A couple of questions about Everlast

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I sincerely apologize for double-posting. I Just posted this on the Everlast sponsored forum, and then realized the last post on there was over 2 months old.  So with your permission, I'd like to re-post it here:I need to get a DC stick machine to use out here on our farm and in the home shop - and I'm really attracted to the PA 300 or possibly the 200ST. The reviews are excellent, and it's hard to find anything else with these features (300 amps, dedicated 6010 slot, fine amp tuning, arc force and hot start controls, 5 yr. warranty, etc.). I can't afford a $2,000 machine. But there are a couple of things that cause me to hesitate:1. I can't find a walk-in dealership anywhere. The Everlast web site's "Dealer Locator" page is completely nonfunctional; it just lists their California office. There is nowhere you can just walk into a store and buy one: it's "mail order only."2. Service. While they appear to have excellent customer service to back their 5 year warranty, since there are no storefront dealers, there's nowhere to take one if you need it fixed. The only way to get service is to ship the machine to Idaho! Shipping a welder is not a small matter, nor is it an inexpensive one. Plus, it's time consuming, waiting a week or more each way just for shipping. So you're looking at being welderless for a month or more, depending on how backed up the shop is. In contrast, I can easily find at least a dozen red, blue or white walk-in, storefront sales/service centers within a couple of hours' drive.  Drop off your welder, pick it up a few days later, done.I love everything I've learned about the PA300, but this "all or nothing" commitment just makes me nervous. Comments, suggestions?  I'm thinking about spending a little more and going with a Tweco 181i Fabricator.Last edited by Ruark; 09-19-2015 at 02:39 PM.-RuarkLincoln 3200HDHobart Stickmate LX235TWECO Fabricator 211i
Reply:Lincooln electric welders comes standard with a 3 year warranty, and now offers an optional 5 year warranty. Lincooln electric makes good stuff and has dealers nationwide. If you are like me I cannot afford to be down much, and if difficulties arise at the repair center the dealer may offer a free rental to keep me going. No way do I get involved with "Mail-Order-Mayhem". Some people are ok with it though. So many "Imports" get delivered by UPS just trashed. That is all I have to say, as this thread will probably get moved and ignored with time.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:I’ve had my PowerArc 200 for around 6-years now. Not one problem! I loaned it to a friend who took it to Montana to rebuild a hay clamp. He got everything tacked into place, and ran one 5/32“ 7018 after another as fast as he could, until the project was welded out. Welder preformed perfectly.Let me tell you about repair shops. The biggest repair shop in Seattle had one of my SA-200 Short hoods for 317-days. Had the generator out of my 1966 SA-200 Red face for 245-days. All they had to do to the generator was paint it with dielectric, and replace the bearing on the armature.I personally won’t deal with anybody at Everlast, except Mark Lugo / Lugweld.Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:You pretty much answered your own questions. Get a Lincoln, Miller, esab or some other used or new machine is with a solid track record. No need to pay $2000 when you can use clist and get a  great deal. Cry one time and buy a quality piece that you can depend on.Millermatic 211Miller Syncrowave 350lx with cooler and tigrunner Thermal Dynamics cutmaster 811955 National Cylinder Gas O/A setup with original patina
Reply:i've heard the everlast horror stories. the only time i used one was the last time i had to take the d1.1. it burned 7018 almost continuously for a couple hours with no trouble.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:I can't comment on the american sales/service on these machines, however I can comment that I have had two Everlast welders (160STH and 185 Micro), and both have been flawless as far as welding goes.  As one could expect though, the stock electrode holders, ground clamps, and tig torch (if equipped) are kind of a joke if you are using the machine to its full capabilities.  Still for the price - blue and red can't really compete sometimes in the new market.....Edit - You could however look for a used thunderbolt/ac/dc 225 etc on craigslist/kijiji tooLast edited by weldypants; 09-19-2015 at 05:10 PM.Reason: forgot somwthing
Reply:If you can't be without a machine then do as Shovelon suggested.    Sent from my VK815 using TapatalkTiger 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 shovelonLincooln electric welders comes standard with a 3 year warranty, and now offers an optional 5 year warranty. Lincooln electric makes good stuff and has dealers nationwide. If you are like me I cannot afford to be down much, and if difficulties arise at the repair center the dealer may offer a free rental to keep me going. No way do I get involved with "Mail-Order-Mayhem". Some people are ok with it though. So many "Imports" get delivered by UPS just trashed. That is all I have to say, as this thread will probably get moved and ignored with time.
