Recall on Chinese welders

[BlacknTan]

Just for safety's sake... read here...

Star Asia USA Recalls Wire Feed Welders

 

[gwdixon]

Now....if Miller had a recall would the headline be "Recall on American Welders"?

More examples are available.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Live wire feed systems are nothing new, especially on portable systems. From Lincoln LN series "The power source output will be electrically “hot” at
all times when the power source is turned on." However if the customer is expecting something else, it could pose a problem.

The Everlast Migs are much more advanced than these small transformer migs,even beyond any "American" models in their class, and of course is from another factory. The price on these recalls tells you there isn't much in them. Our 160 retails for 699. Big difference. But anything like this with Everlast would not have gone very far before it was caught as each product is tested at multiple points on the US side, put into heavy work environments and punished. Additionally, we are at the factory multiple times during the year observing the production of our units. And the factory is ISO rated, and the units are CE and CSA certified, along with patented advancements. Typically these cheaper units are not produced with these standards.

 

[lostcause]

i looked at this real quick the first time and i don't think i noticed what is said... basically, these are being recalled because of a labeling issue on the box, and not a quality/failure issue. if i read this right, the only reason they are being recalled is because they are hot the moment they are turned on, as opposed to being hot when the trigger is pulled.

i think most all of us are conditioned to think that they should only be hot when the trigger is pulled, but i've read articles by people (especially in europe) pointing that out as a feature to notice when planning a purchase. some brands/models are made this way by design. i'm sure it's a price/cost issue. one less relay and a few feet less wire all adds up when you make 1000's of an item.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Lost,
You are right.

The welders are no more dangerous than any other type as stick and many tig machines are always live. The lack of labeling is probably the big issue, along with customer "fears" of danger and lack of understanding that create additional confusion and dissatisfaction that have necessitated a recall.

 

[Soundguy]

got all interested when I saw the thread only to find out that they aren't any more dangersous than my stick welders..

soundguy.. livin dangerously.. apparently..

 

[BlacknTan]

The point is that many of these machines, Neverlast (not my moniker, that what they're known as on the weld forums), Longevity, etc. could very well come out of the same factory.
The Chinese have quite a reputation for sending dangerous merchandise to our shores. Most recently baby food and dog food/treats. They have no stake in our safety.

As another example, here is the latest recall from China... on children's playground equipment, no less!

 

[lostcause]

The point is that many of these machines, Neverlast (not my moniker, that what they're known as on the weld forums), Longevity, etc. could very well come out of the same factory.
The Chinese have quite a reputation for sending dangerous merchandise to our shores. Most recently baby food and dog food/treats. They have no stake in our safety.

As another example, here is the latest recall from China... on children's playground equipment, no less!

in all fairness, it doesn't look like that is a dangerous welder. the recall doesn't specifically say there have been fires started, or people electrocuted from them. the problem is that they are mislabeled. it's not a manufacturing defect - it's a design choice. the problem is inaccurate documentation. certainly it could cause a safety issue since the user won't be expecting it, but hopefully they aren't in danger of striking an arc near an open fuel container in the first place. likely, the problem will be an unexpected flash, and probably only one before the user catches on to how it works. i'm sure a recall is the right thing to do, but it's not a case to condemn the product as unsafe.

in many cases, i don't care for items of lesser quality, but as a whole, we (the american people) choose them. we're willing to pay half the price for half the quality on some items, so we get what we want. in fairness, it's not accurate to say half the quality in all cases. i'm sure there are plenty of items made in china that are as good or better than anywhere else. quality is a function of equipment, training, materials and dedication - not country of origin.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

There are over 200 welding manufacturers in China. Some have ISO some don't some have safety certifications some don't. Ours do. We have US based support and design staff and operations, others don't. There are many factors under consideration. As I said, our product has CE and CSA certification, which also is accepted as a US standard,

You might consider that there are many recalls issued by US manufacturers, including automobile companies frequently and many times efforts are made to covered up problems before a recalled is made. Its not just China or imported wares. Its from all sides. Sure I believe that there are a lot of recalls these days, but its not just from China, yet people wanting to promote an agenda will harp on it. It wasn't the Chinese that blew up an oil well in the Gulf. It was British, but in conjunction with a large component of US based contractors, workers and companies. Let's recall that. 11 lives lost and countless jobs, houses, and companies lost as well as a result.

 

[BlacknTan]

There are over 200 welding manufacturers in China. Some have ISO some don't some have safety certifications some don't. Ours do. We have US based support and design staff and operations, others don't. There are many factors under consideration. As I said, our product has CE and CSA certification, which also is accepted as a US standard,

You might consider that there are many recalls issued by US manufacturers, including automobile companies frequently and many times efforts are made to covered up problems before a recalled is made. Its not just China or imported wares. Its from all sides. Sure I believe that there are a lot of recalls these days, but its not just from China, yet people wanting to promote an agenda will harp on it. It wasn't the Chinese that blew up an oil well in the Gulf. It was British, but in conjunction with a large component of US based contractors, workers and companies. Let's recall that. 11 lives lost and countless jobs, houses, and companies lost as well as a result.

I'll assume that this post is directed at myself, so I'll respond.

First, the above post is bringing political issues to the mix that have no place here. If you'd read the rules instead of just trying to push sales, you'd be aware of that.
You seem to suggest that I have an agenda?
Nothing could be farther from the truth. I've been retired from one of the National Laborastories for over three years, and I have an allegiance to no company or manufacturer.. hence, no axe to grind!
I came to this forum to participate in the core discussions.. tractors, their usage and associated interests... Not to push a product likie a carnival barker.

