EXT versus EX

[srp]

What are the differences in the two models? Will the EXT do anything the EX will not that would make me want to buy one?

The main question is, will the EXT weld aluminum better than the EX?

[SeanMurphy265]

EXT has more advanced settings
Copied from WW.

For 2011, we are introducing our line of all new PowerTig EX-T series of digital AC/DC Pulse welders. This unit has been developed with joint technical development and input from S. Korea. As we began thinking about new product lines after the spring introduction and success of the PowerTig line in 2009, we began a sincere effort to offer a line of units with even higher technical capability and function. Along with our thinking was a simplified design with plug and play ability of parts for quick and economical service. This is the result of our efforts.

Production and delivery is scheduled to begin early next year with models ranging from 250, 315, and even up to 400 amps will eventually be produced. For a digital welder, the controls are simple and intuitive to use. Graphical representation of each function is represented that
makes setting the correct function quick and easy. Improvements in
design and function will be apparent over our current series, with AC bias control which will allow individual setting of the + and - half cycle of the AC current. Combined with pulse, this is an excellent feature for controlling heat input, tungsten shape and cleaning width on Aluminum. Advanced wave form control with varying AC wave form will be available as well to adjust arc characteristics as well while welding
aluminum. Improved stick welding ability improves 6010 performance
over the current EX series. Duty cycle will be a full 60% at 250 amps and 315 amps. Water cooler lines exit the front for convenient hook up. New and improved torches and accessories will be offered.

Pictured is our pre-production model that will be at Fabtech in Atlanta.

But for the current PowerTig fans and customers, don't worry, the current series is here to stay. You may see a few spill over improvements in the current line later down the road, but we want to improve our offerings in the higher end product line.

[CGCINC]

I can't talk for the EXT but I have the 250EX and it welds Aluminum very well and has all the adjustments I think I would ever need. It's not digital like the EXT

[srp]

That's kinda what I was getting at, the 250EX has the options I need ( 10 to 90 AC Balance and pulse at 500 PPs )

From bits and pieces being said about the EXT, it has limited ac balance and pulsing compared to the EX. If the EXT's have independent electrode negative and positive amperage controls, that would be a plus.

When will the EXT specs be on the website???????

[Rodsmachineshop]

I can't talk for the EXT but I have the 250EX same here on reply . my 250ex is used almost every day and is a work horse , very dependable

[X83]

That's kinda what I was getting at, the 250EX has the options I need ( 10 to 90 AC Balance and pulse at 500 PPs )

From bits and pieces being said about the EXT, it has limited ac balance and pulsing compared to the EX. If the EXT's have independent electrode negative and positive amperage controls, that would be a plus.

When will the EXT specs be on the website???????

You can download the 250EXT manual and the specs are on page ten here: http://www.everlastgenerators.com/do...250-315EXT.pdf

[Rodsmachineshop]

hey got new knobs for my 250ex lol think it will give it that redneck rustic look

[srp]

After looking at the 250EXT spec sheet, the 250EX has more of the options I want. The 5 to 95 ac balance with bias control would be a plus but the limited ac frequency (200) and 100 pps pulse on AC would make me chose the 250EX. If the EXT was designed to compete with the Dynasty, why does it not have all of the same specs or better?

One of the welds I do needs 250 hertz with maximum electrode neg to focus the arc, so it will not burn over the edge, also fast pulse at 500pps on aluminum allows me to get all the way around my parts without having to stop and cool.

Adding AC bias and fast pulse on DC (5000 pps) like the Dynasty 350 would make the 250EX one of the finest welders ever in my opinion. A faster pulse on AC like Fronius would raise the bar too.

[Rambozo]

I believe that spec sheet on the 250EXT is out of date. There were some problems with the first run of these that are just now getting sorted out. I know there were changes to the frequency and pulse rates, and other changes as well. I would inquire as to the most current specs sheet to compare. Also the 250EX is shipping now, where as the 250EXT is being tested and finalized. No idea how long that will take and when it will actually be shipping. Several features were dropped from the initial specs, such as different wave shapes, that changed the machine somewhat.

[geezer]

What are the differences in the two models? Will the EXT do anything the EX will not that would make me want to buy one?

The main question is, will the EXT weld aluminum better than the EX?

From a practical standpoint, other than digital interface and some memory settings, and a few wave forms,,no it won't weld aluminum any better for the average person,,let's face it the 250 Ex has more capability than the average welder will ever fully use...not to say that the EXT isn't required by some people,,,but do you really think you are ever going to be that person...It's hard to beat the 250 EX for features and price,,ease of use with readily visible knob settings...

The 250EX will be around for a long time as it has a good reputation as a performer at the right price.

[fdcmiami]

From a practical standpoint, other than digital interface and some memory settings, and a few wave forms,,no it won't weld aluminum any better for the average person,,let's face it the 250 Ex has more capability than the average welder will ever fully use...not to say that the EXT isn't required by some people,,,but do you really think you are ever going to be that person...It's hard to beat the 250 EX for features and price,,ease of use with readily visible knob settings...

The 250EX will be around for a long time as it has a good reputation as a performer at the right price.

i owned a dynasty SD 200, did not have the pulse feature. still it was a 2800 dollar machine when i got it. i sold it and bought the EX which i like better. i can glance over and see the settings. i am not concerned about toasting a fifteen hundred dollar board, i like the knobs better although i find i have to be more careful when i take it with me so as not to bust one off.

i would take the EX any day. machines coming out today remind me the evolution a lot of electronics go through they continue to add advanced features and in the process leave a lot of their market behind because these additional features do not come cheap. the company that successfully delivers a good, reliable product to this market will do well; the buyers are there.

