Welding
MachinesWhat's the best welding machine? Ask a few guys in
the trade and you'd better be ready to talk a while. Actually, you'd better be
ready to "listen" a while. There are a lot of good machines out there,
and there are a lot of opinions of which one is best. When I was first
in the Iron Workers union, I remember going to jobs where you better be driving
an American pick-up or car, because if not, you weren't parking in the lot. Times
have changed since then, and the last job I worked at, there were cars from America,
Japan, Germany and no telling where else in the lot. And that was at a General
Motors plant!!!
Click here to view our welding ovens and to learn
about the benefits of proper storage!
I used to be an American only driver, but am having to reconsider
that now that a lot of the foreign cars and trucks are being built right here
in America. Anyways, I digress
I've written before about asking welders
which truck is the best. And again, you better have some time on hand if you ask
that. And don't EVEN ask it in a bar after work, because you might just get more
than an earful! I tell my students that now it doesn't matter which pick-up
you buy, you're gonna' get a good one. When is the last time you saw a brand new
truck of any brand on the side of the road because it was broke down? Chances
are not too many if any at all. It's the same with welding machines. If you go
out and buy from one of the bigger companies, let's say Miller, Hobart, Lincoln,
and ESAB for sake of this article; doesn't matter which one you buy, you're gonna'
get a good machine. So which welding machine is best?Most welders
will swear that a certain brand runs a little smoother, or is more dependable
and reliable than others. And it may be so. I have my own preference, and I'll
be glad to tell you when you buy me a beer some time. Not gonna' say it here though,
because I don't want the other companies ragging me with emails! However,
in the articles to come, I'll dang sure give you my opinion of some of the equipment
I've used in shops, the field, and home garage. I'll also give you an idea of
where to find them, and what you can expect to pay. Most were excellent,
but as I've said before, there were a few in there that were better suited as
"boat anchors!" You buy a real cheap machine, and there's a good chance
that's what you'll get. Although steel, and welding supplies have skyrocketed
in price over the last couple of years, you can still get a pretty good welding
machine for an affordable price. Whether you wanta' use 110, or 220 to get a little
more heavy duty, there are some really nice welding machines out there. And
by the way, I'll also be talking about why it ain't good to use a refrigerator
when you should be using an oven for your stick welder in an article coming soon.
Welding machines can be found at the following:
http://www.lowes.com
http://www.sears.com
http://www.millerwelds.com/
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