Powertig 185

[Benthos]

After seeing a neighbor pick up a small thermal arc unit, I got on the web to see what was available. Keep in mind the only TIG unit I have used is a 1960's water cooled 400 amp Lincoln.
The price and reviews is what brought me to Everlast and with a few $100 Amazon gift cards, my order was placed for the 185. I very much appreciated the ability to weld using 110 volts as well as the ability to use 220 as well. After spending about 3 days watching endless youtube videos and forums, the unit showed up. A bit a time was spent hooking up the 185 and as I hit the HF button....nothing happened. I figured it was user error, but after reading the forums I checked the HF gap....and there was none. I adjusted it to .035 and still no spark. An email was sent to Everlast on Sunday and to my surprise, I had Responses from Oleg, Mark and Katay and possibly one other. The unit was sent back to Amazon and another arrived 3 days latter. Mark sent out a gas lens kit as a kind gesture and is very much appreciated. As Murphy's law would have it, the Argon pressure valve did not work, but they sent another one out asap after a few emails. The new one works fine.
I love the AC ability with this unit and the learning curve with aluminum was made quite easily by watching the countless youtube videos. Once the frequency and balance is set correct, the beads turn out great. Still trying to master the inside 90 degree welds, but am learning to adjust the frequency to spread the heat evenly.

All in all this is a great unit, and customer service could not be any better. I give five out of five stars on Everlast's rating, for product and customer service. Thank you.
Chris

[geezer]

It's all about attitude,,,people want to help make things right,,,whinning and complaining are negative things that seldom lead to improment of a situation,,,a little patience and things get better,,,, In my experience,,the Everlast people really try to make things right for their customers..

[DaveO]

Welcome, Chris! After a little drama at the start, it sounds like a happy ending. What kind of projects are you working on? Post up photos, if you've got em.

[Benthos]

Welcome, Chris! After a little drama at the start, it sounds like a happy ending. What kind of projects are you working on? Post up photos, if you've got em.

Just went and installed the other argon valve and same issue. I ended up pulling the dial indicator out and the orifice was filled with piped dope. After cleaning with alcohol and a piece of monofilament fishing line, it works just fine. As far as projects, I'm working on a T loader for my trailer hitch to make loading my kayak a one man job. After that most likely an extendable roller rack to replace the T loader. Both will be made out of aluminum to keep the weight down.

I have a lot of practice ahead of me, especially joining the thicker to thinner materials like above.

[Titan winch]

I am interested in seeing how the kayak loader works for you. I have something made from plastic pipe to slide my kayak onto the roof rack . I went with plastic piping so as to have no sharp hard edges to cause any possible scratches to the Ocean Kayak Tarpon 13 I use.
Cheers

[johnnymg]

Welcome Chris and congrats to you for tackling TIG aluminum welding with such a great attitude.

cheers
JohnG

[Benthos]

I am interested in seeing how the kayak loader works for you. I have something made from plastic pipe to slide my kayak onto the roof rack . I went with plastic piping so as to have no sharp hard edges to cause any possible scratches to the Ocean Kayak Tarpon 13 I use.
Cheers

I picked up some HDPE cutting boards ($1.99) and used pop rivets to fasten them on the top edge to keep the sharp edges away from the kayak. I have a 12' Hobie Pro Angler which is nice and heavy. The next time I use it I'll post a few pictures. It's generally used on a Grand Cherokee with a 3" lift, so any help getting it up there is greatly appreciated. The first yak I had was a Trident 15 from Ocean kayak, I think it was just about as long as the Jeep.

[breakneckmot]

Nice to see that support gets the job done quickly. I did a lot of fishing from my 'yaks. I'd love to get one of those Hobies!

[youngnstudly]

Great first project, Chris! Glad to hear your were able to get the machine working and put Everlast technical support to the test with positive result. It's nice to see someone actually work at getting their machine going instead of sending it back and complaining about Everlast products. You gave them and the machine a chance, and they came through for you! I keep looking at the 185 myself, but I think I want the extra 15 amps (plus pulse settings) of the 200DX.

On a not entirely unrelated topic, I would NEVER get into one of those death traps on water (the kayak)! What goes up, must come down (with me stuck in it as it sinks)! I don't get into airplanes either (same reason-gravity). Of course, I have been known to get onto a boat just to befriend a couple of cute women in swimsuits. Some volunteer at homeless shelter's, animal shelter's, or old folks homes, but my main passion and concern is keeping the skin on those lovely college women unburnt and healthy. It's just the kind of person I am.