Where are you getting your consumables?

[Klr49adv]

As the title states, specifically looking for stick and tig consumables as I just got a new itig 200. Laws, inline, craigslist, etc? Thanks.

[performance]

To get started, I'd get the from my local welding supply store.

[zoama]

I like http://www.weldingcity.com/ They have the best deal I've found on 2% lanthanated tungsten and torch parts.

[Rambozo]

All of the above.

www.river-weld.com and www.weldingcity.com for various TIG parts.
LWS for gas, filler, stick electrodes, gloves, etc. (stuff that isn't practical to ship or want to see in person)
Industrial hardware store for electrodes, MIG wire, tips, filler, flux, wire brushes, bits and pieces, elevator bolts.
HomeDepot last minute weekend/late night basic electrodes, MIG wire, tips, etc.
Autozone 24 hour MIG wire
www.weldmonger.com TIG fingers
ebay.com bits and bobs

[Klr49adv]

I do shop at my LWS, and will get my gloves and gas there as well as filler to get started. I just was not sure if filler metals are cheaper online compared to LWS. Next purchase would be a pedal for this machine.

[performance]

The money you'd save in the purchase would likely be eaten up by the shipping.

[youngnstudly]

The money you'd save in the purchase would likely be eaten up by the shipping.

There is a little truth to this...unless you're dealing with a company whose initials are A-I-R-G-A-S ! What I do is buy the minimum from the LWS so I can try the consumables, then I simply order online (from weldingcity.com, most of the time) the next time I need consumables and know exactly what I want. I buy in quantity when placing online orders so that I can justify the shipping costs, but most of the time, it's not that much. I've found that certain items (like any 309 filler) is unavailable at particular LWS, so I have to purchase it online.

Andy

[TheGary]

Airgas is a rip off. In the town near me there used to be 3 welding suppy companies but airgas bought them all out then raised prices to rediculous levels. I just refilled a 330 cu. ft 75/25 it cost me $115 and a 132 cu. ft. acetylene cost me over $90 from air gas. I see there is a new supplier in town now so I called them to see what there prices are, they were about 30% less than air gas. I am having them send me the application to open an account with them and when my leases are done I will stop dealing with Airgas all together.

[DaveO]

I predict that Airgas will suddenly decide they can operate for 30% less, as customers start defecting to the competitor. "But wait! We'll match their price!" In which case they should expect to hear "It means you've been overcharging me for the last X years I've been buying from you!"

[everlastsupport]

Post 4 gets my vote.