Reply:You can buy two PA300 for the price of a comparable machine with local dealer service.So buy two everlast, put one in the closet in case of breakdown and you won't care how long it takes to get it back.millermatic 130XPharbour freight 180 amp mig with added caps.hobart stickmate ac/dcpowerarc 200
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749I won't move or close it. At least as long as nobody gets stupid about stuff
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonI know Steve. I just get a little wary of trying to comment and having the topic moved for rendering. The last one was in response to help requested because no answers were coming forth over there. Trying to dispel some misinformation I got into it with you-know-who, and whammy, it got moved.   http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...gs-help-needed
Reply:Well, if you want experiences, I've had an Everlast PA 200 for about five years and a PA 300 (thanks to CEP) for about a year.The PA 200 and PA 300 have not had a single issue that was not related to shipping damage. The PA 200 had a cracked plastic fan cover is all.My plasma cutter had some air line issues that were easily corrected by putting in truck air brake lines. Works flawlessly now.But, I'm just a farm welder like you so don't need to make a living welding. The PA 200 is so small and light that it goes along with my Honda 13K generator for mobile repairs while the PA 300 stays in the shop. If either goes bad the other will be right there. But I cheat since there are a couple of Lincoln tombstones stored in the barn.Last edited by GWD; 09-19-2015 at 10:12 PM.Lincoln AC buzzboxLincoln AC/DC buzzboxHobart 125EZ (110V flux-core)Everlast PA200 (stick)Everlast PA300 (stick)Everlast PP70 (plasma cutter)O/A outfitSeveral Metabo, Bosch, HF grinders set up differentlyMisc tools
Reply:I weld for a living and have 3 everlast machines I use daily. I also have a trailblazer. I have had one board go out but had great customer service and got the new board in 3 days in hawaii. I am about to buy a new plasma and there big tig machine. I just cant justify 9800 at airgas for a dynasty 280. I think with inverter technolgy rapidly changing I am not buying welders for life but mine have held up great for how bad I beat on them
Reply:Originally Posted by alohacanaI weld for a living and have 3 everlast machines I use daily. I also have a trailblazer. I have had one board go out but had great customer service and got the new board in 3 days in hawaii. I am about to buy a new plasma and there big tig machine. I just cant justify 9800 at airgas for a dynasty 280. I think with inverter technolgy rapidly changing I am not buying welders for life but mine have held up great for how bad I beat on them
Reply:I wouldn't buy an inverter machine. that is unless you trade in every few years when the warranty is up.12v battery, jumper cables, and a 6013.I only have a facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/VPT/244788508917829
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonYou had to replace your own board? Actually that is not too bad if it was out of warranty. If it was under warranty does that void your warranty?On a side note if you are looking for a tig, Linclon's new Aspect375 runs about $4800 and surely has dealers in the Pacific. You can also buy the 5 year warranty extension for $500. The reason I am comping a the bit for one is that I kill tigs. And If I get even 3 years out of a tig let alone 5 years, I am so far into profit it is ridiculous. It all comes down to ROI to me. I hope Linlcon keeps up the effort. Speaking to the Lincoln rep, the parts are sourced worldwide and assembled in the US. The only peripheral I think specific to it is the foot control and SCC controls builds it for them. Some time ago we talked about calling SCC for an adapter to interface Miller pedals to them as there is a plethora of miller pedals on the market. Last I heard SCC was not allowed to sell the Linlclon pedals to the public. I just find $400 for a pedal a bit much.
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749The way it was explained to me by one of the key ppl at SSC is that it's more of a voluntary no compete as far as the pedals go. SSC actually got kinda hosed by Lincoln on some design stuff they came up with, but that Lincoln ended up getting patents on. SSC briefly manufactured a pedal with a two piece top on it that could be sold in a Lincoln configuration, but it was never a big seller and they ended up discontinuing it.Things could have changed since then, it was over ten years ago I visited their operation in Mentor, OH. I won't use his name, but the guy I spoke to about this was and still is pretty much at the top of the operation, so I know what I was told isn't BS. They may actually have a legal no compete with Lincoln now on their pedals.Just another reason I'm not hugely fond of Lincoln's approach to machine design. Accessories are insanely expensive and not standardized. You get a welder without a pedal, you're forced to buy used or new OEM since the only main manufacturer of aftermarket pedals just so happens to manufacture them solely for Lincoln Electric. Not to mention, one pedal may not necessarily work with another model of machine.It kind of leads me to believe the design of some of their equipment deliberately supports a monopoly mentality system, where you are forced to deal directly with the manufacturer for even the most basic of accessories. Knowing this, they can adjust the price to whatever the market will bear. Miller has the absolute edge on accessories being standardized and easy to purchase and use. I'm not saying that everything they manufacture is necessarily better than Lincoln because of this, but Miller's components are far more readily available and much cheaper than their Lincoln counterparts.IMHO of course
Reply:Yeah, miller has stepped in it too, no doubt Terry. I'm looking at things from a repair and resale standpoint, and that's differently than someone in your position would. Global manufacturing is the future, and as long as the parent company stands behind the product  that's all I really care about. It's as inevitable as Walmart.I agree SSC has an excellent product. Brent and Jim Moll got their shlt together and care a great deal about what goes out their doors. I wouldn't be surprised if they don't end up offering a wireless pedal at some point. I think it's just a matter of time. I have the Miller version, but I'm one guy doing one off stuff in my garage. You guys would eat those pedals up in a matter of months. They're entirely plastic, even the base.I also agree that Lincoln's new inverters are pretty nice and offer a good value for what you get. I've never been a fan of a lot of their stuff from a service standpoint. Everything is model specific, you cant swap parts around like you can with miller stuff, and for a guy like me, it's a big deal. Lincoln is a hard resale too. Their stuff moves about a third as fast as comparable Miller equipment. Again, from a resale standpoint, it's a valid concern for me. Parts are ridiculously expensive and very difficult to find used. It also seems with Lincoln stuff, you have to find brand specific customers with an already existing shop full of it.Been my experience with it anyways.IMHO of courseExpert Garage Hack....https://www.facebook.com/steven.webber.948
Reply:Yeah I replaced my own board bc I didnt want to box it all up and send it in. It was under warranty still. It was really easy actually took me about 20 min. My whole thing is inverters wont last a lifetime but the tech trade off is worth it to me. When half of millers stuff is made in the same factory as everrlast I just cant justify their cost anymore. I could if it was all made in house in the USA but its not anymore just assembled. My computers are all made in China or Japan and the same boards are in my welders now. I guess I just gave up on them. However I still buy alot of hand tools and clamps ect made in usa and will as long as they are and have great craftsmanship. I am building a forge soon so I will be making alot of my own stuff. Every penny counts here on Maui I just got quoted 2200 hundred for insurance 2500 a month for a 1100 sq ft shop and 160 for a bottle of argon. I miss Texas right now lol
Reply:Originally Posted by That Guy ThereNo need to pay $2000 when you can use clist and get a  great deal.
