How many of you have a backup welder,plasma etc

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Am I the only one that is overly concerned with having a backup machine in case something goes down? Maybe paranoia comes from working in data centers were we had backups of backups of backups and then even more back ups of the back ups. I don't weld full time, but I feel the need to have a back up machine in case my machine breaks. Same with my plasma cutter. I remember when my CNC table went down for a stupid $20 part I was livid for a week until I got it. Someone asked me if I ever thought I could do CNC work full-time and my first response was well if I could I would buy a second machine to have a backup. Anyone else as paranoid as I about this?Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:It's not paranoia if the risk is real. I work in data centers too.GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:Nah, you are just a worry wort. Find a good therapist. It is a disease I tell ya.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Originally Posted by GravelIt's not paranoia if the risk is real. I work in data centers too.
Reply:I worked with programmers.  If the code broke, we'd just have them write more crappy code.  No need to back things up.  They wouldn't remember what they did a week ago anyway.As for backups, something here should weld, aside from a major flood or hurricane.  5 welders that can do stick (two of them TIG) but only 1 MIG welder, one spot welder and one set of O/A tanks. No plasma cutter, but plenty of band saws and hacksaws ..."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:I have a backup plasma,  its called an OA torch,  +saws of various types...Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:i try to always have a contingency plan just in case. i hate to look foolish in front of the brass so back-up welders,torches and tanks.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:I don't look at it as a contingency plan but having multiples just makes life easier. This is my flux core machine, c25, co2, stick, dc tig etc. If I had to change out a multiprocess machine all the time I would look for a new line of work. I don't even understand how people can work with one vise. I notice over the years people like to waste their time doing stuff they don't have to. These people would not be around long in a survival situation.......even though it is a constant thing.
Reply:Originally Posted by mikecwikI don't look at it as a contingency plan but having multiples just makes life easier. This is my flux core machine, c25, co2, stick, dc tig etc. If I had to change out a multiprocess machine all the time I would look for a new line of work. I don't even understand how people can work with one vise. I notice over the years people like to waste their time doing stuff they don't have to. These people would not be around long in a survival situation.......even though it is a constant thing.
Reply:I don't have a spare wife but I do have gals standing by on cold nights."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Did you ever watch a guy use the same dull file without a handle for 18 months?
Reply:I have lots of "backup" machines....Most are in pieces tho. As little welding as I do, it's not much of a concern...Expert Garage Hack....https://www.facebook.com/steven.webber.948
Reply:Originally Posted by mikecwikDid you ever watch a guy use the same dull file without a handle for 18 months?
Reply:You don't know where you are going if you don't look back...............
Reply:I have a backup for everything.My reasoning: as a part-timer I only have a limited time each week to make money and get a job out.If something breaks I just turn on a different machine and keep moving.And since almost everything I own was bought well used, the odds of something breaking are high in my opinion.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:I'd rather have a backup and not need it then.... well, you knowCoders not remembering what they did?I have written code that I came back to a couple of months later, and couldn't believe how smart I was on that day.Couldn't figure out how I had figured it out earlier.But, as the name says, I am a geezer.Hobart Beta-Mig 2511972 Miller AEAD-200LEMiller 250 TwinNorthern Ind. Hybrid 200Longevity Stick 140Longevity Migweld 200SThermal Arc Pak 3XR
Reply:we have back up of most tools, I think i have abotu ten tape measures, only can find two at a time, LOL. given the time it takes airASS to fix welders andthe amount of money we would loose if we did not have back up it just makes financial sense.
Reply:I have a back up for EVERYTHING but the pressbrake.   but this is also how i make a living, and have multiple employeesVantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:Back ups to inverter welder is an old transformer unit. Back up to plasma cutter is an O/A torch. Old technology never breaks down.Having back up equipment is sound business practice. Eliminates down time and makes more money... Saves a lot of frustrations too specially when you have a deadline or customers breathing down your neck.Any of you experienced having back ups for almost everything and the one equipment that you dont have one for break down in the middle of a project???
Reply:Originally Posted by OldendumI don't have a spare wife but I do have gals standing by on cold nights.
Reply:At home, my old idealarc is a 1992 model. I'm the second owner and the machine has never missed a beat. I'm betting on never needing a back up for this machine. I do have the engine drive miller if need be. Wait a second...the bluestar is even older, 1985 model.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Depends on how you view the trade off in downtime to the capacity to continue work.If you can't afford or are unwilling to sit idle while waiting for repairs, parts or a replacement, then a backup makes sense.  On the other hand, if the potential downtime wouldn't likely result in a critical failure to your livelihood or serious diminishment of your enjoyment of your time in your shop, then maybe a backup isn't worth the added expense.Just depends on your personal or professional threshold for the potential risk of breakdown.  If you're on the cusp of that threshold, though, then assess your future direction and goals to decide if your acceptance for risk is growing, staying the same or will possibly decline.  If you think that your near or midterm future threshold for acceptable risk is getting less (example: your business is growing), then a backup might make sense if the added expense won't create a risk to your capital cushion or cash-flow.
Reply:Originally Posted by SdAufKlaDepends on how you view the trade off in downtime to the capacity to continue work.If you can't afford or are unwilling to sit idle while waiting for repairs, parts or a replacement, then a backup makes sense.  On the other hand, if the potential downtime wouldn't likely result in a critical failure to your livelihood or serious diminishment of your enjoyment of your time in your shop, then maybe a backup isn't worth the added expense.Just depends on your personal or professional threshold for the potential risk of breakdown.  If you're on the cusp of that threshold, though, then assess your future direction and goals to decide if your acceptance for risk is growing, staying the same or will possibly decline.  If you think that your near or midterm future threshold for acceptable risk is getting less (example: your business is growing), then a backup might make sense if the added expense won't create a risk to your capital cushion or cash-flow.
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleAm I the only one that is overly concerned with having a backup machine in case something goes down? Maybe paranoia comes from working in data centers were we had backups of backups of backups and then even more back ups of the back ups. I don't weld full time, but I feel the need to have a back up machine in case my machine breaks. Same with my plasma cutter. I remember when my CNC table went down for a stupid $20 part I was livid for a week until I got it. Someone asked me if I ever thought I could do CNC work full-time and my first response was well if I could I would buy a second machine to have a backup. Anyone else as paranoid as I about this?
Reply:I have a few backups..........9 welders, 4 suitcase feeders, crap load of regulators, more than a crap load of torches...........And they're all from tbone!!!"Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"Originally Posted by GambleHa, then you know how over redundant things are! except at chase bank..nothing is wired correctly there. Try to fix it and you get your hand slapped. no this is the chase way. one day someone will unplug one thing there and chase will fall to it's knees because of how stupid they are.
Reply:Originally Posted by Stick-manI have a few backups..........9 welders, 4 suitcase feeders, crap load of regulators, more than a crap load of torches...........And they're all from tbone!!!
Reply:Our primary welder is a BLUE inverter,Our backup welder is a BLUE inverter,Our backup backup backup welder is a BLUE engine,Our backup backup backup backup welder is a BLUE transformer,Our future backup * E^5 welder is a RED engine,and yet, our goto welder is Majolnir.  She's a total hammer "Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:I have lots of backup grinders....Just a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024