Hi all, Trip59 here

[Trip59]

My name is Trip Bauer, came across this forum looking for more info on Everlast products and after reading a bit decided to join, seems like quite a nice place.

Back in the 90s after working my way through the ranks in the auto repair industry, starting in the junk yard and working up to lead tech in a brake shop, I made the jump to motorcycles. After a couple years, I was frustrated with the lack of certain parts and wanted to start fabricating, but the limited welding experience (basic arc and gas) precluded this on high stress parts like motorcycle front ends. Unable to afford school and work, I decided to enlist and have Uncle Sam train me. Unfortunately, I was injured a couple years in, shop accident, stupidity of others and a bit of overconfidence on my part, I found myself with a screwed up back and unable to work in any career I'd trained in.

Went back to school and found my way into IT/Higher education and that's where I've been for the last 8 years.

I've begged and borrowed welders throughout that time, often asked to do one-off repairs by someone who bought a welder and couldn't run it, but a couple of years back my lawnmower rusted out. Bad deck, good engine and drive... Buy a new self propelled mower for $350 or buy a small MIG for the same and have a fixed mower with a MIG left over? Made sense to me! I've been working on random projects here and there since, outfitting my shop as time allowed, floor drill press, parts washer, blast cabinet, grinders, belt grinders, powdercoat oven, engine lathe, etc. as my project list grew. it's been slow with barely any extra cash on hand, but I'm getting there.

Upcoming purchases are an Everlast TIG (not sure which, though 225 or larger) and with luck, a Bridgeport in the spring.

[zoama]

Welcome to the forum Mr. Bauer. A 250EX tig and a PP50 or 60 plasma cutter are good bang for the buck.... I look forward to seeing your projects.

[Trip59]

Thanks! That's one of the things I was hoping to find out here. I was looking at the 225/226 or the 250/256 depending on whether the multiprocess units appealed to me after reading user experience and feedback. I don't have a ton of space, so removing a machine from the mix...

What would be awesome is if you could plug one of the spool guns into one of the multiprocess machines!

And please, just Trip

[Jason]

So it sounds like you work in IT(Information Technology) and have a shop? Or is the shop something you have at home that you use on the side? Either way it sounds like yourself and I have a few things in common.

[Trip59]

Hi Jason, 9-5 is IT, with some teaching and freelance work after hours. The 'shop' is a converted garage, filled with parts and tools that I use for odd jobs and fabrication. One area for wood, one for metal, and one for ceramics.

[everlastsupport]

Trip,

My personal choice on a TIG and Plasma. A 225LX and PP50, or, if the extra cost is not a problem, 250EX and PP60/70. I like the 70 better but it is a pain to carry it around. PP50 is great for size and power. Can't go wrong with those combos. Long as you have room.