Flak from Significant Other's regarding Welding Purchases?

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While describing my new SpeedGlas 9100X to my Girl Friend, she started giving me flak about spending 300$ on a piece of PPE. Mind you, I am currently out of work and in School, but the money came from an 1,100$ Tax Refund. Anyone else ever get any nonsense from their SO's for their welding purchases?
Reply:If your personal protection isn't high on the list with your girlfriend, then buddy, there's your sign.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:I think it's more a case that she just doesn't really get it. It's like a mechanic and their tools, they can't fix that car without the tools and some mechanics LOVE buying the best tools they can find.
Reply:My girlfriend sort of understands but i dont discuss my welding purchaces with her.She does not talk about her makeup and clothes purchases with me!Although last year when i got my $7700 tax return, she told me to go and buy a new welder or something.  she just didnt know it cost a little over 12K
Reply:Originally Posted by lugweldIf your personal protection isn't high on the list with your girlfriend, then buddy, there's your sign.
Reply:Flash her a few times....My name's not Jim....
Reply:Originally Posted by LarryOAlthough last year when i got my $7700 tax return, she told me to go and buy a new welder or something.  she just didnt know it cost a little over 12K
Reply:What you need to do ( i do it all the time ) is put the new purchace in the garage, cover with a sheet or hide it some other way.Only use it when she is out or doing house work and know she will not come out to see what you doing, for a couple of months.Slowly start bringing it out into fuller veiw and when or if she asks " is that new, when did you get that? ", you just say its old and you've had it for ages.Did it with my TIG, plasma, Kemppi MIG unit ( she saw the MMA bit then it expanded ).Smaller stuff is easier to hide and use.  If your garage looks like mine, she will rarely venture in there and is hard to spot whats new when there is grinders, drills and stuff everywhere.Works for me.
Reply:Originally Posted by lugweldIf your personal protection isn't high on the list with your girlfriend, then buddy, there's your sign.
Reply:My tools have outlasted all of my girlfriends...MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Originally Posted by DesertRider33My tools have outlasted all of my girlfriends...
Reply:I would have to know more of the circumstances before I would go either way.  If you are out of work and going to school and the helmet is just for hobby use and not to earn money then she is maybe right.  If you can earn money that you couldn't earn without that helmet then she is out of line.  But I mean real money not wishful thinking money. Not the kind of thinking .....if only I had the helmet then I could maybe make some money.  Let's face it, most of us want more tools but do we really need them to get the job done? I am a toolaholic......I can find so many ways to justify (if only in my own head) buying tools.I find projects to do around the farm so I can buy certain tools that I want.  I am a toolaholic!
Reply:Sorry but its a good thing that she is finding out this before she invests too much time with you.  You could have bought a regular helmet.  She might be smart enough to get interested in one of your class mates who is not so interested in the bling bling and is just using a regular.  One of the biggest lessons learned while being a student in college is frugality.
Reply:I am currently out of work and in School, but the money came from an 1,100$ Tax Refund. Anyone else ever get any nonsense from their SO's for their welding purchases?
Reply:I tend to buy something equal for my wife if I buy something I need,I've never had to hide or ask her permission for anything,as she gets what she wants anyway.Drink a Guinness Draught....Millermatic 140Do you still rememberDecember's foggy freeze --when the ice thatclings on to your beard isscreaming agony.
Reply:I talk about tool purchases with my hubby all the time.  He is really supportive - we even share some of our tools.  Yesterday, he even let me use his oxy torch - isn't that sweet?
Reply:I can't believe you even gave her the the option of having an opinion about YOUR tools.Tim Beeker.
Reply:Sorry, I forgot to mention in my original post. While I am out of work and in School, I have a steady stream of income through Unemployment. I make enough on Unemployment to pay all my bills and I have never, in the year and a half I've been out of work, asked ANYONE for money to pay my bills. The 1,100 from my tax return is what I call "BS Money" Money that isn't allocated to anything but ME.You could have bought a regular helmet. She might be smart enough to get interested in one of your class mates who is not so interested in the bling bling and is just using a regular.
Reply:I got nothing but hell when i bought my miller bobcat.  it was all i heard for 6 months till we had a huge ice storm.  we were out of power for 12 days but the old trusty bobcat keep us warm showered and feed.  suddenlly the welder generator was a really good purchase and she was so glad we had it.  After that she never questions my purchases.Don't pick up chicks at harbour freight.
Reply:One line I've found that works with my wife.  Whether it's for PPE, a new chain hoist, etc, I just tell her:"It's cheaper than a trip to the emergency room."Of course, that doesn't work with all toys.
