who makes the #1 welding machines/ equipment

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I'm all for millerI'm a welder, I get deep penetration in all positions


Reply:Never met a Miller I didn't like.My Babies:MillerMatic 185Thermal Arc 300SHobart StickMate AC/DC 235/160Dalex Werke Spot WelderOh and the wife and kids are important too!
Reply:Millers are good machines, Hobarts are good machines, Never heard of Esab?, but...Lincolns are the BEST!!

Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will we realize we cannot eat money.                                         -Cree Indian ProverbSA 200 LincolnVictor Torches
Reply:

Originally Posted by gizzardgutz

Millers are good machines, Hobarts are good machines, Never heard of Esab?, but...Lincolns are the BEST!!


Reply:never heard of esab? they make a lot a torches and weldersI'm a welder, I get deep penetration in all positions


Reply:I use Victor torches and Lincoln welders, I've used Millers and Hobarts, never heard of Esab.Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will we realize we cannot eat money.                                         -Cree Indian ProverbSA 200 LincolnVictor Torches
Reply:I'd have to think it would depend on the type of welding being done....they all make good machines,some are just application specific better in some areas or types of machines.This is like what do you like better Redheads,Brunettes, or Blonds.... Just depends on the unit,it's overall condition,how it functions, and how it strikes me at the time.


Reply:I like blue, but red is nice too, and so is grey, purple, green and yellow.  

The legend, for those who don't know the colors...blue = Millerred = Lincoln (and HTP)grey = Hobart and Hyperthermgreen = Linde and MKyellow = ESABpurple = ThermalArc/Thermadyne...and the Chinese ones... I don't give a rat's a$$ what color they are, you won't see any in my shop!MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Hey thats right its american or nothing when it comes to welding productsI'm a welder, I get deep penetration in all positions


Reply:In my opinion:Lincoln for stickMiller for MIGas far as TIG it's a toss up between manybut really it's like mudbug said,

Originally Posted by mudbugone

This is like what do you like better Redheads,Brunettes, or Blonds.... Just depends on the unit,it's overall condition,how it functions, and how it strikes me at the time.


Reply:what about the american or chinese issue?I'm a welder, I get deep penetration in all positions


Reply:

Originally Posted by ArcBurn007

what about the american or chinese issue?
Reply:I'm kinda partial to the 130A Harbor Freight machines for tig.Course for plasma cutting it would have to be one of the Chinese machines, either Notlongivity or Neverlast.



Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:I call it a tie, since customer service wasn't part of the question.
Reply:ESAB is the number three welding machine company in the US for those of you living under rocks.   Any one ever watch monster garage?  Jesse James is the spokesman for ESAB. Another name you might have heard of is Prestolite, or Purox is their torch line.But for those of you that need a visual image:Guess which voted for ESAB?

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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:Wasn't ESAB part of Linde about 20 or so years ago?I have an old set of Purox oxy/acet regs here, I think they're from the 70's.  I have part of a Purox torch somewhere too.  As far as I know, Purox and Prestolite didn't make arc welders.  Other companies did though, like Airco, from the 80's and earlier.  I think some of their machines were re-branded Millers.Last edited by DesertRider33; 03-22-2009 at 07:09 PM.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Hey Lugweld,What's the hammer for?You need that to get that ugly yellow box running?

Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:DesertRider,I "think" the way it went was Linde was bought out by L-Tec years ago.  L-Tec was then bought by ESAB.  Linde developed the original Heli-Arc process and are the only manufacturer that can use that term.  Since ESAB bought the rights, they are the only company that can now use the term.I remember using an old Linde Heli-Arc welder back in the mid '60's for building fuel cells for our race boats.  Unit was owned by Hercules Powder Company and one of their engineers crewed on our team.  Tig welders were about out of reach of the smaller guys back in those days.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:

Originally Posted by SundownIII

Hey Lugweld,What's the hammer for?You need that to get that ugly yellow box running?


Reply:L-Tec, I had forgotten about them.  Thanks for that history lesson, Sundown!   Yeah, I remember when nobody called it tig, it was heli-arc, and the machines were massive beasts (like my old Dialarc).Lugweld, I wasn't gettin on ya bro.  I have a nice older Smith torch here too.   They sure are pretty.  

