NOOB, just hit the enter key on Amazon for the 210XT

[Big Paulie]

Hi everyone. I've been doing the research for weeks on this site and Jody's videos. Decided to take the plunge, and just went with the 210EXT.

My welding history is limited, did some stick welding in HS (40 years ago), but went to a technical HS, so it was fairly in depth, with other mettalurgy and shop skills. Actually, it has all come back, an dnow building on that knowledge. Already have a couple of chinesse welders (MIG/TG) from Northern, and I hate to admit it, but the venerable HF Flux core wire welder. I still use it for outdoor repairs where neatness does not count. Been doing a lot of old school tig, with no controls, but am totally hooked on it. Have done some aluminum MIG on trailers and odds and ends.

Strictly a hobby user, my prime objective is fabrication of aluminum and steel for sports cars, and a restoration of a 1972 International Scout (MIG for most of the sheet metal work, TIG for inside the engine compartment, Aluminum radiator, shrouding, suspension parts, and roll cage).

My logic for the 210EXT was that I will be doing Aluminum, but not real thick stuff, mostly very thin sheetmetals, and some thin stainless, and thought the waveform control of the 210EXT would trump the 250EX's high end power (I could always use some helium mix if I need to tackle really thick stuff). Actually, works out to the same cost, once you factor out the needed water cooler for the 250EX. Price was right, and there was no way that I would have gone Blue for a hobby user. Only drawback I see on the 210EXT is the funky LED segment display, but I can probably learn to live with it. Understanding it is a little quieter than the 200-250EX series, and slightly more compact (not a big deal on size). I actually got to play with both the miller Dynasty, Diversion, and Lincol v205 at a local shop. The Miller is a little more dated, but the Lincoln and Everlast 210EXT approach while confusing at first is actually pretty usable. The memories are a bug plus IMHO. I wanted control of the up and down slope, vs being dependant on the pedal, and the way the EX product line is that ruled out the 200DX, and put me in the 225 250EX with the required water cooler. Same range as the 210EXT.

The unit will arrive tomorrow (Love Amazon for convenience and return policy). I will do some video's and photos of th packaging and set up over the next few weeks.

[youngnstudly]

Welcome to the forum. I like seeing all the action on here lately with "noobies" (to the Everlast line of welders, or welding in general)! Your questions, input, ideas, and projects will surely help with keeping the other minds on this forum stimulated, which benefits the group greatly. I too am fairly new to these forums as well, but not to welding.

I always enjoy seeing restoration projects on cars and trucks! Congratulations on taking the plunge with your new purchase. I look forward to the day when I get to purchase an AC/DC Everlast tig welder! Are you sitting on the front porch right now in hopes that the UPS guy will make an early delivery? That's what I do!

[ShaneJackson]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on the 210ext. It looks like an awesome welder and should serve you well.

[Big Paulie]

Looks like I was Ripped off By Amazon / Everlast!

Amazon listed the machine as new with all accessories (bundled), What came in was clearly a used machine, with several cosmetic scratches on the sides and top of the case, power cord has the markings of a plug being peviously installed (crimp marks, sloppy wire ends), and most disturming, only the Stick Stinger and ground clamp, loosely packed in the box. NO TORCH!, let alone no gas hose or regulator, or manual or anything else. Already invoked the Amazon Return/Refund process (did not trust them to send a replacement). I am wondering if Everlast is using Amazon as a dumping ground for used, machines, and Amazon is listing them as new. SHAME!.

I will call Everalst sales line as soon as they open this morning, to see if they have an explanation or remedy, but my confidence is ready to go out the window.

[Rambozo]

I have heard of Amazon sending out previously returned items before, but they always make good on it. Sorry you got off to a rough start. I'm sure Amazon will replace your machine. I don't think there is anything Everlast sales can do since you didn't buy it from them.

[sportbike]

I am pretty sure Everlast is the seller for the Amazon units.

[Rambozo]

I am pretty sure Everlast is the seller for the Amazon units.

