Everlast PowerPro 256 - In for repairs 1/3 of its life!

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 09:23:10 GMT

go to see Welding Machine for Everlast PowerPro 256 - In for repairs 1/3 of its life!

I just wanted to let everyone know how poorly designed, constructed, Everlast welders are.  I purchased a PowerPro 256 in fall of 2012; the day the  unit arrived i should have known I had a lemon! The unit arrived with a "damaged" front bezel, when i contacted customer service for a replacement I was told all I would get would be a new bezel to replace myself! To be fair I could have returned the unit, but I didn't and just accepted the offer of new bezel.  This was a big mistake, Unknown to me there was a lot more damage then just a bezel.  The unit seemed to function fine for a few months until the tig welder quite functioning.  the unit wouldn't display the welding amperage causing me to use trial and error to find the right amperage.  I send the unit in for repairs, but heard nothing for months.  I Started calling and would get the same old story from "Ray" every time .. "Yours is next , .. yours is going to fixed this week" I would ask what is wrong with it since its taking so long .. he said "I don't know i haven't looked at it .. when we look at the we fix them " so basically they put your unit in storage unit you call and complain. In order to get the unit serviced I had to call daily complaining and finally it was "fixed" and then shipped back.  I paid $150 to ship there and then $75 to ship back to me .. and guess what when I received it .. IT WAS STILL BROKEN!.. i called ray immediately and he said the board was burn up from shorting out to the case .. He said replaced it and it worked. Well i guess it broke and shipping AGAIN because it didn't' work when i received it .I was soo frustrated and needed the unit so bad I just said screw it I would use the unit without being able to see the amperage.. This lasted a few months then the Plasma cutter stopped working and the side of the case started to show burnt paint!  This is extremely dangerous .. I could have been killed if i happen to touch the case while it was operating.  I send the unit back in for repairs last November.  The unit arrived Dec. 3rd and still has yet to be worked on I've called numerous times but get the same old story from Ray .. I've been promised my unit would be March 25th and each week afterward.  Still have yet to receive the unit back.  This means the unit has been in for repairs for longer then 1 YEAR! iT ONLY HAS A 3 YEAR WARRANTY! HAHAHAH  what a piece of junk .. I if every receive a working unit I will be placing it for sale on craigslist before it breaks again!  What a Joke. DO Not buy from this company !! if your unit breaks you will be with out a welder for months! My guess is that they service "out of warranty" units first because they make money on those.  You have been warned .. Stay far away from Everlast!
Replyopcorn anyone?.No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Again..Guess i'll join you Backed my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWPopcorn anyone?
Reply:And when you sell it on craigslist, will you relay this story, and warning, to the new buyer of your lemon?Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:These units with built in plasma are the very worst regardless of brand.   Highest return and failure rate of any of the models too.    If it arrives damaged you call the seller immediately and have them file a claim with UPS.  Just about every thread that mentions them here has multiple posts telling folks not to buy themLast edited by soutthpaw; 04-20-2015 at 08:20 AM.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:NO  your kidding  say it ain't so  not from a #1 company like EVERLAST www.georgesplasmacuttershop.comPlasma Cutter and Welder Sales and Repairs--Ebay storeTec.Mo. Dealer Consumables for the PT and IPT torch's
Reply:Here we go again...Millermatic 211Miller Syncrowave 350lx with cooler and tigrunner Thermal Dynamics cutmaster 811955 National Cylinder Gas O/A setup with original patina
Reply:Attachment 1082291Backed my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:I can see where the facts are getting distorted already.  The units carry a 5 year warranty not a 3 year warranty.  PM me with your information. I've sent this over for further review on the situation.  It shouldn't take that long.  I'll also pm you now.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:If this is  post was made by John, we have an updated board design for that  particular unit and have had the factory retrofit the new board so that they can be installed on that unit. It was shipped on a regular parts shipment and was held up in the dock workers strike.  We've had the new parts shipment in for a week and if this is the unit that we think it is, the unit should go out this week.   As far as warranty goes... since this unit was held up due to the labor strike, I've just gotten approval to extend the warranty for the period of time that it has been out of your hands.  Please contact Oleg at [email protected] to let them know the details so this can be officially recorded for you and we'll cover the shipping.Last edited by lugweld; 04-21-2015 at 11:33 PM.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Yet another "strikes me as unusual threads"
Reply:Miller Spoolmate 200 w/t S-52 WirefeederMM 211'09 Miller Trailblazer 302
Reply:Funny how they show up after stuff like this gets posted in the open forumsBacked my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:Why does it take a thread posted on the internet to get some service? Shady stuff....
Reply:Originally Posted by lugweldI can see where the facts are getting distorted already.  The units carry a 5 year warranty not a 3 year warranty.  PM me with your information. I've sent this over for further review on the situation.  It shouldn't take that long.  I'll also pm you now.
