Which is cheaper?

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I am having one hell of a time trying to figure out if it is cheaper to buy factory direct, or go to one of the welding supply shops for a new welder.  I just broke the electrode clamp on my Chicago electric 70 amp welder.  I am furious and really don't want anything else from chicago electric.  I am sick of their low quality. (sorry, just my opinion.)  I really need to find the information on this as my business is basically at a standstill, now.  Thanks.
Reply:Change the electrode holder, they are cheaper than a whole machine.But, finding deals on new gear is up to the buyer. We can suggest you buy American all day long, but unless you want to spend $600.oo + on a good Lincoln AC/DC  stick welder, why...Last edited by tanglediver; 02-26-2014 at 09:38 PM.City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:Because I have been all over the website and cant find out how to get ahold of the replacement parts.  I have no problem doing that, as I am used to repairing my own equipment (I am a blacksmith, so it comes with the job).  What bugs me the most is that the electrode clamp broke when it fell just 3 feet to the floor.  every thing on the machine was fine when I bought it (i did buy it second hand, but is was basically brand new, still had the packaging ties on the leads).  I am just tired of buying cheap and getting bit in the butt by it, that is all.
Reply:Buy a new Tweco electrode holder, then buy a machine worth using it on Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:If you are talking about a Harbor Freight machine, parts are available by calling the main office in Camarillo, CA. The number is on the manual. If you have the parts list from the back of the manual, you can order on the phone. That said, I would always buy American. That means, generally, Lincoln, Miller, Hobart and some other brands I don't know.Miller Millermatic 252Miller Syncrowave 200Liincoln AC-DC 225Victor O-A Set
Reply:Originally Posted by SquirmyPugBuy a new Tweco electrode holder, then buy a machine worth using it on
Reply:I would buy a new machine if you have a large enough budget if not an electrode holder is like 15 bucks at Lowes. If you want a new machine I suggest a 220 volt machine preferably but if you don't have 220 volt power then I would get a machine like the Invertec 155 or Miller Maxstar 150.Lincoln pro core 125 14''chop saw7 inch grinder,2-4.5 inch grinders,electric die grinder.Half inch drillAnd alot of hand tools
Reply:Originally Posted by gnm109If you are talking about a Harbor Freight machine, parts are available by calling the main office in Camarillo, CA. The number is on the manual. If you have the parts list from the back of the manual, you can order on the phone. That said, I would always buy American. That means, generally, Lincoln, Miller, Hobart and some other brands I don't know.
Reply:Originally Posted by heavensmisfit3I am having one hell of a time trying to figure out if it is cheaper to buy factory direct, or go to one of the welding supply shops for a new welder.  I just broke the electrode clamp on my Chicago electric 70 amp welder.  I am furious and really don't want anything else from chicago electric.  I am sick of their low quality. (sorry, just my opinion.)  I really need to find the information on this as my business is basically at a standstill, now.  Thanks.
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749Take a look at the Tweco (formerly Thermal Arc) Fabricator series of machines. Another member & I use several of them on the three dairies we work on.I see you were the guy that asked about the feeder Manokai has for sale. You need a power source to run it, it's not a self contained welding machine You can get in the Tweco Fabricator 181i for around $800. You get DC MIG! TIG & stick in one machine. Great buy for the money. It is 230 VAC only tho. The Fabricator 211i is dual voltage however, the 141i is 115 VAC only.IMHO of coursehttp://www.weldersupply.com/P/538/Th...Fabricator181i
Reply:I purchased two machines from local suppliers, MILLER CST 280 and the 211. There wasn't much difference in price from online and local. It was a few bucks more but I got a deal on exchanging a tank from them. I would go local especially if you use any welding cylinders. Cheaper is not better in buying a machine. Check with local suppliers and go for a package deal.  As far as a stick welder, like stated the Miller 150 is nice. If you got MORE to INVEST , go to the MILLER Maxstar 200 STR. The 200 is also multi volt115/230 both single and three phase. It depends how much machine you need ,material thickness, and duty cycle.   Here's one of my local suppliers site if you want to check prices. http://www.weldersupply.com/
Reply:Take that Harbor Freight POS out to the back 40 and shoot it. Buy a real machine.
Reply:Dude....You don't run a business or put food on the table with stuff from Harbor-Freight... (Maybe a hammer or pry-bar is the exception).There is really nothing cheap about Harbor Freight if it stops your business.Last edited by Billdacat; 02-27-2014 at 07:56 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by BilldacatDude....You don't run a business or put food on the table with stuff from Harbor-Freight... (Maybe a hammer or pry-bar is the exception).There is really nothing cheap about Harbor Freight if it stops your business.
Reply:I had a diaphragm crap out on my O2 yesterday. Called my guy. He got up an hour early to get it on the 5:30 bus. It'll be in about 9-ish.Cutskill D250 $90 delivered.Didn't much give a damn about the price. Prolly coulda saved $10-$15 and...........waited..........Electric being serviced today. Power outage from 9 to 1 pm.Little job to finish. No problem. R45 today.One more reason to use acet. on my set.Service over price ? Any day ( within reason)Last edited by Burpee; 02-27-2014 at 08:32 AM.Bubble gumTooth pixDuct tapeBlack glueGBMF hammerScrew gun --bad battery (see above)
Reply:Don't take this wrong but ... your business is at a "standstill" because the stinger clamp on your 70A China Freight welder broke? What type of business? Shipbuilding, I assume?
Reply:Originally Posted by KelvinDon't take this wrong but ... your business is at a "standstill" because the stinger clamp on your 70A China Freight welder broke? What type of business? Shipbuilding, I assume?
Reply:Originally Posted by KelvinDon't take this wrong but ... your business is at a "standstill" because the stinger clamp on your 70A China Freight welder broke? What type of business? Shipbuilding, I assume?
Reply:HF stuff is generally garage stuff, not business quality (a few exceptions) put your money into a good machine for business purposes. I have about 8 various miller machines and they're VERY dependable. I have 2 red machines too, also very dependable. (I'm an equal opportunity user).  To answer your question, paying more for something that doesn't break is ultimately cheaper.
Reply:Originally Posted by heavensmisfit3I am having one hell of a time trying to figure out if it is cheaper to buy factory direct, or go to one of the welding supply shops for a new welder.  I just broke the electrode clamp on my Chicago electric 70 amp welder.  I am furious and really don't want anything else from chicago electric.  I am sick of their low quality. (sorry, just my opinion.)  I really need to find the information on this as my business is basically at a standstill, now.  Thanks.
Reply:If you've been getting by with the HF 70 you might be fine with a Thermal Arc 95.  It's a small stick welder with a little more power than the HF and a lot more quality.
Reply:At the risk of sounding like a Wise A**, I want to point out "It takes money to make money".  When you consider what you income you lost by looking for and waiting for the cheapest price, your low priced holder was not cheap,  That lost production cost you dearly.My dad would have told you not to be "Penny Wise and Pound Foolish"I offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor
Reply:Originally Posted by nadogailAt the risk of sounding like a Wise A**, I want to point out "It takes money to make money".  When you consider what you income you lost by looking for and waiting for the cheapest price, your low priced holder was not cheap,  That lost production cost you dearly.My dad would have told you not to be "Penny Wise and Pound Foolish"
Reply:I got my Miller 211 at a local supplier cheaper than I found on line.  Glad I made a few phone calls before I ordered on line.  A local supplier will also be able to help you network with others and this can be very helpfull and valuable in the future.