[slabski]

It's rude not to say "hi!" when joining a forum, so there it is.
Briefly, I am a machinist by trade for the last 22yrs, but the welder here quit so I stepped up a few years back and took the position along with my machining responsibilities. They sent me to a private welding school for two weeks to learn how to TIG weld. I had experience MIG welding from my time in the bodyshop/restoration field but TIG was new. I bought the "welding tips and tricks video's series" and with tons of practice managed to get ASME certified to weld our product line in the pressure vessel industry. I work mainly with carbon steel casting(WCB) and exotic stainless steels. Things have changed a lot here and after a massive layoff, only 11 of us are left and I'm sure the count down timer is ticking. For this reason, I am looking for welding equipment and ideas for a possible future business. I am here to look, listen and learn as I don't really feel I know much.

I will end this with a "dumb, dumb" story. I went to welding school with a shiny new Viking welding helmet but kept complaining to the teacher that I was having trouble seeing the puddle and arc. It wasn't as bad at work (better lighting and more open), but I still found it difficult. I figured it was just old eyes and dim lighting. After two years of welding and passing tests, I decided to change the lens in my helmet, only to find that there was a plastic protective sheet on the inside lens of the helmet! Needless to say, I didn't have to change that lens, and I could finally see how good the 4c helmet really was. lol
Cheers

[BillE.Dee]

Welcome to the house. Your story is funny. Seems that protective packaging is a problem. Had an older neighbor taking over the kitchen as his wife was very ill. He decided to prepare supper using a frozen packed meal. Only forgot to remove the meal from the package. The fire company found the problem and removed the well done meal from the house.

[cj737]

For a side hustle, it’s hard to be a multiprocess welding machine. Stick, TIG and MIG all rolled into a single box, 120/240v capable, and portable. Work in the shop or on-site, hard to beat them. I have one plus two “shop” machines. The multi box has been invaluable and has worked a treat without a single issue.

There’s even new AC/DC TIG models out to fully equip you for all processes (in case you need to do ally or cast products).

[drizzit1aa]

Miller 220 multi process is straight up the bomb. With the addition of a spoolgun you can lay any bead on any material given it's within the welder range. It was my first machine. I have had to upgrade to a larger TIG and a larger MIG will be my next large purchase, but I still use the 220 for most of my welding projects. A company I do business with had a broken Coolmate 4, I asked to buy it, they gave it at no cost, I put in a rebuilt pump I amazingly found for 100 bucks, now the 220 has a CK flex loc 250 water cooled torch. I have hit the thermal protection a few times welding 1/4" aluminum but for the most part it's a non-stop machine. ... flow meters suck though, FYI.

[slabski]

Thanks for the welcome, stories and equipment suggestions. I appreciate it.