...Continued from previous post.

@geezer said "...if you can master the 250EX and all it's potential then you will have your own website..." . That's just great, just what I need, my own website! Really...?? Seriously, that will have no impact on my decision at all. I am not interested in feeding my ego...I am much too old for that. I readily admit that I know little about the abilities of the newer IGBT powered inverters and the plethora of AC waveforms. I guess that is something I will need to consider. BTW, @geezer, I like your "handle" although I seriously doubt that you are as senior as I am, yet I am NOT a geezer...Oh well, maybe some day..

@DaveO and @JimMinKent both alluded to the capability of the EXT machine...and posted photos...Thanks for taking the time to find those and post them. In reality though, a lot of what is shown there is a testament to the welder's ability as well as the capability of the machine. The razor blade thing has been around for a long time. You are correct that not everyone can do it.....but not everyone wants to... . The heavier aluminum plate images are more interesting to me. However, they would be a lot more impressive if they were sectioned so we could see the root penetration. Still, the heat is apparently available to melt the plate at least on the surface...so that is a good start.

So, just a couple more questions for now if you guys don't mind. If we now are looking at only the 255 EXT and the 250 EX...Would you say that it would be reasonable to assume the ability to weld 5/8 thick aluminum plate if both sides of the weld are accessible?? Second, since I am not particularly enamored with the digital ability to multi-task as displayed by the EXT (ie: many functions available with few physical controls...forcing one control button or knob to do many things depending on the mode selected or switch positions, or..whatever...??)...Would you say that the EX would function well, without the advanced AC waveforms, on that 5/8 aluminum plate as described (both sides accessible..)???

And last question for today...Can someone detail for me the differences between the machines sold here and the ones sold on Amazon. @Rambozo started it (THANK YOU.!! ). Specifically, how can I determine if a 250 EX is an updated machine, or not??....When was the last update??....What features were improved or changed??....Is the warranty the same (ie: 5 yr warranty on 250 EX sold by Amazon----Yes or No..???). I realize that Everlast is treating Amazon as a "dealer" and Amazon is responsible for their own shipping issues and freight damage etc., but the actual machine warranty is still the domain of Everlast. So, Why the concern?? Why not just purchase direct from Everlast?? Well, ultimately we are all consumers. It is unwise to pay more than is necessary. If the product is equipped the same, the same accessories, the same leads, the same torches, etc., etc.,......Right now, I can save about $150 on the machine (maybe more..) and another $80 on the 300 cooler, and at least $50-75 on shipping (Prime member..). That is $250-$300 dollars that can be spent on supplies.....

Okay, this has gone on long enough for now. I want to thank everyone for taking part in this discussion. I appreciate the opinions and recommendations. All feedback welcome. Open invitation to Everlast to participate here and answer some of the questions...especially the ones that ONLY Everlast can answer!!

Thanks again!!