They are sold by Everlast and Amazon. Usually the one from Amazon is less and has free shipping while shipping is extra for the one from Everlast.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B009CTBFL8

Of course they all come from Everlast to begin with, but it seems Everlast sells to Amazon as well as selling through Amazon. Not sure the whys and hows of that, but I like dealing with Amazon for the speed of shipping and the return policy.

[Big Paulie]

Yeah, I hope that is was Amazon, and that I just got a previously returned item. Even though, I am dissapointed that Amazon would do that.

I went ahead and put a plug on it, to see if it was alive or DOA, and it appears to power up fine, and I went through the options, really a nice setup.


I looked at some unboxing videos of other everlast units (Could not find one for the 210), and it is definitely a repackaged item. Missing are the Pedal, torch, regulator, gas hose, and gas hose connectors. Not sure if the pedal is included in the kit, as the everlast web site indicates only the torch, not even the stinger, regulator or hoses. In all the factory packages, the extras are in another embedded box, and the unit is wrapped in plastic. Also the box itself is different. I think the scratches on the case are just from the ground clam and stinger bouncing around while UPS played Brown Ball with this thing. I'll probably at least wrap them in bubble wrap, to the damage is minimized if they do send this back for refurbushing.

Note the serial number in the photos, if someone else orders this model from Amazon, and gets this thing shipped to them, that will confirm that Amazon just turns it around.

Aside from all this, it looks like a nicely designed unit, and the LED segments are quite readible. I guess the online videos just don't do them justice. It is extremely quiet, nothing even close to the 250EX in the videos, but if you want 60% duty cycle, I guess that is what it takes. Great idea for these thngs would be a fan on demand, ideally a variable speed fan on demand, so when you need it, it is there.

[travis]

iam looking at the powerultra 205 and i dont even see that on amazon.com

[youngnstudly]

Yeah, I hope that is was Amazon, and that I just got a previously returned item. Even though, I am dissapointed that Amazon would do that.

You gotta be kidding me! I can't even believe they would send you that machine...the sad part is, I DO believe that they sent you that machine! I hope you are able to get that mess sorted out quickly so you can use your "NEW" 210EXT ASAP!

The good news is that Amazon is nice about returns...they apparently just reship the returns anyways!

The bad news is that the box looks like UPS was in the middle of this ordeal too. I can see the "tell tale signs" of their work from here!

The worst news is that if Amazon is reshipping those units without Everlast knowing about it, Everlast is taking bad publicity for something they weren't even a part of!

iam looking at the powerultra 205 and i dont even see that on amazon.com

Just ask if they have something in the back from their "previously used and returned" bin! Maybe they'll give you a scratch and dent discount too for helping them get rid of the overstocked items that are taking up space in the warehouse.

[Big Paulie]

UPDATE:

Givenn that all I had with the unit was a stinger and a ground clamp, i tried to strike an arc, and it appears that I discovered the reason for the original return. IT DON'T WORK!

Seemingly simple to set up for MMA (Stick), it just displays "EEE" on the amps out display when I attempt it. I verified all the hidden menu options are correct, and set the amps to 100. NADA. VERY FRUSTRATING!

Was hoping that since it is a microprocessor unit, their would be a reset to factory defaults option, that is always good for s's and grins. There are'nt any real options on stick, so all I can guess is the unit can't sustain any current out. One last option, I am about to try is holding my tweeco connector in the dinse outlet, and trying to strike an arc on TIG. If you don't hear any updates from me, then it was a bad idea.

[ShaneJackson]

Don't worry about the return process. Amazon is great. Also as far as it being previously used, maybe. One thing to note, my 200DX cable looked the same and I figured it was from the factory testing. Everything else appeared new.

Also Rambozo is right, given the fact it was 2 day or next day shipping it was an amazon sale and not directly from Everlast.

