Northstar Welders???

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My LWS has these Northstar 200 amp ac/dc Tig welders for around $700..........give or take.Anyone have any experience or opinions on these???
Reply:Are you talking about the 3rd one down at this link?http://coplaynorstar.com/welders.phpGravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:I love "Tested in the USA".Looks like a Chinese POS.  Gonna stay out of this battle.
Reply:For that price purchasing a "Chinese" welder jist get an Eastwood or AHP, there looks yo be no features at all on that unit.
Reply:It's the Eastwood with even less features.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:For some reason, many of the Chinese welders use the same black knobs with colored caps.  They literally all look like they are made at the same factory - maybe they are.If you are going to go that route, you will really want to understand the warranty.   What happens if it dies in the first year and what happens if it dies near the end of the warranty period.  Ask what happens if they update your particular model and no longer produce the part required to repair your older machine.  There are stories here of people complaining about waiting months for spare parts.I believe Longlevity and Everlast are sponsors here, perhaps consider them.  (Same knobs).  You will be dealing with them through UPS/Fedex or whatever but I know their sales people work hard to make up for any lack of support from the factory.Personally, I would rather get name brand, used, from Craigslist - even at a slightly higher price - knowing I could always sell it at that price should I want to upgrade or retire.   Outside of warranty, the others aren't worth much.Miller, Lincoln, ESAB, Thermal Arc, Hobart, maybe HTP.  If you are unsure about a particular model search here or ask here - someone is bound to have played with it.Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:Look like garbage.  Not even a footpedal. 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:I would not buy that. I would buy something better. You're going to want a footpedal for AC aluminum work at least. Second, I would buy one of the more established brands if I was going Chinese. Probably an Everlast or Longevity, get one with a worthwhile warranty. Yeah more money but better bet. Otherwise, if you have the power to run one of the transformer machines you can get an older US made machine for a reasonable price.Hobart Stickmate LX235AC/160DCRanger 305GVictor 315 O/A rigHope to acquire in the next couple of years: Hypertherm PM45 and Dynasty 200DX
Reply:Stay away, far far far away or get burned
Reply:Trust me........not looking to buy!