Welding Tips and Tricks

So I'd like to know what you guys think of "ye olde" welding machines. Are they worth anything?

Of course I have a reason to ask . I was offered an old analog ac/dc, 200 amp, inverter from '95. Good German quality. But with a minimum of features. Stick/tig, 2t/4t, slope down, gas after-flow, and AC balance (0-100%). Are machines like that worth our time and money now a days?

The issue is, that for tig, I like digital read-out, so I can set my amps just right. When welding aluminum, I like to play around with the frequency. On the other hand I like the idea of not depending on digital luxury features.

Mick,

If the price is right...

There's nothing wrong with the older technology. I, too, love all the features available to us these days, but with new features, you buy new failure modes.

Some of the best aluminum welds pictured on this forum were done with an old Miller Aerocrafter; Search TamJeff's posts.

I've only rarely truly "needed" pulse features in my career, and I can perform upslope, downslope, and basic pulse with either a pedal or thumb-remote. TamJeff uses neither. He has a simple on/off paddle switch on his torch.

Don't assume the technology is required to achieve the result. The technology is sweet to have, but it can become a crutch, where you can't do the work without it.

Steve S

As long as the price is good and it isn't beat to crap and run into the ground, it would be a good choice. Most of the new machines and their features are not needed for your normal everyday fab type work