Reply:I hear you guys about Miller.  Look at their Thunderbolt AC/DC welder. It sells for $900 - $1000.  The EXACT same welder with a Hobart paint job (same assembly line, everything) sells for $479 at Tractor Supply.  I mean, do they think their customers are just stupid, or what?And even then, it's primitive.  No arc force, no hot start, maxes out at 150 DC.Last edited by Ruark; 09-21-2015 at 09:49 PM.-RuarkLincoln 3200HDHobart Stickmate LX235TWECO Fabricator 211i
Reply:I had an everlast. I wouldn't worry about the machine, You do need to worry about the customer "support" and the people running the company.Welding/Fab Pics: www.UtahWeld.com
Reply:Originally Posted by MikeGyverand the people running the company.
Reply:I've got an Everlast pa200. Excellent welder, I've run 6010/11, 7018, 6013. All without a problem when I do my part... I wouldn't hesitate to pick up another from them if I needed more power.Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Reply:Your not going to need a dealership because most of those machines are taken back and sent to the factory to be repaired, what I have heard they give the factory back a machine the factory gives Everlast a new one, if it works the first week, it  will probably be OK for the duration of its life, most consumables they use are generic annd now most replacement parts can be found from torch mfg for their machines. You can't beat the big three or four for quality, the way rubber parts and such are moulded and fitted but I have Chicom welders, they are getting better. Sent from my SM-N915W8 using TapatalkOriginally Posted by pistolnoonYour not going to need a dealership because most of those machines are taken back and sent to the factory to be repaired, what I have heard they give the factory back a machine the factory gives Everlast a new one, if it works the first week, it  will probably be OK for the duration of its life, most consumables they use are generic annd now most replacement parts can be found from torch mfg for their machines. You can't beat the big three or four for quality, the way rubber parts and such are moulded and fitted but I have Chicom welders, they are getting better. Sent from my SM-N915W8 using Tapatalk
Reply:Not worth fixing! Not worth shipping at today's rates! Listen to this no b. s., Ever had a look under one of those machines? But I will tell you about the experience I had, ups dropped my first Chicom machine, being handed off through ups delivery contractors the cost of sending it back fell on ups, to pay purolator as their was no ups here at the time in Alberta and they abandoned it in the depot, after I got my new machine from the dealer, thankyou, the dealer collected ups insurance and so this machine was sitting double boxed at my purolator depot for four months all 81lbs of it and they called me to see what I wanted to do with it, so I left it for another couple weeks then picked it up and took alook at what was damaged when they dropped it and I started trying to weld. I found, 1 burned infineon mosfet, and a  diode, cost me $10.00cdn,and $30.00 shipping from where else China, but I got spare mosfet. Machine works beautiful now, that was 4 or 5 years?  One of the young guys at the local machine shop wants to learn to tig so I lent it to him, if he breaks it, maybe I will be able to fix it, it is a multifunction machine. Needless to say I have a developed good opinion about this distributor, he honoured his warrantee, and I have two machines, that worked out well. If we look what is going on out their we see that chicom machines are selling so profusely that everyone is getting into the biz, and we are finding bad comments about these machines because you cannot entrust ups do a good job delivering 80lb welders!They are abusive. Which is why the big three have distributors. I remember several years ago how abusive Chicom posts became, for me, I, now post less, listen more, it is all about welding not what machine your using, I never heard a customer ask what machine I was going to use or for that matter from other local welders, what I was tig welding with, it's my money I spent it how I had too. Sent from my SM-N915W8 using Tapatalk
Reply:Yes but pistolnoon, in your part of the world they know noting about welding!Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:I've had my Powerplasma 60s since spring and while I haven't cut as much as I wanted I will say that I have put it through enough of a test for my liking. It performs great and was shipped with NO DAMAGE. Mark (Lugweld) was great and my transaction was perfect as well. I would not hesitate to buy from them again.Just my experience with Everlast.EVERLAST POWERPLASMA 60SLINCOLN ELECTRIC AC 225VICTOR O/A set
Reply:Originally Posted by FyreTexI see this type of comment posted on here all the time.  You guys must have a different craigslist than what we have here in Houston. I've been checking for 3 months and have yet to come across any name brand wire feed welder that's anywhere less than what can be purchased new. I guess the sellers here in Houston are a little more greedy than everywhere else in the USA because there just aren't any good deals on craigslist in Houston.EDIT: Let me clarify my comment. I have been looking for something like a Lincoln, Miller, or Hobart 180 amp wire feed welder at a good price. The ones listed (if any at all) are about the same price as purchasing new.
