NEW 2013 EVERLAST PowerTig 255 EXT AC/DC DIGITAL TIG WELDER

[performance]

The new Digital Microprocessor controlled 250 Amp PowerTIG 255 EXT will be here soon with some radical new design and improvements over the previous model. Expected delivery will be in March. The units feature wave form control for AC welding, Advanced AC pulse along with standard AC/DC pulse. It features memory function. It also has excellent starting, with low amp capability for AC and DC. The unit also is slated to have an "easy setup" function which features a good starting point for the user for both AC and DC without having to go through a complicated setup process or give the operator a "recenter" point if the customer needs it. The Stick features Hot start time/current control, along with arc force control. Simplified layout and design makes the unit easy to set up and assess the programmed parameters. One knob control keeps the adjustments simple and intuitive. This unit like the 210EXT feature PowerFactor Correction which improves generator operation and withstands "dirty" power better than ever before. If you have further questions give us a call. Some details are being finalized now and full specs will be available shortly after the first of the new year. This unit is compact and is projected to operate on single phase 240 or 3 phase 240 with a 480V 3 phase option available at customer request.

[performance]

A few more details...
The 255 will have many of the basic performance specs of the 250EX as far as basic parameters, which is a good match for most people including a higher pulse rate. The 250EX still offers some of the best parameters in the business, so it is a good model to project in a digital form. Advanced pulse is still going to be around the pulse rate of the 210ext's for right now because nature of it. It will retain many of the features of the 250 ext except the amplitude which we have developed up to 4 wave forms for it. (See pic above) The easy setup feature is projected to be set up for fast setup with a good starting point that is workable for most people. Any direct questions about any parameter can be posted here, and I will try to answer it, or get an answer for you.

[todmorg]

A few more details...
The 255 will have many of the basic performance specs of the 250EX as far as basic parameters, which is a good match for most people including a higher pulse rate. The 250EX still offers some of the best parameters in the business, so it is a good model to project in a digital form. Advanced pulse is still going to be around the pulse rate of the 210ext's for right now because nature of it. It will retain many of the features of the 250 ext except the amplitude which we have developed up to 4 wave forms for it. (See pic above) The easy setup feature is projected to be set up for fast setup with a good starting point that is workable for most people. Any direct questions about any parameter can be posted here, and I will try to answer it, or get an answer for you.

AC pulse rate will be limited to 10 Hz?

[Gwaltnak]

How well does it do with the pedal? Very important for me!

[performance]

Having not used it yet, I cannot say 100%, but that is a top priority for us in that matter. I suspect it will be as good as any machine we sell, including the EX because of significant design rework in that area with heavy scrutiny going to that part of the machine.

[todmorg]

Do you have to push a button to select pedal or trigger? Is this setting stored in the 0-9 program?

Do you get 10 settings total, or is it 10 for ac and 10 for dc?

What is advanced pulse compared to standard pulse?

What is easy setup? how is it different from standard setup?

What is the duty cycle?

is the fan as loud as a 250 EX?

Has the torch protection been eliminated?

What are the dimensions?

Will my SSC pedal work with this?

What kind of a torch?

Power cord included?

Is this going to be an even trade for the 250EXT's?

Is there a switched socket for the water cooler?

Is the HF/Lift setting stored in the program?

Is the pedal full size, or a mini like the 210?

Is the pedal built more rugged than the standard lx, ex pedals?

Does the pedal have rubber feet, or does it sit on the metal screw heads like the lx, ex pedals?

Does the pedal have a heel clip for easy dragging ?

[performance]

Do you have to push a button to select pedal or trigger? Is this setting stored in the 0-9 program?

Do you get 10 settings total, or is it 10 for ac and 10 for dc?

What is advanced pulse compared to standard pulse?

What is easy setup? how is it different from standard setup?

What is the duty cycle?

is the fan as loud as a 250 EX?

Has the torch protection been eliminated?

What are the dimensions?

