For 90% of the welding he does he is either hugely over or under equipped.ĭidn't you start the thread on wring your garage for 220v so you could get a 'real' welder? His 'real' welder is a HUGE Lincoln with a 4cylinder Detroit engine. Between the two of them they can almost keep it going enough to patch sheet metal and weld light aluminum pipe. He is the most talented mechanic/gunsmith/machinist that I know and his brother is an electrical engineer. Realize that guys that weld alot, know a good welder from a marginal, and lousy welder, because we've owned our fair share.Seems like you are always looking for a 'deal' - a neighbor bought a Century 110v years ago, it was all he could afford.

The second-source manufacturers simply cannot do that, which is why when you open the case, you'll find small diodes, lightweight wire feed systems, and generally weak componentry. and even some of the parts, because it's economical to do so at THEIR volume level. meaning, they're not 'all' industrial grade, however, the lessons learned amidst making industrial machines get carried over to commercial and hobby-grade machines. Hobart is owned by Miller now, and Miller and Lincoln make non-industrial welders. 30% duty cycle, but much higher output) than rated, and it's just fine doing that. A commercial welding outfit might only run it two shifts a day, and they may not run it at full rated (100% duty cycle) output, but they'll occasionally have a situation where they run it substantially ABOVE that figure (like. In comparison, a Miller industrial welding supply is intended to be wired in, powered up, set up, and put into operation, where it'll run basically continuous-duty, 24/7, for it's entire lifespan.

As a result, they're not built to be used in under highly demanding constraints. Welders sold through SNAP-ON, NAPA, SEARS, HARBOR FREIGHT, etc., are all that way- the manufacturers have no intention on making a name for themselves, and have no interest in competing for industrial customer base.

Past that, there are MANY, MANY companies that have welders manufactured and branded with their company name, and there's companies who build welders SPECIFICALLY for having them house-branded and sold. The 'Big Three' are the competetors fighting for dominance in the industrial and commercial welding market, and therefore, they set a very high standard for performance, reliability, and servicability. It's not that they're looked down upon for no reason.

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