Reply:Originally Posted by kaiser715One line I've found that works with my wife.  Whether it's for PPE, a new chain hoist, etc, I just tell her:"It's cheaper than a trip to the emergency room."Of course, that doesn't work with all toys.
Reply:Originally Posted by BoostinjdmFlash her a few times....
Reply:Sorry Sin but I don't seeya lasting in your match much longer LOL.  If money becomes a point of discussion like this it ain't exactly heaven.  My guess your SO will cut and run soon.  If I told my SO to go make me a sandwich I would have to keep one eye open in bed.  She makes me sandwiches because she wants to not because she has to.  Yes I do buy junk tools.... mostly for steel shops I work where there is half an inch of welding/grinding dust on the rafters and things are rough and ready.  I never bring my good helmet or wrenches to work.  When heat, spatter or whatever destroys my tools I am not concerned.
Reply:Originally Posted by SinisterDexterI can see that not working if you bought a new ATV or a Motorcycle
Reply:My wife URGED me to go pick up a Ranger 250 that was for sale, so I can't complain.   She did surprise me with that one, not sure where it came from.  She new I was thinking about it for several months. Maybe it was the long discussions about which model I should get, maybe it was all the Ebay pictures I showed her of the truly trashed ones, maybe it was all the literature I had collected and left all over the house, maybe it was me moping around as the timer ticked down on the auction...... hmmm, maybe she wanted me to shut up???!!   LOLOh, another tactic - just cut the price in half.  Do they really know the difference if you spent $500 or $125??  Not that I would do that, just heard of it, really........Originally Posted by SinisterDexter While I am out of work and in School, I have a steady stream of income through Unemployment. I make enough on Unemployment to pay all my bills and I have never, in the year and a half I've been out of work, asked ANYONE for money to pay my bills. The 1,100 from my tax return is what I call "BS Money" Money that isn't allocated to anything but ME.
Reply:Hello bassboy1, everyone who holds a job at one point or another, or who is currently employed, is or has paid into their unemployment. Although I haven't ever needed to draw unemployment, I do appreciate it being there if I needed it. Anyone who can make it on unemployment and still pay their bills has my hat off to them. If I needed to live on what would be alloted to me with unemployment I would be having a VERY large yard sale and looking for a new home. You might consider lightening up just a tad bit. Best regards, Allanaevald
Reply:Originally Posted by jonesgHeheheh, good point.Don't pick up chicks at harbour freight.
Reply:bassboy1- dude you need to pipe down when you don't know what you are talking about. unemployment is just money being returned to you that the man took out of paychecks over the course of time. it is not anybody else's money that you are getting.Dynasty 200DXPassport plus w/ spoolmate 100victor 315c oxy/(act and prop)Miller digital elitemilwaukee power tools
Reply:A good girlfriend is like a good welder, IT grows on you, just don't do anything to make you have to take the next step; like going into business or marrying the damm thing.
Reply:I cant imagine how hard someone would have to beat me to make me give them 300 of my hard earned dollars for a welding helmet. I would be screaming bloody murder. I just tip my fixed shade and thank my lucky stars I dont have to squint when ever I first strike an arc. I just cant see what is wrong with my way of thinking. Them high priced welding helmets break and burn just like mine. Harold                               Dont mind me I am just blowing off steam. Ha.
Reply:Keep the girlfriend and take back the helmet. Ha
Reply:Great threadI can sort of remember when the shoe was on the other foot too.  Brings to mind a memorable washer/dryer purchase in the past.  Oh the goodies I could have bought with that money, but it was better spent keeping the peaceAt least I still have the washer/dryer"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Originally Posted by BoostinjdmFlash her a few times....
Reply:Originally Posted by farmersammGreat thread Oh the goodies I could have bought with that money, but it was better spent keeping the peaceAt least I still have the washer/dryer
Reply:Is there much difference between the really expensive helmets like the Superglas 9100XX ($350) or the somewhat more economical models like the Lincoln Vista 3000 ($220)?  Both of these have about the same window area.  I've got the vista 3000 and am happy with it, but haven't tried any of the more expensive models.  All of these are auto-darkening and have a variety of shade and sensitivity adjustments as well as multiple arc sensors.  One thing none of them has is a small fan or blower for ventilation.  I added one to mine and it's so much more comfortable.Electronics Engineer (embedded controls)Miller 200DX w/ Coolmate 3Thermal Dynamics 82 plasma cutterGrizzly G0678 8x30 millPM1440BV 14x40 latheHF 6x12 surface grinder
Reply:Hey Zac,  My SpeedGlas has a blower.  It is called  Adflow I think.  It works of a belt pack blower and filter.  Great in summer but a little cold in winter!  I have to wear a hat in winter to cover my poor bald spot!
