Everlast Hurricane 220 MTS C: Is It Worth It?

by Jhon Lennon 46 views

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving headfirst into the Everlast Hurricane 220 MTS C, a multi-process welder that's been making waves in the welding world. If you're anything like me, you're always on the hunt for the perfect tool to tackle your projects, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out. This review is all about helping you decide if the Hurricane 220 MTS C is the right fit for your needs. We'll break down everything from its features and performance to its pros and cons, so you can make an informed decision. Let's get started, shall we?

Unboxing and Initial Impressions of the Everlast Hurricane 220 MTS C

First things first: the unboxing experience. When the Everlast Hurricane 220 MTS C arrived, my initial impression was positive. The packaging was solid, ensuring everything arrived in good condition. Inside the box, you'll find the welder itself, along with a range of accessories. These usually include a MIG torch, a TIG torch, a stick welding electrode holder, ground clamp, gas hose, and some consumables. The quality of these accessories can significantly impact your welding experience, so we'll delve deeper into those later. The welder itself has a robust and well-built feel, which is always a good sign. It's not overly bulky, making it relatively easy to move around your workspace. The front panel is well-organized, with clear controls and displays, a critical feature for ease of use. Having everything clearly labeled and easy to access saves you time and reduces frustration during your welding sessions. The included user manual is comprehensive, providing detailed instructions on setup, operation, and troubleshooting. Having a reliable manual is crucial, especially if you're new to multi-process welders. Reading through the manual before you start welding can save you a lot of headaches down the road and help you understand all the features this machine offers. Overall, the initial impression is one of a well-designed and feature-packed machine. But, let's go beyond the first impressions. Let’s dive into what makes this welder tick and what it can do.

Features and Specifications: What Makes the Hurricane 220 MTS C Tick?

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. The Everlast Hurricane 220 MTS C is a multi-process welder, meaning it can handle MIG, TIG, and stick welding. This versatility is a massive advantage, making it a great choice for various projects. One of the key specifications is its amperage range. This welder usually offers a decent range, allowing you to weld a wide range of materials and thicknesses. The duty cycle is another critical factor. The duty cycle indicates how long the welder can operate at its maximum output before it needs to cool down. A higher duty cycle is always preferable, especially if you plan on doing a lot of welding. The Hurricane 220 MTS C usually boasts a reasonable duty cycle for its price range. The control panel is another highlight. It features digital displays that provide precise control over voltage, amperage, and other welding parameters. This level of control is essential for achieving high-quality welds. The welder also typically comes with features like:

  • Dual Voltage Input: Ability to use both 120V and 240V power sources. This adds to its portability and convenience.
  • Spool Gun Ready: This is a great feature if you plan on welding aluminum. A spool gun feeds wire directly from a spool mounted on the gun, reducing the risk of wire tangling and improving the welding experience.
  • Pulse Welding: Pulse welding is available in both MIG and TIG modes. This feature helps to reduce heat input, making it easier to weld thin materials and minimize distortion. It also improves weld appearance.
  • Pre and Post Gas Flow Control: This allows you to control the gas flow before and after the weld, which is essential for TIG welding to protect the weld pool from contamination.
  • VRD (Voltage Reduction Device): A safety feature that reduces the open-circuit voltage when the welder is not in use, making it safer to use in wet environments. The inclusion of these features shows that Everlast has put some thought into making this welder user-friendly and well-equipped for various welding tasks. All these specifications collectively contribute to the machine's overall performance. Let’s get into the performance. Is it really as good as it looks on paper?