Reply:Originally Posted by weldtex"I need to get a DC stick machine to use out here on our farm and in the home shop - and I'm really attracted to the PA 300 or possibly the 200ST. The reviews are excellent, and it's hard to find anything else with these features (300 amps, dedicated 6010 slot, fine amp tuning, arc force and hot start controls, 5 yr. warranty, etc.). I can't afford a $2,000 machine. But there are a couple of things that cause me to hesitate:".
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonYou had to replace your own board? Actually that is not too bad if it was out of warranty. If it was under warranty does that void your warranty?On a side note if you are looking for a tig, Linclon's new Aspect375 runs about $4800 and surely has dealers in the Pacific. You can also buy the 5 year warranty extension for $500. The reason I am comping a the bit for one is that I kill tigs. And If I get even 3 years out of a tig let alone 5 years, I am so far into profit it is ridiculous. It all comes down to ROI to me. I hope Linlcon keeps up the effort. Speaking to the Lincoln rep, the parts are sourced worldwide and assembled in the US. The only peripheral I think specific to it is the foot control and SCC controls builds it for them. Some time ago we talked about calling SCC for an adapter to interface Miller pedals to them as there is a plethora of miller pedals on the market. Last I heard SCC was not allowed to sell the Linlclon pedals to the public. I just find $400 for a pedal a bit much.
Reply:After watching this YouTube, I'm swerving heavily towards going to a TWECO (e.g. a 181i)....-RuarkLincoln 3200HDHobart Stickmate LX235TWECO Fabricator 211i
Reply:Originally Posted by RuarkAfter watching this YouTube, I'm swerving heavily towards going to a TWECO (e.g. a 181i)....
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonThis type of behavior goes on day in, day out with them. Yes they hate people posting on forums and youtube of their bad experiences. They are simply rebranders that have a hard time keeping up with the technology build into their offerings.
Reply:Everlast makes really Great Welders, comes with a 5yr warranty, But, they are a small company and have a poorly run CS and Warranty Dept that can cause you to be put in a Nightmare situation  Great product, but poorly managed. I'd buy another one in a heartbeat, you just have to know what to expect should you need their support.
Reply:Originally Posted by BaTuEverlast makes really Great Welders, comes with a 5yr warranty, But, they are a small company and have a poorly run CS and Warranty Dept that can cause you to be put in a Nightmare situation  Great product, but poorly managed. I'd buy another one in a heartbeat, you just have to know what to expect should you need their support.
Reply:Well I am in the NE, Massachusetts and I have been checking Boston's CL now for almost a month for a used mig with hopes of finding a Lincoln 180c. There are pitifully few migs of any types listed. And those listed are pricey. Those selling think they are parting with family jewels. In my particular situation, I really cannot justify even purchasing one for the amount of use it will receive. So after reading this thread, I am getting ready to look at some of the chicom stuff. OH, did look at HF.......some HF stuff is very price worthy. Welders with a 6' welding cord are not. JMHO
Reply:I have to tell ya,,, I've had one of those $75/90A/FluxCore HF welders for several years now. I've welded a Ton of stuff with it (<1/8" mostly outdoors, mostly where 110v was the only thing easily available) and you simply can Not get more Bang-for-the-Buck than one of those things!
