Buy the Powertig 200dx or save for The Dynasty 200dx

First of all, I'm probably in the same boat as a lot of other people. I've been researching tig welders for a while now and slowly getting to the point where I need to make a decision. I feel I have my mind made up, then all the sudden I'll find some new information and start doubting myself. The problem is that a lot of the reviews (good/bad) are from 2+ years ago.

I've always been one for quality I am willing to pay more for something that is built for years of continued use. Part of me just wants to put the money aside and save for my dream machine the Miller Dynasty 200dx, and the other part of me wants to get a Tig welder in my shop sooner so I can start practicing and doing some work (this is where the everlast machines come in). I've watched all the reviews, I've read a ton of threads online as well. For every horror story there seems to be a hero story. It seems that the 200dx is one of the better reviewed products from Everlast with less problems than the other models. However, I am still hesitant on which one I should buy and what real advantages one has over the other.

One thing I am wondering is if the machine can't be bought separate without the bulky torch, crappy foot pedal, and regulator. I know the total cost of the package is cheap, but I know I am just going to throw these things out and get the SSC pedal, a CK torch, and a nicer regulator. Its really wasteful, and I could use that extra money towards the parts I really want in my opinion.

Anyways, I'm really looking for some input from some current Everlast owners, as well as those who have used both machines. I'll be mostly welding thin wall tubing.

Thanks - Todd

The first thing I noticed about the Everlast product line is the much higher duty cycle. For the hobbiest it's probably not an issue however for someone doing a lot of welding at one time it is definatly an advantage. If I was doing it to feed my family then I suppose I would look more towards the Blue. For the cost difference it's a no brainer. Not to mention the Everlast comes with a 5 year warranty.

Welcome, Todd- I was doing a lot of research too, and looking into the major US brands before I found the Everlast site. I was impressed with reviews on the WeldingTipsAndTricks.com website, and then after hanging out on this board for a while I was impressed that guys who had used many brands of machines chose Everlast as the machines to run their business.

I know you'll get some good information from 200DX owners here on the forum.

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Originally Posted by DaveO

Welcome, Todd- I was doing a lot of research too, and looking into the major US brands before I found the Everlast site. I was impressed with reviews on the WeldingTipsAndTricks.com website, and then after hanging out on this board for a while I was impressed that guys who had used many brands of machines chose Everlast as the machines to run their business.

I know you'll get some good information from 200DX owners here on the forum.

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Dave,
What made you choose the 210 EXT over the 200DX?

I have a 200dx that I use for work on my motorcycle mostly. I would have (and still would) love to have bought a dynasty, but fo rme it wasn't worth it. I was driving to a few different friends' shops to use their equipment, and that offer to use their stuff still stands, but I couldn;t put the time in to make the trips. Now that I have a welder, if I need to stop and walk in to the house, I can, rathat than having an hour delay and big time commitment.

I have had no issues with my 200dx (it is from 2011 I believe, older style with older foot pedal max amp control). I have recently started using the pulse feature, not for current reduction for thin or edge use, but for weld appearance use.

I use mine from a dryer outlet that is in my basement, through a ~110 or so foot 10awg extension cord to my garage. The dryer outlet is only a 30amp circuit adn I've never had an issue, even at max welder output (which on mine is about 194-196Amps as measured witht eh equipment we have at work).

I am a Mechancial Engineer and I discussed welders with our weld/machine shop manager (who is a die hard Miller guy) and he of course mentioend the Dynasty...then I showed him the Everlast. While he was no fan of China made items at all, he said, go for it, but to bring it in when I got it. I brought it in and we plugged it into a 208V outlet (all we had other than 480vac). Everything worked just fine and quite frankly, he even said it was the right decision.

If I was purchasing for commercial or everyday use, I would probably buy the Dynasty, only because local representation can be worth more than a cheaper purchase price.

I am currently looking to buy a 185 to put in my race trailer.

John

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Originally Posted by AfroPaul

One thing I am wondering is if the machine can't be bought separate without the bulky torch, crappy foot pedal, and regulator. I know the total cost of the package is cheap, but I know I am just going to throw these things out and get the SSC pedal, a CK torch, and a nicer regulator. Its really wasteful, and I could use that extra money towards the parts I really want in my opinion.

