Arc Welding 101: Finding the 'best buy'

Q: I’m looking for a Consumer Reports-type study on gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) machines. As a small-business owner, I would like to know what would be the best buy. Have you done any reports on welding machines in terms of best makes and models?

A: To answer your question, no, I have not done any such reports. Of course, just like all welding professionals, I have an opinion.

I’ve purchased and operated units from Miller, Lincoln, ESAB, and others by the hundreds. Each time the purchase was based on the application. Each comparable machine will have slight differences. It’s those differences that allow me to pinpoint my decision.

Whether you are buying 200 gas metal arc welding (GMAW) machines to supply a fab shop or one GTAW machine to help you with your weekend racing hobby, you’ll need to do your homework. Keep it simple. Don’t buy a model with all the bells and whistles when a standard model will do. Once you start narrowing your options, contact the customer support lines, ask questions, and make sure you get clear, understandable responses. The same guys who supported me when I was trying to install a 600-amp power supply on a robot should be there for you when you can’t get your lift-start GTAW control to work.