Reply:Originally Posted by RuarkI appreciate the sincere, honest feedback on this thread, and how we've been able to keep it from being another silly Everlast-bashing session.One thing that really jumped out at me in this video was when the Everlast tech told him the PA300, which is a DC/TIG machine, "isn't intended for TIG welding."  I mean, hello? That is way, WAY over the top.  Not only that, but they didn't want to fix it; they pushed him to just send it back for a refund.  He's not making it up, either; the video has actual screen shots of their emails.Plus, this makes several reports I've read now of their current output being 30-40 amps different from the indicated current setting.  That alone is a deal-killer.OK, final decision:  Everlast is off the list.  Going to spend a couple hundred more and get a TWECO/ThermalArc 181i (http://www.weldersupply.com/P/538/Th...Fabricator181i).
Reply:Originally Posted by MikeGyverThey jerked me around even more after I bought their machine which doesn't have the features that were published on their website. I told them I wanted to pay the difference and get the next modle UP. The assclowns weren't willing to do anything for me.
Reply:Who is the top man at Everlast? The CEO, COO, or whatever...?-RuarkLincoln 3200HDHobart Stickmate LX235TWECO Fabricator 211i
Reply:Originally Posted by RuarkWho is the top man at Everlast? The CEO, COO, or whatever...?
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonOleg [email protected]/650 588 8588 x201www.linkedin.com/pub/oleg-gladshteyn/48/b08/875
Reply:Originally Posted by RuarkI guess the glaring question is, is he aware of these issues, and what's his response to them?  I know if I were a CEO and I knew my CS reps were saying these things (e.g. saying their TIG welder is "not intended for TIG welding"), the pink slips would be flying.
Reply:I haave a few everlast machines and one more new one on the way.  While I will say they are not perfect, I believe they are better than the blue and red brands as far as service goes.  Yes there are bad experiences with them but no more than with the others and I would say fewer.  See if you can even talk to the CEO of the red or blue makers? See if they answer your call or Email?  Do some of the employees have a bad attitude? yes. I have had Name brand welders and have had poor service on almost all the brands.  AS far as local dealers go,  Repairs are taken by them then sent in to a regional center to be repaired, that center might not even get the welder from the dealer for a month.  Why not just ship it yourself to service center like everlast has. Does Everlast jump right on it when it arives, no. Do the others? no.  I do think Everlast needs improvement in their service/waranty department and a little phone monitoring to improve customer relations but no more than the other makers do.
Reply:Originally Posted by thegaryI haave a few everlast machines and one more new one on the way.  While I will say they are not perfect, I believe they are better than the blue and red brands as far as service goes.  Yes there are bad experiences with them but no more than with the others and I would say fewer.  See if you can even talk to the CEO of the red or blue makers? See if they answer your call or Email?  Do some of the employees have a bad attitude? yes. I have had Name brand welders and have had poor service on almost all the brands.  AS far as local dealers go,  Repairs are taken by them then sent in to a regional center to be repaired, that center might not even get the welder from the dealer for a month.  Why not just ship it yourself to service center like everlast has. Does Everlast jump right on it when it arives, no. Do the others? no.  I do think Everlast needs improvement in their service/waranty department and a little phone monitoring to improve customer relations but no more than the other makers do.
