anyone know where to find a good welder| Off-Topic Discussion forum |

motorburr New Reader
9/28/10 3:18 p.m.

I need a welder for a good price but good quality also and hopefully a great warranty...does anyone have any suggestions

triumph5 HalfDork
9/28/10 4:47 p.m.

Well, what's being welded, is it a shipable part, what material, what tolerances, and what's it being used for? Welding an aluminum tank to be pressurized to several hundred pounds is different from welding up engine mounts....need some details....location?

stuart in mn SuperDork
9/28/10 7:04 p.m.

Maybe a local welding supply store?

You can find cheaper prices online, but you'll get zero support or advice, plus you'll have to go to a local store anyway to buy supplies so you may as well build a relationship with them now.

JoeyM Dork
9/28/10 7:05 p.m.

I have a Lincoln power-MIG 180 that I'm very happy with. It's a solid machine that I've used for thin sheet metal and for 1/4" plate. It has metal parts for the wire feed mechanism, continuous controls, and a warranty.

If you buy a Lincoln, stay away from the cheaper "pro-MIG" machine. It is only sold at lowes, has plastic wire feed wheels, no warranty, and you cannot buy replacement parts for it at a normal welding shop.

stuart in mn wrote: Maybe a local welding supply store? You can find cheaper prices online, but you'll get zero support or advice, plus you'll have to go to a local store anyway to buy supplies so you may as well build a relationship with them now.

+1 Hit up your local AirGas outlet and see what they have. You'll be buying stuff from them, anyway, so you may as well start the relationship out right.

motorburr New Reader
10/7/10 3:14 p.m.

hey all i have finally got my longevity welder in and it works great i have already done some welds and cuts so check it out and let me know what you think