Reply:Originally Posted by bassboy1I'm sorry, but being on unemployment is asking someone to pay your bills.  No, you're right, it isn't asking someone to pay your bills, it is FORCING them too.  While I don't support the idea myself, I can see drawing one or two unemployment checks to get back up on your feet after a problem arose, to keep from losing the house, but 1.5 years worth is unacceptable.  If your drawing unemployment, you have no "BS money."  Until you stop allowing someone else to pay your bills, the only reason you should invest in anything welding related is if it is required for a job you are trying to get, or you are trying to start making some money in the welding field.
Reply:Originally Posted by burnandreturnHey Zac,  My SpeedGlas has a blower.  It is called  Adflow I think.  It works of a belt pack blower and filter.  Great in summer but a little cold in winter!  I have to wear a hat in winter to cover my poor bald spot!
Reply:1st, there are decent autodarks for just under 100 bucks, I'm very happy with my $75 stryker CF I got on ebay. 9-12 with grinding setting. I find it alot easier to buy tools whenA) I don't buy until I NEED it.B) I look for the best bang for the buckI call myself mister mid grade, I never buy the best or the cheapest unless it's the only thing that's good.As far as larger expenses are concerned, I patiently and secretly save money. I put it in a special envelope in the garage hidden well away 10-20 bucks a paycheck. I would have never gotten my hh187 without this and lying and saying my boss payed for most of it in trade for some ongoing repairs. little stuff she don't get to complain, her regular expenses are at least as much as my occasional tool and she knows it. I mean 30$ every few weeks for fake nails is totally useless to me, I can't even get a hand job anymore, why do I care about her nails?Also, anything I ever sell on ebay is my money period.She HAS to understand that I do everything I can to save cash, especially in the winter when we are broke. This is why I've only posted two projects here ever cause thats all I've been able to buy material for. And quick repairs are too boring to post. And I always forget to take pics
Reply:Originally Posted by bassboy1I'm sorry, but being on unemployment is asking someone to pay your bills.  No, you're right, it isn't asking someone to pay your bills, it is FORCING them too.  While I don't support the idea myself, I can see drawing one or two unemployment checks to get back up on your feet after a problem arose, to keep from losing the house, but 1.5 years worth is unacceptable.  If your drawing unemployment, you have no "BS money."  Until you stop allowing someone else to pay your bills, the only reason you should invest in anything welding related is if it is required for a job you are trying to get, or you are trying to start making some money in the welding field.
Reply:Originally Posted by kenklingermanI've never drawn unemployment myself, I would kill to qualify(I get paid 1099 style so that's out of the question).cause the winters get long and cold. I spend the whole building season saving for winter and there's not much left after that.
Reply:If she's giving you all this crap and she's only your Girl Friend, I hate to see what happens after your married.Take it as a heads up, dump her now, it'll only get worse.John
Reply:My wife complained about me buing GOOD tools. Then she had a project and bought a cheap tool. When I got home she asked me to exchange it and get her the GOOD tool. I haven't heard one PEEP from her since.So next time your girlfriend is cleaning the skid marks out of the toilet, take away the toilet brush and Ajax. Hand her a toothbrush and some elbow grease. It's the same thing. I don't argue about money though. Life is too short. And my wife is too HOTT!Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:[QUOTE=Joker11;356785]My wife complained about me buing GOOD tools. Then she had a project and bought a cheap tool. When I got home she asked me to exchange it and get her the GOOD tool. I haven't heard one PEEP from her since.So next time your girlfriend is cleaning the skid marks out of the toilet, take away the toilet brush and Ajax. Hand her a toothbrush and some elbow grease. It's the same thing. I don't argue about money though. Life is too short. And my wife is too HOTT![/QUOTE]Well said Joker11!Life's too short to argue!Sparkeyps: hi there dugndeep!long time no see!Last edited by Sparkey; 01-31-2010 at 02:08 PM.
Reply:If its something that I absolutely need then yes I tell my wife and only get what I absolutely need at the lowest cost ( research research research ) so if I need work boots then I buy a pair of $30 - $50 pair and add some dr scholls insoles to deal with my battered feet.  My current helmet is a miller hobby pro and while I would like a speedglass I can't justify the expense because my $60 helmet works just as well if not better than the speedglass.Well if she is your girlfriend and the money is yours and your covering your expenses ( room and board and bills ) then its none of her business but if she is footing the cost of your bills then yea you should have talked to her about it.  With wives its a gray area so its best to talk with your wife and go about the purchase sensibly.
Reply:To the OP, is your girl just giving you some harmless flak about spending money, or is she seriously mad at you? I have to agree with some of the things said already. 1.5 years on unemployment sounds like a long time. I know times are tough but there is work for those willing. Just remember its hard for everyone right now, but that means there is serious opportunity for those willing to work a little harder than the next guy. Also $300 for a helmet is hard to justify by itself when there are plenty of decent helmets under $100 that will get the job done. Now there is nothing wrong with dropping $300 for a fancy toy when you have the extra money, but to try to say you NEED it is going a little far. If you are just starting off a welding business or even just a hobbyist I could think of much more useful things to do with the money. But if your girl is giving you serious **** for this there are other problems. Either she is being over controlling or you are irresponsible with money and this is just the latest example she can get mad about. You should probably figure this out now because its only going to get worse. My wife and I share all of our money, one bank account, both incomes go in, whatever we need comes out. We discuss major purchases before they are made. We've never had one single money issue (other than there not being enough!). And its great to have someone that can pick up the slack when you are slow on work and vice versa. I wouldn't recommend it for everyone, both people must be very honest and mature about spending.
Reply:The point that most people are missing is this money came from my TAX REFUND. Have any of you guys ever gotten a decent tax refund and said "Hey, I'm going to use this money to go on vacation" "Oh, there's 2,200$ from my tax return... Maybe I should put that towards a new Welder". That 1,100$ came from my checks in the last year and was basically a long term savings account for me. As for the relationship issue, the way that I explained it was that I prefer to purchase the best I can once than having to buy crap over and over again. Even though there's no need to defend my self against baseless attacks, the reasoning behind the 1.5 years is that the market in NJ is garbage right now for any jobs. You either work for no money, ie less than I'd make on unemployment, or pretty much every employer wants 10x the amount of experience that I currently have plus a college diploma. Both of those issues are my own issues of course.Sure, I could have taken a crap McJob and made minimum wage, not been able to afford my rent and bills. I chose to stay on unemployment in order to allow me to better my self while I am attending school. I've spent the last year taking classes at my local community college and for the last 7 months, I've been at a local trade school learning a new trade.As I said before, I'm not and never will be a 'welfare case'. I am using unemployment as a way to survive while attaining what I had put of for so many years.The world is amazing when you are slightly strange.
Reply:Did you miss my last sentence?  I'll quote it.Until you stop allowing someone else to pay your bills, the only reason you should invest in anything welding related is if it is required for a job you are trying to get, or you are trying to start making some money in the welding field.
Reply:Yes unemployment is there to help you while you find another job, but 1.5 years on unemployment is a long time any way you look at it. If you can't afford what you need with the work you can find, perhaps figure out how to need less. Going to school is great, but you can do that while you work full time job(s) too. And no your unemployment money is NOT just that tiny bit that was deducted from your paycheck over the years. If you do some quick math you'll see its not nearly enough to cover what you have likely already been paid in the last 1.5 years. Your employer pays into an unemployment fund, with rates based on claims over the last 5 years. Thats why employers will go after people who quit or were fired and are trying to collect, because it effects their rates. In some states and some situations the employer is allowed or required to deduct a portion of this from employee pay. The money you collect is out of a common fund, and if enough people stay on it for long enough, there won't be enough for everyone. Next I say getting $1100 from a tax refund is bad money management right off the bat. Thats like letting the feds borrow $1100 for a year with no interest. Ideally you should reduce your withholdings so you end up paying the fed a little at the end of the year. This way you can use your money to make more money. People who use the refund as a savings account are being lazy with their money or don't have enough self control to save on their own, either way you should take care of the underlying problem first. And I completely understand wanting to buy the best tools for the job, I tend to do the same, but there are plenty of quality welding hoods out there for less than $300. For a hobbyist or even most pros $300 for a helmet is a luxury, and it's not that its the best tool for the job, its just the fanciest.The last thing I'll say regarding your S.O., if she is really upset about this then you guys are not communicating. Do you guys live together/pretty serious? If so she is probably expecting all of your money to come into the 'family' and be used for 'family' expenses first. Thats not unreasonable, thats how it works in my relationship and most relationships from what I can tell. In reality your tax refund is no different than your normal paycheck, so it could be expected to be used in the same ways. If you feel differently, thats ok, but you should make this known before hand and have an agreement. If you guys are going to do the "your money, my money, and our money" thing, you've got to be really clear what goes where. Its only fair.BTW, what did she spend her tax refund on?Last edited by slagmatic; 01-31-2010 at 04:32 PM.