Consumables - brand loyalty?

admin

To what extent (if any) do you have any loyalty to particular brands of consumables (electrodes etc)? If you have, is it for a reason or just preference?I've tended to stick with certain manufacturers' stuff, mainly because I can get it to do what I want. Are other people the same or are some of you in the fortunate position of being able to pick up anything and make it work?In my "real life" we find that items manufactured to identical specs. by different companies behave totally differently - is it the same here?
Reply:I am more driven whats available than brand.   I have used mostly Lincoln and Hobart mig wire.  Mig gun parts I have used hobart,weld-it and LWS no name tips.I agree there is some variation. Not all .023 tips are the same size.
Reply:http://www.finn-tips.com/welding-supplies.htmMany self proclaimed ORIGINAL manufacturers contract out a large percentage of their consumable manufacturing needs and just charge a higher price for their logo and packaging.  Some even go as far to make statements that the warranty is not valid if their Original brand consumables are not used.The WISE purchaser knows that these statements are false and misleading and are contravening to the MAGNUSON MOSS act in the USA and against the COMPETITION ACT in Canada.Bob WrightSalem, Ohio  Birthplace of the Silver & Deming Drillhttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/southbend10k/http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sawking/1999 Miller MM185 w/ Miller 185 Spoolmate spoolgun
Reply:I don't do much welding when I am not at work (mostly because my husband has the garage full of "stuff").  At all of the places that I have worked for, they either use old Hobart or Miller welders and Hobart, Trimark, McKay, or Corex wires (all made by Hobart).  If I were to do welding outside of work, I would most likely choose a Hobart or Miller product because I know how they perform, and I know how to make the products perform to my expectations.BTW, This is not a sales pitch for Hobart...it is just my opinion
Reply:As far as stick wire goes, I stick to Hobart/McKay, and Lincoln. MIG tips I usually buy Tweco, Miller or Lincoln. Torch tips I like the OEM stuff. After market stuff is OK in a pinch, but pay a little extra for the good stuff. Down time due to a few bucks is not worth it.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:I have one alliance, on one special item.  My last company ran 30 automated pulsed MIG weld stations, each one with a 1000 lbs spool of 0.045" E70-3 wire.  For the first 6 months or so we had a heck of time with bad welds due to variations in wire cast and helix, and bad spices in the wire.  Lincoln electric worked with us and bent over to recall spools and fix their processing.Can't say that Lincoln's common 30 lb spools are any better than others, but I would give them a try, and definitely go Lincoln on the large wire packages.