My Power Arc 160 STH arrived and I have questions.

[ironmanjay]

Ok I opened my unit and the first things I noticed...

The TIG SIDE:
I am really disappointed in the torch. My TIG torch looks like the chap ones you get on ebay. It is not the blue handle one you see on the website description and are lead to believe you are getting, nor is it the one that Jody demoed in his video. The flow meter is basic and functional but is in LPM.

STICK SIDE:
I like the sturdiness if the stinger.

ELECTRICAL:
The unit is wired with a 220 plug but I can not see what amps it is. I was told in the forums to not use it an to change it out for a 220/50 plug. It also has the 220 to 110 pigtail.

Any help would be appreciated.

[Rambozo]

Ok I opened my unit and the first things I noticed...

The TIG SIDE:
I am really disappointed in the torch. My TIG torch looks like the chap ones you get on ebay. It is not the blue handle one you see on the website description and are lead to believe you are getting, nor is it the one that Jody demoed in his video. The flow meter is basic and functional but is in LPM.

STICK SIDE:
I like the sturdiness if the stinger.

ELECTRICAL:
The unit is wired with a 220 plug but I can not see what amps it is. I was told in the forums to not use it an to change it out for a 220/50 plug. It also has the 220 to 110 pigtail.

Any help would be appreciated.

The supplied torches vary depending. Some people prefer one over the other. The blue handle style is a Euro type and not used by most US suppliers. The actual torch parts are the same, it's just about grip and the switch. It comes down to personal preference and what is comfortable for you. Give it a try. You can call Oleg about changing it, if you want. It's been mentioned many times here that Everlast uses LPM, the aprox. conversion to CFH is just to double the number. Most of the world is metric, we are the exception. Same with the gas fittings, so hose barbs are semi universal.

Again stingers are a very personal thing. You will find people that love or hate both the clamp type or the screw type.

That plug info in the forums is outdated. Now the machines come with a nice 6-50 plug so keep it. (They used to come with a kinda lame plug)

[Mr120]

Definitely keep that existing plug attached to the welder or you will also need to make your own pigtail for 110v use. As you can see, Everlast has been making note of comments on the forum and have been improving their products accordingly.

Is your TIG torch the black handled one? I was under the impression that maybe Everlast was moving away from the blue euro handle TIG torches because people found them too bulky. As you can see, TIG torch selection is really, really subjective.

I see it like I am buying the welder and everything else is part of the starter kit to get me going. For a starter kit, the accessories are actually pretty good and for a lot of people, they run with the accessories "as is". I think the TIG torch is one thing that most people start looking at to change to their specific needs. Personally, I'm looking at getting a lighter duty, smaller torch for when I don't need too many amps.

[performance]

Actually. The torch you received is a MUCH better torch quality than the old blue handled design. It's a STANDARD size, and a good quality...and way more flexible. It isn't a cheap torch by comparision and is not much different than a weldcraft of the same series. The plug is a standard NEMA 6-50 used for welders in the US and Canada.

[ironmanjay]

Thanks for all the info. I will give this one a try as soon as I get some Argon. My 220 will not be installed until this weekend or early next week. I am going to do a unboxing video tonight and a stick weld on 110.

[ironmanjay]

Are there any 220/50 extension cowards that I can use to get my welded to the front of my garage? If so will doing this affect my power any?

[performance]

Yes, you can use them... You can make your own as well. But you'll need at least 8 gauge for best results.
Ebay has had some.

[everlastsupport]

On the cord. Just make sure the plug ends match and your cord is rated 30 amps or better. Go bigger if you can, since you might end of with more 220vac tools down the road. Making your own will save you some money.

[m j mauer]

I made a 100 ft. cord for my welders 6-3 can run all out no trouble.

[jameslo]

For either torch type, are the consumables and assorted parts standard?

In other words, can I go into any welding shop and pick up gas lenses, cups, tungsten, replacement torch parts, and so on? Or will I need to look for specialty products to fit, or order them from somewhere?

Thanks.

[everlastsupport]

For either torch type, are the consumables and assorted parts standard?

In other words, can I go into any welding shop and pick up gas lenses, cups, tungsten, replacement torch parts, and so on? Or will I need to look for specialty products to fit, or order them from somewhere?

Thanks.

Most all around here carry weldcraft. So you should me OK. Take the torch with you and they will be able to stock them if not.

[youngnstudly]

I brought a ceramic cup with me to the welding shop, along with a collet (just for the hell of it) and they had all the parts I needed in stock and they were standard 17 style torch parts. I received the black handled torch and I actually really like it a lot.

Once I realized that the parts were standard, I went to weldingcity.com and spent about $50 (total with shipping) on 2lbs. of stainless rod, a new cloth zippered cable jacket for the torch, and a ton of different sizes of gas lens cups. The ceramic cups were $2.45 for a minimum order of 5 (49 cents each!), and the welding shop wanted $2 to $6 per ceramic cup! I did spend $3 on one special extended cup for getting into tight spaces, but I bought like 17 cups for around $10. I like to keep an overkill of supply on hand (especially when it's extremely cost effective)...plus I've had a few "slips" of the torch and those ceramic cups don't like hitting the floor too often!

It may not be an issue for you, but I just changed the cable cover/jacket on my torch leads to a zippered cloth style one and it made a huge improvement for me as far as flexibility goes. I no longer feel like the torch is twisting my hand as I weld. I think that upgrade was like $15.

