Thinking about buying the I-tig 200 a few quick quesions please help

[No1up]

So, I'm getting ready to "pull the trigger" I asked a few questions around the forum but I'm wanting to get a few more details.


I am comparing the 160sth to the itig 200.

I dont really need the 200 amps of the tig machine, as I am really using this machine to learn off of, and maybe put it to work one day, but learning is what my main goal is.

The unit will be mainly used for Stick welding, pipe 4" schd 40 root to cap. the rods I use are 6010-7018 up to 1/8, I know the i-tig 200 cant run 6010 but I could do the 6010 stuff at school, or just grab a 6011. I'm wanting up my Tig abilities though, and thats why I'm not just getting a stick machine, which would make things MUCH easier for me to decide on.

So quick question list:

WP17 gun vs the WP26 which is better?
Duty cycle (I don't usually go over 135 amp)
I never used a torch control for tig, how is it and should I get a foot peddle?
If I buy it on amazon is it the latest model?

that 160sth is looking really good if only because I could get it and the peddle for the same price as the itig 200, and it can run 6010.... I think.

So, once I get these things cleared up, I'll pull the trigger, and maybe put up a youtube video!! lol.

[performance]

From what you are saying, you may want to look at the PowerArc 200. You can run a scratch start tig rig with it quite easily.

The other answers...
17 offers less amps but carries the same consumables as the 26.
I assume the duty cycle relates to the torches? The 26 has higher amp rating at 200, versus 150. This means the 26 has a better duty cycle at 150 amps than the 17.
The torch control can be one of two things. 1) it can be an amp control with a switch, or 2) It can just be a switch which cycles preprogrammed settings like slope, start amps ec.
The foot pedal isn't 100% necessary, but it is 100% helpful in most situations that work at a bench.
Amazon typically has one or two shipping cycles worth of stock behind ours. Who knows?

We don't advertise the 160STH to run 6010, though it might do a fair job according to Duncan (if I remember right). Again, the PA 200 and the 300 are the beasts when it comes to this.
Hope this helps.

[No1up]

Mark your awesome!

Ok can the PowerArc200 run a foot peddle?

LOL right now it's the itig 200 or the powerarc200 the itig is on sale! hehe... (I'm really wanting to master stainless and I think the pulse would be helpful) again though this is a "learning" unit.

[performance]

No, the PA doesn't have a foot pedal capability.

You might want to consider both, as a package deal can be made if you call in.

I'd also look at the Power itig 200 EXT. It's more and digital, but it likely can do 6010, though I haven't personally tested. Just remembered this unit as it is still new.

[No1up]

you sly dog... I might just do that.. get both. I never thought it of it like that! However I HAVE to buy it on amazon since I am using my Amazon store credit card.

I sent you a PM, feel free no to answer it, as you already did here!

[Rambozo]

I'd also look at the Power itig 200 EXT. It's more and digital, but it likely can do 6010, though I haven't personally tested. Just remembered this unit as it is still new.

Is that one now going to be an EXT instead of just a T? Will it be up on the website, soon? Or Amazon?

Here is the link to the announcement. It has some really nice features, and more stick features than many other TIG machines. Such as adjustable power and time for hot start, in addition to the arc force control.

[performance]

Yes, I should have said it was a t....same thing...same concept, same basic design, minus the AC.

[No1up]

I went with the longevity 250, I'm kinda bummed as I really wanted to get the iTig 200t but I simply can't afford it outside of amazon, I'll keep my eye on it and once it shows up, and I have the 250 paid off, it's on like donkey cong!

[performance]

Well, that certainly was a surprise. They've been having trouble with the arc force control dropping out on those units. Not trying to bad mouth them, but over on tbn, there are two customers that just sent them in for repairs.

The PA 200 can keep up with it anyday, and the built the automatic arc force and hot start work very well. The PA 300 would have given you more power if you needed in a heavier dutier package, but anyway, hope you have good luck with your "other" brand purchase.

[No1up]

Well, that certainly was a surprise. They've been having trouble with the arc force control dropping out on those units. Not trying to bad mouth them, but over on tbn, there are two customers that just sent them in for repairs.

The PA 200 can keep up with it anyday, and the built the automatic arc force and hot start work very well. The PA 300 would have given you more power if you needed in a heavier dutier package, but anyway, hope you have good luck with your "other" brand purchase.

And this does kind of comes off condescending, but thats ok, I think taking small jabs at the competitor is absolutely to be expected! lol , trust me when I tell you, I REALLY wanted an everlast with tig, but if I couldn't get that then I believe the 250 was the best stick option I had price vs performance wise... the iTig 200t is the bad boy I REALLY want!

[performance]

And this does kind of comes off condescending, but thats ok, I think taking small jabs at the competitor is absolutely to be expected! lol , trust me when I tell you, I REALLY wanted an everlast with tig, but if I couldn't get that then I believe the 250 was the best stick option I had price vs performance wise... the iTig 200t is the bad boy I REALLY want!

