Suggestions needed about welders for school project?

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I am currently working on a project for school, well actually a few. It's a team and we are in need of a TIG welder and I wanted to find out from people if they knew of companies that possibly offered discounted rates for schools because this is a non-profit club, and it's for a good purpose. I've called a few shops around my area who claim to give discounts but the prices they quote me are almost identical to what they sell to the general public. Maybe 20$ cheaper.We're trying to keep the cost low but also want something that will last us for future use of the club and future members to use.So if you have any suggestions that would be awsome. Thanks in advanced.
Reply:Listing your location would be a good start for us to help you. Might even be a few members on this board that would be willing to help you out.Millermatic 251Spectrum 300 PlasmaEverlast PowerTig 250EXEverlast PowerCool W300Harris / Victor OACraftsman 13 Speed Drill PressProTools Air/Hydraulic Bender48" BrakeCompressor, Notchers, Grinders, etc.
Reply:Oh, sorry. heheI am in Pomona, CA. Or the Southern California Area in general.
Reply:If it's just for one project, you may be better off just renting the machine than buying it.  Check with your local Airgas.  A division of Airgas is Red-D-Arc, which is their welding equipment repair and rental company.  Should be one somewhere around the LA area.Since it is for a non profit school, you could contact a local area Lincoln or Miller rep and see if they would be interested in providing a machine.   Any local authorized Lincoln/Miller welding distributor should be able to get you in contact with the area sales rep.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:WOW, great info desertrider. I'll look into a rep. It's not just one time use, we'll need it for future projects at the school. Even though people graduate, new people come in and keep the club alive so a new car is usually getting built every year. This is why we just want to get a welder now and not have to worry about not having access to one.
Reply:The rep may be able to find you a demo machine, or one from their traveling roadshow and get you a better price than new. One thing to remember is a lot of people try to abuse the system. They'll start a "club" just to try and get "free" stuff or discounts for themselves or friends. (not saying this applys to you) Vendors are not to keen on giving away profits, let alone paying for machines and then giving them away for free. The more documentation you have to back up your program, what it does, how long it's been in existance etc, and the more direct school support, the better your chances or at least getting a machine at cost. Keep in mind that companies can write off "advertising". Thats why you see company logos all over race cars and so on. Or why Stanley and others donate tools to Habitat and other programs.  Is this a project that can get the company some "free" publicity or get them noticed by others? They will want their name/logo prominantly displayed where all can see it, and usually want their support mentioned in any literature, press statements and so on.As said you might find a local company who'll let you use their facilities as opposed to you getting a machine. It's often easier for them to justify this sort of thing as it really doesn't cost them much if anything. Over the years, trying to get help for Scouts and other programs, I've found this to be an easier solution than finding someone willing to just hand over cash or materials..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Yes, the big names offer educational discounts.  Call Lincoln or Miller and ask for the number of your local rep.  If it's a motorsports related purchase, I know Lincoln also offers discounts for that.
Reply:I have been keeping an eye out for used tigs in the area and came across one a couple days ago that was listed in craigslist (la county or inland empire, do a search) that looked to be a good price. Syncrowave 250 with a cooler and just about everything else needed to weld for about $2500.00 if I remember correctly. I have no association with this listing just passing on the info if it will be helpful. Good luck,Ken
Reply:Well the issue with the syncrowaves is that the lab we're in on campus only has up to 30 amp breakers on 230V.
Reply:You stated that you were trying to keep the costs low. That equals a transformer machine and those demand high current draw. Inverters use much less power but cost significantly more. Have you checked with the facilities electrician to see if a larger breaker can be installed, that would be a lot less expensive then a comparable inverter.    Ken
Reply:Yea I know what you mean. I asked one of the professors whose in charge of the labs and he said he put in a request to put a 460V outlet in the lab 2 years ago because his lab (which is next door) has a few. But they never got around to doing it, and he assumes that they probably won't for awhile. I'll keep looking and calling, so far renting seems to be the best alternative for this year.
Reply:Duffman,If you're interested, send me a PM, we may be able to work something out for you, through Everlast.  Tell me the type machines you need and voltages/phases available.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Are you talking about V.I.C.A...Vocational Industrial Club of AmericaI used to help the members at riverside community collage when i was there back in the 90'sBacked my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:Originally Posted by killdozerd11Are you talking about V.I.C.A...Vocational Industrial Club of AmericaI used to help the members at riverside community collage when i was there back in the 90's