Performance: Putting the Hurricane 220 MTS C to the Test

Now, for the moment of truth: performance. How does the Everlast Hurricane 220 MTS C perform in real-world scenarios? I've used this welder on a range of projects, from small DIY repairs to more substantial fabrication tasks. Let’s start with MIG welding. The MIG performance is generally quite good, with a smooth and stable arc. The wire feed system is reliable, which prevents frustrating wire jams. The digital controls make it easy to dial in the perfect settings for various materials and thicknesses. I've welded mild steel, stainless steel, and even some thin-gauge aluminum with it, and the results have been consistently impressive. The pulse MIG feature is a game-changer for welding thinner materials. It significantly reduces heat input, which minimizes distortion and makes it much easier to achieve clean, professional-looking welds. Next up is TIG welding. The Hurricane 220 MTS C performs well as a TIG welder. The high-frequency start is reliable, and the arc is stable. The ability to control pre and post-flow gas is crucial for TIG, and the Hurricane offers this. The welds are clean and precise. I’ve used it for both thin and thicker materials. TIG welding is where the machine truly shines, especially with its pulse capabilities. The control you have over the welding process is superb, allowing for intricate and aesthetically pleasing welds. Finally, let’s talk about stick welding. The stick welding performance is also quite good. The machine provides a stable arc and enough power to handle a variety of stick electrodes. The VRD feature adds an extra layer of safety. Stick welding is especially useful for outdoor projects or when you need to weld in less-than-ideal conditions. Overall, the Everlast Hurricane 220 MTS C offers impressive performance across all three welding processes. Its versatility, ease of use, and the quality of the welds make it a great choice for both hobbyists and professionals. The pulse features in both MIG and TIG are a significant advantage, setting it apart from other welders in its price range. But let’s not forget, everything has its pros and cons, so let’s talk about that.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Good and the Bad

Okay, guys, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about the pros and cons. No product is perfect, and the Everlast Hurricane 220 MTS C is no exception. Understanding these points will help you decide if it’s the right welder for you. Let’s start with the pros:

  • Versatility: The ability to MIG, TIG, and stick weld is a huge advantage. This makes it suitable for various projects, saving you the cost of purchasing multiple welders.

  • Pulse Welding: The pulse MIG and TIG features are excellent for welding thinner materials and improving weld appearance.

  • Digital Controls: The digital displays and precise control over welding parameters make it easy to achieve high-quality welds.

  • User-Friendly: The controls are well-organized, and the machine is easy to set up and operate, even for beginners.

  • Value for Money: The Hurricane 220 MTS C offers a lot of features for its price, making it a great value proposition. The features you get compared to the price is pretty good.

  • Reliability: The welder is generally reliable, with a robust build quality and a good track record. Now, let’s look at the cons:

  • Torch Quality: Some users have reported that the included torches may not be the highest quality. Consider upgrading to a higher-end torch for better performance and durability.

  • Fan Noise: The cooling fan can be a bit noisy, which might be a concern if you work in a quiet environment.

  • Customer Support: While Everlast generally offers decent customer support, some users have reported occasional issues. Ensure that the customer support is accessible.

  • Learning Curve: While the controls are user-friendly, mastering all the features of a multi-process welder can take some time, especially if you're new to welding. Overall, the pros far outweigh the cons. The few drawbacks are minor compared to the overall versatility and performance. The quality of the welds you can achieve with the Hurricane 220 MTS C is pretty impressive. Now, before we wrap things up, let’s summarize.

Final Verdict: Is the Everlast Hurricane 220 MTS C Worth Buying?

So, after all the testing and reviewing, is the Everlast Hurricane 220 MTS C worth buying? The answer is a resounding yes, especially if you're looking for a versatile, feature-packed welder. Its ability to handle MIG, TIG, and stick welding makes it suitable for various projects, and the pulse features add a significant advantage, especially for thinner materials. The digital controls and user-friendly interface make it easy to use, even for beginners. While the included torches might not be top-of-the-line, and the fan can be a bit noisy, these are minor issues considering the overall value and performance. If you're a hobbyist, a DIY enthusiast, or a professional looking for a reliable multi-process welder, the Everlast Hurricane 220 MTS C is definitely worth considering. Its robust build, comprehensive features, and competitive price make it an excellent investment. The quality of the welds is remarkable for the price. This welder will serve you well for many projects to come. Happy welding, guys! I hope this review has been helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below. Until next time!