anyone out there have any knowledge or experience with the avortec or everlast 3-n-1 machines.. you tube videos show a pretty good machine for the money.. 750-800 for a tig-stick-plasma machine.. let me know.. thanks
Anybody????? I was looking at the AV3X, tig/stick/plasma combo. http://www.avortec.com/products/TIGwelders.asp They at least have a website with warranty and service info, that's a plus. The unit looks waaaay better quality than the chinese one's on Egay. I don't doubt that this one is an over seas product as well, just looks to be a higher quality product. I know, it's what's on the inside that counts, that's why I'm wondering. I just can't afford a good Miller, new or used. I don't need an industrial unit to do light frame work, and to cut sheet metal. A grand is easier on the eyes than 2k or more. Someone has to have had time with one of these, good or bad.
That looks like a handy unit. Too bad it's not AC also. Check out the video! The guys has to stop to answer his cell phone. Too funny!
Save up or wait for a good used Miller / Lincoln, the only reason I have the tig is for the AC capability. There is also the question of duty cycle.
Gabriel, if you are looking to get a TIG later on, you might look at learning to gas weld first and play the drums. (kidding about the drums, kinda) Working the puddle in gas is very close to what one does with a TIG.
Gabriel, I would agree with T bird on the theory of how you should evolve into learning to weld, unfortunately when it comes to spending spare cash that whole thing comes un ravelled. By the time you get done buying a good gas kit, get the bottles and deposit, even if they are mini bottles you would have to have sunk 400 or 500 into the gig, the bottle deposits are a kick in the ghoulies. I think your best bet would be to take a look at where you are skill wise, where you think you are going and buy the machine that suits you. I would find a nice Miller or Lincoln wire feeder either new or used that has a good duty cycle, quality attachments, maybe a cart, and go from there. If you can get into a course on welding or help a buddy and learn all the better. The nice thing about buying a quality machine is that you will be able to sell it to a buddy or hamber so you can get a few bucks toward your next machine if you grow, if you satisfy your needs with the small machine at least it will last. I fear that buying a super marvelous all in one guaranteed to do all work you need for the super fantastic happy hour price of 499.99 plus shipping and handling is gonna get you a hunk of shit. My wife bought a brand new red lawn mower for 69.99 about 10 years ago, it lasted for about six cuts. I told her some one stole it. Truth: I beat that foreign made piece of crap with a CFD fire axe for about 20 minutes, I cleaved that bitch in half in 2 strokes, it was so soft and cheap that even after the US made axe blade cut it 50 times you could still shave with the axe, and me and my fire man neighbor cut the blades in half with it too.
The Miller web site is extremely user friendly at helping you picking out your new rig. Based on your experience, what you will be welding, etc, etc. If not convinced pick up the phone, dial the toll free number, and someone will help you pick out exactly what you need. You are not obligated to buy directly from them, find your LWS, { local welding supply} get to know them, and bring them your business. That repore is important, welding requires what we call, consumables, things you will need on a somewhat of a regular basis. Just good welding karma.
Get a Hobart. They are made by Miller and cost way less. That's what my welding instructor told me when I asked him the same question you asked.
You will never regret buying quality. I have an older Lincoln SP175+ that I bought about ten years ago and it has never let me down. It will weld 1/4" plate all day long and I have built countless frames and brackets and a few trailers. I think it was somewhere around $700 with the cart and a new bottle of AG25 mix gas. Last year I branched out and bought a Precision TIG 225 that was about $2K with a new Argon bottle and some accessories. Lincoln and Miller are good brands to stick with and check with local dealers and Craigs List for bargains on used stuff. We have all tried off brand crap in the past and the one lesson you learn is never do it again.
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