I wanted to put some hood time on this machine before reviewing it, and feel like I can give a somewhat representative review now.
Overall, I really like it, I'm glad I bought it, and I'm impressed enough with Everlast that I'll be looking at their other equipment. It's very clear this welder was designed as a mulltiprocess machine from the beginning, while other competitors on the market were clearly designed as a MIG machine first and foremost, with stick and TIG functions tacked on.
The panel layout is fairly intuitive, took me a bit to get used to but once I had it down, no issues at all. I think there was a manual but I didn't look at it, wasn't needed.
The synergic MIG settings are great. Sometimes I'll back off the wire feed speed a little but generally it's spot on, from 20 gauge sheet metal up to 1/4" steel. The included MIG gun uses standard Euro-style fittings and consumables, in common with other welders using Euro-style guns and supplies you may already have on hand. Any good welding supply store should also have tips and such for Euro-style equipment. While it's not a Bernard or a Tweco gun(and at this price point that should not be expected), it's a quality piece that I expect will last me a long time. Easily equal to any generic aftermarket gun one would buy. I really like the burnback control and the post flow, had to get used to holding the gun in place for a second after I've released the trigger, and well worth it. Both are adjustable or can be turned off, if for some reason you would prefer that.
Stick welding, this thing is a dream. Adjustable hot start, adjustable dig, very smooth arc, plenty of power. Can tune buttery smooth for 7018 or dig like a shovel for blasting through dirt or rust with 6011. I've burned multiple 5/32 7018 rods back to back, only pausing long enough to change rods, at 175 amps(maxed out) for way longer than anyone would normally do so and well beyond the advertised duty cycle. No overtemp shut down, no popped breaker. Really impressed with the duty cycle of the machine. Being a multi-function machine, I leave the stick rod holder hung up next to the machine all the time. For a couple quick welds, especially on dirty material, it's frequently easier/faster to grab the stinger, pop in a 6011 rod, and flip the power switch on.
I haven't tested the TIG functions yet, can't comment on those. Also have not done more than power it up on 120v, so can't speak to it's 120v abilities either.
Edit: Ran some TIG beads. It worked. I am admittedly inexperienced with TIG, so while I was very happy with how it ran, I don't have the experience to comment on how it compares to other welders. The high frequency start and using the gas solenoid in the machine to control TIG gas are two features that are unique to this machine, and which other company's offerings in this class lack. Spoiled! Torch switch and foot pedal both worked well, included accessories are as good as those included with any other machine on the market. Oops, wait, for most machines you don't get a foot pedal, you have to buy that separately.
120v operation, I was able to TIG at 120 amps, when plugged into 120v, without popping a breaker. Ho-lee-cow. Man these inverter machines rock, that is some serious firepower out of a 120v outlet. Granted my shop is wired more stoutly than most houses even on the 120v circuits, but that's still some serious juice. Note for those of you welding in your house or garage, frequently the garage door opener circuit will be 20A, while most others are 15A. This can be the difference between actually being able to weld, or tripping the breaker by just turning on the machine.
(End edit)
IMPORTANT NOTE: Be aware that the positive stinger and the MIG gun are tied together electrically, if you're stick welding then the MIG gun is live, and vice versa.
The included accessories are of good quality. Cables are heavy, the stick stinger is easily on par with any other on the market. The ground clamp is acceptable but not fantastic, which puts it easily on par with anything else in the industry and better than many. Those of you who have read my other reviews will know how much I value a good ground clamp. The ground clamp is good enough that I've used it instead of swapping it out, which I have done so on other machines before a single use.
Quality/responsiveness/value:
This is where I'm going to get some flak for this review. I'm really impressed - the functionality of the machine thus far is completely on par with the red and blue brands. Long term durability is of course yet to be determined. The MIG gun feels a little chintzy compared to other brands, everything else is completely on par.
Comes with all the MIG, TIG, and stick gear, plus high frequency start(which no one else offers in this package), plus a higher duty cycle, for less $$$$.
A price difference like that doesn't come out of nowhere, where's the sacrifice? Good question, and the answer is dealer support. You have one of the red or blue welders, you can get parts, service, or a replacement machine in any decent size city in the country. Everlast, you need to buy parts online and wait for them to arrive, or worse yet, send your whole machine in for service. If you're running a pro fab shop and have product to finish and ship, that's an unacceptable situation. I'm a hobby shop, a side-job welder, I can duplicate all the functions of this welder using other equipment in my shop, and if the job's that urgent I can just go buy another welder at a local shop and keep rolling.
But this is good. Very very good. Miller and Lincoln will definitely have a run for their money, as these guys build a reputation and a dealer base in this country.
Edit 7/15/18: Found something I don't like. The clear cover over the control panel is just a flat sheet, and there's a small cutout in the border near the bottom so one can hook a finger under the cover to lift it. This OK with bare hands but doesn't work at all when wearing gloves, even thin TIG gloves. I debated removing the cover entirely, and instead added a glove-grippable knob. Three mins to install, minor thing. Still love the welder.
| Manufacturer | Everlast Power Equipment |
|---|---|
| Part Number | PowerMTS211Si |
| Item Weight | 80 pounds |
| Item model number | PowerMTS211Si |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
