Welding Tips and Tricks

So I've been wanting to buy a welding machine. I want one that will do SMAW & TIG.
At my work I use a..

ThermalArc ArcMaster 300 AC/DC Tig and Stick..

I really like how it runs and would love to get one but don't think I can afford the $8000 price tag.

So I was wondering if there is a site or forum that buys, sells, trades welding equipment.
And if there is any welding boxes that will do the same for less.
Thanks.

http://www.everlastgenerators.com/produ ... erpro-256s
http://www.everlastwelders.ca/multipurp ... o-256s.php
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syiNvWs0kEY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17gBGf8k93M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oQ5qLsaIQU

BrandonSpringle wrote:So I've been wanting to buy a welding machine. I want one that will do SMAW & TIG.
At my work I use a..ThermalArc ArcMaster 300 AC/DC Tig and Stick.. I really like how it runs and would love to get one but don't think I can afford the $8000 price tag. So I was wondering if there is a site or forum that buys, sells, trades welding equipment. And if there is any welding boxes that will do the same for less. Thanks.

I agree on the everlast welders. pretty fully featured, solid, and not near the cost. The torch/cable isn't the best, but that can be replaced.

Everlast 250EX, blueprinted tuned the stock foot pedal, and a Ck flex head with super flex hose,with series 2 and series 3 inter changeable heads suits my needs

I just bought the Everlast Power Tig 255EXT, I had a 400 lbs. red machine before but it in the back collecting dust the 255EXT is a very nice machine for the money and it has all the bells and whistles not no extra cost also my hydro bill is a lot lower not using the 100 amp fuses now on 40 amp 240V single phase.

I really like my Everlast. Of all places I got it from Amazon.com and it was cheaper than the actual Everlast web site. I strongly recommend them.

I love my PowerTIG250EX. If you call them you can haggle the price a little bit. Their website lists prices but instead of a "Buy It Now" button it says "Make An Offer". Throw them an offer a couple hundred less than what they are asking, or try and knock a larger sum off of a bigger multi unit order. Then tell them you want a water cooled 20 series torch and their aftermarket pedal

--Sam

I would buy an Everlast, but after you choose a model, make sure it will do what you want. Sometimes marketing can fudge a little, so you might need to buy one model higher than what you thought, if you were just trying to go by the specs.

BrandonSpringle wrote:So I've been wanting to buy a welding machine. I want one that will do SMAW & TIG.
Thanks.

+1 Everlast. Pretty decent and very affordable. If you can live with scratch start TIG you could get away with a PowerArc 300. I got a cosmetically damaged one on ebay for 300 bucks, it should show up tomorrow. They are under 600 brand new. They have awesome multi process machines too. I have a power pro 164 ac/dc tig + plasma unit that is great. I just needed a bit more amps on stick, so i shopped around for a second Everlast inverter machine. I can leave the 164 setup for TIG or plasma and still have a beast stick welder ready to go.

I wish i paid more and got the power pro 256, but i think the 164+ PA300 will do anything i'l ever need.

If you have plenty of money and plan to get decades of use out of it, i'd step up to a 'Red' or 'Blue' machine instead of a 'Green' one, but i am a happy 'Green' customer.

I posted this earlier,

Just to pass along the info:
Anyone looking for deals on welding equipment, new or used should contact Alex: (Tell him where you found the info, he might offer a better deal)

Alex Conway
Branch Manager
Praxair Distribution, Inc.
920 Abbott Street
Salinas, CA 93901
Phone: 831-757-3057

I got a great deal and free shipping!

If I can remember correctly, I think Alex mentioned on the phone he has some Arcmaster 300's at a really great price, just too much for me, I went with a Dynasty 200DX