Will my SSC pedal work with this?

What kind of a torch?

Power cord included?

Is this going to be an even trade for the 250EXT's?

Is there a switched socket for the water cooler?

Is the HF/Lift setting stored in the program?

Is the pedal full size, or a mini like the 210?

Is the pedal built more rugged than the standard lx, ex pedals?

Does the pedal have rubber feet, or does it sit on the metal screw heads like the lx, ex pedals?

Does the pedal have a heel clip for easy dragging ?

Todd, to best answer your questions, take a look at the 250EX specs for most of the answers. It will use the EX pedal and so being it will use the ssc pedal as well. It should also be able to use a variety of other pedals provided you use the correct plug (auto sensing on the ohm value) and use the same number of wires.

You will get a total 10 settings as of now, unless it can be made to be more, but that is the minimum we are shooting for.
From my understanding, since the pedal can be plugged in and override the 2T/4T setting it will be a separate non programmable feature.
Take a look at our video on the 210 EXT to see the AC advanced pulse explained. The advanced pulse will be limited to 10 hz. The AC regular pulse should be similar to the 250EX.
We've already explained several of the features elsewhere but will be happy to reanswer them here.
The easy setup: It will be preprogrammed into the machine basic settings that will work for most users, especially on AC, which will include a basic starting point on amps, balance, and hertz.
Duty cycle is slated to be 60%. Standard setup will retain last features used on startup.
Yes it will have the same basic fan as the 250EX so it will be as loud.
The water flow circuit is gone.
Dimensions will be similar to the 250EX, within an inch or two. It is smaller than the original 250ext.
At this point the torch has not been decided, but probably for now will use the wp18 or wp20.
Power Cord is included.
Any trade is to be worked out directly with the office. It's going to depend on use and damage I suspect. Final price has not been set yet that I know of.
There should be a socket for the water cooler, but not sure if it will be switched or not.
All pedal issues are what you have with the EX. We're limited to what is available from the factories on that.
Not sure on how the lift start/ HF will be saved or not, probably not though since this is a separate circuit not included in the programming circuit.
Start settings are not adjustable or able to be programmed at this point. Low amp start for AC and DC will be around 5 amps and start similar to the 250EX in that respect.

All this is tentative as we have stressed and MAY change, though we have given the list and know basically what can and can't be done technologically wise in the factory.

[Oleg]

Will my SSC pedal work with this? ---- YES it will

What kind of a torch? ---- WP20F

Power cord included? --- YES

Is this going to be an even trade for the 250EXT's? --- YES EVEN TRADE

Is there a switched socket for the water cooler? --- SOCKET WILL BE IN THE BACK OF THE UNIT


Is the pedal full size, or a mini like the 210? ---- FULL SIZE SAME AS EX250. PEDAL from 210 will be optional to buy

[JimMinKent]

Todd, Mark, & Oleg,

Thanks for all the good questions, and the updates. I don't see any showstoppers yet, so I'm still in!

I'm imagining some interesting uses for the Advanced Pulse, and I wonder what to do with a triangular wave?...

My questions are:

Are you providing the torch switch on that WP20F? I liked the the one on the 250EXT.

Do you think the machine's weight will also be somewhere between the old EXT and the EX?

Is the AC balance scheme actually in Clean% (EP) or is it going to be " -% 0 +% " like the 210/250EXT?

Anyway, looks good as long as it goes without surprises. I'll know in the first second if it'll work for my needs (that's where my issues are).

Keep at it!

Jim

[performance]

The 20F will have a torch switch.
Weight will probably be about 70-80 lbs.
The balance will either be the 0 center point or negative % at this point. As I have said, I don't have a hands on visual yet, and some things are final so, I am projecting a few things at this point.

[performance]

Here is a top down size comparison just sent to me. (Don't know why it doesn't have a front on visual, but its pretty easy to extrapolate).

[DVA]

Will this be the same type of WP-20 torch supplied with the original 250 EXT?