[jameslo]

I brought a ceramic cup with me to the welding shop, along with a collet (just for the hell of it) and they had all the parts I needed in stock and they were standard 17 style torch parts. I received the black handled torch and I actually really like it a lot.

Once I realized that the parts were standard, I went to weldingcity.com and spent about $50 (total with shipping) on 2lbs. of stainless rod, a new cloth zippered cable jacket for the torch, and a ton of different sizes of gas lens cups. The ceramic cups were $2.45 for a minimum order of 5 (49 cents each!), and the welding shop wanted $2 to $6 per ceramic cup! I did spend $3 on one special extended cup for getting into tight spaces, but I bought like 17 cups for around $10. I like to keep an overkill of supply on hand (especially when it's extremely cost effective)...plus I've had a few "slips" of the torch and those ceramic cups don't like hitting the floor too often!

It may not be an issue for you, but I just changed the cable cover/jacket on my torch leads to a zippered cloth style one and it made a huge improvement for me as far as flexibility goes. I no longer feel like the torch is twisting my hand as I weld. I think that upgrade was like $15.

Nice! Thanks

[youngnstudly]

Nice! Thanks

You're very welcome! I got tired of the high prices that all the local welding shops were charging, so now I simply get my Argon bottle exchanged at (my favorite) LWS and almost everything else comes mail order for me. If the consumables at the LWS don't have a name brand on them, you can bet it's the same cheap supplies that you're getting online, just a lot better pricing! If they do have the name brand on them, you get charged for it! Good luck and have fun!

[Mr120]

I brought a ceramic cup with me to the welding shop, along with a collet (just for the hell of it) and they had all the parts I needed in stock and they were standard 17 style torch parts. I received the black handled torch and I actually really like it a lot.

Once I realized that the parts were standard, I went to weldingcity.com and spent about $50 (total with shipping) on 2lbs. of stainless rod, a new cloth zippered cable jacket for the torch, and a ton of different sizes of gas lens cups. The ceramic cups were $2.45 for a minimum order of 5 (49 cents each!), and the welding shop wanted $2 to $6 per ceramic cup! I did spend $3 on one special extended cup for getting into tight spaces, but I bought like 17 cups for around $10. I like to keep an overkill of supply on hand (especially when it's extremely cost effective)...plus I've had a few "slips" of the torch and those ceramic cups don't like hitting the floor too often!

It may not be an issue for you, but I just changed the cable cover/jacket on my torch leads to a zippered cloth style one and it made a huge improvement for me as far as flexibility goes. I no longer feel like the torch is twisting my hand as I weld. I think that upgrade was like $15.

Good little upgrade to the torch with the more flexible jacket. Does it pick up much off of the floor?

[youngnstudly]

Good little upgrade to the torch with the more flexible jacket. Does it pick up much off of the floor?

To be honest, it doesn't really hit the floor. If it did, I'd say "Yes", but I route it from my welding cart directly behind the job box I use for TIG welding. As you can see, I added a crossbar to the rack that supports the light fixture, and I route the torch through the crossbar for ease of use. It keeps all the tension off the torch when welding, plus the leads are always off the floor. I bet the jacket would capture every little piece of hair and lint if it did sit on the floor when welding though. My yellow lab isn't allowed past the door opening, yet for some reason I have clumps of dog hair on the floor at all times....and multiple tennis balls, bones, chew toys, etc.

[Tensas]

Ironman,

I recently purchased a 200DX. It has a WP26 Tig Torch which some consider bulky...but it's not cheap. To minimise this bulky affect, spend some time getting in a stable and comfortable position where you take the Lead out of play. I'm just learning and when I position the lead where it doesnt pull on the torch I weld better. I do have another machine with a small torch and have to do the same set up. I've wound the lead over my shoulder, hang it on a vise grip near where I'm welding etc. I built a loop that clamps on the table but about 24" above it, so the torch n lead drop down to where I want to weld versus dragging it from the floor. After a lot of practice, I don't notice my torch at all and have even learned to use its size to my advantage by gripping as far away from the torch due to heat.

Practice is what will get you comfortable. And good luck!

[everlastsupport]

It may not be an issue for you, but I just changed the cable cover/jacket on my torch leads to a zippered cloth style one and it made a huge improvement for me as far as flexibility goes. I no longer feel like the torch is twisting my hand as I weld. I think that upgrade was like $15.

Was it this one?

http://www.weldingcity.com/tig-torch...-w-zipper.html

Or this one?

http://www.weldingcity.com/tig-torch...-w-zipper.html

[everlastsupport]

Ironman,

I recently purchased a 200DX. It has a WP26 Tig Torch which some consider bulky...but it's not cheap. To minimise this bulky affect, spend some time getting in a stable and comfortable position where you take the Lead out of play. I'm just learning and when I position the lead where it doesnt pull on the torch I weld better. I do have another machine with a small torch and have to do the same set up. I've wound the lead over my shoulder, hang it on a vise grip near where I'm welding etc. I built a loop that clamps on the table but about 24" above it, so the torch n lead drop down to where I want to weld versus dragging it from the floor. After a lot of practice, I don't notice my torch at all and have even learned to use its size to my advantage by gripping as far away from the torch due to heat.

Practice is what will get you comfortable. And good luck!

Any pictures of your setup. A lot of people have that torch

[Tensas]

How do I post a picture?