As a welder, I am always looking for ways to make my job easier and faster.
Why?
Well, I want to be the best welder possible – so anything to give me an advantage, save me time and advance my skill interests me.
So I am always doing research.
And purchasing new tools.
One item I just discovered is the Everlast power MIG 200.
Now I know you’re thinking “this sounds like a cheap brand”…
I thought so too
Then I dived a little deeper into the features of the welder and I started to like what I read.
Let’s jump right in!
In this review you’ll learn:
- Pro’s and Con’s to the Everlast Power MIG 200
- The features that make this welder unique
- How the Everlast compares to other big name welders
But hang on a minute:
There are a ton of welders on the market…
Miller
Lincoln
Hobart… and the list goes on….
But what’s most important about ANY welder?
I’m going to be bold and say there are two important factors
Build quality
And
Component quality
- Build quality means a better-built welder = more durable
- Better quality components = smooth operation and better welds.
With that in mind let’s talk specifically about the Everlast Power MIG 200.
Watch the review of the Everlast Power MIG 200
The Everlast 200 is a combination welder.
It can handle MIG welding.
It can Handle Stick welding.
It can handle Flux welding.
So far I like the combination, it sounds like a capable welder.
But here are some really killer features you don’t find on a standard MIG welder
Or even sub $1500 welders
Adjustable burnback.
That means goodbye stuck wire.
Yep.
How frustrating can that be?
I know it frustrated me – especially when a ball formed on my wire and now I have an erratic arc start!
And the spatter ball messes up my nice workpiece.
Ugh!
With the adjustable burnback, you determine how long the wire stays
Now your wire will not freeze in the weld pool and will be cut to a preprogrammed size.
You are set to drop a new weld right after your last pass.
But wait, there are more Pros to consider:
- 5-year warranty
- Can convert to 220v. More power = more amps = heavier metals can be welded
- A lightweight machine with a small footprint
- Digital voltage and AMP readout – for precise welds every time
- Capable of the stick when needed.
- Automatic post and pre-flow
Now I know this sounds amazing!
And it is a lot of great features
But don’t run out and buy it right this second
There are some things that could be improved:
- The MIG gun is not the best – a 3rd party makes them
- The spool is a bit sloppy and might need a shim
- The regulator sent to you reads liters /minute (its European)
So I want you to know the good and the bad
This welder seems to have more good features that outweigh the concerns.
I’ve heard the build quality is good out of the box
The guns have issues, but the machines are solid
And the build components seems like Everlast didn’t skimp assembling this machine
What this means is
I am pretty excited to try all these features on the Everlast power MIG 200
And…
I’m going to test the MIG functions against my favorite
She runs like a dream let me tell you.
But
Based on the reviews I think the Everlast will do well in my shop.
The Hobart is more expensive
And worth every penny
It’s never let me down on a job site or in the shop.
I’ve also heard good things about the cheaper Lotos 140.
It’s about half the price of the Everlast
It’s not stuck capable
But it has some good reviews
And for a cheap entry MIG welder
I’d give it a shot
Do remember – whatever welding you do
Use ear protection – especially in the Fabrication shop
Those grinders will KILL your ears
A good ear protection review can be found here.
Overall I like the Everlast because it can do MIG and Stick welding.
And I like my Esab for that
But only in my shop.
For the job site, this should be good
The inverter makes it lightweight
And
I don’t have to mess with MIG and Stick settings
Just plug and go really
And that’s what I want
To Weld
Not mess with cables
Clamps
Adjusting stuff
Oh
And the euro cables are super simple
Plug, twist and screw down
Another nice feature.
I do wish they didn’t mess with plastic in the drive through
For some reason, companies like to go cheap there
And that can mean wire delivery would be poor.
before I forget –
One more feature that REALLY excited me is
Automatic post and Preflow!
I never used it before.
The shielding gas flows to the workpiece BEFORE your weld hits!
And after your release the trigger
The gas flows for another second
So
No more contaminated welds!
(As long as I hit my metal with some denatured alcohol real quick!)
Let’s see what some customers have said:
It’s a good welder at a fair price – comparable to Hobart and Miller – but with more features. The knobs are analog and the readout is digital so the numbers jump around a lot. Everlast guns are expensive.
Click here to see the original testimonial from J.W.
It’s a great welder and I’ve used the MIG and Stick functions. It seems well built because there is a whole lot of life left in this thing
Click here to see the original testimonial from “The weirdo welder down the street”
The Everlast Power MIG 200 is a great machine. I am going to upgrade the guns soon. I have used it for several months and am extremely pleased. It can weld stainless, aluminum and mild steel. I have fabricated two projects and am very pleased with the results
Click here to see the original testimonial from S. Marines
Conclusion
On paper, this sounds like a great welder. It has all the features of a higher end brand but with a few hundred dollars in savings.
I really like the MIG and Stick combo – you can do quick home projects AND heavy repairs with one machine.
With the cool add-ons like the automatic pre and post flow and the burnback and the lightweight, I think it’s a solid welder to own.
