Anything welding

Hell yeah, thanks man! I didn't know they had upper tier machines, I've only ever seen their Chicago shit.

 

For a hobbyist on a budget, you really can't beat in IMO. They've really made a name for themselves and any warranty issues are easy to take care of because they just give you a whole new welder on the spot. The 2 year extended warranty is worth it because if you really wanted to, at the end of that 2 years just walk in and swap it out for a new one.

 

At the 255 price point, I would look at the 220 as well. Has 120V capabilities and AC/DC TIG as well.

 

The 255 is a lot of welder. Really can't do much better.

I would love to have one, but am very happy with my 250 with spool gun.

I don't do TIG, so I'm happy.

 

He mentioned primarily wanted to do MIG welding and the push-pull capability of the 255 sets it apart as the better MIG welder. The AC for Aluminum TIG certainly sets the 220 apart as better for TIG.

My theory, you ask?

Miller didn’t combine the two so you’d have to buy both… haha

 

I sometimes wish I had the push pull stinger for my aluminum boat building, but I just can't find the payoff point. I think I'd have to build 13 boats before the price made it worth it. The spool gun does a nice enough job.

I could never imagine Tig welding together a boat.

Im not really a fan of multi purpose machines yet. I still think dedicated machines is going to get you a better experience.

 

Angle grinder Ergonomics:


I’m looking to add a couple angle grinders to the mix. I had two Milwaukee grinders and a helper just cut through the cord of one haha. That’s his now, he’s going to fix it.

The reason I want a new grinder (or two) isn’t that I’m unhappy with the performance of my current grinder, but the ergos are hard on my hands after long days.

Long story short I have a really jacked up head/neck/spine from serious old injuries and gripping all day hurts my hands (well, they hurt within 30 seconds, but we power through what we can haha).

There’s a ton of reviews of grinders. Not a lot specifically about ergonomics.

Anyone have a grinder they like that is lightweight and has a narrow grip?

Corded are fine, I have a lot of Makita batteries but prefer the power/cost of a corded grinder.

I’m a buy once cry once, get the right tool for the job let the cost even out over time type.


Could use one heavy duty do it all machine and one cheap simple light one to zip things with a wire wheel or quick sanding here and there.


Any good ergonomic stuff y’all know of for a cripple with jacked up hands? Thanks for any leads!



Considering this (SJS II):
https://www.makitatools.com/products/details/GA4542C

 

Although I’ve only used dewalt corded and cordless ones, I will say using one with a side switch help keep my hands from going numb. It’s still to big to comfortably grip though so will be following to hopefully find a slimer one.

I thing I did do was stopped throwing away the side handle for your second hand and now sometimes use that if I can clamp the piece and use both hands on the grinder.

 

Welding gloves for grinding.

With that said, I hate welding gloves for welding.


The extra padding really helps with reducing the transfer of vibration to to your hands.

I still end up with numb hands after long grinding sessions, but the welding gloves help.

 

While I agree they help with vibration, it actually makes my arm go numb faster and strains my arm more because they’re so thick. I end up with a glove on the left hand to hold the piece and nothing on the hand with the grinder.

 

last picture looks like a giant wiener lol

 

Not liking the wiener, liking the welds, just to be clear...

 

Yup, I only get the slide style switch. Our shop has an old 9” with a big heavy lever and it kills my hands the rare time I need to use it.

I just order a couple of cheap little Makita grinders (one for me, one for the brother in law, I’ll decide which is which after I open the boxes)


This is what we currently have/had:

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Metalworking/Grinders/6130-33

Nice and small and lightweight. We got them for dirt cheap.


Just ordered these two to compare:

Makita GA4530X 4-1/2" Angle Grinder with Grinding Wheels , Blue

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003JMZFPG?ie=UTF8

$75 Makita 9557NB 4-1/2" Angle Grinder, with AC/DC Switch, Teal

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009OR8X4?ie=UTF8

Just a hair larger/heavier, not by much. Switches on the sides rather than the top. I really like the ambi-switch on the Milwaukee for those weird angles.


I'll report back which ones I find most comfortable. 6.5, 7, and 7.5 amp differences if any, etc. if anyone is interested.

 

The goal is to have one for grinding, one for sanding, one for wire brush, and never have to swap several times per job again!

 

What gloves are y'all using that are so thick? I just get these cheap ones at the local A-OX and burn through them as needed. Pretty thin but protective enough.

 

FWIW, I had the 7.5 amp makita previously (lent out and it never returned) and have since replaced with each of the HF Hercules 7.5 and 11 amp grinders (cutting and sanding respectively). They are remarkably good knock offs of the Makita grinders. The 11am version has a slightly shorter but larger diameter body and incorporates a paddle switch that flips easy without causing long term fatigue. The 7.5 amp grinder has a narrower body and is about an inch longer. It also has a the side lockout switch and I prefer that for cutting especially in tight areas where I might not be able to hold the grinder with a traditional grip. Might be worth a look to see if either is comfortable for you.

From what I’ve read over in the HF thread, the Bauer line are copies of Dewalt so you’d have some more options that you can try in-store.

 

Thanks for the heads up. I'll keep those on the radar as I shop around! Appreciated.

 

I don't know if it's even practical for you but have you considered using a pneumatic angle grinder?

 

Our shop has that capability.

I won’t for many years until the wife and I build the shop house we’ve been planning and have it all fitted for living first ha. Long time down the road!