Everlast PowerArc 140st TIG/Stick Welder Review
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Performance
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Features
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Portability
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Ease Of Use
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Value For Money
Summary
Just like their other offerings, Everlast have delivered another solid entry level welding machine to the market. The Powerarc 140st is aimed at the low end, but just because it’s a cheap machine doesn’t mean it isn’t worth considering.
With solid power delivery, especially considering the small size and light weight of the machine, as well as enough tech to deal with smaller workloads with ease, this welding machine is an ideal pickup for anyone looking to own their own welder, but doesn’t have the need to buy anything bigger and invest a lot of money into something more expensive.
Rear View
Why Should You Buy The Everlast Powerarc 140st?
Whilst it might be basic, the Powerarc 140st TIG welder delivers everything you need to start welding, and enough output power that you don’t need to worry about the jobs you throw at it.
Of course, you get what you pay for, and the options available on this machine are limited. However, that can also be an advantage. With less expensive components, there’s less that can go wrong, and everything that comes with the machine itself is solid and definitely gets the job done.
Who Should Buy?
Ideal for a beginner welder looking for his first machine, the Powerarc 140st is simple to set up and start using, and performs consistently well enough and delivers enough power to deal with any light work you might face.
People who regularly complete home welding projects and small workshop owners will also appreciate the solid output power and surprisingly good duty cycle this machine delivers. It’s also incredibly portable and runs damn near anywhere there’s electricity, so someone looking for a cheap unit to bring with them on jobs cant go wrong with this machine.
Control Panel (Front)
The Good:
- Variable power options: The machine is capable of running on 120 and 240V power supplies and can also be run off of clean power generators. No matter where you take it, as long as there’s a power outlet or generator, you’ll be able to run it.
- Excellent arc control: The machine has great arc performance, and its automatic hot start reduces the chances of your rod sticking as you strike. The built in auto arc force control adjusts to the arc length as you weld, boosting the current as arc length drops and voltage goes down so the arc doesn’t drop, and giving overall better performance in out of position welds.
- Easy starting: The lift start TIG capability gives you a quick and clean start every time. It’s also interference free, and wont affect areas that might be damaged by high frequency starts.
- Solid duty cycle: For a starter machine, the Powerarc 140 has a great duty cycle, so you can spend more time working, and have to worry less about overstressing your new machine.
- Portability: The machine itself is tight and compact. It actually weighs less than 25lbs. Considering it can run off of almost any power supply, it’s ideal to bring along on mobile work, or even just throw in the back of the van as an extra reassurance, just in case you need it.
- Solid accessory starter kit: The set comes with everything you need to set up and start welding straight out of the box. You get the welder itself, a plastic case, ground clamp and electrode holders, plus their leads, a tig torch with lead, gas hose and accessories, and even a welding mask with lens.
The Bad:
- No foot pedal operation: This unit doesn’t have a built in solenoid, so it’s not capable of accepting a foot pedal. Instead, it has a torch mounted gas valve, which can take a bit of getting used to but gets the job done just as well.
- Cant weld with 6010 rods: This machine cant accept 6010 electrodes, so if you regularly use these rods, be aware that this machine wont take them.
Only DC output: Because of this, the unit cant TIG weld aluminium or magnesium. However, it is possible to stick weld aluminium with this machine, though the specialized rods are quite expensive.
See customer reviews on Amazon
- Inverter type: Analog controlled IGBT
- Output at 110V: 10-80A, 20.4-24.2V
- Output at 220V: 10-140A, 20.4-25.6V
- Duty cycle at 110V: 35% at 80A, 100% at 50A
- Duty cycle at 220V: 35% at 140A, 100% at 85A
- Phase frequency: 50-60Hz
- Adaptive arc force control
- Weight: 24.8 lbs
Full Kit
Conclusion
For the price, the Everlast Powerarc is a surprisingly solid little unit. Its portable, no frills construction and simple functions are solid and reliable, delivering good performance for such a small system. Whilst it might only have basic options, the fact that it can run anywhere and delivers clean, solid welds at all power settings are definitely things that anyone looking for a cheap, portable welding machine will appreciate.
The Everlast PowerArc 140st can be found on Amazon.
