Beginner welder recs

[weesa20]

Actually the big ones are still made in USA...Hobart and Miller 100%, some Lincoln.

Still Made in USA.com - American-Made Tools

Weesy

 

[Ruark]

From what you're describing, one way or another you're going to end up with a 220V DC welder. If you get one of these little 110V toys, you'll have fun up to about 1/8", then sit around daydreaming about a "real" welder, a 220V AC. Then when you get one of those, you'll sit around daydreaming about a "real" welder, an AC/DC box. The Hobart Stickmate 235 AC/DC is a great welder for about $500 at Tractor Supply and you will use it forever. If you need portability (i.e. not limited to the nearest electrical outlet), you'll have to go up to a generator-powered welder, the industry standard being the Miller Bobcat, $2000-$4000.

Let us know what you end up with!!

 

[Scooby074]

thanks for all the replies...anyone know where Everlast welders are manufactured? Looking for Made in the US of A products these days.

Weesy

Hobart/Miller...

And before anyone comes up with a snappy comment, there MAY be a foreign diode or capacitor in there.. But ive yet to be shown proof... and even if there is, the overwhelming majority of the product is still made here.

On top of that i'd put Miller's customer service up there with the best in the business from personal experience :thumbsup:

 

[Brad_Blazer]

Try the nearest community college. For example:
Ashland Community & Technical College - Welding Technology

 

[Shield Arc]

Actually the big ones are still made in USA...Hobart and Miller 100%, some Lincoln.
Weesy

You better think again, about 12 years ago there was a huge blow out on the Hobart forum! A member discovered that his new Hobart welder had off shore components in it. Some of the Hobart moderators denied it, but a moderator by the name of Rock admitted it was true. Rock eventually got fired over his statement. I know this is out dated information, but this same subject just came up here a week or two ago, Mark can tell you what each manufacture uses of off shore components in todays machines.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

You better think again, about 12 years ago there was a huge blow out on the Hobart forum! A member discovered that his new Hobart welder had off shore components in it. Some of the Hobart moderators denied it, but a moderator by the name of Rock admitted it was true. Rock eventually got fired over his statement. I know this is out dated information, but this same subject just came up here a week or two ago, Mark can tell you what each manufacture uses of off shore components in todays machines.

Most of our equipment uses Texas instruments for its chipsets, at least the majority of them...But are they made in the US? No...

Anyone that has looked inside a Miller will see foreign components oozing out. Most all of the electronic industry has moved its manufacturing overseas to Korea, Japan, or China (and yes taiwan)...Look for India near you soon. Even though silicone valley is big business, its not in manufacturering any longer. What Miller uses for its electronics are foreign sources from the many of the same ones we use...Unfortunately (depending upon your viewpoint), that's the truth. You car may be a Ford or Chevy but still have 60% foreign components and still be made in the USA.

I am not trying to get into a gripe contest...But I peeked into a tombstone (relatively new)...Made in Mexico...with chinese components. In fact, I can point you to some of the chinese factories Lincoln is using for some of its products....Also MOST of its inverters (and plasma cutters if I remember right) are Made in Italy from mostly Chinese made electronics.

You think your local welding supply guy is going to tell you this when he is trying to make a sale and keep you from buying another product? :laughing:

 

[weesa20]

Most of our equipment uses Texas instruments for its chipsets, at least the majority of them...But are they made in the US? No...

Anyone that has looked inside a Miller will see foreign components oozing out. Most all of the electronic industry has moved its manufacturing overseas to Korea, Japan, or China (and yes taiwan)...Look for India near you soon. Even though silicone valley is big business, its not in manufacturering any longer. What Miller uses for its electronics are foreign sources from the many of the same ones we use...Unfortunately (depending upon your viewpoint), that's the truth. You car may be a Ford or Chevy but still have 60% foreign components and still be made in the USA.

I am not trying to get into a gripe contest...But I peeked into a tombstone (relatively new)...Made in Mexico...with chinese components. In fact, I can point you to some of the chinese factories Lincoln is using for some of its products....Also MOST of its inverters (and plasma cutters if I remember right) are Made in Italy from mostly Chinese made electronics.

You think your local welding supply guy is going to tell you this when he is trying to make a sale and keep you from buying another product? :laughing:

Is Everlast a US company at least...?with these other companies, even if their units aren't 100% made in US with 100% US parts, I believe the companies are still US so at least the money is staying in the States. Anyway, just trying to be a good citizen. could you PM me a quote for the PowerArc 200? and also, can you explain 1 & 3 phase power and how I would know if I have it or not. I asked for welder compatible outlets to be put in my shop when it was built and I am pretty sure they are 3 plug 220/230V outlets, but don't know about the phase.

 

[Shield Arc]

can you explain 1 & 3 phase power and how I would know if I have it or not.

If you need a definition, you don't have 3-phase.

 

[Scooby074]

Anyone that has looked inside a Miller will see foreign components oozing out. Most all of the electronic industry has moved its manufacturing overseas to Korea, Japan, or China (and yes taiwan)...Look for India near you soon. Even though silicone valley is big business, its not in manufacturering any longer. What Miller uses for its electronics are foreign sources from the many of the same ones we use... :

Really this chestnut again?

Got proof that millers components are the same as yours? Im not saying that every electronic component in a miller machine is made in the USA, but i bet there is less chinese content in a Miller than your machines. Personally i have no problem with Japanese or Korean components, as theyre not going to be the ones the next WW will be fought against, but i do my darnedest to avoid china.

Not to mention the high paid manufacturing jobs that Miller maintains here.

Miller stamps their machines Made in the USA. To do that they have to meet the necessary government content requirements. We all know where everlast makes "their" machines and which regime they support dont we.

weesa20: Everlast is a US based importer of chinese machines. Some of these machines are sold under various other names like Lotos, Longevity, Clarke, Giant etc. for example. I suggest you check some different boards to form an opinion, particularly ones where Everlast isnt a paid sponsor.

 

[Shield Arc]

Miller stamps their machines Made in the USA. To do that they have to meet the necessary government content requirements.

Just like my John Deere tractor is made in the USA. In reality it was made in Yanmar's factory in Japan, the tires were installed in the USA!:laughing: