary]

You are correct. That is a HF cart I modified slightly so it would hold the MTS211Si. I had an older gas power washer that died and wasn't worth fixing. I removed the top portion of the washer cart's handle and mounted it (front side facing downward) to the HF cart. It was a no cost and very easy project that worked well. I might build another cart down the road, but this one works absolutely fine for now.

Best of luck!

The cart looks like it would be front heavy without the gas bottle. It might be tipy when trying to change a bottle.

[mts211si]

The cart looks like it would be front heavy without the gas bottle. It might be tipy when trying to change a bottle.

No issues with tipiness. I've swapped the bottle back and forth a few times, and even had the welder on the cart without a bottle for a few days and moved it around the shop without a problem. I agree that it would be more stable with a bottle on board (which is the normal scenario), but it is fine without. With about 3/4 of the unit's weight behind the front wheels and it sitting at a slight angle towards the back, it doesn't feel any more likely to tip forward then it does to either side. With the handle so far forward, any instability would be obvious once I started pulled it around the shop. So far so good, but as I mentioned earlier this is a temporary solution until I get something larger. I was pleasantly surprised with how well it worked out, especially with so little effort/cost.

[edit]
As a quick test, I went out to the shop and removed the bottle from the cart. I pushed the front end downwards and got the rear wheels about 8 inches off the ground before it neared its balance point. Of course maximum stability is with the bottle installed, but it is safe enough when swapping it out.
[/edit]

[zoama]

A great project for any new machine is to build your own custom cart that's ideal for your application.

[christian]

Yeah,

When I got an Everlast unit, it was larger than my previous unit. So rather than build or get a larger cart, I just used some angle iron to extend the shelf up top, which acts as a handle too, if pulled from underneath. There is no apparent "tippyness" when the bottles are removed, for changing.

Peace be with you all,
C. Livingstone

[WeldMore]

Yeah,

When I got an Everlast unit, it was larger than my previous unit. So rather than build or get a larger cart, I just used some angle iron to extend the shelf up top, which acts as a handle too, if pulled from underneath. There is no apparent "tippyness" when the bottles are removed, for changing.

Peace be with you all,
C. Livingstone

Call me lazy, but I'm all for the re-purposing route if it works. I think I will follow your lead with my HF cart too.
Kudos to you and KMA

I see you have the unit set up for TIG. What kind of materials and thickness have you had success with?
What are the practical limitations in TIG mode with the 211Si?
Thanks
Weldmore

[mts211si]

As long as the cart works (and is safe) go for it. I'm actually planning to build a custom cart soon, but my modified one works fine for now.

You can do up to around 5/16" steel with this unit, but since it is DC tig you probably won't be able to do aluminum. You'd need a mig spool gun for that.

[mts211si]

You can do up to around 5/16" steel with this unit

Single pass...