Wondering about Longevity and Everlast

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Hey everyone!  I spend a decent amount of time reading on this forum, and it seems to me as though Longevity and Everlast don't get much love from the members here.  Is there a particular reason for this?  I am not looking to start any kind of battle here, just looking for the truth!  To the mods: I posted this in the General Welding Questions section as opposed to the sponsored forum, because I am looking for something more than a sales pitch from a company rep. Thanks!
Reply:Ok here's the basics. A few years back those companies bought their sponsored forums. At that time they had all threads relating to their products, good and bad, moved to their sections where they had the power to edit and delete anything they wanted. Threads about customers who had problems with DOA machines, customer service issues etc just disappeared. Any post by someone who disliked the sponsors machine... well his post was deleted. Several members had their posts rewritten to sound just the opposite of what they posted. Often they were clearly rewritten as the words and grammar clearly showed where someone cut out or substituted a new word or phrase. PM's and Emails went unanswered, customers were promised replacement machines were "on the way", and several months later, they still hadn't arrived. Often it would seem that these stalling and delaying tactics were just to get the customer past the time limit on having the credit card company assist the buyer. Then they were stuck dealing with the company. In the event a machine was replaced, it was often replaced with a machine that also died. Trying to get a refund was almost impossible for many.On top of this these companies often offered consumables and other items if customers would post up good reviews. Company personnel posted up as if they were customers. Many times the companies would use almost blackmail tactics on customers who made a big enough stink. Have your thread closed and retract your remarks or we won't refund your money was often seemed the way many of these issues would get resolved. After numerous excuses, almost threats by the companies, suddenly the customer would flip 180 degs with no explanation given... In general sales tactics were questionable and customer service were poor.Those of us who lived thru that know the history. We lost a lot of good members over these issues. We still see these same tactics popping up now and then a recent Longevity thread in the Other Manufacturers section sort of sums it up.  Read it and make your own decisions.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...-Service-Sucks.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 said this on other posts, Do you feel lucky ? Well do you ?  Some owners think they are awesome and have great results. Others, well , it's like placing a stack of $100 bills on the roof of your car and drive away. If that's all you can afford, well, I would safe longer and buy a real machine. Red, white, and blue. Lincoln,Hobart , and Miller . Not in any order. Choose wisely.
Reply:Originally Posted by akatzHey everyone!  I spend a decent amount of time reading on this forum, and it seems to me as though Longevity and Everlast don't get much love from the members here.  Is there a particular reason for this?  I am not looking to start any kind of battle here, just looking for the truth!  To the mods: I posted this in the General Welding Questions section as opposed to the sponsored forum, because I am looking for something more than a sales pitch from a company rep. Thanks!
Reply:OK with this info I need to clarify some stuff about ARCON. I don't work with them or for them. I called them a while back for Powcon parts and guidance. I was very impressed with their customer service and with them putting up with me. I asked a lot of what if questions and they stuck with me. I annoyed myself so I felt bad for them. Kevin ended up giving me a brand new scr heat sink assembly for one of the powcons. He also sent the SM300 Workhorse, that I proudly display on my list. I've been demoing the unit for about 2 months. Will I buy it? Maybe. Will he give it to us(Northern Montana Youth Ranch)? doubtful but...maybe. I like those guys and would like to see them succeed. I would like to think I know them good enough to beg for a discount for somebody else on this forum. I'll definitely try. One of the first things Kevin said was a little good goes a long way. It does. I'm paying it forward for them as best I can. Now.. I have a helluva lot more in common with you guys. I'm not a good salesperson. My good word is about all I have left that is beyond reproach. If for some odd reason anyone was involved in a LongevityGate Scandal with them they will suffer my wrath. Like my 106 year old grandmother says: Don be phuckin wit my kin...then she spits beechnut.Arcon Workhorse 300MSPowcon 400SMTPowcon SM400 x 2Powcon SM3001968 SA200 Redface1978 SA250 DieselMiller Super 32P FeederPre 1927 American 14" High Duty LatheK&T Milwaukee 2H Horizontal MillBryan
Reply:Blawless, I agree with what Kevin said,  "a little good goes a long way."  It sounds like Arcon has gained a customer for life by just treating you the way they themselves want to be treated, good for you and for Arcon.  SSC is the same way, awesome company to deal with.
