Thanks Oleg, for the 2013 PowerPro 256s

[Big Paulie]

Just got the new PP256s delivered. Had an earlier machine (210EXT) that came in from Amazon DOA, and Oleg stepped in to not only replace, but upgrade it to a 2013 model PP256s (actually same List price). I really liked the 210EXT, as it is more compact, appears better build, and very precise for low amp welding, and had better power factor correction for use with portable generators. BUT: I needed a new Plasma (Pilot Arc), and the extra power of the 256s will come in handy on the thicker stuff. Really labored over the decision but now that I got the PP256s, am satisfied that I did not make a big mistake. Note: I needed a Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter for Expanded and dirty metal that I work with. As I understand it, this model is not warranted for use in CNC Tables, but I am not there (yet).


First of All:

Shipping via UPS:

Box came in with no apparent damage, so I guess the UPS Boys in Brown laid off the volleyball. I think the lighter packages really do get tossed, this sucker is 85lbs, so if someone wanted to toss it around, I would not want to face them down.

Packaging:

All came in one box, with all the accessories in an internal box to keep them from rattling around. Welder was well padded with the typical PVC Foam molding and plastic wrapper. Also, a nice touch: the molded L50 power plug blades were jammed into the foam so it too would not rattle around and bang against the welder.

Options Included:

Tramifet S75 Plasma Torch, WP20 Euro Styled Water Cooled Tig Torch, minimal consumables (5 sets of Plasma nozzles and electrodes, no extra ceramic cups though, Tig consumables less the actual tungsten. Ground Lead, Euro Styled (twist) Stick Electrode Holder, Reg/Flow Meter, Water/oil Seperater/Regulator for the air supply. Extra Gas and Water Hose material, clamps.

I also opted for a WP26 Air Cooled Tig Torch with Amptrol. Not that impressed with the Amptrol, as it requires a lot of force to adjust and is fairly small to grab with Gloves. Guess I will try it and see if I can get used to in in actual use. Got this, as I do not yet have a cooler, and wanted to use the machine at lower power until I either built one, or got the W300 Cooler from Everlast.

This unit is Huge, and I will need to build a new welding cart. The HF Cheapie that I have would need a top shelf extended by several inches, and the front and rear end caps of the PP256 ARE the feet, so the top shelf needs to be 25" x 10" minimum. One option is to Glue some rubber feet to the bottom of the case, so it rests on the shelf, but I want to build a cart that it will fit right, and that will hold 2 tanks (Ar and Trimix).

Also, I noted that it is quieter than the 250EX as the duty cycle on this machine is only 35% vs 60% for the 250EX (Hmm, I have a 2000CFM Dust Collector for my woodworking, it has a 4" diameter hose, add a flange to fit the back of the 256s, and raise the duty cycle to 150% !!! (just kidding Oleg).

I powered it up, after the shake test, (rattles), and it passed the smoke test (no smoke). So far so good. I'll be testing all the functions this evening, have to focus on my day job to pay for this.