Last edited by DesertRider33; 03-22-2009 at 08:00 PM.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:The Chrome/nickel plating is nice, unless you over heat it.In fact the L-tech/linde machines are still in the ESAB line up today, with a few changes. But they are easily recognizable.  Recently a dealer friend of mine asked me if I knew where he could get a new MIG.  He said his old one was worn out.  I asked him if he wanted one just like it.  He said yes but Ltech was out of business.   I said go buy an ESAB. Your old machine is identical to mine.  I think his was about 25 years old, severely abused and exposed to the weather all its life.Last edited by lugweld; 03-22-2009 at 08:09 PM.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 am going to say miller.  Just look at the list of my babys.Lincoln 300 Vantage 2008300 Commander 1999SA250 1999SA200 1968Miller Syncrowave 200XMT350MPA/S-52E/xr-15Xtreme 12vs Millermatic 251 w/30A  Millermatic 251 Dialarc 250 Hypertherm 1250 GEKA & Bantom Ironwokers
Reply:Fronius. Miller and Lincoln are way behind them in technology. I.E Last edited by Go1lum; 03-22-2009 at 11:19 PM.

--Gol'
Reply:

Originally Posted by gjgarre

Never met a Miller I didn't like.
Reply:I've come across Lincolns that couldn't do what the comparable Miller could, but never vice versa.  Miller all the way for me. Fronious DOES make outstanding equipment though.  And the old Linde gravity feed subarc machine I used to run ran like butter, and was responsible for some of the nicest beads I ever put down!Need a good welder....................  BUY A DODGE



Battery tried to weld itself to fender when it slipped of it's tray




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"Any day above ground is a good day"

http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:i use lincoln engine drives; classic 2, sa200, sa 250 and currently on the truck a 300d, although the classic 2 is a dud. in the shop i use a miller shopmaster 300 w/ a 251d hi freq box and  a s 22a feeder."You can't bull$hit a bull$hitter"


Reply:Samm, I see you now have the universal fitall threadless batt hold down clamp . They work great, don't they. As long as you keep an eye out for the rubber cracking.  Oh, and I also have two blue ones, 175 mig and thunderbolt AC/DC.                       MikeLast edited by mla2ofus; 03-23-2009 at 11:25 PM.Ol' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:I've got a "red" and a "purple" and a "blue".  I learned to weld with a "red" way back when they were "grey" (big 480V Lincoln Idealarc).  I like them all for what I use them for.  Red= MIG, Purple=TIG, Blue=Cut.  At least in my garage.  I still kinda miss that old Lincoln though....Butch W.Butch W.Lincoln 180C MIGThermalArc TA 185 - WP-20 TorchMiller 375 X-treme Plasma CutterVictor Journeyman O/A Set
Reply:Well at least the brands are american, doesn't mean their made there though

Red for me when it comes to inverters, tried a heap of blue ones out and still haven't found one I like.  You've got to be a tech to change thing's around where as with red it's simple.   Engine driven then either red or blue, BUT you'll struggle to find anything blue on the pipelines in Aussie....I'd rather be hunting........USE ENOUGH HEAT.......Drifting around Aussie welding more pipe up, for something different.....wanting to get home.
Reply:Miller for me !  I just sold my Econotig after 13 years of flawless performance ( was one of the first ones out I think). I got within $90 of what I paid for it, so that's pretty good value in my book. Now using a Syncrowave 300 with pulser option, and I have a Big 40 for portable machine. Victor is my choice for O/A.Not a beginner, not a pro !


Reply:Fronius is the leader in Technology with their Cold Metal Transfer systems and Laser Hybrid only there is a cost factor!.As far as value for money and sturdiness i would prefer Lincoln.
Reply:

Originally Posted by 7A749

Those old Linde machines are quite the thing. The were the first in a lot of fields, including MIG machines, I was told anyways. VERY innovative for their day & way ahead of their time. Chemetron was the first company to introduce a true solid state TIG machine in the '60's, the AC/DC 300 HF. It was the first non analog TIG machine made. Michigan Arc Products has one in their showroom in Troy, MI. Brand new, old stock with the covers taken off so you can see inside. Pretty cool.
Reply:I may be wrong, but i think i read somewhere that Kemppi were one of the first to introduce inverter welders.Yup, read it hear.http://www.kemppi.com/inet/kemppi/en...&topcat=KemppiIt was some time in the 70's.And were also the first to change from analogue to digital controlled welders.Last edited by LarryO; 03-02-2010 at 01:58 AM.
Reply:

