Hello from Japan

[wade23454]

I became an Everlast owner about 5 minutes ago when I picked up a PowerPlasma50 from my post office. I'm active duty Navy, stationed in Japan. I'm a Chief Boiler Inspector for 7th Fleet, and recently became interested in the specifics of weld processes, since I'm responsible for monitoring welder quals and work certifications on all processes that are used on my boilers. I know it's ironic that I'm not an expert welder, but I'm an expert in boiler standards, operational requirements, and support systems.

Anyways, about the plasma cutter.... the packaging is perfect, and looks like the military postal service was good to it during transit. I was pleasantly surprised that my unit is not the same one pictured on the website, it has dual voltage(and includes a pigtale adapter), has a cnc port(includes cannon plug) and the torch is purple, vice red. Otherwise, the folks at Everlast included a few extra odds and ends in my package(thank you for that), and looks like the unit passed QA in January.

I am a hobbyist, and will not be using this at work (of course). My first project will be a new bumper for my truck. Time will tell if I made the correct purchase, and I will be sure to post a full impartial review of my plasma cutter in the appropriate forum once I have ran it through its paces.

FINALLY, I put a lot of research into buying this unit. I originally considered a multiprocess from Everlast that included plasma, but I"m a little hesitant to put "all" my eggs in one basket. I settled for a Thermal Arc 181i, and even though other name brand plasma cutters were only a few dollars more than I paid for the Everlast, I was intrigued by the feature set of the Everlast and the warranty. At the end of the day, I will base all future Everlast purchases on the performace of this one product, but I'm optimistic that its performance will exceed my requirements and expectations. Thanks to all for the useful info on this forum, and look forward to using the knowledge base of its members for years to come.

[Odyknuck]

Welcome aboard. I can not comment on the machine you purchased however based on what I have read here the IBGT technology is the way to go and is a major improvement over the MOSFET. I have a 250EX machine and it works great.

[wade23454]

Welcome aboard. I can not comment on the machine you purchased however based on what I have read here the IBGT technology is the way to go and is a major improvement over the MOSFET. I have a 250EX machine and it works great.

Thank you for the welcome Ody, I tried the plasma on some 3/16" plate this evening and it works great. I can't believe how fast it cuts.

[Mr120]

Welcome to the Everlast forum! IGBT is the way to go IMHO even if it means waiting a bit longer and saving up the extra cash. Hope you will share with us any projects you undertake.