Hello from Green Bay

[tcbetka]

Tom here, from Green Bay Wisconsin. I am a hobbyist mainly, but have done a whole bunch of oxy-acetylene welding to aircraft components over the years. I haven't done much TIG or MIG welding however. I have signed up for an "advanced welding" course at a local technical college starting in January, and hope to get a bunch of experience in the different processes.

I am putting together a little hobby shop in the third stall of my garage, and would like to buy a small TIG unit to go with the gas torch set I'll have there. I am also considering one of the multi-process units like the PowerPro 205, so that I would also have a plasma cutter. However I'm aware that there are those who say it's maybe better to have separate units, so if one goes down...you don't lose everything. So I am still exploring different options. I plan to weld the standard stuff (mile steel, 4130, stainless and aluminum), but I actually may do a bit of work with the nickel alloys as well--stuff like some titanium and even inconel. I am a high-powered rocket hobbyist, and might like to try fabrication of some plans-built rocket nozzles. While that's down the road a bit, I would certainly like to buy something that would allow me to do stuff like that.

Anyway, just thought I would introduce myself now that my account is enabled. I welcome any advice or opinions as to the different options I should consider for a unit for a hobby shop, and would be especially interested to hear from anyone using an Everlast unit within a couple of hours of Green Bay--I'd love to take a look at one first-hand.

Thanks a lot to all who post here, and happy to meet you!

TB

[undercut]

Tom here, from Green Bay Wisconsin. I am a hobbyist mainly, but have done a whole bunch of oxy-acetylene welding to aircraft components over the years. I haven't done much TIG or MIG welding however. I have signed up for an "advanced welding" course at a local technical college starting in January, and hope to get a bunch of experience in the different processes.

I am putting together a little hobby shop in the third stall of my garage, and would like to buy a small TIG unit to go with the gas torch set I'll have there. I am also considering one of the multi-process units like the PowerPro 205, so that I would also have a plasma cutter. However I'm aware that there are those who say it's maybe better to have separate units, so if one goes down...you don't lose everything. So I am still exploring different options. I plan to weld the standard stuff (mile steel, 4130, stainless and aluminum), but I actually may do a bit of work with the nickel alloys as well--stuff like some titanium and even inconel. I am a high-powered rocket hobbyist, and might like to try fabrication of some plans-built rocket nozzles. While that's down the road a bit, I would certainly like to buy something that would allow me to do stuff like that.

Anyway, just thought I would introduce myself now that my account is enabled. I welcome any advice or opinions as to the different options I should consider for a unit for a hobby shop, and would be especially interested to hear from anyone using an Everlast unit within a couple of hours of Green Bay--I'd love to take a look at one first-hand.

Thanks a lot to all who post here, and happy to meet you!

TB

Hi Tom! I'm one that thinks along the lines of separate units. Looks like you have a bunch of things already in the wings in mind. Take some time and do some reading. Make sure you understand your needs well and then dig in. Plenty of good, helpful people here who can provide information. Once you know what materials and the maximum thickness you want to weld, I'm sure the right welder will become apparent.

Cheers and welcome!

[cbmkr]

Hello to Wisconsin, There is a lot of knowledge here on this forum and a lot of people willing to help, I also am new to Everlast with 40 some years of welding experience with all the old time equipment out there. The new inverter machines are nice compact and have a lot more features than the older transformer machines and run on a lot less amps , That makes it more useful to everyone out there as the dual voltage machines let you use 110 or 220 power which is readily available at the low amps required to operate these machines. I myself have the Powertig 185 dual voltage machine and also a Supercut 50p plasma which is a great machine also. Separate units i think are a must as i do not like to do the changeover from tig to plasma, i like to be able to cut things and then take them to the weld table to fit and tack up and cut some more.

[Winky]

Welcome to the forum Tom ... I think you'll find that this is an awesome place to be. Great people and lots of good tips.

[redbeard]

Greetings Tom, welcome to the forum.

I used to be enamored with multipurpose machines, but lately I tend to prefer separate units if possible. The Shopsmith woodworking machine I have had for many years has served me well and it was certainly easier to move than separate machines, but the switchover time is a factor, especially if you are a 'cut to fit' guy like I am. Unless you are really short of space or money, I would try to go with separate units.

[everlastsupport]

Don't forget, with a multi-purpose machine/tool, if something happens to it, you are out more than one tool at one time. Space, money and hobby aside, I personally like separate tools myself. And you will get a higher duty cycle as well.

[Winky]

Don't forget, with a multi-purpose machine/tool, if something happens to it, you are out more than one tool at one time. Space, money and hobby aside, I personally like separate tools myself. And you will get a higher duty cycle as well.

I'll second that ... although (knock on wood) I've pretty lucky so far and my old transformer stick machine seems to be indestructable.

[undercut]

... And you will get a higher duty cycle as well.

Multi-process machines definitely have their place, don't get me wrong but EverlastSupport does bring up a very good point that is often overlooked. Inside a shared enclosure, there are also shared components and when going from one process to another they will, in part, share their duty cycles.

Cheers!