Originally Posted by lugweld

ESAB is the number three welding machine company in the US for those of you living under rocks.   Any one ever watch monster garage?  Jesse James is the spokesman for ESAB. Another name you might have heard of is Prestolite, or Purox is their torch line.But for those of you that need a visual image:Guess which voted for ESAB?
Reply:Before you yankies go waving the banner too much don't forget that ESAB is swedish and Linde is german.
Reply:Just saw another lincoln TIG machine go on the fritz today, further reinforces my opinion that they should just stay with stick machines.Give me blue machine and ill be happy as can be.  Anyone else notice the colors of the bars representing miller and lincoln in the poll?Have we all gone mad?
Reply:Can’t go wrong with Lincoln, victor, and tweco.
Reply:Don't know if things have changed in the last 11 years but it doesn't matter if you have the best machine in the world. All that matters is if the finished product is done right. A good weldor might do a a better job with a cheaper machine than a mediocre weldor could do with a top of the line machine. I just want a machine that works when I need it. I have a Red Face SA200 because the price was right. It's 1 machine that doesn't have a similar offering in Blue.
Reply:From what I'm seeing and hearing, Miller has a serious problem with the longevity of their mother boards in inverter welders.  Replacement boards are wicked expensive and tradesmen are fed up.  i can see Miller losing a serious amount of market share if they don't get this solved.  Warranty is all well and good, but if you are in a remote location or in the middle of a project it isn't much comfort.
Reply:

Originally Posted by bakodiver

From what I'm seeing and hearing, Miller has a serious problem with the longevity of their mother boards in inverter welders.  Replacement boards are wicked expensive and tradesmen are fed up.  i can see Miller losing a serious amount of market share if they don't get this solved.  Warranty is all well and good, but if you are in a remote location or in the middle of a project it isn't much comfort.
Reply:You're making my $300 Forney look better all the time...250 amp Miller DialArc AC/DC StickF-225 amp Forney AC Stick230 amp Sears AC StickLincoln 180C MIGVictor Medalist 350 O/ACut 50 PlasmaLes
Reply:Hobart, Lincoln and  MillerAll make good welders.Dave
Reply:As Dave says, a good fabricator can do better with a cheap machine, than a mediocre fabricator can do with the best machines.I'm mediocre, so need good machines

I have a lot of time for Miller, their Dynasty machines were probably "the best in the world" at one time. Their MIG machines have always been great.European market Miller and Lincoln machines though... never have been great, and are even worse now. Kemppi and Esab make some great stuff, but also some absolute dogs.So it comes down to my personal 3 "best in the world" as of the 20's... Lorch, Fronius and EWM. European design and manufacture, industrial quality, and modern innovations. Once you use a smart torch, you wonder how you'd do without them, and all 3 make awesome stick welders.Murphy's Golden Rule: Whoever has the gold, makes the rules.
Reply:

Originally Posted by Munkul

As Dave says, a good fabricator can do better with a cheap machine, than a mediocre fabricator can do with the best machines.I'm mediocre, so need good machines

I have a lot of time for Miller, their Dynasty machines were probably "the best in the world" at one time. Their MIG machines have always been great.European market Miller and Lincoln machines though... never have been great, and are even worse now. Kemppi and Esab make some great stuff, but also some absolute dogs.So it comes down to my personal 3 "best in the world" as of the 20's... Lorch, Fronius and EWM. European design and manufacture, industrial quality, and modern innovations. Once you use a smart torch, you wonder how you'd do without them, and all 3 make awesome stick welders.
Reply:Now that's a nice spray arc Mig weld!
Reply:

Originally Posted by Welder Dave

Now that's a nice spray arc Mig weld!
Reply:I think a lot of the smaller machines are over rated. I don't think anybody would complain about your 1st weld in post 45. You can sure notice the difference in spatter levels using globular transfer. In the last pic. it looks like there's a line down the middle of the last bead (like you might get with Dual-Shield) and maybe it's the silicon deposits, but appears the bottom of the bead looks convex and not as flat as the top half. Maybe just a reaction because the piece is so hot from all the passes one after the other?
Reply:In my experience, Miller does manufacture superior welding equipment, however, personally I am a big big fan of LJ Welding's welding solutions. Their focus is set on automated solutions, and they've made some sick collaborations with Fronious, Miller, Panasonic and Praxair. LJ are located in Canada if anyone are looking for some amazing, custom-fit welding solutions there! (https://www.ljwelding.com/)
Reply:I applied at LJ several years ago. They are 10 minutes from my house and have been expanding at record pace. Nice group of guys and smart engineers. I think if I would have pursued it a little more I would have been hired. I got a tour of their shop and talked with a few of the guys. They seemed to be a high production shop and expected you to work overtime and weekends when required. I wasn't sure if that's what I really wanted at the time. I'd been looking into the welding supply end of things for awhile. Welding takes a toll on the body when you've been doing it for quite a few years.LJ made a portable automated circle cutter (circle radiagraph) that is commonly used to cut holes for nozzles in vessels but I don't think still offer it. Maybe special order??One person could pick it up and set it up.Last edited by Welder Dave; 4 Weeks Ago at 01:55 PM.