Reply:I would safe longer and buy a real machine.
Reply:lawereyanlu, I started saving again as soon as I talked with those guys for the second time.  I understand what you and other members here try to get across to new or wannabe welders.  I myself wanted to learn how to weld sooner than later. The skills (which aren't that good) that I have acquired on this machine sets me up nicely for my new dynasty 280 dx. Arriving late next week.
Reply:I have a lincoln percision tig 275 and a longevity 160sx which I bought as a back up machine because it was pretty cheap at the time, around $700.My pt275 did in fact break down and we've been using the longevity for a long time without any issues. that being said if I had to buy a back up today I'd probably get the AHP AlphaTIG 200DXabout $720 on amazonhttp://www.amazon.com/AHP-AlphaTIG-2...AlphaTIG+200DXNow if you buy this cheap chinese stuff that is 1/3rd the cost , please dont' come back to the forum complaining that their customer support sucks and it took them a week to fix an issue. dont' expect to run it at max amps welding 1/4" aluminum all day.  You get what you pay for. If you buy cheap stuff be prepared for the consequences. I have no idea if the customer service is any good. the Miller/lincoln is 3x the price so they can afford good customer service.
Reply:Doug summed it up nicely.  Problem is he sanitized it.  It was pure hell long before they bought their section and when they bought their section it was like having a fox move in with the hens to keep "watch".  Sure a person may be able to go to the gutter and find a crack ho and develop a long lasting healthy relationship even if she doesn't change her ways, but why?  I see many people start their post with I have done a lot of research on L & E and............... well the problem is YOU CAN'T do it here.  It has all been deleted and redacted.  Thanks Doug for speaking the truth.
Reply:Let's not forget the "blackmail" episode either.......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:Save money by buying good equipment that lasts and holds resale value if nothing else so when you decide to quit or upgrade you can recoup most of your costs  There is nothing worse than trying to learn to weld with a sub par machine...this is sometimes why people get discouragedIt's like trying to shoot dime sized groups at 300 meters with inconsistent ammo...not going to happenBacked 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:"There is nothing worse than trying to learn to weld with a sub par machine.."respectfully I found it easier to learn/teach on the longevity than the lincoln. While reliability of these inexpensive machines has been questioned, i've never heard anyone say they were hard to learn on. Is there a specific issue you had problems with?
Reply:Originally Posted by killdozerd11There is nothing worse than trying to learn to weld with a sub par machine...this is sometimes why people get discouraged
Reply:Originally Posted by AluminumWelder"There is nothing worse than trying to learn to weld with a sub par machine.."respectfully I found it easier to learn/teach on the longevity than the lincoln. While reliability of these inexpensive machines has been questioned, i've never heard anyone say they were hard to learn on. Is there a specific issue you had problems with?
Reply:Oh, yeah, I forgot. Customer service.I cut my inverter teeth on inverter Aerowave hybrids. All the controls were right on the panel. Took a while but mastered the controls while at the same time nuked them all in and out of warranty. Fast forward to Dynastys. My first Dynasty350, non blue lightning, I had the parameters so screwed up that I eventually could not strike an arc. Called my LWS and in turn called the regional Miller rep who jumped in his car and came over, schooled me on default reset and had me do it a few times on the spot, and ran me thru the parameters as what to change, and what to leave be. I was back in production in less than an hour. You don't get that personal service with the mail-order queens. Fast forward to today. I now have 3 Blue Lightning Dynastys in addition to the old Dynastys. These have simplified the setups considerably and have more precise and smooth starting, and in fact enjoyable to use. My Miller rep is going to drop off his salesman's sample Dynasty280tigrunner for me do annihilate for a few weeks, no charge, for demo. That is service.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:Aluminum, no offense, but I clearly remember several of us trying to get you to understand the basics of tig not all that long ago. I'm not honestly sure if you have the experience and hood time to make a call between one machine and another.That's often another separate bone of contention in many of these "import" vs "Name brand" discussions. Many times you get guys sounding off how great X or Y brand inexpensive machine is, when at the same time or just shortly before, they are asking very rudimentary questions on how to use them. People with minimal hood time really don't have the background or experience to "rate" machines. It really doesn't matter what the machine is, top of the line Miller or cheap HF machine. They really don't know enough to make a decent call on the machine..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:Originally Posted by shovelonThe Longevity Tig machine I tried with Wes at Weld-O-Rama was virtually the same interface as the ThermalArc186 that I had in my shop for a week...