Reply:Hardly anyone on the planet even comes CLOSE to rivaling Miller's tech service and assistance.I can say this with complete assurance because I repair welding machines and have often talked to them on the phone or over the Internet. To say above mentioned importer is better is laughable at best.I've been on this board for going on eight years, and I've seen the horror stories firsthand. Sure, they have come a long ways and I'll give them that, but to say that this importer has a better tech and service infrastructure than Miller or Lincoln is simply misinformation.I've had Miller step up to the plate for me more times than I can count, and they have done this with machinery I did not purchase new from a dealer either. Sure, they don't always get it right but my money is going to be on them anyday before I put it on a company that pulls some pretty shady stuff, then blames it's customers for the problem.I'll be clear that I'm NOT pointing fingers at anyone in particular, but after some of the shenanigans I've seen from a couple of the bigger importers that sell this stuff, I would be extremely hesitant to deal with them based on that alone.IMHO of courseLast edited by 7A749; 10-07-2015 at 10:07 AM.Expert Garage Hack....https://www.facebook.com/steven.webber.948
Reply:Also think there is a conference with a commercial customer and the hobbyists. I got the blow off from Lincoln tech support..  told me my SP255 MIG was too old and they didn't support it.  Via WW after that, VWGuy was able to order and hook me up with the updated Chip for the PCB the next week in OEM packaging.   Look at the thread going right now on the Hypertherm forum.  Turns out they won't provide schematics for repair.they just Swap out complete boards like the Chicoms do.  Which is rather disappointing.  This is how Everlast tech works.  They find the bad board and replace it because the manufacturers won't provide schematics either.  So once a model is discontinued and they run out of spare parts, you are out of luck.    Guess that's the trade off for the low cost.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:I'm going to step in here as there are a couple of things going adrift with the facts.  I don't think there is any outright intent to do so, but it is worth saying, as least as far as Everlast is concerned.1) The guy that posted the original video considers himself a "watchdog" and purposefully buys units and tries to exploit any weakness and has done this several times. We have bent over for him not only in this instance, but in the past since 2008 in such "experiences".   You can trace his own website which he self promotes (or did rather) on his patterns of behavior.  But notice this: he never references name brand product as a control comparison and he really has made some errors in his statements and does so in a vacuum that does not take into account what kind of performance is normal or expected  large name brands.  First, the unit did stick weld and TIG weld. It didn't do what he expected, but it did do what was advertised...a point which he skipped over or slanted his way.  People have welded with the PA300 as a scratch start rig, including CEP here.  You have to turn the arc force down and select the standard port.  Notice he did not mention anything about this...or how he attempted to resolve any issues by making any of those adjustments downward.   As far as the tech saying that, I don't know what he said, and it could have been misconstrued as the unit is not primarily a TIG welder, as any other  advertised stick welder is but can be used to TIG weld but will probably be better as a stick welder. Note: again we do not advertise this unit as a TIG welder as it is in our stick welder category on our website...Yes, you can stick weld or DC TIG weld with a scratch start rig with the standard PA300, but it is not built to be a primary TIG welder...and that is probably the context of the tech's words to the customer.  We do offer an ST model which is a good alternative, but is produced in limited numbers until demand rises for that unit.  Incidentally, he said he was refunded the money.  Our warranty states, just as many others do in the industry, that we reserve the right to remedy the situation with a refund if that is warranted...and we did just that.  2) True: That we don't typically provide schematics.  False: That we never provide them. False: That we don't have them. What may be misunderstood, is that sometimes modifications were made to the units as updates without a full update of the schematics.   In the last 3 years or so, I think we've focused our efforts to have that remedied.  I've actually provided schematics to customers multiple times on a case by case basis.  False: That we don't repair boards or they aren't repairable.  In fact we repair many boards.  But in interest of down time, we've made our units more componentized so it is often easier to diagnose and is more economical to replace the board than to have it repaired and it is easy to ship a board to a repair-capable customer if he doesn't want to send it in due to the downtime involved.  And it is true that in many cases, we do try to make it so that units can be upgraded or retrofitted if a repair is ever needed.3) Having one repair center is admittedly, a bottle neck for us.   We are hopeful that we will have more in the near future that are more regionally based, and yes, we are working to that effect.  We do have a working relationship with our factory, and do even bring factory techs here for cross training with our techs regularly. And yes, we visit the factory multiple times yearly, most of the visits include scheduling production to coincide so issues can be spotted onsite and qc verified.4)  TWECO 181i doesn't compare to a PA 300...5) Should be obvious by now...The units aren't just shipped back to the factory.  They are repaired here.  Yes, units that are relatively new with failures we do ship back yearly for credit.  But that has nothing to do with a customer having to wait for it to be shipped to the factory to be repaired and then sent back (though that isn't outright stated here, it has been stated before.)Last edited by lugweld; 10-07-2015 at 11:16 AM.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