Hello from Maine

[bswinn]

Hello all, my name is Ben and I'm from the great state of Maine (Yes we have power and running water).

I got into Hobbyist welding due to my modification of an old '77 Yamaha XS650. I needed a welder to modify and install some new frame rails, as well as a few custom pieces, so I went down to the local Tractor Supply and got myself a Hobart Handler 187 and all the stuff I needed. That little MIG welder has done a fantastic job by me. I did some extensive DC TIG back in school on an $8000 Lincoln and loved it, but I had to buy the Hobart MIG due to the outrageous expense of TIG machines (i.e. Lincoln and Miller).

The bike has been coming along nicely but I've found that on some of the smaller mounting brackets I need to fab up the MIG is just to much of a bear. It welds fine but the amount of material deposited can be a real pain to grind out on such small parts. Been researching TIG machines for quite a while until I saw the reviews of Everlast over on WeldingTipsAndTricks.com

I researched into Everlast because it just seemed to good to be true. A 200 amp AC/DC TIG machine for nearly less than half of what the Blues and Reds wanted? So I lurked on the forums for a while and read all the complaints, fixes to those complaints, and rave reviews of the machines. So I bit the bullet and put a pre-order in for a PowerTIG 200DX on the 21st of August. I litterally feel like a junkie waiting his next fix and check my e-mail every day about a dozen times for that shipment notification even though it's supposed to be 3-4 weeks.

Anyways, sorry for the novel introduction. I look forward to interacting with you all in the future. Seems to be a pretty good community going on here. Cheers.

[everlastsupport]

Welcome aboard Ben.

You will get hooked, TIG is a blast. We have units coming, hang in there. I have a unit in that shipment as well. I know the feeling.

Any questions just post up. Also check out our latest contest. Also, a lot of people find us like you did.

[Brian Ski]

Ben, I just got mine. It is a 200DX also... Nice machine and no complaints. I would say while you are waiting try to find a deal on a straight Argon tank, some filler rod and tungsten. So far I have just used 3/32 Lanthanated and it works great for me. The machine comes with everything you need to start except for those. Also a plug to match your outlet.

Just like usual... If I wanted it tomorrow... I would order it tomorrow!!!!

[bswinn]

Thanx for the welcome.

Yeah I've been trying to keep myself busy by trying to find good Welding Cart designs as well as researching what filler metals and tungsten I need. Still a little confused on the tungsten part. The alloyed tungstens seem to overlap in their application based on what source you look at.

Around my area it's damn near impossible to find a good deal on a tank, if you can find a tank at all. The LWS will only sell 60CF to customers, but leases out 125CF+ starting at around $40/year. I also don't know what their rules are about walking in with a large customer bought tank. I figure I'll just lease a 125CF tank for the first year to see what my needs are and go from there.

[everlastsupport]

Thanx for the welcome.

Yeah I've been trying to keep myself busy by trying to find good Welding Cart designs as well as researching what filler metals and tungsten I need. Still a little confused on the tungsten part. The alloyed tungstens seem to overlap in their application based on what source you look at.

Around my area it's damn near impossible to find a good deal on a tank, if you can find a tank at all. The LWS will only sell 60CF to customers, but leases out 125CF+ starting at around $40/year. I also don't know what their rules are about walking in with a large customer bought tank. I figure I'll just lease a 125CF tank for the first year to see what my needs are and go from there.

You can look at weldingtipsandtricks.com TIG videos. They're a great start. On the tungsten, 2% Thoriated or 2% Lantanated will good you well. A dedicated grinder wheel to sharpen them on or make a sharpener or CHEM-SHARP. 125 is OK to start so you are OK there. Bigger is better thought. See if you can upgrade later.

Also, look for welders for sale on craigslist, I find them with tanks sometimes, but, keep tank and sell off the welder. Never know, you might get lucky.

[redbeard]

Welcome Ben.

Having barely cleared TIG n00b status myself, I would just stick with 2% Lanth like Mike said. I tried the others and it always lit up the best, especially at lower amperages, nice general purpose AC/DC electrode. You might also consider skipping straight to gas lenses when you order up your extra cups, collets, etc. Lower gas usage and increased stickout for not much more $.

Try shopping around a bit more for the tank, around here the LWSes are happy to sell you a size T (mine was about $300). Unless you need portability, the refills are much more economical for the bigger cylinders.

[bswinn]

So my PT200DX showed up today about an hour ago. Finally got it wired up and turned it on. It would seem the Amperage display is hoping around all over the place. No welding yet. Just turned on. Any ideas?

[everlastsupport]

So my PT200DX showed up today about an hour ago. Finally got it wired up and turned it on. It would seem the Amperage display is hoping around all over the place. No welding yet. Just turned on. Any ideas?

Turn the pulse off. With the pulse on it will jump between peak and base amps. Make sure you pull the new manual for the machine from our website http://www.everlastgenerators.com/manuals.php

[bswinn]

Thanx Mike. Puttering around with it last night after my post I found out that was the reason. It appeared to me at first glance that the Pulse was off. Guess I was just too excited to look any closer. Fliped the switch and all set. Then welded into the wee hours of the evening and went right to bed.

[bnun12]

Seems like a manual from Jan 09 might be a little out of date for a new 200dx since several changes have been made starting in 2012.

Original by everlastsupport MIke R. Turn the pulse off. With the pulse on it will jump between peak and base amps. Make sure you pull the new manual for the machine from our website http://www.everlastgenerators.com/manuals.php