Also, it is sounding like this machine is an up graded version of the 250 EX, is this the case for the 255 EXT?

Also, when will we have the shipping information to send back the 250 EXTs?

Will my SSC pedal work with this? ---- YES it will

What kind of a torch? ---- WP20F

Power cord included? --- YES

Is this going to be an even trade for the 250EXT's? --- YES EVEN TRADE

Is there a switched socket for the water cooler? --- SOCKET WILL BE IN THE BACK OF THE UNIT


Is the pedal full size, or a mini like the 210? ---- FULL SIZE SAME AS EX250. PEDAL from 210 will be optional to buy

[hooda]

I've been using my 250 EX for little projects here and there, and even though I LOVE the way it performs, I think that this new machine could make it possible for me to do some things that I'm currently unable to do. The ONE feature that really has me bummed is that the AC advanced pulse will only go to 10hz. I've been playing with the pulse settings on the EX, and found that: on 11ga aluminum, getting up to around 120+ hz, and setting the background at about 30% with a base current at 180 amps, the ease at which I can run a bead on say, an outside corner, is MUCH nicer and easier to control than running a straight, non-pulsed 120-130 amps. I'm still a noob at the whole TIG thing, but learning the capabilities of my 250EX at the same time that I'm honing my skills is making the progress toward becoming a better welder progress much faster than when I was using my Linde Ucc-305. I want this new welder simply because it's the latest technology, but I'll survive with the 250EX just fine until A: I can afford the upgrade, and B: the pulse frequency is upped into at LEAST 200 hz on the AC advanced. Bottom line: I want a new one because they're COOL

[redbeard]

Graphic is probably not going to be changed at this point of development... As we said above, the start items in the hidden menu won't exist at this point. The only other real ones are the advanced pulse, and the 2T/4T setting, both of which are pulled on onto the front panel.

I do hope you ensure that the adjustment matches the current graphic then. I hate to say that's a deal breaker, but adjusting oranges while looking at a diagram of an apple just doesn't cut it.

Start settings are not adjustable or able to be programmed at this point. Low amp start for AC and DC will be around 5 amps and start similar to the 250EX in that respect.

So the low amp start is actually lower than the 210EXT? Are the start amps automagically determined by the main amp setting?

Will we be getting the full 250A stick like the original 250EXT?

[performance]

Redbeard
The function works as part of adjusting the length of AC + versus the length of AC negative. All you are doing is shifting the switching point of the polarity left or right. That can be represented in several ways. Whether it is in the upper or lower section you are still adjusting the ratio of time the welder spends in either and you are always adjusting the amount of cleaning versus penetration. This was reviewed by multiple persons including industry professionals and it was agreed upon as being correct for best understanding of the "function" of the control ( what you are actually controlling or adjusting when using this function...hence the inclusion of the word clean and the common understanding of what you are trying to accomplish) and balancing the expected standardized for the US as to how it is to operate. At this point, it is too early to confirm the way it is to operate until we receive a test unit to verify the operation.

I imagine that the unit will be at 200 amps on stick to reduce current input requirements on single phase which was an issue on the the 250 ext. Additionally the unit will likely be able to go multiphase 240 V.

Start amps should be the same as the 250 EX. I think you are overthinking this. The start amps are designed to be a function of 2T/4T switch setting...not the foot pedal. The foot pedal will start at the low end due to its design. But just like the 250EX, start amps should be reduced to a minimum with the foot pedal to operate the best. The basic way (and we have recently confirmed this with someone who has work/ed with Miller/Lincoln in development on this hidden issue so we know we are not alone) is that the units are specified to start at a low current but in the transfer of the arc the units will momentarily surge (though our competitors have been sure this is filtered from the display) to a point that is slightly higher to establish the arc. Some welders are higher than others and this is what was being seen on the 250EXT, though it was likely too high for too long. No one has ever complained about the starts on the 250EX which we are shooting to match in performance. The 210 has an adjustment of this transfer "start" amperage on the background menu, which neither the 250EXT, or the new 255 ext has ( at this point), and it IS higher than the minimum start amp value that can be set for 2T/4T...because that is the minimum "surge" that is needed to establish the arc. Again, for AC it is 15 amps for the lowest setting, but no one has complained about the start performance...and the start amps are listed at 10...which is where the unit when plugged in with the foot pedal works. This surge can be digitally controlled and the whole start parameters can be digitally controlled on the 210 because it has solid state ignition...which neither the 250ext had or the 255ext is slated to have at this point.

