Menu
Some of the links on this page may link to our affiliates. Learn more about our ad policies.
As anyone with experience in using TIG welding machines will tell you, a reliable machine when operating is priceless.
To begin with, TIG welding is considered more complex than other forms of welding. Therefore, when I decided to update my welding machine, I looked for one that allows for greater control over the weld and a higher quality end-product.
So, in this review, I will focus on one of the most recognizable welding machines out there, The Everlast PowerTIG185 DV.
The Everlast PowerTIG 185 DV is versatile enough that it can go up to 185 amps. On the other end, it can go as low as 5 amps. I’ve never had a machine that can go as low.
If you want to figure out how cool this feature is, maybe try to get some tungsten and try to go low on the edge of something really thin, you will see for yourself how smooth the process is and how nice the welding looks.
The range of options and modes makes this machine stand out among others available in the market. Putting it in comparison with similar products from Lincoln, for example, you’ll find that it offers the widest range of adjustments and the best duty cycle.
Some people like to compare the Everlast PowerTIG 185 DV to Miller Dynasty 200. Although they may have similar features, the Everlast PowerTIG has an edge because of the better price.
One of the modes available is stick welding. This popular mechanism allows for welding both indoors and outdoors. It also allows to create proper weld on rusty surfaces and metals.
In a nutshell, the Everlast PowerTIG 185 DV is a straightforward design of complex technology based on silicon, making the machine lighter in weight.
This unit delivers fairly well on the basic welding features required of any performance-based welding machine. However, it’s not powerful enough to conduct heavy-duty tasks.
So, if you’re just starting with your welding journey or you’re already well-acquainted with the skill, this product will get your job done.
Pros and Cons?
This American manufacturer has a practical approach towards its products and is known for taking leaps in incorporating advanced technology.
The Everlast PowerTIG 185 DV stands out thanks to its features and relatively affordable price, yet the product has some drawbacks. So, here are some of the pros and cons to help you make a decision.
This welder provides you with a proper level of performance for its price. Some of the top features are as follows.
This allows you to have proper control over the arc and prevents the current from going down all at once. The downslope fades out the current to prevent a crack. Think of this as a foot pedal control. When the torch is released, the welder will fade down the power gradually.
This feature is great because it stops the arc from suddenly causing something called “cratering.” It’s when the center of the weld sinks and can even show a pinhole. So this fade-out process allows for solidifying.
However, in this machine, the slope up is not adjustable, you can’t manually control the timing of the slope up. Therefore, the pace with which the welder starts off the arc until it reaches your pre-set current levels is automated and cannot be changed.
Complementary to the above feature, this one keeps the gas flowing for a set of time after the current is stopped. It protects the welded area for some time until the weld cools down. The protection happens by keeping other gases away from the welded area until it solidifies.
Let’s say that if you’re using a 3/32 tungsten at 150 amps, you can safely set the post flow to 9 seconds. It allows argon to blow around your tungsten and cools it off to protect it from oxidation.
This rotary switch goes from 20 to 250 Hz. Because of its functionality, this feature is usually available on most of the welding machines out there. The purpose is to focus the arc like you’re focusing a light beam.
When you set it at high frequency, this means that the arc would go deeper into the thick metal. With lower frequency, let’s say 20 Hz, it’ll be soft and wide. This is suitable for thin sheets where the heat needs to be spread over the surface and not pierce through it. Lower frequencies are generally used for creating aesthetic effects.
Although this might not be an essential feature, it’s still nice to have. To get a better grip on that concept, I like to think of it as a valve that mixes cold water with hot water. This feature works just like that; it mixes the negative cycles and the positive cycles. But why is it important to alternate the current cycles?
Well, the positive cycles allow for breaking up the oxide layers formed on the metal, so you can weld clean. On the other hand, negative cycles concentrate the heat. That’s why a mix of both is useful when welding.
For less cleaning, move the switch towards the 10%. For more heavily oxidized metals, move the switch towards the 90%, to maximize the cleaning.
This machine is put together to deliver efficient and trouble-free welding processes. This new model integrates several new digital modes made possible by the IGBT inverter.
You can turn it off, have 1 pulse per second, or 50 pulses per second. This process alternates between low and peak levels. When the current peaks, it allows for fusion. When it’s low current, the heat dissipates, and solidification happens.
However, pulse welding isn’t an easy feature to use. Since a short arc length is required, a great amount of skill and caution should be maintained. It’s best used for welding non-ferrous metals such as aluminum and copper.
This stands for 2 touch or 4 touch operations.
The 2T mode is quite simple. You either use the foot pedal or the torch switch to activate the current flow. You can’t use both, though.
In 4T, things get more complicated. In this mode, you gain control over the different stages of the welding cycle. It’s basically a latching mode. When the pre-flow happens, you should press and hold until it operates fully. When ending, you should again, press and hold to start the downslope. To end, release the switch to cool off.
This switch allows you to toggle between the AC and the DC current.
This machine comes with 3 different modes that you can choose from: High-Frequency TIG, Left Arc TIG, and Stick Welding.
With many complimentary reviews, this machine is a popular option. From people who just started to weld, to others who carry out their routine tasks with this machine, they like how smooth it is and its arc’s stability.
To sum things up, this welder is a reasonable option for those who look for an upgrade from their old, limited welding machines.
The Everlast PowerTIG 185 DV includes a number of modes and features enough to perform with quality on many tasks. It’s a flexible machine that is lightweight, affordable, and easy to use.
While it might be unsuitable for professionals because of its limited power ability, it definitely offers proper value for money.
When buying a welding machine, one should consider a number of factors before making the appropriate choice
You should consider the nature of the metal you will be welding and which welding process it’ll be compatible with. For example, stainless steel and aluminum are compatible with TIG welding machines, whereas cast iron is not.
When working with thick metals, you’ll need a machine that provides more current. It’s essential that you know about the thickness of the metal you’re going to work with to determine the welder’s amperage range
Deciding on where you’ll weld will help you make a better decision. Indoor welding requires operating the machine to different voltages than operating outdoors.
To make your life easier, this machine comes with an adapter cord to safely and easily adapt the unit for 120V operations.
Some welding machines use oxygen, argon, or carbon dioxide. When buying, bear in mind whether or not your machine needs a compressed gas source.
TIG welding works by adding pure filler material. This means that external argon gas is needed to provide the conditions required to support an arc sufficient to weld.
Whereas in flux-cored wire welding, the gas is produced on its own when the wire is burned.