Reply:Originally Posted by killdozerd11Save money by buying good equipment that lasts and holds resale value if nothing else so when you decide to quit or upgrade you can recoup most of your costs...
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWAluminum, no offense, but I clearly remember several of us trying to get you to understand the basics of tig not all that long ago. I'm not honestly sure if you have the experience and hood time to make a call between one machine and another.That's often another separate bone of contention in many of these "import" vs "Name brand" discussions. Many times you get guys sounding off how great X or Y brand inexpensive machine is, when at the same time or just shortly before, they are asking very rudimentary questions on how to use them. People with minimal hood time really don't have the background or experience to "rate" machines. It really doesn't matter what the machine is, top of the line Miller or cheap HF machine. They really don't know enough to make a decent call on the machine.
Reply:Not really on the subject of the thread, on why people have issue with "imports". I think often the issue of inverter vs transformer is the same whether you buy a cheap inverter or an expensive one to a certain degree. I'll assume both are working properly and we aren't talking about that, but the basics behind the machines themselves.  I think the major reason most inverter machines are "harder" to learn with vs transformers is all the possible settings. Terry's comment on the issues he had with his 1st Dynasty may be a good example.I see a lot of new welders that all are looking for that "magic" function that will make them better welders. They hear a lot about how the advanced functions like hertz adjustments, balance and so on allow people to do "better" welds on say alum using an inverter. So they keep messing around with things until they have the machine totally screwed up. The vast majority of times what they really need to to simply learn the basics. You don't need all those fancy features to learn the basics of tig. I think this is a big part of why Terry finds the Diversions so easy to get people to learn on. They don't have a bunch of knobs and dials they can fiddle with. They just learn to focus on the basics..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:Originally Posted by joshuabardwellCEP says the arc on his PA-200 is every bit as good as his v350. And CEP loves the Longevity stick welder (don't know the make) he used when he was teaching another guy to weld.
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWNot really on the subject of the thread, on why people have issue with "imports". I think often the issue of inverter vs transformer is the same whether you buy a cheap inverter or an expensive one to a certain degree. I'll assume both are working properly and we aren't talking about that, but the basics behind the machines themselves.  I think the major reason most inverter machines are "harder" to learn with vs transformers is all the possible settings. Terry's comment on the issues he had with his 1st Dynasty may be a good example.I see a lot of new welders that all are looking for that "magic" function that will make them better welders. They hear a lot about how the advanced functions like hertz adjustments, balance and so on allow people to do "better" welds on say alum using an inverter. So they keep messing around with things until they have the machine totally screwed up. The vast majority of times what they really need to to simply learn the basics. You don't need all those fancy features to learn the basics of tig. I think this is a big part of why Terry finds the Diversions so easy to get people to learn on. They don't have a bunch of knobs and dials they can fiddle with. They just learn to focus on the basics.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPTo add to this, does anybody remember Engloid, (Spencer English)? ..
Reply:to the OP, buy the 250 EX,  1500 on amazon.  you won't regret it,  the thing kicks axx.   schedule 80 aluminum pipe to 1/2 inch to 3/8 ths aluminum. Attached ImagesLast edited by injunctiverelief; 12-14-2013 at 02:17 PM.Originally Posted by OldendumTalented guy.
