PowerTIG 225LX delivered today...

[Zoomie]

Howdy Brad,
I got the $79.00 "Northern Industrial Tools Welding Table — 36in.L x 20in.W x 35in.H" Item# 628860. It seems to be pretty stable. I got it on sale for $67 bucks or so. The ad said it weighs about 40 lbs which seems about right. The table top looks like it's been zinc chromate coated for anti rust I suppose. When assembling, lay the top upside down attach legs then cross braces. Mine didn't come with instructions. Use a speed square to verify that the legs are vertical. I couldn't have built it from scratch for 70 bucks. I do plan to build a cart though.

[angular]

Thanks... I appreciate your feedback especially since that table only has one review. I'm on the fence right now between the one you got and the Strong Hand folding table for $130. Sounds like either one will get the job done, though. Decisions, decisions.

[Zoomie]

I probably would have gotten the strong hands version had it been a stocked item and I could have fondled it. Shipping was outragous. I guess I could've had it delivered to the store though...

[angular]

I just ordered it. $151.30 shipped to my office in Tacoma, WA. There aren't any Northern Tool retail locations on the West coast. All we gots is Harbor Freight. Actually, we have Grainger (up in Bellingham, WA) and Grizzly and a few others aside from the big box stores.

Just need argon now! And the actual TIG welder of course. Hoping to see a shiny new 250EX by the end of next week if I'm lucky. In the mean time I'll have to unbox and play around with the metal cutting band saw I just got... entry level Jet HVBS-56M for $400.

[Zoomie]

Very nice! I didn't get the 250EX due to the extra cost, but would've prefered it I think. As to the machine, I'm sure your familiar with Jody Colliers site. Go there and watch the settings videos (6 now I think) until you can quote chapter and verse what "all those freakin knobs" functions are! It makes a world of difference. His other videos definitely help also. Heck, if you can spell welder you're miles ahead of me but I sure am having fun!

Zoom

[angular]

I was on the fence too. The 250EX is certainly more welder than I need, but I followed the principle of buy as much welder as you can afford, better to have it and not need than the other way around, etc. Most of my friends think I'm crazy and biting off more than I can chew with my (car) project, but that's OK. Mostly I'll be welding 304L. If I get in too deep, I do know some experienced TIG welders locally I can turn to for help.

[WaWelder]

I just ordered it. $151.30 shipped to my office in Tacoma, WA. There aren't any Northern Tool retail locations on the West coast. All we gots is Harbor Freight. Actually, we have Grainger (up in Bellingham, WA) and Grizzly and a few others aside from the big box stores.

Just need argon now! And the actual TIG welder of course. Hoping to see a shiny new 250EX by the end of next week if I'm lucky. In the mean time I'll have to unbox and play around with the metal cutting band saw I just got... entry level Jet HVBS-56M for $400.

I know this is an old thread, but i wanted to chime in.
Angular, I too live i Tacoma, and there is or at least was a Grainger in Fife.

Everyone complaining about the shipping and all.
I have to wonder how many of you are going to UPS (the people that likely damaged you unit) and complaining to them. I ordered several items from everlast. I am not totally happy with double the wait time, on the backordered items, as I was told to expect. I am, however, happy as all H E double hockey sticks with the speed of delivery and the quality of my 250 EX. The packaging seemed to be adequate, assuming that some direspectful UPS driver with no work ethic, didnt abuse the package. Work ethic would dictate "Oh damn, I droped this package, I better call the boss annd let him know so we can make it right, or make sure the reciever opens the package and inspects it right away." Most of these problems come down to the drivers not the corporate office or even the packaging. A welder should be able to be shipped with no packaging (assuming an ethical delivery person) and arrive undamaged! I know my unit was supposed to be signed for, but I arrived home to find it in plain view of the street on my front porch. Again UPS not Everlast.

Sorry for the rant from a new member, but I have been blamed for things that happened after my involvelment in a task ended before, as I am sure we all have. Everlasts support staff seem to be open and helpful to everyone. We should be inundating UPS(or any other shipper) with the complaints, or the shipping problems will never end. If thier corporate never knows there is a problem, they cannot discipline the drivers or fix the problem.

I anxiusly await the arrival of the rest of my order, hopefully in undamaged condition.

Best of luck to all others doing the same!!!!

[angular]

They don't call 'em "United Package Smashers" for nothing!

However I would say that the 250EX is somewhat prone to shipping damage due to the fact the front plastic bezel is structual part of the chassis and supports a good deal of weight. One good drop and it's likely to break the bezel.

[WaWelder]

Yeah,
I have a Hobart Handler 125 with the same design. It got tipped over durring use once. Cracked the bezel pretty bad, but the unit still welds like a champ, and the handle attatched to it still carries the unit fine. I was teed off when it broke, but if they were indestructible, we couldnt afford them....lol

It all still boils down to, the units are designed to be droped.

Did you ever recieve your 250 EX? If so, how are you liking it? Mine is great, although my skill(or lack of)leaves for some ugly welds so far.