Welding Equipment

Has anyone found quality welding helmets and gloves offered anywhere for a reasonable price?

When ITW bought Powcon, then Miller, then Hobart, they made these decisions. They discontinued the Powcon line after gleaning the useful technology that could applied to current product lines. They also decided to use Hobart as the low end brand name. You will find less costly components in the Hobart when comparing it to the Miller.

Also, read the rating carefully. Not just on these machines but everyones machine. The small Hobart rated at 130 amps in the literature is actually only a 90 amp machine and sells at around $450.00. The machine with the actual 130 amp output is in the $800.00 range.

There are desired features to look for. The infinite amp setting is always desirable over the taps when it comes to optimum low amp capability. Gun quality, built in remote contactors and gas soleniods, thermal overload protection, plastic parts vs. metal, repair part availability, repair center location, and so on.
HTH,
Steve

Ben in KY

The Lincoln and Miller are both good and now that Miller owns Hobart maybe the quality of "arc" will come upto Miller standards. I would not expect any of the 115v machines to weld much beyond 1/8" in a single pass and 3/16" steel under the best of conditions. They over rate the smaller machines. If your going to weld more than lite gauge SM then I would look at the 230v machines for more bang for the buck.

Huntsman builds the finest welding hoods with the Huntsman 411P being the best. There made from a light weight fiber and this keeps the hood cool while welding and easy on the neck. Read my posts about using all "glass" lens vs plastic lens.

Do a search on welding here as there's been alot of good info posted in the past. If that doesn't answer your questions post back.

T_Bone