Eastwood 175

[Tally ZJ]

I will, however, add that there are some particular Miller and Lincoln products that I have read about with enough problems that I would not purchase them either.

[Tally ZJ]

Originally Posted by smawgmaw

Please do us a favor, and especially for the benefit of those new to the trade, by not quoting information that you dont know of as being true.

I will comply with that but I just don't know what it is that I said that is "untrue".

I never called any of them "junk", I called some of them "cheapo Chinese" inverter machines. Some of the HTP machines fall into this category. Not all and I have even thought about the HTP 221 for myself.

I didn't tell anyone not to buy one of them and I actually said some of them had great reviews. I simply stated I would rather have an old American transformer over any of the new Chinese "cheapo" inverters and I was only questioning their warranty.

Anyway, I am not wanting a fight and never intended to rub anyone raw.

[SmokinDodge]

Originally Posted by Tally ZJ

I simply said there are "Miller, Lincoln and Hobart guys here". That does not equate to "everyone".

Lincoln guys????? Who the hell let them in?

[Tally ZJ]

Originally Posted by SmokinDodge

Lincoln guys????? Who the hell let them in?

Slipper critters they are. We all know they lurk in the shadows here.

[H80N]

Originally Posted by Tally ZJ

No, I knew exactly where I was posting and I never said anything that would equate to me being a jerk.

What I said does not cover "everyone", as you seem to equate, but what I said covers enough for my statement to be at least true. I simply said there are "Miller, Lincoln and Hobart guys here". That does not equate to "everyone".

I have tried the cheaper products, machines, consumables and tools, and found them inferior and I came away with a bad taste from it.

If you like your new Chinese made inverter machine then you should relate your experience and not be so quick to feel as if you have been denigrated.

What I get from this is that the major brands have a well deserved reputation for quality and reliability developed over generations.... and that some of us have found some of the off brands... fall short in some characteristic that we value...or simply have not been around long enough to develop a long term track record..

That is not a slight on them or those that chose to buy them.. just personal choice...

If you feel that the Eastwood product will fit your needs... Great..

if you are looking for affirmation that it is the best product out there... I am afraid that not all will agree

Your choice is just that... without denigrating any product or person ...I will be very interested to see what type of reliability track record these offshore products develop over the next several years

My choice has been Miller and I have been very happy with that... yours may be different... I will not insult you for yours, please do not try to lynch us for ours.... Tally was just stating the obvious.. and not in an offensive manner..
I did not see it as an attack on anybody... just a statement of point of view...

[moe1942]

" I would like the pro's and con's from current owners" would be a better way to solicit comments..

[Tally ZJ]

Originally Posted by smawgmaw

As a further update, after contacting HTP and requesting info to the fact of origin of manufacture on their products, this is what they provided:

"Good Morning ********,
Yes, you are correct about the MTS 160 being made in Italy. Our TIG and Plasma Cutters are also
manufactured and designed to our specs in Italy as well. Our MIG 130 is also made in Italy. The rest of our MIG
welders, 140, 160, 160DV, 200 and the 2400 are made with German parts and then the finally
assembly is completed in Hungary. None of our equipment is manufactured in China.
If you should have any other questions and or need any assistance please don’t hesitate to
contact us, we are happy to help.
Have a great week and happy welding!
Diana
P.S. Please send us some pics if you don’t mind......we would love to see some of the work you
do with our equipment.
Diana Ditchman
HTP AMERICA INC.
1-800-872-9353 or 1- 800-USA-WELD
Tel. 847-357-0700 (For Local and Intl. Calls
Fax 847-357-0744)
www.usaweld.com
dianad@htpweld.com"

So, it seems that even though some assume that HTP products are "cheap chinese" inverter machines, the products are not manufactured even close to el cheapo land.

But, to each their own.

Well, as much as we have that is made in China its not too far of a stretch and is easy to "assume".

Anyway, I made a sort of apology for tossing HTP in with the other Chinese machines.

I guess then that it is possible that HTP machines are made by whoever makes Esab?