Thanks - Todd

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Welcome to the forum.
You're only purchasing the machine, Everlast is giving you the accessories. Everlast sells CK torches and SSC pedals if you want to upgrade.
The 200DX is a nice machine but for a little more money you could have the newest 250EX, still less money than the way overpriced blue box.

John,
Thanks for the input. I appreciate you taking the time to type your experience. I'm in the same boat as you. I feel even if I buy the Everlast I will secretly always want the Dynasty. The blue box may be overpriced but there is something to say about being around as long as they have been and trusted by so many people.

Zoama585,
Yeah, I know it still seems wasteful to me to package the accessories, just to have me throw them out or put them on a shelf. What would be the advantage of the 250EX over the 200dx other than the power? How much Amp does the 250EX draw. I'm thinking of running the welder off my dryer plug, but I guess I could always wire in a new circuit since my box is right above where I am going to put it.

Thanks,

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Originally Posted by AfroPaul

John,
Thanks for the input. I appreciate you taking the time to type your experience. I'm in the same boat as you. I feel even if I buy the Everlast I will secretly always want the Dynasty. The blue box may be overpriced but there is something to say about being around as long as they have been and trusted by so many people.

Zoama585,
Yeah, I know it still seems wasteful to me to package the accessories, just to have me throw them out or put them on a shelf. What would be the advantage of the 250EX over the 200dx other than the power? How much Amp does the 250EX draw. I'm thinking of running the welder off my dryer plug, but I guess I could always wire in a new circuit since my box is right above where I am going to put it.

Thanks,

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I'd say go with the 200DX as it seems it should suit your needs.

I just looked up the price of a Miller Dynasty 200dx. To put things in perspective, for the price of the Miller 200dx could you not afford to buy 2 Everlast PowerTIG 200dx units plus the accessories of your choosing and still have change left over?

Not saying you need that kind of redundancy but if someone wants zero downtime, I'd throw money at two units over one more expensive one. I wouldn't do this if the two less expensive welders weren't backed up by a reputable company or were made with substandard parts in a substandard factory but I've been following Everlast for a while now and I like the company (the people), their products, and their product evolution / roadmap.

I hear where you are coming from.

Can Everlast machines take any CK torch? I'm looking at getting a CK130 Rigid with a superflex cable.

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Originally Posted by AfroPaul

I hear where you are coming from.

Can Everlast machines take any CK torch? I'm looking at getting a CK130 Rigid with a superflex cable.

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Yes, Everlast machines will use any CK torch with the correct size dinse. This same CK 130 setup will work on the 200DX > http://www.everlastgenerators.com/fo...8456#post18456

I have an Everlast PT 200DX and love it. I have been doing some welding for a local machinist using his Dynasty
and have to say that I find the Everlast has a nicer arc in AC welding aluminum. Can't comment on the DC side
as I've only ran the Dynasty on AC. I also like the analog controls of the PT. No menu searching. Plus, with digital,
IMHO is just one more thing that can screw up on you.

Some guys complain about the Everlast's fan being on all the time. I say, "are you serious"? Compared to all the other
noises going on in a shop, that's nothing. It's not that loud. Remember, the cooler your welder is the longer it'll last.

In short, it's a solid machine.

Todd,

You can order the CK items through Everlast as well, we are a reseller.

FYI, I was a Miller (welding side) and Lincoln (plasma side) guy for years. The red machine died and price to fix it was $200 less than buying a new one. And the price was just way up there. I ended up chancing Everlast many many years ago. Now, all green and never looked back.

Also, don't think the other colors are all made here in the USA. Also, when the plasma died, I was able to drop it off at Praxair, but they had to send it in for repair.

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Originally Posted by rake

I have an Everlast PT 200DX and love it. I have been doing some welding for a local machinist using his Dynasty
and have to say that I find the Everlast has a nicer arc in AC welding aluminum. Can't comment on the DC side
as I've only ran the Dynasty on AC. I also like the analog controls of the PT. No menu searching. Plus, with digital,
IMHO is just one more thing that can screw up on you.

Some guys complain about the Everlast's fan being on all the time. I say, "are you serious"? Compared to all the other
noises going on in a shop, that's nothing. It's not that loud. Remember, the cooler your welder is the longer it'll last.

In short, it's a solid machine.

