Trying to decide which unit to purchase

[Morris65]

Hi, I have been and continue to research welder options, and I'm decided on an Everlast but having trouble with which one.

I have a Century Mig 120V with gas, so don't need mig. I've had decent luck welding up to 1/4 steel by pre-heating with MAP gas with the mig, and of course it works great for anything smaller. What I need is an arc welder and TIG in 240V. While it would be great to TIG aluminum, that is out of my price range. I've done some stainless with the mig and have a friend with a big Miller if I need aluminum Tig work done, or can stick weld it if needed.

I initially had my mind set on the PA 200ST, but the TIG readiness and foot pedal capability of the 160STH caught my eye, and I don't think I'll ever need 200 amps for stick welding. Then I started wondering if I should spend more and get a multi-unit with plasma cutter. I've honestly just started considering this and know nothing about which model(s) to consider, but saw the Super Ultra 205 for about $750. It's reviews are not nearly as positive as the 160STH, and I don't know if it's worth the extra $300+ for plasma. I have a variety of cutting tools at my disposal (grit wheel cutters, band saw (horizontal and vertical), chop saw, etc - but these are not always the cleanest or easiest option. How thick material can the SU205 cut?

My use is home shop use - mostly steel up to 1/2" thick (Max), but 95% of it will be 1/4" or thinner down to automotive sheet metal. Having plasma capability would be a nice to have, but not a requirement. Do the machines with plasma, tig and stick sacrifice quality or reliability by packing in too many features?

Any other considerations I should be thinking about?

Thanks,

Craig

[performance]

No do not get the SU 205. IF you MUST get a cheap DC all in one, get the PowerULtra 205. They don't sacrifice quality, but they do sacrifice reliabilty due to the extra parts. But in reality, most people are better off in the long run with having A TIG/Stick unit and a separate plasma. TIG/Stick is fine.

If you want to TIG steel,stainless, get the Power i-TIG 201. It's the upgraded version of the Power i-TIG 200.

[Morris65]

No do not get the SU 205. IF you MUST get a cheap DC all in one, get the PowerULtra 205. They don't sacrifice quality, but they do sacrifice reliabilty due to the extra parts. But in reality, most people are better off in the long run with having A TIG/Stick unit and a separate plasma. TIG/Stick is fine.

If you want to TIG steel,stainless, get the Power i-TIG 201. It's the upgraded version of the Power i-TIG 200.

Thanks Mark. Stainless would be less than 5% of my welding. How well would the 160STH handle stainless, and would the i-TIG 201 be a superior machine to the 160STH in steel TIG and Stick?

[performance]

Yes, it would...far superior. I don't think personally the 160STH is our best value. If you want the best stick performance, the PA200ST has it. The i TIG 201 is better in stick than the 160STH with the adjustable arc force control and far better in TIG with the capability to pulse TIG weld and control the weld much better if you can only use the torch switch in some situations. Plus in TIG it does have 200 amps.

[everlastsupport]

Mark is 100% right. Get a welder and seperate plasma for sure. It cost more, but if a problem you still have some working tools. Also, plasma cutters do not cut a lot better or any better than the tools you have. Just a lot faster.

[Morris65]

Thanks, I think I will definitely wait on the plasma. Not really a necessity like a tig and stick welder right now.

I sent an email on Wednesday to performance@everlastwelders.com and asked for a quote on the i-TIG 201 and foot pedal (and a few other questions). Please let me know when you have a chance.

Thanks,

Craig

[performance]

Working on quote and email now.

[Morris65]

Thanks for the call Mark. When you have time, could you please email the quotes for the 2 options we discussed and foot pedal?

Regards,

Craig