[todmorg]

This surge can be digitally controlled and the whole start parameters can be digitally controlled on the 210 because it has solid state ignition...which neither the 250ext had or the 255ext is slated to have at this point.

You lost me, are you saying the 255 will use an arc gap instead of solid state ignition?

[redbeard]

Redbeard
The function works as part of adjusting the length of AC + versus the length of AC negative. All you are doing is shifting the switching point of the polarity left or right. That can be represented in several ways. Whether it is in the upper or lower section you are still adjusting the ratio of time the welder spends in either and you are always adjusting the amount of cleaning versus penetration. This was reviewed by multiple persons including industry professionals and it was agreed upon as being correct for best understanding of the "function" of the control ( what you are actually controlling or adjusting when using this function...hence the inclusion of the word clean and the common understanding of what you are trying to accomplish) and balancing the expected standardized for the US as to how it is to operate. At this point, it is too early to confirm the way it is to operate until we receive a test unit to verify the operation.

I do have engineering and electronics experience in my past, so I am capable of understanding that 70%EN=30%EP=Balanced-20%. It is probably also why I can see no way to interpret the given diagram as anything other than %EN. I suppose if the factory gets it right, this will all be a moot point anyway.

I imagine that the unit will be at 200 amps on stick to reduce current input requirements on single phase which was an issue on the the 250 ext. Additionally the unit will likely be able to go multiphase 240 V.

Bummer, I really liked having >200A available for stick and it never blew my breakers.

Why does stick require more input current than TIG for the same output?

Start amps should be the same as the 250 EX. I think you are overthinking this. The start amps are designed to be a function of 2T/4T switch setting...not the foot pedal. The foot pedal will start at the low end due to its design. But just like the 250EX, start amps should be reduced to a minimum with the foot pedal to operate the best. The basic way (and we have recently confirmed this with someone who has work/ed with Miller/Lincoln in development on this hidden issue so we know we are not alone) is that the units are specified to start at a low current but in the transfer of the arc the units will momentarily surge (though our competitors have been sure this is filtered from the display) to a point that is slightly higher to establish the arc. Some welders are higher than others and this is what was being seen on the 250EXT, though it was likely too high for too long. No one has ever complained about the starts on the 250EX which we are shooting to match in performance. The 210 has an adjustment of this transfer "start" amperage on the background menu, which neither the 250EXT, or the new 255 ext has ( at this point), and it IS higher than the minimum start amp value that can be set for 2T/4T...because that is the minimum "surge" that is needed to establish the arc. Again, for AC it is 15 amps for the lowest setting, but no one has complained about the start performance...and the start amps are listed at 10...which is where the unit when plugged in with the foot pedal works. This surge can be digitally controlled and the whole start parameters can be digitally controlled on the 210 because it has solid state ignition...which neither the 250ext had or the 255ext is slated to have at this point.

Thanks for the explanation Mark, it is the start surge that I was wondering about. So is the surge on the 210EXT programmable to a lower value than the fixed setting on the 250EX/255EXT?

[todmorg]

Start amps on ac and dc?

Are the start settings programable like the 210?

[Gwaltnak]

When should we expect a call regarding the 250ext return? I have been waiting since November for a call and have not heard anything.

[DVA]

When should we expect a call regarding the 250ext return? I have been waiting since November for a call and have not heard anything.

I will restrain myself from posting a video of a cricket sound tonight.