Which Welder?

[searcyfarms]

ha well u and I would make quite a pair, I got wired curled up like sheep wool around a mig till I get it figured out - from what I have seen on the youtube videos, you can actually set the starting arc higher for startup current so it doesn't stick and it drops off to normal select amperage to keep u from sticking the rod - I still stick one now and then when on lower voltage and small rods helps to drag start but if its a short run its kinda hard to do that - I have noticed with a new electronic helmet im less prone to do it because I can see where my rod is better in dark conditions and where it is in relationship to the material - I haven't bought one of those helmets yet but im fixn too one of these days - I see them at harbor freight but I value my eyes to much to buy a cheap one I think I will try for a better one with a bigger window too I have to wear cheaters these days to see so I could use the extra windshield space.

anyone have any tips on good large window helmets to go with this new mp 210!!!

 

[MoArk Willy]

I am absolutely terrible at stick; definitely would be a bad judge for how it performs. I first tried stick welding when I was 13 years old and that day I thought "so this is why they call it stick", the rod was stuck down every time. I'm not much better these days. I will give it a try though.

Any of the inverter welders will make your experience better. The smooth DC arc is a pleasure to weld with. I had the same problem with the old transformer type as well.
I know many welders who are fantastic with the tombstone welders but I never got that good with those. Why make it harder than it has to be?
But it's dependent on your needs too. Migs are also much easier as well.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

I'm not about to argue with you. I think your product is a good product and someday I may own one.
I'm just saying that Ford dealer will criticize a Chevrolet and vice versa. That's expected.
I just didn't expect to hear it in a forum which is not welder specific, from a representative of a specific company.
Certainly you can offer and explain the features and benefits of your product without cutting down others...hearsay or not.

I gave the reasons why with specifics. Warranty is an issue. Support, training etc. All play into it. Nothing I said isn't fact based. They are fine until they aren't. With a one year warranty, that may actually see some guys with less than a half dozen 1 hour encounters with the machine. When the smoke lets out, they have had an expensive welding experience...Fine until they aren't. That's what I said. As far as Hobart, which is a second tier ITW product, their duty cycle is less and performance is less verifiably than the Everlast machines. For a moderately well known brand the Hobart is a good deal if name is of primary importance.

I am not sure what you call criticism is truly criticism. You actually made a blanket support of products without giving any supporting factual or relevant information that would be helpful to the OP. You gave no performance or valued features in your recommendation as to why you were recommending it. If anything, if you set yourself up as an authority (which you sort of did by recommending what and how you did), you should have full command of the products and give your reasoning and give them to underline your reasoning. Either that or you could be dismissed as a crackpot because you are playing with a guys budget limits. Your level of expectation and need may not be what his is...and this is really why giving a fair criticism balanced with knowledge and experience is valuable...whether it comes from someone who represents one brand or not.

 

[MoArk Willy]

What part of "I'm not about to argue with you" are you having trouble with?
Let's be clear. I didn't recommend anything. I was asked what I would consider for my $1500 investment and I offered my opinion.
You need to lighten up a bit. But let me tell you this. If your attitude is typical of Everlast then I won't consider buying one.
I'm not really interested in the condescending speech that goes with it.
So thanks....you just saved me some money. And I certainly won't be "recommending" Everlast to anyone else.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

What part of "I'm not about to argue with you" are you having trouble with?

You made comments which I have a right to offer rebuttal to. You don't control what I say, or maybe that's the real issue, you can't control the conversation and that is what bothers you.
I don't care if you respond or not. That doesn't infringe on my right to respond to your statement.

But, your answer here and response show you need the last word. It's not about helpfulness. By responding after you say you don't want to argue actually says that you do.

 

[HCJtractor]

Mark, I’m jumping in. I’ve read your comments for years. You have always shared your knowledge quickly and fairly. I for one consider your opinion a fact, because in my other research, I’ve never found you to be wrong or biased. So I appreciate your input always. I’ve learned a lot from you.

And yes, I bought a Everlast years ago. It’s great. And I own several Millers also. But my little Everlast is my go to welder.

 

[dragoneggs]

Yeah let's put an end to this... I felt a little of what Willy expressed with 'brand bashing' but I have been listening to Mark @everlast and think he is solid... representing his company well without deception. As some would say... I don't have a dog in this fight (I hate that term as it reminds me of M. Vick) but I would say there is no reason to take this squabble further.

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

My Everlast view is not a positive one - many people know that though.

But I understand why Willy was put off by the remarks.

 

[cqaigy2]

My Everlast view is not a positive one - many people know that though.

But I understand why Willy was put off by the remarks.

I can too. Willy felt entitled to make comments about different welders and thought that Mark wasn't. I take Mark's comments as being well informed and Willy's with a grain of salt. But that's just my opinion from reading here.

 

[searcyfarms]

I sure never meant to cause any issues by posing my question - and honestly I would not have 3 machines like willy mentioned he would - not that he is wrong, I just prefer less things taking up space or breaking down, id rather have 2 things to break/maintain vs 3. I know its a compromise to have combo things usually so there is some discretion used there.

For me I would likely spend 1000/combo mig/tig/stick and a plasma not a mig - stick - plasma for 1500 bucks - im starting to see a few of the MP210s used around so might try something like that also.

