Hello from Ontario

[abuggeln]

New to the forum and relatively new to welding too. As a mechanical engineer, I know a bunch about specing welds and weld metallurgy and all that theory, but have only laid a few actual welds. Now I find it time to expand my hobbies into welding and am looking for a machine. Everlast jumps out as a great inexpensive option without being cheap - also, I work around the corner from the Canadian office. To that end, I need help identifying the best starter welder. Mostly I'll be welding thin to thick wall tube, some sheet, some plate. Mostly steel, some stainless.

What I know I want: TIG and stick
What I know I can't afford yet: AC TIG
What I don't want: MIG, plasma cutting

That still leaves the field wide open. My research tells me that small machines have their place, but are difficult to learn on. Big machines are expensive. Looking at the product line-up, the Power I-TIG 200 looks great, right near the middle of the smaller machines. What is the general opinion? Is this too much machine and I should look at the 140ST or the 160STH? Is it a bit weak and I should look at the PU205P (and get plasma as a bonus)? What about the SU205 - is mosfet technology an issue?

Ideally I'd get the 200DX or PP205 but the wallet can't handle that right now...

Best regards, ABUGGELN

[undercut]

Well hello there! Welcome to the forum. From what I've read, all of those products are great but they do fill different areas of the market. Will you be welding using a 220V circuit?

I'm not sure if there is such a thing as "too much machine". LOL

What is the thickest material do you think you will stick weld? How about with TIG?

There are some really good people on this forum. A lot of good knowledge and helpful advice. Hope you enjoy your stay.

Cheers!

[Winky]

Well my friend which ever way you go I'm sure you will be satified with the quality of thr Everlast products. Rambozo is right ... it's all about practice and not getting discouraged ... take your time ... get comfortable strike an arc and go.

[SeanMurphy265]

Get you a Power Arc 160 and when you get the hang of it jump up and purchase the largest AC/DC tig welder you can afford! You will still use that 160 regardless because of the size. I use my 140st all the time even though I have larger welders

[abuggeln]

As a starter machine, for practice, would the PA140ST be suitable instead of the 160STH? The main differences is no HF start and (of course) the lower amperage. If I take the approach of getting an inexpensive machine now to practice with and when I have enough experience and dollars, I can make a much more informed choice. This is sounding great.

[undercut]

As a starter machine, for practice, would the PA140ST be suitable instead of the 160STH? The main differences is no HF start and (of course) the lower amperage. If I take the approach of getting an inexpensive machine now to practice with and when I have enough experience and dollars, I can make a much more informed choice. This is sounding great.

160sth supports a pedal and has a gas solenoid to turn the gas on and off automatically when you weld. If you are mainly stick'ing the 140 will save you some money as you establish your needs. It's a tad smaller and lighter too. If you want to get serious about TIG, I would personally save up a bit more and go for the 160sth for the pedal support and the gas solenoid.

Both should be great machines so I can see how tough the decision can be!

[Winky]

New to the forum and relatively new to welding too. As a mechanical engineer, I know a bunch about specing welds and weld metallurgy and all that theory, but have only laid a few actual welds. Now I find it time to expand my hobbies into welding and am looking for a machine. Everlast jumps out as a great inexpensive option without being cheap - also, I work around the corner from the Canadian office. To that end, I need help identifying the best starter welder. Mostly I'll be welding thin to thick wall tube, some sheet, some plate. Mostly steel, some stainless.

What I know I want: TIG and stick
What I know I can't afford yet: AC TIG
What I don't want: MIG, plasma cutting

That still leaves the field wide open. My research tells me that small machines have their place, but are difficult to learn on. Big machines are expensive. Looking at the product line-up, the Power I-TIG 200 looks great, right near the middle of the smaller machines. What is the general opinion? Is this too much machine and I should look at the 140ST or the 160STH? Is it a bit weak and I should look at the PU205P (and get plasma as a bonus)? What about the SU205 - is mosfet technology an issue?

Ideally I'd get the 200DX or PP205 but the wallet can't handle that right now...

Best regards, ABUGGELN

Welcome to our little forum ... as far as machine selection goes ... I recommend you do as I did ... I pondered it for a while and decided that settling for less than I needed was not an option so I skipped the lattes and donuts and did a few odd jobs for "extra money" if there is such a thing ... for a half a year and got the Powertig 200DX ... AWESOME machine! You will not be disappointed!

[Titan winch]

Welcome to our little forum ... as far as machine selection goes ... I recommend you do as I did ... I pondered it for a while and decided that settling for less than I needed was not an option so I skipped the lattes and donuts and did a few odd jobs for "extra money" if there is such a thing ... for a half a year and got the Powertig 200DX ... AWESOME machine! You will not be disappointed!

Welcome Neighbour
You have a big advantage if you are local to the Main Office here in Burlington. This will allow you to narrow down your choices and give them a workout before deciding what is best for your needs.
The PA 160STH is as good as it gets regardless of what make you compare it to and what i like about it is the ability to go above the magic number of 90 amps (most common setting worlwide ) while running on 110v . The smoothness of the Arc is really something else and dropping from 5 amps up to 160 will cover most situations from razor blades to 1/4",
and this level of performance is just not found in anything even remotely close to this price range.
I think you can tell i really like the 160sth
the 140 St is a really cute little thing and it is great for around the house and the price is a great selling point , but it does not compare in TIG mode to the 160sth ( if the truth be known there are not many out there that do compare to this model )
Both of these have the ability to perform on 110v and 240v.
You mentioned the 200DX as a possibility. This is my all time favourite model in AC /DC Tig
Cheers
Duncan

[undercut]

... You have a big advantage if you are local to the Main Office here in Burlington. This will allow you to narrow down your choices and give them a workout before deciding what is best for your needs. ...

You have a HUGE advantage. Definitely take this opportunity! Good luck in making a decision on which one to buy.

[abuggeln]

Thanks all for the responses! A bit more on my plans:
I have 220 in the garage (but an unit capable of 110 would make it portable). For Stick, making jigs, trailer augmentation, general repair and assembly - nothing over 1/4". For tig, I would think that 1/8" would be my limit.

I like your approach Winky! The DX200 is the machine I want, but I really need to learn and practice basics (and I learn slow!). Based on Titan Winch recommendation - I'm now really leaning toward the 160STH, with the opportunity to look at some of the others as well. In a few years (remember - slow learner) I'll know much more about what I really want to be able to do and can then get the proper machine and still have a portable unit.

(After I posted my first message, I realized the introduction board isn't the best place for these questions - Sorry!)

[Brian Ski]

Based on Titan Winch recommendation - I'm now really leaning toward the 160STH, with the opportunity to look at some of the others as well. In a few years (remember - slow learner) I'll know much more about what I really want to be able to do and can then get the proper machine and still have a portable unit.

One thing I have learned is one machine/tool does not do everything really well. Different tools for different jobs. I told a buddy I wanted a TIG welder and he said for me to sell him my MIG welder... No that is staying... One won't replace the other. Welding is a big field and the more I learn, the more I realize I have to learn.