Comments on: Welder Selection

By: Brew

Brew — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:13:31 +0000

“but maybe what we need is a magazine like Consumer Reports to do unbiased tests of contractor tools.”

There are literally hundreds of sites out there that do tool tests. Tools of the trade is one. There are also tons of forums with professionals that will give tool advise too and welding forums that will help you decide on what you need depending on what you are going to use it for.

Consumer Reports is about as far away from an “unbiased” review as you will find too.

By: Frank Hicinbothem

Frank Hicinbothem — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 21:17:18 +0000

Thanks for that article! I have been wanting to get a low-end welder for minor projects (repairs, building “useful” things out of scrap bikes, etc) but I’ve been held back by the bewildering array of technologies out there. No matter what the brand or type of welder, there seems to be someone on line who thinks it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread, and someone equally believable who says it’s utter junk.

I haven’t welded since I did some gas welding in metal shop in high school, lo these many years ago. After reading your roundup I feel much more comfortable with my decision and re-energized to make a choice of both product and technology.

By: fred

fred — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:31:07 +0000

I too wish there were more forums and independent tests for tools like welders.
We are not boilermakers - but do get to do some fairly heavy site work - now it’s become mostly stainless steel.

I had an Old Hobart engine driven-stick welder which finally needed a major rebuild and was no longer up to our needs. My experience tells me that stick welders have there place – but are more difficult for an occasional user to master.
When we decided to scrap the Hobart – we took recommendations and bought a Miller Trailblazer - nothing too big - no diesel or anything. We tried a Lincoln welder at the time - and my welder thought it to be a bit rough and said it had inconsistent output.
We like the Miller – but we bought it based on one man’s opinion comparing only 2 machines - but maybe what we need is a magazine like Consumer Reports to do unbiased tests of contractor tools.