Here I am

Yeswelders?

Attention: TDR Forum Junkies
To the point: Click this link and check out the Front Page News story(ies) where we are tracking the introduction of the 2025 Ram HD trucks.

Thanks, TDR Staff

Cordless shop lights and flashlights

Garage door opener - need to install one - what is recommended?

Anyone tried these or know more about them then the bias internet will say? The prices and duty cycle are impressive. I also like you can get parts for them as well
 
It would be pretty hard for me to buy anything but Lincoln or Miller. Wide distribution network and company support. That’s all I’ve ever used and my first welder (Lincoln 225 buzz box) I bought at 16 is still plugging along 48 years later. I’ve added a Lincoln 140 mig and Lincoln 256 mig since. Had a Miller portable, but it seldom saw use, so sold it. Never had any problems with any of them.
 
Last edited:
It would be pretty hard for me to buy anything but Lincoln or Miller. Wide distribution network and company support. That’s all I’ve ever used and my first welder (Lincoln 225 buzz box) I bought at 16 is still plugging along 48 years later. I’ve added a Lincoln 140 mig and Lincoln 256 mig since. Had a Miller portable, but it seldom saw use, so sold it. Never had any problems with any of them.
That's where I stand as well. I grew up in shops with only miller or lincoln but now that I work for county and built my own shop I am in the market for a new personal use welder
 
OK - I'll put in my 2cents. Never heard of them and right off the bat I'm skeptical. I see they sell replacement tips, etc, but can you get (and I didn't exhaustively look) get control boards, driver wheels/rollers, etc for them? What about repair manuals/info?

I ask that based upon my search for a generator. Honda and Yamaha you can get ANYTHING, but I didn't want to spend that kind of MONEY. So, I looked at Generac, Kipor, Champion, Honeywell, etc. They all had great initial prices, but you can't get parts, or service manuals - yes, even for the Generac units. To replace the Generac battery you had to remove the fuel tank - REALLY?!? - yes.

I ended up with a Honda and haven't looked back.

In a year or so I'll be in the market for a new Mig - larger 240V style - will probably end up with the Lincoln or Miller. Local parts and service is a plus for me.

Now - if you get one of these - please give us a review of it!!!!
 
If I were to have only one welder, I think I’d look at a dual voltage suitcase welder. You have the ability to use gas and solid wire in the shop, but can use flux core outside.

I use my Lincoln 256 almost daily and love it!
 
Looks very similar to the Everlast welders we use to use, they were ok but as Dan noted if a hard part fails it was a problem and could be down for months on end. They were also very hard to get dialed in and always had a good bit of spatter.

We switched over to Millermatic 225's about 6 months ago and never looked back, super user friendly, great weld quality, consistency and almost no spatter with Lincoln wire.
 
That what kills me is parts availability like y'all mentioned now dang. I enjoy fixing tools. I score a 220v 25 amp 5hp 2 stage speedaire, re sealed it and new pressure switch and in it less then brand new cheap 2 stages. Something tells me I may get one just because. If I do or when I promise everyone I'll do a unbias real review with pictures and video
 
I can't speak to the quality of that particular model but I really do agree with everyone above.
I've used lower end inverter type suitcase welders and they left alot to be desired on 110 volt setting. I got a used Miller Maxstar 150, it's got stick/tig capability, I'm pretty impressed with it. I've even run it off a standard 50 ft extension cord in a pinch (a typical no no), it lit 3/32 rod right up no problem.

The duty cycle on that rig looks impressive but is missing some info. It claims 60% duty cycle at 160a, my Miller is half that at 30% duty cycle at the same amperage and 100a @ 100% duty cycle.
On 110 volt setting it's rated for 70A @ ,100% Duty Cycle, 100a @ 35% duty cycle.

Regardless, these are one of those tools I feel one shouldn't cheap out on. I would search out a local dealer you can get eye ball to eye ball to and go from there. Even if you purchase used like me you will still have that support down the road if needed.

IMG_20200916_053405778.jpg
IMG_20180228_163849480.jpg
 
Yea I would have to agree with you. I always been told by season mechanics no matter there specialty that welders and air compressor you don't want to cheap on. Everything else you can think your way through
 
Back
Top