Reply:Why do people think they can buy a multi process welder with plasma cutter for  LESS than the price of the same company's dedicated plasma cutter or dedicated tig welder and expect even close to quality products?Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawWhy do people think they can buy a multi process welder with plasma cutter for  LESS than the price of the same company's dedicated plasma cutter or dedicated tig welder and expect even close to quality products?
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveBecause the people who make it: claim it, advertise it, and get mad when people say it's a piece of crap?That's my take anyway.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonExcellent news!It has only been in for repairs 1/5th of it's life.
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawAnd the reason they make it is cuz, people buy it and will buy some other Y or Z brand if X brand didn't offer them.   Now if it was me,  I'd put an explanation on my company website why we don't sell combo plasma machines with links to numerous sites backing up my reasoning...   But hey, that's just me.
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawAnd the reason they make it is cuz, people buy it and will buy some other Y or Z brand if X brand didn't offer them.   Now if it was me,  I'd put an explanation on my company website why we don't sell combo plasma machines with links to numerous sites backing up my reasoning...   But hey, that's just me.
Reply:This is really starting to suck having to deal with these kinds of threads as mods...Everyone pissing and moaning over and over for years now and it's always the same story with the same results....Closed or moved.One or the other will happen soon....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Yeah, this whole thing just grinds on and on.When I see one of these threads I have to check if it is new, or one that was woke up from years ago.
Reply:Originally Posted by BlueweldersYeah, this whole thing just grinds on and on.When I see one of these threads I have to check if it is new, or one that was woke up from years ago.I was just trying to remember if it has been four years or six years, that this has been happening.You would think in that length of time, something would have changed.I bet they have to hide the sharp objects from the mods when they see one of these coming.
Reply:No I've only owned the unit for 3 years .. its been in for service two times for total of at least 1 years time ! so 1/3 of its current life.  The error that lugweld pointed it was that the unit has a 5 year warranty.  If you read his post they seemed to have updated the pc board for this unit..   I hope this will cure the short circuiting issues.
Reply:Not your post in particular , just the years of similar complaints.
Reply:Originally Posted by BlueweldersYeah, this whole thing just grinds on and on.When I see one of these threads I have to check if it is new, or one that was woke up from years ago.
Reply:Just to give everyone an updated I received the repaired unit today, I will post back after I test the unit this weekend.
Reply:Backed my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonI am sure the mods get a lot of background chatter, so I can sympathize with them. It grinds on because these threads yield the best results for satisfaction. Some kind of solution always presents itself that we can all learn from.
Reply:Soo..  I was able to test the machine here's the good and the bad.. Good:Amperage display is working again ! No more guessing !Tig welder and plasma cutter function properly ..easy starts ..crisp arc..The bad:The machine kept overheating after less then a minute of plasma cutting . Basically the green "duty cycle" light kept illuminating.  I'd wait for it to.go out to continue but it never would so I had to restart the unit .  I had to restart the unit approximately 10 times while trying to cut a 3" hole in 20 gage stainless.I checked all my settings (ie air presure , torch to workpiece distance ) all seems fine.  When the unit would work it seemed to cut fine. Only other thing it could be is that I had to use my 30 gallon air compressor with out a water filter.  I realize water can cause issues with plasma cutters but I though that it was mainly an issue with consumable life. Usually I have a 80 gallon speedaire (with after cooler)but it's currently being serviced.  I guess my only other comment is that my cutmaster 52 doesn't seem to have any issues with the hot dog compressor !I'll spend some more time checking the health of my torches consumables and will hook up a desiccant filter.. My guess is Oleg will be getting a call soon as there still seems to be issues with the machine.. a 30 sec duty cycle @30 amps isn't accptable!If anyone has delt with this issue please help me out
Reply:Just a thought... it looks like the recommended compressor specs for this plasma cutter are 6 CFM @ 90 psi / 30 gallon tank. Do you know what your compressor is capable of?
Reply:It is an older oil filled Devilbliss not sure on the model / specs .. the plasma cutter was acting up before the compressor would cycle.  I will do more testing this weekend
Reply:Sounds to me like the cooling fan is not working or airflow is blocked. If you hear the fan running it is possible the unit was reassembled incorrectly with the louvers in the wrong position......if the fan does not operate it also may have been assembled wrong...or the tech forgot to replug the fan.Jim Colt   Hypertherm Originally Posted by quiksilver1jSoo..  I was able to test the machine here's the good and the bad.. Good:Amperage display is working again ! No more guessing !Tig welder and plasma cutter function properly ..easy starts ..crisp arc..The bad:The machine kept overheating after less then a minute of plasma cutting . Basically the green "duty cycle" light kept illuminating.  I'd wait for it to.go out to continue but it never would so I had to restart the unit .  I had to restart the unit approximately 10 times while trying to cut a 3" hole in 20 gage stainless.I checked all my settings (ie air presure , torch to workpiece distance ) all seems fine.  When the unit would work it seemed to cut fine. Only other thing it could be is that I had to use my 30 gallon air compressor with out a water filter.  I realize water can cause issues with plasma cutters but I though that it was mainly an issue with consumable life. Usually I have a 80 gallon speedaire (with after cooler)but it's currently being serviced.  I guess my only other comment is that my cutmaster 52 doesn't seem to have any issues with the hot dog compressor !I'll spend some more time checking the health of my torches consumables and will hook up a desiccant filter.. My guess is Oleg will be getting a call soon as there still seems to be issues with the machine.. a 30 sec duty cycle @30 amps isn't accptable!If anyone has delt with this issue please help me out
Replyouble check the torch is in the negative.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:The torch is connected properly the Lighting bolt led would flash green after about 30-45 seconds of use or you start and stop about 3 times. I will test it out again this weekend and will report back.
Reply:I tested the unit again today,  Same result as before... the duty cycle light would come on after about 30 seconds of use regardless of the amperage setting.  Before using the unit, I installed a desiccant air dryer loaded with new desiccant beads.  Additionally, I replaced all of the consumables in the torch just to be sure this wasn't part of the problem.This unit is still broken and at this point really doubt it can be fixed.  Well Oleg what say you? Its your chance to show Everlast will stand behind their products.. all companies have quality issues; how your company deals with the issue separates the best companies from the worst.  What are my options? where do we go from here?
Reply:Just wanted to give another update:  Oleg contacted me today and is going to send me a refurbished unit to replace my current unit.  I believe this is the appropriate thing to do and am thankful to him and Everlast for standing up and solving the customer's issue properly.  He even agreed to replace the unit with a 250 Ex (tig only) instead of the tig/plasma combo, at my request.  Additionally he agreed to extend my warrenty out a year to account for the two times the unit previously needed service.  I can't ask for much more then that.. looking forward to welding!I will let everyone know when i receive the new unit!
Reply:Since i am in the market for both an AC tig machine and a plasma cutter,  i was looking into these...i guess I'll  reconsider.
Reply:I have a PowerPro 205S. Should I shoot it now or after I first turn it on? lolLincoln 180PowerPro 205SDewalt chop sawGrinders and carbide burrsRookie w/ nice toyz
Reply:Very upset about your experience and the original wait times... But I'm glad to see that Oleg did the right thing. Please let us know how the welder is working! I am in the market for a good tig, and I would like to see some good customer service, great function, and no problems with the machine(s) that I purchase. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by TravyLeighVery upset about your experience and the original wait times... But I'm glad to see that Oleg did the right thing. Please let us know how the welder is working! I am in the market for a good tig, and I would like to see some good customer service, great function, and no problems with the machine(s) that I purchase. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Replyooking at the power I-tig 200 actually! Should be able to weld just about everything with it. Everywhere I look online, it looks like everybody AVOIDS the 3-1 units. That's kinda why I just want to stick to SMAW/GTAWSent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by TravyLeighLooking at the power I-tig 200 actually! Should be able to weld just about everything with it. Everywhere I look online, it looks like everybody AVOIDS the 3-1 units. That's kinda why I just want to stick to SMAW/GTAWSent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Oh, I was so focused on just 3-1 (plasma/tig/stick) that I forgot about the migs. I used to love mig when I was like 18-19, and I think mig is great, especially for hobbyists! But I'm a "technical" kinda guy. When I drive a car, I love it to be a stick. When I go fishing, I flyfish/baitcast. Love shooting... But only long range bolt action, hand loads, high winds for precise calculation. That's just how I've always been Hahaa. I feel that tig meets my "technical" personality better than the mig does. But I really wish those plasma 3-1 units worked great!!! Everyone would have a fabrication shop if they did though.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:There are new wave of Everlast TIG/Stick/Plasma  units coming which are completely redesigned that should improve reliability and greatly simplify the machines and at the same time reduce repair times and difficulty if a problem does occur.  But yes, the issue with this has been there are two inverters and many more components stuffed in the same place of a stand alone unit and the parts end up competing for cooling, control circuits etc...  A MIG/TIG/Stick machine does not have the complication that the plasma + units have.  Any time you increase the number of parts you will likely have a decrease in reliability. A MTS unit doesn't have a lot more parts.Last edited by lugweld; 08-20-2015 at 11:27 PM.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:I definitely understand. Lug, are you affiliated with everlast? I've read a bunch of your stuff (you're incredibly helpful and knowledgeable!) and you seem like a rep for them. If you are, I'm glad you're here to help us out if we ever need it!!Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by TravyLeighOh, I was so focused on just 3-1 (plasma/tig/stick) that I forgot about the migs. I used to love mig when I was like 18-19, and I think mig is great, especially for hobbyists! But I'm a "technical" kinda guy. When I drive a car, I love it to be a stick. When I go fishing, I flyfish/baitcast. Love shooting... But only long range bolt action, hand loads, high winds for precise calculation. That's just how I've always been Hahaa. I feel that tig meets my "technical" personality better than the mig does. But I really wish those plasma 3-1 units worked great!!! Everyone would have a fabrication shop if they did though.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk