250 EXT Updates?

[JimMinKent]

I think your brother may be right, even with the pretty good results that I had. Perhaps the factory left out a feature that makes for Great stick starts. Can you have him describe what a well-working machine behaves like, and what the EXT seems to lack. Stick IS where they said they tested this machine in depth.

Jim

[Mike J]

I think your brother may be right, even with the pretty good results that I had. Perhaps the factory left out a feature that makes for Great stick starts. Can you have him describe what a well-working machine behaves like, and what the EXT seems to lack. Stick IS where they said they tested this machine in depth.

Jim

Not sure where you heard that, but why would they test stick more than TIG, given this machine would be used primarily for TIG? That does not make sense.

[JimMinKent]

Not sure where you heard that, but why would they test stick more than TIG, given this machine would be used primarily for TIG? That does not make sense.

The test machine was used in a welding school setting, granted, they could have possibly used it with a tig torch & switch, but when I was shopping, I was told it was getting a real workout in stick use and performing exceptionally. Recall that the problems all started when they added the foot pedal on the first order. No pedal during the first year-long test means a lot of stick.

Since I wrote my last post, I've seen videos of the PA200 working, and other Everlast machines in stick mode, and mine works quite like all of them, so not sure I have any issues other than the extreme tig starts.

BTW, I do look forward to this machine working correctly soon, I need it.

Jim

[performance]

No, it was used with the torch switch. The school uses primarily non foot pedal operated TIGs like the XMT series so the switch was a bonus.

[DVA]

No, it was used with the torch switch. The school uses primarily non foot pedal operated TIGs like the XMT series so the switch was a bonus.

Our welders at work scratch start or use lift ark, I have never seen anyone use a torch switch or foot petal in the field. Most of our welders also scratch start or lift start in the shop for TIG welding also. I could understand if a school was testing a machine that they would never use a foot petal.
On the other hand, using a welding school that was pipe welding and not using a foot petal is a pore decision. The welder should have been used in all modes to verify everything was working.
Per discussions with other owners of the 250 EXT the machines are slightly different. Each machine should have received equal testing to make sure the product is functioning correctly.

[performance]

It wasn't just for Pipe.It is a comprehensive welding program. They also had AC/DC units for advanced TIG welding aluminum, but still prefer to use torch switch, though they use foot pedal too. The concern was (at the time) was for longevity and durability of the machines components. A lot of discussion has already gone on about it, and I won't dredge up any more except this: The unit tested hit every mark. The unit tested also only had a low amp start on AC of 20 amps (which was already brought up). The factory had assured us it would be modified without issue for a lower amp start. Again, this is spilled milk and shouldn't be rehashed. We can only do our best from this point on.

[DVA]

So I found out my problem with stick welding on my 250 EXT. I had the machine set to HF start. I switched the setting to lift start and the machine fires right up. I just ran some 3/32, 1/8 and 5/32 rod 7018 rod. So looks like the stick mode is working better now. I will have my brother try out the machine again and get his feedback.