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Thanks rake. I think I might take the plunge. I'm going to have them quote out a PT 200dx with the torch I want and the nicer SSC footpedal.

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Originally Posted by everlastsupport

Todd,

You can order the CK items through Everlast as well, we are a reseller.

FYI, I was a Miller (welding side) and Lincoln (plasma side) guy for years. The red machine died and price to fix it was $200 less than buying a new one. And the price was just way up there. I ended up chancing Everlast many many years ago. Now, all green and never looked back.

Also, don't think the other colors are all made here in the USA. Also, when the plasma died, I was able to drop it off at Praxair, but they had to send it in for repair.

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I talked to my LWS today, and I guess things have changed. It seems most of the time the machine has to be shipped back for repair no matter what the color.
Thanks - Todd.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AfroPaul

Thanks rake. I think I might take the plunge. I'm going to have them quote out a PT 200dx with the torch I want and the nicer SSC footpedal.



I talked to my LWS today, and I guess things have changed. It seems most of the time the machine has to be shipped back for repair no matter what the color.
Thanks - Todd.

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I have had mine for 6 months now and yup its still working great! I just made a custom muffler for my rc airplane its not easy to weld very thing stuff so its not as pretty as I would like it but I don't do this for a living nor want to weld for days till its pretty.

Good luck with your purchase, for less than half the cost, you can get all the supply you need!
Attachment 9941

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Grab a 200DX, use the supplied pedal and torch to get used to it, then get different ones if you like. Using the larger torch before the smaller torch will make you better anyway. You never know, you may be able to hold off on getting the alternate torch(es) for awhile.

I talked to Oleg about getting a 185 to go along with my 200DX, just haven;t gotten around to emailing him to complete the transaction. I welded a water tank for my motorcycle turbo charge cooler this morning. I've been busy.

I will say that the pulse can make a good welder out of a non welder once you get used to the settings. (By welder I mean person, not machine)

hands down, the miller is a MUCH better and smoother welding machine. Not trying to say anything bad about everlast, but you get what you pay for. Personally I purchased the 200dx based on price and a few recommendations for a machine under $1500 that had the flexibility i wanted/needed. I am a beginner when it comes to tig welding, so dumping a bunch of money on a machine wasnt an option. The biggest complaint i have is the factory torch is a piece of crap, the pedal leaves some to be desired as you mentioned. I bought a 9 series ck torch setup, and thus far it has been pretty decent to weld with. The regulator seems to be fine for me, no complaints there except the cheap hose that is included with the kit, i plan to swap that out soon for a much better quality hose. All the settings seem to respond pretty well when changed, and there are plenty of videos that will teach you how to properly setup the machine to get full benefit of what it can do. Honestly I would probably recommend this brand to a friend even though i was given pretty crappy customer service when I purchased my machine. I would suggest shopping around before buying, I found the exact same machine for almost $300 cheaper just a couple days after purchasing my machine.

Toby,
I will put this bluntly...as you have admitted to being a beginner here...but made an "expert" evaluation.
Being a beginner, I'd doubt you'd know the difference. I too have welded with both units, considerably. The Miller is NOT smoother. Going around bad mouthing without understanding what you have isn't a good thing. The DX from Everlast is far smoother in MANY people's opinions. Yes, we send out a economy torch, but what torch do you get with the Miller? We offer other torches and another foot pedal made here in the US. I'm not sure what "crappy" customer service you received, but if you are referring to finding another price, that's something that you cannot blame us for.

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Originally Posted by Toby

hands down, the miller is a MUCH better and smoother welding machine.

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I don't think so either. I've welded with both. Did some stainless on the Dynasty just the other day and it is no better than the Everlast on DC either.
On AC I actually feel like the Everlast is smoother. Do I like the torch that came with the Everlast? No but I have plenty of other torches and set up a rig that I like. I have over 35 years under the hood and technology has come a long way. These inverters are far better than the old transformer machines with the big fat monkey fist on the end of the tungsten for AC. The PowerTig 200DX is an excellent running machine. Don't blame the machine for the operator short falls. There's nothing wrong with the Dynasty's, they're a quality machine but so is the Everlast. Might be you just need a little more under the hood time and a little less web time. Think about it. Just sayin'. :O;)

As far as my welds look, I see no difference with welds with a CK torch than what came with the machine. Sure the stock is bulkier than the CK (superflex cable).