Inverter based GTAW

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I've got the idea to dell my bobcat 225 in favor of funding an ac/DC gtaw machine.  Would like to stay over 200a.  I have used an htp, and a miller dynasty.  The dynasty is way outta my price range, ive heard nothing but good things about the everlast, except for anything about longevity.  I am alittle bias to esab since they recent sent me a couple grand worth of stuff so I feel it would b the fair thing to do to consider the caddy tig 200.  Also curious about the Eastwood machines.Anyone have any input?
Reply:I'm very biased...if you hear nothing but good about everlast you live under a rock...How do everlast, longevity and eastwood get into the same conversations as HTP, Miller, and ESAB?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:Dont know.  Those 2 came up in conversation at work with a couple other guys.  Then after that there was some Google searching, reviews, videos.  But it's good to see which side you placed htp.  There is one here at work that ruins really good
Reply:Keep in mind most of these import machines will have zero support once the warranty has expired. Most companies simply swap out problem units. If they get a bad batch, chances are you'll end up with another machine from the same batch that had the issues. Also many also make you pay for shipping both ways when you get a lemon and send it back in for warranty "service". Treat these machines as disposable..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:I'd say, if you are spending more than a $200 - $300 on a machine (in which case, when you get burned, you can afford to just shrug your shoulders, and consider it a life lesson), you should at least buy a machine which is handled/serviced by a local establishment, even if just for returns.I would not buy a pricey machine from some company that just has it drop-shipped to me, without even having been opened and inspected.Hobart Beta-Mig 2511972 Miller AEAD-200LEMiller 250 TwinNorthern Ind. Hybrid 200Longevity Stick 140Longevity Migweld 200SThermal Arc Pak 3XR
Reply:I've been happy with my Everlast, as my welding projects have grown it has done everything I've wanted. I'd like to have a Dynasty but for what I'd have to pay for one I could buy a new Everlast every 5 years for 15 years and never worry about using an out of warranty unit.Lincoln PowerMIG 350mpEverlast PowerTIG 210EXT Hypertherm PowerMax45You merely adopted the iron, I was born in it, molded by it.
Reply:Originally Posted by doojusI've been happy with my Everlast, as my welding projects have grown it has done everything I've wanted. I'd like to have a Dynasty but for what I'd have to pay for one I could buy a new Everlast every 5 years for 15 years and never worry about using an out of warranty unit.
Reply:Originally Posted by RollinCoal420How hard do u push it?  How long have u been running it?
Reply:I have no issues with my 325ext.  It's a 5 year warranty.  Is it like taking something back to walmart? Nope.  If you had a dynasty at more than double the price and it had issues do you think they would crack it open right there and fix you up?  Nope.  Odds are it will be sent out somewhere else for repair.  I did a lot of reading before going with everlast.  Most bad reviews I found were on multiprocess machines which are'nt a home run for any manufacturer.
Reply:But something like a dynasty or caddy tig can be purchased from the local weeks ago, who can also handle the warranty claim.I also just read about the esab heliarc with a 100℅ duty cycle at 250a!  It seems large alto it is an inverter machine, doesnt appear to be very portable.
Reply:Originally Posted by whitsonmetalI have no issues with my 325ext.  It's a 5 year warranty.  Is it like taking something back to walmart? Nope.  If you had a dynasty at more than double the price and it had issues do you think they would crack it open right there and fix you up?  Nope.  Odds are it will be sent out somewhere else for repair.
Reply:You can search far and wide and not ever find a negative statement about the HTP. Not so for the other brands. If I was to sell my syncrowave and buy new, I would go HTP all the way.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonAwesome, but it depends on who you purchased from.  Any trouble I have my Miller rep makes a visit, gets on the phone with tech, and resolve the issue. If not, and it is under warranty, it gets picked up the next gas delivery and scheduled for repair. If repair is lengthy I get a loaner machine until the unit is back. I am never down.
Reply:Originally Posted by whitsonmetalI guess if we had similar service from the welding places here it would be a consideration.  Here, they don't even have a welder on the floor to look at, not even a display.  Every machine is trucked out of state for service and loaner machines come after a hefty deposit is put down.  I wish we had welding stores here like I here about in other areas.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonWhere do you live?
Reply:Wesco deals in welding equipment?  Thought they were just an electrical house?
Reply:Originally Posted by whitsonmetalNW Florida,  we have an Airgas and a Wesco.