Everlast PowerPlasma Complete Unbiased Review

[tctop911]

(Note: I had to re-create this thread due to the recent site crash. Hope you find it helpful.)

Greetings All,

Probably like so many of you, I decided to add a plasma cutter to my workshop and I've been doing a tremendous amount of research and comparisons. I will also preface this by saying that if money were no option, I likely would have invested in a Hypertherm or similar more recognizable brand. Realistically, they were just out of my affordability range so it was either go with a more reasonably priced option, or just do without.

Of the lesser expensive brands available, I continued to narrow my search down to either Longevity or Everlast. This was based on features, design, price, performance, and customer reviews. For my purposes, I further narrowed my required wishlist to a unit with IGBT technology and at least a 50 amp capability. I also liked the simplicity of the Tramifet style torch for local consumable replacement availability and design, as well as the ease of the european-style plug for quick attach/detach ability.

Ultimately, I decided to place an order with Everlast for the new PowerPlasma 50. I called them the Friday before last and placed an order with Alex. I found him to be very helpful and responsive, as well as Katya in their front office. By the end of the day, my unit was being shipped out via UPS and I had a tracking number in hand. After much anticipation, it arrived on my doorstep this past Friday.

Now, here is what I'm offering. After reading so many questionable exchanges and biased reviews on the internet, I will provide you with a complete written, pictorial, and video review of my experience with my Everlast unit, as well as Customer Service, etc. They did not know I was going to be doing this, so it will be a pleasant suprise (hopefully) for us all. Either way, I'm just a hard-working guy likely similar to you, who is trying to stretch his dollar a little further in today's economy, and yes, Tim the Tool Man is what most of our neighbors call us.

Here is the first video I will post in the series. If the link below doesn't automatically open, just cut and paste it in your browser window. You're seeing the machine for the very first time, just like me. I hope you find my thread helpful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HlWDymy-tE

[tctop911]

Customer Service Update:
As you can see from the video, my unit arrived with a cracked rear cover from shipping. On Saturday I sent an e-mail to customer service. Within a half hour (on Saturday mind you) I had a direct response from Oleg saying they would take care of it immediately and ship me a replacement panel on Monday. True to their word, I received an e-mail with the tracking number on Monday. This is great customer attention so far. I also want to point out this all took place before I started this post and evaluation.

[tctop911]

(I recieved some helpful and complimentary e-mails from Jimcolt, Brucer, and Powercat.)

Jim, thank you for the offer. I'd be willing to give it a shot, or provide any additional information I can. But really, PowerCat hit the nail right on the head. I'm most committed to the layman's perspective on this purchase and what they can expect from the machine and the company.

That being said, I'm still willing to learn and improve my skills along the way so your professional suggestions are always welcome. The kicker I've found is trying to hold the camera phone, flip down your helmet, and still try to cut a steady line along the way...

Please be patient. I have several more videos from that first night that I hope to upload later today. They'll show the interior of the unit, setup, initial power-up in real-time as I'm seeing it, and the torch in action with some test cuts, etc. Please feel free to offer suggestions or questions as I go.

Have a good night and be safe!

[tctop911]

(Here is the next video in the series.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAe6h..._order&list=UL

[tctop911]

While I had the cover off, and before I added power to the unit, I went ahead and did a thorough inspection of the unit and added air pressure to check for any internal leaks. I'm happy to report it was sealed tight and I found no air leaks at any of the fittings.

I would like to spend a few moments on the moisture separator. Though I have installed a separate, more industrial air dryer on my compressor, I did still want to install the original one on the back of the unit that came with it as an additional backup and for portability purposes.

I've seen other posts where people have discussed their frustrations with the holes of the bracket not lining up, etc. Though my holes matched, my plea to Everlast is to remedy this 10 cent bracket with one that's a little more substantial. The way it is currently designed (at least the one I received), you have to attach the bracket to the back of the unit first, so you will have screw clearance to attach the separator. Unfortunately, the plastic rear panel then binds against the separator, so you have to take it all apart again and try to add spacers, etc., to try and make it work. Even a slightly wider angle bracket would solve all these issues, but be careful with the screw lengths a the back of the video. I ground one down or it would have been contacting an internal transformer and present a possible hazard.

I'm sure I will redo this when my panel arrives, like others have, but you seem very interested in improving your product and this would be a simple replacement item to minimize frustration. (note: I did add the double hose clamps myself at the rear to insure a leak-free fit.)