Reply:Originally Posted by injunctivereliefto the OP, buy the 250 EX,  1500 on amazon.  you won't regret it,  the thing kicks axx.   schedule 80 aluminum pipe to 1/2 inch to 3/8 ths aluminum.Attachment 558051
Reply:After much consideration I purchased an Everlast 200tig from amazon on Dec 3. Received it in great shape a couple of days later. Hooked it up and was disappointed when I couldn't get it to arc. The hf buzzes but the arc never starts. I guess I need to go blue. I went to the Amazon site where I purchased it to post a review on my experience and Amazon has removed the link to review. Amazon has all the other products I purchased at the same time listed and the review links are displayed. Why would Amazon remove the review link? Do they not want this product reviewed until they dispose of their remaining inventory? Have they had too many returns? Seems like something is going on that is unusual. Anybody with a similar experience? I placed a call to Everlast support but no answer. I will keep this board posted one way or the other.
Reply:Oh Christ here we go......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:Originally Posted by SparetimeAfter much consideration I purchased an Everlast 200tig from amazon on Dec 3. Received it in great shape a couple of days later. Hooked it up and was disappointed when I couldn't get it to arc. The hf buzzes but the arc never starts. I guess I need to go blue. I went to the Amazon site where I purchased it to post a review on my experience and Amazon has removed the link to review. Amazon has all the other products I purchased at the same time listed and the review links are displayed. Why would Amazon remove the review link? Do they not want this product reviewed until they dispose of their remaining inventory? Have they had too many returns? Seems like something is going on that is unusual. Anybody with a similar experience? I placed a call to Everlast support but no answer. I will keep this board posted one way or the other.
Reply:At a custom software company where I previously worked, we had problems with service and people calling wanting to talk to the developer of their particular module or whoever they liked best.  Stuff fell through the cracks and it hurt productivity.We assigned a gal to screen all the service calls, even though she didn't know anything about software. She got a brief description, logged everything and assigned a tracking number.  Problems were assigned, statistics kept and response time monitored.  Techs had time to stop what they were doing and give a wee bit of thought to the reported problem. Customers balked at first, but soon came to appreciate the overall improvement.  She became the customers friend to the point where people would call or email just to pass on gossip.   She could throw her weight around with the programming staff, considering she outweighed any two of them.   Her good attitude and energy helped turn problems into solutions.  That is customer service."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:I have never not gotten an answer any of the times I have called the Everlast main number. Did you call during business hours? I'd suggest also trying a post over on the Everlast forum. They are still going to want you to call in to talk to the actual tech support engineer eventually, but if it's something simple, it may get sorted out. A lot of times a problem like that has to do with a connector that shook loose in shipping, and fixing it is as simple as opening up the unit and re-seating the connector.Everlast PA160-STH... and that's about it!
Reply:LONGEVITY Welding offers the industry's best warranty on welding equipment with 5 years* on both parts and labor on select plasma cutters, welders, and multiprocess welding equipment. Please check the terms and condition for important information on the warranty. LONGEVITY understands the importance of quality in our welding equipment, and we are confident to put our welders to the test by allowing hobbyists, professionals, and enthusiasts try our equipment all over the world. We are confident in our products and would welcome you to try LONGEVITY Welding.With our hassle free 30-day risk free trial*, we offer you an opportunity to try LONGEVITY equipment for 30 days. Within the 30days should your unit fail, get damaged or malfunction in any way, LONGEVITY will cover all costs to replace the unit with the lower 48 states in America. We will pay cover shipping both ways, and have a replacement ship right away if you happen to receive a dead on arrival unit. Each unit is pre-tested and comes with a setup DVD-ROM as well as full live tech support from our staff.The LONGEVITY testing team tests each and every machine to insure that your unit is fully functioning to our highest standards. After the testing, your unit is properly packed to minimize the chance of damage. We take great pride in providing you with our welding equipment, from the point of sale, and during your welding career. We thank you for choosing LONGEVITY.
Reply:Originally Posted by Rock knockerHere is their warranty, complete with asterisks.  But the asterisks are not linked to anything.  I would copy this warranty and the link to their page for your records.
Reply:Originally Posted by joshuabardwellThat's nice, but he said he had an Everlast.
Reply:Originally Posted by joshuabardwellThat's nice, but he said he had an Everlast.