My agenda, if I have one, is to keep Americans in America working. To maintain the ability of this country to produce a superior product without having to depend on foreign erntities to provide our needs. To keep OUR economy strong and vibrant! To try to make Americans realize that, in the long run they're cutting their own throats buy trying to save a few dollars on foreign products that don't, and won't last.

My agenda is also to return this forum to a place for discussion. When I come since this sponsor has come on board, I feel as though I've just walked onto a used car lot, the piranha salesman has spotted me as an easy mark (no pun intended), and I'm seconds away from the "hard sell!"

Most of the forums here have sponsors. They're polite, and here to answer question or offer advice as needed... NOT merely to hawk their wares at the sloightest provocation. But, this seems to be the business model of these imported welders, and I see evidence of that all over the internet, by this company in particular.It's too bad that everywhere we turn and attempt to participate in an honest manner, we're sold as merely potential customers to folks wanting to sell us something.

So yes, maybe I'm a dinosaur. I'm no youngster, and in spite of what I'd like, I'm not getting any younger... Maybe my values of "America First" are very outdated. Perhaps my fears for the future of this country losing it's abilities to care for it's own needs and those of it's citizens are misplaced... I hope so!

I won't be around to find out, but I sincerely hope so!

P.S.

I care deeply about the folks who make their living off the gulf. Fishermen, Oil rig workers, wildlife, the environment... Everything that has been spoiled by our voracious appetite for oil. Another area where our dependence on foreign countries has, and will continue to harm us immensely...
All I ask is that people think about it...

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Definitely not sure about hawking wares comment, as I have only commented in relevant sections or when questioned about it directly. I have received multiple emails and thanks for the input I have put in here since I have been here, and appreciate my approach. In fact, I had a guy call me late this week about something I had commented about in the tractor forums...Which I answered and the welding aspect was only brought up in the conversation by him.

But I believe I do have reason to question your sincerity about keeping Americans working, proudly displaying a Japanese tractor in your Avatar. I dont mean you don't care about it, but at best its very hypocritical. I think most people see through this type rhetoric

 

[BlacknTan]

Definitely not sure about hawking wares comment, as I have only commented in relevant sections or when questioned about it directly. I have received multiple emails and thanks for the input I have put in here since I have been here, and appreciate my approach. In fact, I had a guy call me late this week about something I had commented about in the tractor forums...Which I answered and the welding aspect was only brought up in the conversation by him.

But I believe I do have reason to question your sincerity about keeping Americans working, proudly displaying a Japanese tractor in your Avatar. I dont mean you don't care about it, but at best its very hypocritical. I think most people see through this type rhetoric

I don't believe that there is a tractor below 45 h.p. that is made in this country.

My Kubota was assembled in Georgia by American workers... And Japan sure ain't China!

BTW, Whenever a dollar of mine is spent, I'm conscious of where the money goes, and the American craftsman is foremost in my mind. Even if it costs me more.... And you can take that fact to the bank!

I was a blue collar worker myself. I live the life of a blue collar worker since 1967, working with my hands, and yes, my heart! Ya' know why?? Because everything that went out the door that was made by me had my name on it!

Hypocrite that I am!

 

[gauthier]

I never did care what country anything was made in as far as trying to buy something,just always try and get my best bang for the buck,got a korean tractor and one ford and two jap cars,bet the overalls I'm wearing now wasn't made in usa or this computor I'm one finger typeing on now,,don't bother me a bit.

I'm just a poor hillbilly,ain't got no need worrying about things like that.

On the other hand,will say I've bought some chinese junk before,and have bought some chinese stuff that is as good as made anywheres,,its just a chance you take,,,you take that chance with stuff made anywheres,,but china maybe more,,but at china prices,you are more willing sometimes to take chances.

As far as recalled things,the best car/truck maker in the world[as far as making quality products,toyota],has been recalling more things than not lately it seems,,so,what does that prove,still wouldn't think twice about buying a toyota pickup,,,just this poor hillbillys opinion.

 

[toy]

Definitely not sure about hawking wares comment, as I have only commented in relevant sections or when questioned about it directly. I have received multiple emails and thanks for the input I have put in here since I have been here, and appreciate my approach. In fact, I had a guy call me late this week about something I had commented about in the tractor forums...Which I answered and the welding aspect was only brought up in the conversation by him.

But I believe I do have reason to question your sincerity about keeping Americans working, proudly displaying a Japanese tractor in your Avatar. I dont mean you don't care about it, but at best its very hypocritical. I think most people see through this type rhetoric

I am kind of confused here you mentioned comments about hawking wares post or comments, I don't see any posts of his in this thread. Where is the thread at that you are talking about?

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Now I am not sure what is going on period. lol...

 

[toy]

Now I am not sure what is going on period. lol...

In your post you referred to hawking wares instead of hawking your wares so I thought you was referring to one of the other members screen name but I just read one of his posts and his screen name is gale hawkins not hawking wares. After rereading some of the posts I kind of get an idea of what he is talking about and I started to give my opinions as to what he was referring to but I don't believe it would be right to do so. Has everlast just been making welders for about five years or have they just been selling in the USA for about five years?

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Everlast started as a company in 2005 or so. The welders we sell are manufactured in a factory that has been manufacturing welders since 1994.