Just for clarification, here, from one who is professionally involved
with welding (but not a welder by profession): Lincoln welders are every
bit as good as Miller. I see both used, equally, every day.
Personally, I prefer Lincolns (I have two in my home shop, a 110v and a
220v), but would be happy welding with a Miller, too.
Best advice I can give is to stay away from cheap, imported welders.
Don't buy welding equipment from any place but you friendly, local
welding supply house. These guys can be depended upon to know the
products they sell, and be able to help you out with any problems you
may encounter.
Welders are like many other things in life: You can get good. You can
get cheap. But, you can't get good AND cheap.
Bud Osbourne
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-spridgets@Autox.Team.Net
[mailto:owner-spridgets@Autox.Team.Net] On Behalf Of derf
Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2007 9:35 AM
To: Linda Grunthaner
Cc: Spridget List
Subject: Re: Horrible Freight Arc Welder question.
I am one of the first to champion HF junk. But, if you want something
disposable, get that welder. If you want something that can last you
a lifetime, get a Lincoln. If you want something really good, get a
Miller. I rarely weld so I got a Lincoln when an opportunity arose
for my employer to pay for one. It is very nice for a home unit. I
wish I had gotten the 220V instead of the 110V. I did get the gas kit
for MIG welding. I had a small C25 tank but a while back I went to
exchange it and all they had was bigger tanks. So, now I have a
medium sized tank. If I can just remember to turn the tank vavle off
it will last me a long time.
If you have a place to store it and the budget for it, get something
better. I have a HF press, mill/drill, hydraulic tools, hand tools
(very few, but some are OK), air tools (some), a Chinese (not HF)
lathe, etc, but I have a Lincoln welder and an IR compressor.
If you don't have storage or budget you can probably get someone to
weld that thing for you for very little.
Cheers,
Derf
|