Reply:Back on topic.I think Everlast's position is that they warrant to the original buyer, and when you buy a machine off (say) Amazon, you are no longer the original buyer.  This may actually be in contradiction to the Magnuson-Moss act, and Everlast could lose if challenged.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonWhat's the difference. They are both related by marriage I heard.
Reply:Originally Posted by Rock knockerBack on topic. I think Everlast's position is that they warrant to the original buyer, and when you buy a machine off (say) Amazon, you are no longer the original buyer.  This may actually be in contradiction to the Magnuson-Moss act, and Everlast could lose if challenged.
Reply:File a complaint if you run into any issues with these clown "companies".  This is hosted by the FTC, but there are 50 nations worldwide that are part of eConsumer.https://econsumer.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/
Reply:Damn! It does say sold by Amazon LLC. That explains the lack of a seller feedback link. I guess my only recourse is to get warranty service from Amazon. I should have been more careful.
Reply:Originally Posted by AluminumWelder"There is nothing worse than trying to learn to weld with a sub par machine.."respectfully I found it easier to learn/teach on the longevity than the lincoln. While reliability of these inexpensive machines has been questioned, i've never heard anyone say they were hard to learn on. Is there a specific issue you had problems with?
Reply:Originally Posted by joshuabardwellWow. If only it were possible to get an actual definitive answer, instead of just speculating. (PS: This is sarcasm.)
Reply:Not that I have been really looking, but I have noticed that Amazon doesn't seem to say much, if anything, about warranty.  It's something worth paying attention to. Seems to me that if they sell and ship them, then "new" would imply a manufacturer's warranty.  Otherwise they should be listed as something else, or with disclaimers.  Buyer beware.Edit (from Amazon):About Manufacturer WarrantiesIf you need a copy of the manufacturer's warranty for a product purchased from Amazon.com or a seller, please contact the manufacturer or visit their website for more information.In some cases, you may be able to access the warranty information from the product's detail page on Amazon.com.After the applicable return period has expired, your item might still be eligible for exchange or repair under the manufacturer's warranty. To determine if your item is eligible for a warranty return, review the paperwork that came with the merchandise or contact the manufacturer. Please note, that in order for an item to be eligible for warranty coverage, many manufacturers require the item to be purchased from an authorized dealer. Amazon.com and seller may not be an authorized dealer for all items they sell. If you are in doubt, you can confirm that a seller is an authorized dealer by contacting the manufacturer.Last edited by Oldendum; 12-14-2013 at 05:45 PM."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:I got curious, so I called Amazon customer service (hard number to find) 866-216-1072.  Just for example I asked about:EVERLAST PowerARC 140    ASIN B0081BF4JC :  1 year manufacturer warrantyLONGEVITY Migweld 140  ASIN B0087RJKGS:  1 year manufacturer warrantyThe poor lady took about 15 minutes to find out about these.  If you are going to buy a particular item, call them first.  Note the time, date, the customer service rep's name and copy and save the listing."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:well, I gotta say thanks to everyone who responded here. i think my original question about the general attitude toward Longevity and Everlast has been answered. I wish the best of luck to the guy above who is having product/warranty issues! I suppose the question of whether or not one of these machines is fit for purchase is a different issues entirely and probably a bit more subjective.
Reply:Well, I bought an old Lincoln stick welder from a guy.  No warranty, but it should last forever.  He showed us his 6" Colt .357 and I have a similar Smith & Wesson.  No problems, no warranty claims.  Besides, he had a cool dog, a great shop and we had a great time visiting."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Something else to be aware of with Amazon.If you buy something with Amex and have buyer protection on your card, Amex will not honor their own warranty.  They consider it buying it through a second vendor.  Had it happen with a Cisco router for my office.  Cisco gave a 3 month warranty and my Platinum Amex a full year.  They would not honor it.  Bought the next one directly through Cisco's website.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:I remember those slavery ID'zzz !Bubble gumTooth pixDuct tapeBlack glueGBMF hammerScrew gun --bad battery (see above)
Reply:Colt Python?  I think that is the repair tool of choice on Longevity and Everlast.