NEWBIE - RECOMMENDATIONS

[k0ua]

I voiced my opinion, as you did, and do very often.
I've never used an Everlast or Longevity machine and most probably never will. I've never had access to one, and have absolutely no intention of buying one to try. My money is hard earned, and I cannot risk it on equipment without a track record, and on a company with a reputation of poor service to it's customers. I count quite a few welders as friends, and I value the opinions of professional tradesmen. To a man, they recommend against the Chinese machines. My trade is not as a welder, and I don't claim to be one, but I've been welding since 1968, and been in close proximity to guys that really know what they're doing my entire career (which is now over, BTW). I've also had access to high quality equipment over that time.
Now, when I buy something.. anything, I do my homework. I research everything. On the web, and elsewwhere. There is a lot of information about the Chinese welders. Welding Web cannot be counted. The Everlast and Longevity forums there are owned by the respective companies, and all negative comments are removed promptly. But, the web is replete with unhappy customers and negative experiences. This is not heresay, I've seen it. If these two companies were more open and forthright with prospective customers, they might earn a bit more respect. But, they crow about how they design the machines, machines built to their specs, so on and so forth, when in reality, they are just importers of the machine. this is why Everlast USA and Everlast Canada are entirely different entities. I cannot, in good faith, buy from, or indeed recommend, a company that hides behind an image that is total fabrication. I don't appreciate deceptive business practices.
I don't care what anyone buys, and as I said, I'm sure the machines weld, for an indeterminate amount of time. To build a machine to weld two metals together is not cutting edge technology. So, whoever wants a ChiCom machine, have at it, and I sincerely wish you good luck with it. No one need pay any attention to a recommendation from me, but my money will never go into one..

I stated my opinion, and made a recommendation. Nothing more, nothing less...

Ok. thanks

James K0UA

 

[yomax4]

I can't help but wonder why so many people think Mig Welding is for thin sheet metal applications.?? I was in a plant today and they were building Trac-Hoe Buckets out of 3/4" plate. Welding it up with 71T1 1/16" Dual Shield Mig Wire. I see this nearly everywhere I go. Military Vehicles, Cement Trucks, Barges, Deere, Cat, Gehl, Bobcat etc. No stick welding being done at all and lots of 1/2" + plate. Thin stuff too.

 

[Shield Arc]

I can't help but wonder why so many people think Mig Welding is for thin sheet metal applications.??

I worked for three years in a tank shop, every three months we had to re-certify in every process we had papers in. One of the Mig tests I had to take was 1-inch side bend V-butt plate tests in horizontal, vertical up, and over head with 1/16-inch ER70S- wire. In the three years I was there I failed one test, vertical up, ran it too cold. It sure looked pretty, but the coupons had small flaws. Even tho they were small, still out of code.

 

[bullopa]

Hi, I bought a Lincoln 175 mig welder about a year and a half ago. Finally got the nerve to use it this weekend when the brush hog couldn't go another step without some work. It seemed pretty easy to pickup. My fourteen year old son wanted to try it too and he was better than me. I thnik I'm ging to take these guys' advice and find a class.

 

[Jesse masterson]

Stick welders are great, but there also they are also the most difficult besides tig, if I was going to buy 1 welder and had no experience In welding I'd buy a mig with argon co2 mix. You cam make nice welds with Lil practice. but if you was willing to take a course I would start with stick.

 

[swick1]

Don't forget stick is harder because you have to learn which variables control the bead such as arc length, amount of heat to keep it from sticking and spraying angle. I also think it's easier to see what the puddle is doing.

It builds character

 

[undercut]

Don't forget stick is harder because you have to learn which variables control the bead such as arc length, amount of heat to keep it from sticking and spraying angle. I also think it's easier to see what the puddle is doing.

It builds character

Kinda along the lines of "If it doesn't kill you it makes you stronger??!"

 

[swick1]

Yep, so don't build a hot air balloon basket for your first project.

Seriously though, sticking metal together by melting it isn't rocket surgery! If you don't believe me just look at all the stuff the offroad fab guys get away with. Look up " tack-tack-tack" for a hilarious example of a technique no engineer would specify but the fab guys love!

You should be able to run a decent bead after about 3hrs in the flat position. After 6 hrs you should also be able to make a good fillet joint with one part flat and the other vertical. If you can learn vertical up you will be able to do just about any farm repair. I'm still working on my vertical up technique because it's not very good. You will spend the rest of your life perfecting your art. That's what the hard part is. The more you do it the more reliable your welds will become because you develop an eye for what is happening.