Not meant to be condescending but a truthful statement of surprise. You have been dealing with at least two people at Everlast and discussing different buying from different purchase points, and going between Oleg and me for several days, working us back and forth with many notes, phone calls and emails over several different products...which is our job...but I have spent a lot of time answering emails, and other things even after my working hours, and then without even mentioning to us this 250 was in the equation, and out of nowhere you tell us well, I purchased a Longevity. And what I said is there in black in white on Tractor By Net in detail... If anything, it's just a little frustrating, nothing more meant than that.

[No1up]

Mark, I certainly didn't mean to frustrate you, I'm exited that I am finally getting my first welder, AND I know how to use it (school). You have absolutely been very helpful in answering my questions, over several different forums ;-) However, I belive I called twice today, and the first call was to leave a voice mail... when I spoke with someone (Oleg) I didn't know that at the time, as I thought I heard his name was alex. We went over some options but it was very hard to understand oleg, his accent and it sounded like he was in a factory of some sort.


" working us back and forth with many notes, phone calls and emails over several different products" certainly wasn't "working" anyone with most of my question right here on the forum and 2 PMs to you, I believe one email, and a question on a youtube video, but if you felt worked by me, my apologies, I should have just called and spoke with you but being on the phone for me is very hard, bad reception sometimes mixed with screaming kids I have to keep my eye on makes this a very frustrating action for me no joke! lol

"then without even mentioning to us this 250 was in the equation, and out of nowhere you tell us well, I purchased a Longevity. And what I said is there in black in white on Tractor By Net in detail... If anything, it's just a little frustrating, nothing more meant than that."

I can see where your coming from, I should have mentioned it, however I explain my thought process behind that decision, by no means is it set in stone, but the money to performance ration was best with that one unit, as the PA 3000 was to much and the PA 200 lacked a few things that I would like to have, a bell and whistle one can say, I don't think anyone can blame me for that. I have looked at a lot of units. There is about 5 units on my list 3 which are everlast and 2 from other brands, the units I can realisticlly afford, I would love to have you top of the line unit ;-) but the 3 I can afford that I would like are the itig 200, PA 300, and the PA 160 sth, to make things more complicated for me is the whole amazon part of the equation! The 2 other units are the L250 and the tigweld 160 ex, however at the $600-$700 range, I might be over reaching as this unit is to practice outside of school, and will not e used to make money with or make any sort of repairs with... lol so I think I laid out "me" on the table here... I didn't mean to rub anyone the wrong way or "work" anyone, over even overwork anyone, you simply have a new, exited, unsure, low budget customer on you hands! :-) rest assured that as time passes when I start working (4 months away from receiving my degree and joining the pipeline and about a year away from opening a small shop with my brother) you will have a loyal return customer with a MUCH bigger budget. Customer service is everything to me man....

Yet somehow, I feel guilty for "working" you guys, I don't believe a customer should be made to feel guilty no matter what the situation is. Even if I kept the 250, I was still trying to figure out a way to get the Everlast welder I wanted! hence me asking about the financing options that were available.. since I have good credit.

Also, as far as the 250s you mentioned having trouble, 2 units is hardly a standard, I'm sure you fellas have a few units that started malfunctioning here and there, the important part of that statement was that they were being sent in for repair, which means to me that the company is willing to fix the product, thats awesome, I would expect nothing less from any company I deal with, now OR in the future. Oleg worked out a deal for me, and if anything happened to the unit with in 5 years, I wouldn't base my review of the unit on the failure I would review the unit based on how well the company took care of it.

[No1up]

Not meant to be condescending but a truthful statement of surprise. You have been dealing with at least two people at Everlast and discussing different buying from different purchase points, and going between Oleg and me for several days, working us back and forth with many notes, phone calls and emails over several different products...which is our job...but I have spent a lot of time answering emails, and other things even after my working hours, and then without even mentioning to us this 250 was in the equation, and out of nowhere you tell us well, I purchased a Longevity. And what I said is there in black in white on Tractor By Net in detail... If anything, it's just a little frustrating, nothing more meant than that.

I would also like to point out you never answered ANY emails to me, so you might have me confused without someone else, which is understandable, I'm sure you guys get bombarded by a ton of questions daily.

[No1up]

"I'm not mad mind you"

I hope not, because up till this post:

Not meant to be condescending but a truthful statement of surprise. You have been dealing with at least two people at Everlast and discussing different buying from different purchase points, and going between Oleg and me for several days, working us back and forth with many notes, phone calls and emails over several different products...which is our job...but I have spent a lot of time answering emails, and other things even after my working hours, and then without even mentioning to us this 250 was in the equation, and out of nowhere you tell us well, I purchased a Longevity. And what I said is there in black in white on Tractor By Net in detail... If anything, it's just a little frustrating, nothing more meant than that.

You have been extremely helpful and it was because of that, that I was still trying to figure out a way to get the EL unit. :-) I need some sleep, lol I'm getting grumpy, my one year old isn't helping.

Night all.