I have looked at the 210 Lincoln a lot and am considering it for sure - not sure I would use a plasma enough to warrant it I cut 90% of my stuff with a chop saw - im just looking for a more stable arc than my AC only 225 Lincoln - its a great box for farm repairs which is 90% of what I do - I wont sell it I will keep it as a backup

 

[k0ua]

I am absolutely terrible at stick; definitely would be a bad judge for how it performs. I first tried stick welding when I was 13 years old and that day I thought "so this is why they call it stick", the rod was stuck down every time. I'm not much better these days. I will give it a try though.

It requires practice. You can't just attempt welding every once in a while and expect good results. We ALL stick rods sometimes, but with more practice the results get better and better. A good DC welder, a good auto darkening helmet and good working conditions will go a long way to getting some good results.

 

[yomax4]

Not a master at stick here either But. If you ever run a stick machine equipped with variable Hot Start and Arc Force you can make stick welding as smooth and easy as Mig. No cold puddles, No Stuck Rods.

 

[searcyfarms]

I think the MP210 has something like that on it for the stick - you can elevate the power when you start to your liking/stick type - I don't know if it better on DC or not because I only have an AC machine and I know I can stick on it if im not paying attention

 

[yomax4]

I think the MP210 has something like that on it for the stick - you can elevate the power when you start to your liking/stick type - I don't know if it better on DC or not because I only have an AC machine and I know I can stick on it if im not paying attention

As long as you can repair your broken stuff and mess with other enjoyable welding projects you are good. There is a really big world out there when it comes to welding equipment. I could go on for hours. Having a good time is the most important.

 

[otlski]

So I tried out the 210 MP this afternoon; everything works as it should. It was nice having more than one feed speed. My drive rollers look to be running true which was one of the problems some machines had. I found myself dialing the feed speed down a bit from the pre-selected values. Maybe it was because although I was test welding 1/4" to 3/8" the pieces were small scraps and heated up thoroughly.

Question, given that I will likely be using flux core and not MIG, why would I want to learn stick? What advantages does it have over flux core, when would flux core be advantageous over stick? The only immediate advantage I see of stick over flux core is that you can reach into tighter spaces.

 

[searcyfarms]

biggest thing I have heard is you don't have the options of different metals you are only using the wire itself and not various types of rod such as a 6011/6013/7014/7018 which have different tensile strengths etc.... and they are much better for welding things rusty/dirty/paint etc.....gives you more options not to mention the different sizes of rod for different situations for gaps/metal thickness/types of metal im not that familiar with flux core but maybe you can buy different rolls of wire types? I know with the gas you cant weld outside very well if its windy vs flux core so probably a good choice.

I would think you could maintain different sizes of puddles with a stick over flux core also.

that is about as much as I know - I learned a long time ago and we didn't have the fancy stuff there is now days so im not much of a resource other than trial and error.

 

[MoArk Willy]

I sure never meant to cause any issues by posing my question -

Rest assured, you didn't with me. As far as the three machines go I wouldn't necessarily go that route either. I was just answering the question as I thought it was asked. Actually for what I personally need I probably wouldn't get a plasma. And I have no intention of upgrading my little Amico unless it fails.
Apparently it is destined to (lol). I have been warned against Eastwood migs and of course any imports. Not that I agree with that observation since most things we buy are imports or partially constructed with import labor or materials. Rather than a plasma, I would opt for a set of torches.
The Hobart would still be the mig of my choice but until the need arises I'll stick with my buzz box for simple repairs.

 

[MoArk Willy]

I can too. Willy felt entitled to make comments about different welders and thought that Mark wasn't. .

Well...not exactly. It's not that Mark isn't entitled to his comments....we all are.
But when you represent a specific brand you really cannot be objective.....in my opinion.
Go to a Ford dealer and ask about the new Chevy truck. Do you believe that they can offer an opinion that isn't biased?
That was the point I was making. Nothing bad about Mark or Everlast.
Perhaps I rattled the chain a bit too much. I apologize for that....and that apology goes to Mark as well if I offended him.

 

[dragoneggs]

Rest assured, you didn't with me. As far as the three machines go I wouldn't necessarily go that route either. I was just answering the question as I thought it was asked. Actually for what I personally need I probably wouldn't get a plasma. And I have no intention of upgrading my little Amico unless it fails.
Apparently it is destined to (lol). I have been warned against Eastwood migs and of course any imports. Not that I agree with that observation since most things we buy are imports or partially constructed with import labor or materials. Rather than a plasma, I would opt for a set of torches.
The Hobart would still be the mig of my choice but until the need arises I'll stick with my buzz box for simple repairs.

Obviously to each his own... small width plate can be easily handled with a chop or angled grinder with cut off wheel. Anything with a long cut or not straight... then plasma is your best friend. I admit... I am not from the O/A era so I don't have that to set aside. Yes I have used O/A for cutting but always my FIL equipment. When it became time to get serious with cutting, the plasma choice became obvious.

 

[BukitCase]

Cutting - old school vs. new school...

VS.

cutting stainless -
old school - don't bother; try it, you WON'T like it
new school - bring it on; if it's conductive, you can cut it...

Cutting thicker material -
old school - put a bigger tip on, turn up the pressure (tip about $10 on Ebay)
new school - buy a bigger plasma (from about $600 to a few THOU$AND)

Welding with same equipment -
old school (O/A) change torch tip, set regulators, grab coat hanger weld (no electricity necessary)
new school - buy a mig, tig and/or stick welder, plug in where plasma WAS ($300 - several THOU$AND)...

Heating, bending -
old school - rosebud, or cutting attachment (don't push the lever )
new school - use old school, or $$$ for induction heater...

Bottom line - BOTH have their uses, I wouldn't "kick 'em outa the shop fer eatin' crackers" ... Steve