For the record I'm no expert top of the line fabricator/body man who shits platinum by any means . But I have owned a few welders over the yrs, and have more than moderate experience with Arc AC/DC, MIG, gas, and some TIG welding. Don this looks like it's going to be a good series.
Having said that I agree with most of what you say. While your right some of the valves on the cheaper "off" brands are crap. Most of them from the Lincoln, Hobart, and Miller welders are usually the same from the basic $400 ones at Home Depot, TSC, or Farm & Fleet to the higher end ones like the Miller 210 and 211 models to the Lincoln 2698 and 2816. So turning around and buying a second regulator is usually a waste of money unless you get a used welder with a bad valve. As most of us couldn't tell if the pressure was running at 18 psi vs 20 or 22 psi. Having said that it is still better to buy the best welder you can afford. (within reason) You don't need to buy a $2000 Miller to be a professional welder, but buying something like the Miller 210 or the Lincoln 140C/180C with there constant amp control allowing infinite adjustment versus 4 or 5 amp ranges will greatly help you become a better welder. Especially when it comes to welding thinner sheet metal. But by the same token just because you spend $100-150 for a brand name Miller or Hobart "auto" helmet doesn't mean it's a great helmet. I've used some that sucked. You really need to watch the reaction times more than just the price on the auto darkening helmets. Miller has some that react in 1:5000/sec which sounds super fast until you look at some that react in 1:25000/sec. ( 5 times faster.) And some will say you can't tell with that quick of a reaction time, but I'm telling you after any length of time welding you will notice a difference, and start to get a headache with the slower helmet. All that said don't get me wrong Miller makes some great helmets, and for the "pro" welding 10-30 hrs every week they are worth every penny for the dependability and durability. But for the average guy who welds once or twice a month at best there are better values out there with some of the Hobart, Lincoln and even a couple from Northern Tool like the one I have now. (After taking back a $150 Miller that gave me a headache from the flash.) The last thing is I agree on the small grinder being great for more detailed work . I would just like to add that whether you use a 4 1/2" grinder a or a 2"/3" mini "die" grinder flap wheels last longer run cooler and are far easier to control than grinding/sanding disks. And having burned myself a few times when I was younger. Even the cotton welding jackets are better than an old flannel in the hot summer months when it's too hot to wear leathers. While not as durable or burn resistant as a good leather jacket. They are lighter and still far better than just a long sleeve shirt.
Sorry for the l - o - n - g winded reply Don.
I meant no offence just trying to share my opinion and I hope some useful info.
Like I said I look forward to the next installment in this series.
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
