Help me - The criteria for choosing the best welder.

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Hello everyone! I am a newbie in the welding industry.I'm planning to write an article for my blog about how to choose a best welding machine for his work.I based on the following criteria:1. Demand. ex: for home, garage, heavy duty ...2. Primary power requirements: 115 or 230v 3. Welding output and duty cycle4. Portability, size and weight5. Type of brands.I'm wondered whether these things are correct or sufficient?This is criteria for MIG.And, If I want to choosing TIG, Stick, Oxy-Ace and Plasma cutter then, what are criteria?Look forward to your advice.Thank you very much.!Last edited by clackeen; 12-21-2014 at 04:25 AM.
Reply:First of all welcome.Second, I would suggest you wait a few years before writing that article.Writing a "how to" type of article when you do not have sufficient knowledge on a subject (as you stated you are new in the welding industry) is not a very responsible thing to do.
Reply:X2 on Welcome Abord and wait until you've had to make that purchase a few times.Keep notes on your trials and tribulations so that your writing will be much more authentic.Be wary of The Numbers: Figures don't lie,. but liars can figure.Welders:2008 Lincoln 140 GMAW&FCAW2012 HF 165 'toy' GTAW&SMAW1970's Cobbled together O/A
Reply:I also have a bit of knowledge, but it is surely not enough. Like I'm writing an article about the factors to consider when choosing a welding machine. Whether you opt for a new or old welding machine, then what are the criteria to consider?When I bought my first welding machine, I tired to find a similar article, but I was not achieved. And I thought: Why not synthesize the knowledge of those who have gone through it into a complete article. Those who come after will not have to go through the path I have come across.
Reply:Quality and reliability ... as well as repair parts and service availability when necessary."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:Originally Posted by OldendumQuality and reliability ... as well as repair parts and service availability when necessary.
Reply:Originally Posted by taz00First of all welcome.Second, I would suggest you wait a few years before writing that article.Writing a "how to" type of article when you do not have sufficient knowledge on a subject (as you stated you are new in the welding industry) is not a very responsible thing to do.
Reply:You forgot most people's primary consideration, Price $$$   this usually trumps everything elseTiger 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:to me, brand name is a big one. and trust me, im no materialist, but the big 2 or 3 are going to have the best chances at long term performance because they are well documented (manuals, common faults) and all the info is right here in the U.S.A., along with liners, guns, drive-rolls, etc.so to me, it needs to say Miller, Lincoln, or Hobart on it.after that, it will do exactly what it says it will do, so it is hard to make a poor choice.keep in mind, a small 120v unit will never perform like a 240/480 unit, not only in power output, but they often come with cheaper drive systems and guns, so are less upgradeable and more susceptible to feeding issues.bosses stuff:trailblazer 325maxstar 200my stuff:sa 200fronius transpocket 180100 amp Lincoln w/f97 f350 DITKevin
Reply:Price is always a deciding factor. We always want the best product at the best price.When confronted with the same good product, you will choose the lower price. These factors such as durability, warranty, efficiency, you only realize when you use the product.
Reply:There is no best welder. Every decent welder has a range of things it does well. You have to start with what you want to weld, where you want to weld it, what's available there(power, gas, electrodes etc.),what's your budget etc., etc..  Work backwards from there to find the machine most suitable.---Meltedmetal
Reply:Originally Posted by newburyWhy not?  It's done all the time.Amazon has a bunch of "How to" books on things like training dogs, survival, prepping all written by people without grammar skills or knowledge of their subject.  Apparently those books sell.I got them all for free and regret the time I wasted.
Reply:The best welder is like any other "best" tool.  It's the one that you can use.Last edited by dbstoo; 12-21-2014 at 04:41 PM.----------------------------Measure twice.  Weld once.  Grind to size.MIG:  Lincoln SP100 TIG/STICK:  AHP Alphatig 200X
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawYou forgot most people's primary consideration, Price $$$   this usually trumps everything else
Reply:You forgot the vintage hipster street cred criteria. This:Better than this: SqWave 200Millermatic 190Airco 200 ACHypertherm PM45Boice-Crane Band SawVictor O/A
Reply:Welder purchases are pretty simple really. Get the biggest machine your electrical service box will allow.12v battery, jumper cables, and a 6013.I only have a facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/VPT/244788508917829
Reply:"Welder purchases are pretty simple really. Get the biggest machine your electrical service box will allow." that tied to the biggest purchase your wallet will allow pretty much narrow it down to a handful of machinesno sense buying a 3 phase 480v welder when you only have a 120v outlet.
Reply:Originally Posted by taz00First of all welcome.Second, I would suggest you wait a few years before writing that article.Writing a "how to" type of article when you do not have sufficient knowledge on a subject (as you stated you are new in the welding industry) is not a very responsible thing to do.