[X83]

After looking at the 250EXT spec sheet, the 250EX has more of the options I want. The 5 to 95 ac balance with bias control would be a plus but the limited ac frequency (200) and 100 pps pulse on AC would make me chose the 250EX. If the EXT was designed to compete with the Dynasty, why does it not have all of the same specs or better?

One of the welds I do needs 250 hertz with maximum electrode neg to focus the arc, so it will not burn over the edge, also fast pulse at 500pps on aluminum allows me to get all the way around my parts without having to stop and cool.

Adding AC bias and fast pulse on DC (5000 pps) like the Dynasty 350 would make the 250EX one of the finest welders ever in my opinion. A faster pulse on AC like Fronius would raise the bar too.

The 250EXT also has individual amperage control for the electrode negative and electrode positive or EN/EP which the 250EX does not. If you regularly change from welding different types of metals the knobs can be a real combination lock to figure out and the 250EXT has ten different stored programmable modes which can be a benefit. I'm sure the specifications are not completely correct in the pdf manual and it would be a real plus if they would increase the frequency up another fifty Herz or more. Also the .1-500 pulses per second DC specification should be an easy update fix to the AC setting because the .1-100 pps just wouldn't work too well in my opinion.

If you're doing a lot of continuous aluminum welding you may want to consider a MIG with the profile pulse or pulse on pulse feature because the welds would be just as good or better than a TIG and a whole lot faster without having to stop or cool down.

[Rambozo]

If you regularly change from welding different types of metals the knobs can be a real combination lock to figure out and the 250EXT has ten different stored programmable modes which can be a benefit.

I used to work at a shop where they had their own programmable memory system on a TIG machine about 30 years ago. They put lines in the knob settings with colored marking pens. Just pick a color for the material you want from a list written on the face of the machine, and set all the levers and knobs to the matching color. Pretty low tech, but it worked. There were a few people there that, although they could weld ok, it wasn't their main job, and they weren't great at setting up the machine. I suposse a lil notebook on top of the machine would qualify as a memory upgrade.

[X83]

I agree a cheat sheet or color coded marks would be a real benefit for any welding machine with knobs. I personally like the welding units that have press buttons for each type metal which have preprogramed setup values and only fine adjustments can be made within each mode.

[Rodsmachineshop]

LOL I am lazy i just take a picture and store on my computer for settings for future use

[fdcmiami]

LOL I am lazy i just take a picture and store on my computer for settings for future use

that's a good idea. i guess i am happy that nothing i do requires a knowledge of that kind of info. for the most part it doesn't pay any more, at least for me.

[5440]

A more expensive welding machine will not make one a better welder.

For the money I went for the EX250 and cooler, CK200-25ft, and a better pedal and other accessories for about the same price as a EXT250.

I disagree with the MIG on AL being better than TIG. Easier and faster yes but TIG will produce better quality welds. Most MIG al weld always seem to crack where there is no crater fill like you can do with a TIG. I have a Millermatic 251, with the 30A that I hardly use once I bought the Synchro wave 180.

Now that I have the EX250 the Synchro will be for sale soon.

[srp]

The 250EXT also has individual amperage control for the electrode negative and electrode positive or EN/EP which the 250EX does not. If you regularly change from welding different types of metals the knobs can be a real combination lock to figure out and the 250EXT has ten different stored programmable modes which can be a benefit. I'm sure the specifications are not completely correct in the pdf manual and it would be a real plus if they would increase the frequency up another fifty Herz or more. Also the .1-500 pulses per second DC specification should be an easy update fix to the AC setting because the .1-100 pps just wouldn't work too well in my opinion.

If you're doing a lot of continuous aluminum welding you may want to consider a MIG with the profile pulse or pulse on pulse feature because the welds would be just as good or better than a TIG and a whole lot faster without having to stop or cool down.

I agree on using a mig everywhere I can but on not on anything round. If you have a mig with twin pulse, you should post some pics.

I demoed a Fronius synergic mig set up for aluminum with twin pulse, it truly did lay down tig like welds. I have wanted one every since.

Adding faster pulse and possibly twin pulse to the 250EX is the only option to make it better, I have to chose between a fast pulse or a slow pulse now, I would be nice to have both (.01-2PPs) and (50-2000pps). I have never turned my pulser off, it is on fast pulse or slow pulse constantly. Being the first tig to have twin pulse would give Everlast an advantage over the competition.

For now, square wave lays down the best welds, I'm sure some day they will figure out how to make it ever more square than it is now.

[todmorg]

A more expensive welding machine will not make one a better welder.

For the money I went for the EX250 and cooler, CK200-25ft, and a better pedal and other accessories for about the same price as a EXT250.

I disagree with the MIG on AL being better than TIG. Easier and faster yes but TIG will produce better quality welds. Most MIG al weld always seem to crack where there is no crater fill like you can do with a TIG. I have a Millermatic 251, with the 30A that I hardly use once I bought the Synchro wave 180.

Now that I have the EX250 the Synchro will be for sale soon.

I am in the market for a 30A spoolgun for my 350P. PM me if you are thinking about selling yours.

[jakeru]

The 250EX is limited to 250 amps output.

The 250EXT allows one to set +30% EN bias, which could give a nice output power boost in AC welding mode. For example, if you set the EP output to 250 amps, the AC bias to +30% (which could give 325 amps EN), and the A/C Balance to a setting that would give 33% EP, that would give an overall output of 300 amps average with that mode. The 250EXT should be able to theoretically at least, melt some pretty thick aluminum.