[Big Paulie]

OK, all packed up and ready to go back to Amazin. Tried to scratch start TIG, would not do a thing. No error condition, so unless the torch switch is required (meaning a normally open circuit), the basig tig would not work either. I suspect the switch is required, but am not about to jumper any pin positions (yet). Need to look at the schematics to be sure. Took both side covers off, and I was very impressed with the layout and contruction. At least it is a clean modular layout. Found the EEE error code on the Miller forums for the Dynasty, and it says that it indicates a bad display/voltage board. I wonder how much design copying was really done here. The cosmetic issues aren't that bad, if I got it working, and Amazon or Everlast made good on the missing items, I would almost consider keeping it, rather than the hassle of the return/ wait for refund, then order again.

[Oleg]

Big Paul

Please email me your info
I will try to take care of you Monday

Amazon Prime send you unit that they got back. It happened before ! Prime does offer free 2day shipping

Everlast direct on Amazon only ships ground .

This order went from Amazon Prime and not Everlast direct via Amazon

We have no control over this at all

Amazon Primes buys in BULK and we ship to there warehouses for distribution



Oleg










Oleg

[Rambozo]

OK, all packed up and ready to go back to Amazin. Tried to scratch start TIG, would not do a thing. No error condition, so unless the torch switch is required (meaning a normally open circuit), the basig tig would not work either. I suspect the switch is required, but am not about to jumper any pin positions (yet). Need to look at the schematics to be sure. Took both side covers off, and I was very impressed with the layout and contruction. At least it is a clean modular layout. Found the EEE error code on the Miller forums for the Dynasty, and it says that it indicates a bad display/voltage board. I wonder how much design copying was really done here. The cosmetic issues aren't that bad, if I got it working, and Amazon or Everlast made good on the missing items, I would almost consider keeping it, rather than the hassle of the return/ wait for refund, then order again.

I believe for TIG the torch switch or pedal is required. But that doesn't really matter since you paid for a new one, you should get a new one. Looks like Oleg is going to step in and make this right for you. Between him and Amazon I'm sure you will get this sorted out quick. I think what happens is that if someone sends something back to Amazon and doesn't indicate that it is defective or missing parts, Amazon blindly sends it out again. Those items should be moved to the warehouse deals section, for open boxes, but I don't always think they are.

Yes the description of included items on that model could be better, but all the accessories are at least pictured.

http://www.everlastgenerators.com/Po...T-3977-pd.html

[youngnstudly]

It doesn't really matter that the person returning it didn't indicate that the item was defective, they should have checked the box upon arrival and marked it accordingly. Anyways, Amazon will take care of the issue. And then you'll be welding everything in sight with that nice new welder!

This is just why I don't like ordering stuff online! It still doesn't deter me however!

[Big Paulie]

yes, I just exchanged emails with Oleg, and he called me on phone to plan for the exchange.

I agree, this is an Amazon screw up, and no way an Everlast issue, but I was frankly expcting to have to remedy it with Amazon. Apparently Everlast ships the 210EXT in two boxes, I only got one from Amazon, and it appears to have been returned without stating is was defective.

I did get a chance to play with the menus, and got used to it already. It is actually intuitive, once you step back and look at the sequence. Also, the youtube videos distort the display due to photographic issues, and the segment display is fine.

With this kind of support, i think Lincoln and Miller have a serious issue. the internals are all made in China, or mexico, and if they think that their customer service is the differentiator, they are disillusioned.

In my experience, if the unit survives the first few days usage as burn in, it will keep working. I played with the Lincoln 205 and this unit appears to be a clone, at less than half the price.

[Big Paulie]

Earlier, I commented how the display looked really "funky" on most of the youtube reviews. Looked like a bunch of dots, vs a smoother LED segment display. Thought I would post a couple of shots here that show the display when looked at from a slight angle, as opposed to straight on. Still shows some flare in the photos, but looks fine in real life.

Also, note that the upslope and start amps leds are glowing dimly. This is part of the issue with this specific machine, also, when going through the programming process, the welding amps LED never lights at all. I suspect this might be the root of the issue with this particular machine. (If this is a problem with this panel/control board, and it fails in the future, under warranty a new board is just 4 screws and a ribbon connector. Takes less than one minute to swap out (I cheated and peeked).

[DVA]

When my 250 EXT arrived last year a few things were missing. I called Everlast and had the parts in a few days.