I can see how the 'Thoriated only' thing is a practical approach in a workplace, but it's hardly a progressive one.noddybrian wrote:I see your point of view - ( and I mean no offense by this ) but on DC at least thoriated has worked for years & why change something that works - I agree some modern innovations can make a job easier but equally the old school stuff was made that way for a reason & continues to work - look at TamJeff's work - old synchrowave I believe - no gizmos no foot pedal but how many people can replicate his work? I got into using a nice inverter for stick welding just because it was easier to move around - couple of months back it died - no idea why - switched on the old oil cooled dinosaur in the corner & it still welds fine - just a bugger if the leads don't reach !- not sure about getting another - if I could get all my jobs in the shop I probably would'nt - keep looking at the fabricator 211 as it covers all bases & is portable but I just don't trust new stuff when it's my own money - kinda waiting for a long term test from AK or someone else that talks straight. I know some local bike builders that still use exclusively oxy / acetylene for welding - I think it's what your comfortable using as long as you get the results you need plus in many trades change is not considered a good thing - I'm not sure why but the biggest welding firm left round here won't have auto darkening hoods in the shop & that is one thing I do like when they work.
A smart workplace is one that takes time here and there to investigate new materials/techniques, introduce them to workers, discuss their merits, give people options. That possibly sounds a bit Sensitive New Age, but it doesn't necessarily have to cost much or take up much time, and the result is workers who are more informed and feel like their employer gives a damn.
It's a little thing that can keep employees happier and mean it's less likely they'll go elsewhere.
Just an opinion; I am possibly talking out of my arse, as I have never actually worked in a Fab shop, but I think there are some aspects of the work environment that are similar, regardless of the discipline at hand.
Kym