Next video in series:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ty-4m...eature=related

[tctop911]

This next video will be the power-up phase. (Note: the manufacturer is still including a small 20amp plug in the zip-lock bag of parts. Throw it away! This should have a 50amp plug installed, which you can pick up at any Home Depot or Lowes for about $10 or so.)

One step closer to cutting

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mJ2U...eature=related

[Wrenchtamer]

Me too. I have the pp256 which has the 60 amp cutter with pilot arc. I keep it at sixty psi all the time and never had a problem. I have not actually had to use it that hot yet though. I think the thickest section I cut was half inch plate and it ccut that under forty amps.

[dgarnier]

what size compressors are you guys using?

[tctop911]

Greetings all, I've had my PP50 for about four months now and thought I should give you an update. ALL IS WELL!

The cutter is still functioning great and my skills are improving. I set out on a new project that I built solely with my MIG and my plasma cutter, to show the versatility of the pair. I hope you like it.
__________________

[tctop911]

**UPDATE - OCTOBER 2012**

First of all, I sincerely apologize it has been so long since I have updated my thread. Seems like with smartphones any more, I'm rarely typing on the regular computer aside from work... Either way, I promised to keep you posted on my machine so here goes...

It's still working great!! I'm proud to report that with multiple projects under my belt, my PP50 is still performing like a champ. Other than the initial shipping damage to the rear cover that was quickly remedied by Everlast, there have been no other mechanical failures or warranty issues to contend with. I couldn't be happier with my purchase thus far and hope to keep reporting the same to you for years to come. Either way, I'll let you know the good or the bad to maintain an impartial track record for the company and product.

Take care and be safe!
TC

[tctop911]

Eide, I completely agree. I don't drop a lotta $$ without quite a bit of research any more. One nice thing about the web, among the other drawbacks, is the wealth of information (biased and unbiased) that you can gleen.

Jason, So far so good! I think you are gonna love your machine. Admittedly, I haven't had an opportunity to put as many hours on it recently as I would like, but for those I have, it seems to be running like a champ.

I find my skill and comfort level increasing by the minute. I have not had to contact Customer Service for any additional issues, but for the couple of times I did initially, they receive highest marks for responsiveness.

I will continue to post periodic posts on here for at least the first year or two, to give honest feedback to those in the middle of their research and decision process. For my machine, it seems to love that 30-35 amp range at 60 psi. Keep us posted on your experiences!

[trekkerpaul]

I am adding to this thread rather than starting another. The writer of this thread was helpful in my decision to purchase an Everlast powerplasma 50 plasma cutter. After checking local welding shops and Craigslist for plasma cutters I decided to see if there were any decent reviews on the internet, ending up here. I was quoted prices from other suppliers that ranged from 1250 to 1600. Well this is completely out of my price range for what I would like to do with the machine which ranges from art, hobby, cutting and light fabrication. The machine I purchased will work well beyond all of my needs and am told that it will be able to be plugged into my dryer outlet. I have a 10 GA crd that I currently use with my mig welder that is 50ft long without issues.

I checked out the website, called technical support (very helpful and knowledgeable) and then called back to contact sales. As fate would have it, I ended up talking with Alex whom was mentioned as the customer support tech that the thread started had talked to. Alex knew exactly who I was talking about when I mention the back cover issue he had resolved. I additionally asked Alex about the issue that had come up regarding the rear water trap fitting. Alex said that this was a problem that had been associated with one batch of the plasma cutters and HAS been resolved. Alex was extremely helpful, courteous and knowledgeable. He recommended the cutter I bought based on my needs rather than price, which is higher than the other 40 and 50 series units. I was able to complete the transaction over the phone and pay by paypal immediately. Shipping is expected to be 2-4 days based on the fact that I am west coast and it is a weekend.

I look forward to adding info and/or video here, if that is OK, regarding my machine. Again this review was the reason that I looked into the Everlast product line. None of the local dealers even brought up the name. I hope to have the same positive experience with my new plasma cutter as the thread starter has.

[Rodsmachineshop]

DEAL with OLEG when buying i just bought another powerplasma 50 today and a spool gun for my new i mig 205

[Oleg]

DEAL with OLEG when buying i just bought another powerplasma 50 today and a spool gun for my new i mig 205

Rod , thank you again.

Alex , mark , Richard ,or me will always give best price we can !

[Rodsmachineshop]

i know that why i buy from you guys thanks Oleg

[225]

What about me??? LOL. I can't wait to buy a MIG and a plasma. I am saving up as we speak!