Longevity 160sx, or 200sx

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OMG I cant believe I am considering buying a Longevity tig machine. I guess it boils down to budget. Plus Id like a brand new machine over someone elses used one. I just cant afford $2000 or around there for a machine. I have too many other things my $ needs to go to at this time. Has anyone baught one of these 2 machines? I watched some youtube vids on the 160 and 200. They seem pretty solid. Id mostly be using it for aluminum, and practicing to get my tig skills up to par. So either talk me into, or out of it please.........Ahhhh syncrowaves are sweet...
Reply:I had a Longevity 160P (older unit). The first one I got in had some issues and after contacting Simon @ longevity he had me send it back. There was an issue with this machine that they had corrected on the next model. He offered me the choice of sending me a replacement of the exact machine or waiting about 3 weeks on the upgraded model. I chose to wait on the new model that had the pilot arc system. He was very good about keeping me updated until it was shipped. It turned out to be a great little machine. I wish I had went on and got the 200P instead. The extra power is nice. I used the 160P up to about 6 months ago. I sold it and my Miller 130xp to get my new Thermal Arc 181i. I didnt use the AC TIG enough to warrant keeping it but I do miss the plasma cutting. I know there is guys out here that put them down, even if they have never used one of them. I would have no problems going back to longevity for another machine. Probably will buy one of there plasma machines in the future. The only thing I really see about buying any Chinese brand machine is that you need to ask yourself if you can afford a problem. If I have to make a living with my machine I would only buy domestic name brand. The reason is that if, by chance, something happens to the machine you may be able to get it serviced locally or covered under warranty at a local dealer. Longevity is a good machine for the home hobbyist or maybe even a light duty job shop when its not being used as your main machine. Maybe as a back up machine for quick jobs when your main unit is set up for something different. Either way Simon @ Longevity is good to work with and stands behind his machines. Atleast that was the experience I had.Making as much progress as a one legged duck in the middle of a pond, just going in circles.
Reply:thanks for the reply. longevity will be my last resort as i really want a miller/lincoln. Thermal arc seems cool too. augh why do welders have to be so expensive?...lol
Reply:If you dont need the AC, I would highly reccomend the TA 181i. I know in you op you said you need the ability to weld aluminum. Look for used, craigslist is a good place to start. You can score nice domestic brand machines a lot cheaper than buying new ones. I am not brand loyal to a certain brand. I have had Lincoln, Miller, Longevity, now Thermal Arc and all of them have had there good and bad points. For me, I would buy Longevity again before going with another brand of import. The reason is my experience with Longevity.Making as much progress as a one legged duck in the middle of a pond, just going in circles.
Reply:When there are two machines that are meant do the same thing, and one cost more than the other, you should try to determine why. Find what makes one cost more than the other and decide if those reasons are a fair tradeoff for the price difference.Ian TannerKawasaki KX450 and many other fine tools
Reply:It it a business purchase or a toy? You can take risks with toys because they don't put dinner on the table and if the magic smoke rolls out it doesn't matter in "survival" terms. I patiently hunt used quality machines until I get 'em cheap (these forums have saved me big bucks and many thanks to those who gave me advice!)  but if that isn't you then buy one and post results (in their forum).
Reply:Be careful with reading the reviews on Longevity.  Most of the negative reviews have been deleted by Longevity, thus giving the impression there aren't many dissatisfied users.  There are only a few old timers here that remember the negative posts and are left to warn the unsuspecting.It is your money and I understand not wanting someone's used equipment.  New is always nice, but it boils down to do you want to buy someone's used gold jewelry or someone's new "gold" plated junk jewelry that will turn and be worthless.I would suggest buying it with a credit card so when it goes south you have some recourse.
Reply:Both longevity and everlast now sell via Amazon.   That is the method I recommend to buy as Amazon almost always sides in favor of the customer on problems.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:Longevity also has a try before you buy program. Call them to find someone in your area that will let you play with their machine.I have the TigWeld 250 AC/DC and have not had any trouble. I also have their MigWeld 250p, the new migweld 140, and the ForceCut 60i.  The 250p had a broken on/off switch after a few months and they overnighted me a new switch. The tech called me the next day to see if I needed him to walk me through installing it.You can also "Make them an offer" on a new machine. Check the website...And no I do not work for them, just happy with the way I have been treated..From the desk of Kevin CaronTrying to be the best me I can!www.kevincaron.comAHP Alpha Tig 200x MillerMatic 251Miller Syncrowave 200