Opinions how valad?

[Kenskip1]

Now as my last post concerning the Longevity Mig welder I have spent considerable time reading about Mig welders and associated topics. What I am attempting to say, is how valid are the reviews that people right for in say, Home Depot, or Lowe's.Are these reviews 100% valid?Would you take the persons word if they said the item was a piece of garbage?
Anyway the Longevity 100 Mig welder may make it"s way into my garage.Thanks for the honest opinions, Ken

 

[panknuckshovel]

Here is a review on one of the models, you can also google up some youtube reviews/comparisons on it.

http://www.gowelding.org/articles/longevity-welder-cutting-equipment-review/migweld-140/

 

[Bear]

I believe that reviews on manufactures or sellers sites are of limited value. Reviews on independent sites are of more value but lets be realistic, unsatisfied customers are more prone to post than the satisfied. Take it all with a grain of salt, even Consumers Reports does not get t right 100% of the time.

 

[bczygan]

Consumer Reports has their own agenda and criteria, and I don't always agree.

The same is true of many other types of reviews.

People will weight things, based on their own values and abilities and viewpoints.

Take note of a persons experience when reading their review.

Ask your questions here on GJ.

You'll still get a bell curve of answers, but at least you are more likely to get reviews from experienced people, not just any Joe Blow.

Bill

 

[zkling]

Typically I only read point of sale site reviews on a product when I want a good laugh, as usually they are written by the less than intelligent. I tend to go to a forum or the like where real people can speak freely about a product with intelligent comments.

 

[evildky]

I wouldn't trust the reviews of welders from people who bought them at hardware stores. Go to your local welding equipment store, they tend to be forthcoming about what breaks on what models.

 

[woody 73]

Generally speaking I don't pay much attention to reviews (UNLESS) it comes from a web-site forum be it tool geeks, model train geeks, or any hobbies that come to mind, etc.

Then you get a bunch of people that test the **** out of the product and report back what works and what to avoid. I just do not put much faith in the few blurbs about products that only a few people are reporting.

Plus I can never tell in a report about some restaurant review, did someone want to bad mouth the competition and drive them out of business or was the person just having a bad day? I guess you can take them all with a grain of salt like someone else said above.

 

[LordPsychon]

I wouldn't trust the reviews of welders from people who bought them at hardware stores. Go to your local welding equipment store, they tend to be forthcoming about what breaks on what models.

Given the limited selection at the hardware stores, I doubt most of the welders there are meant for heavy use - that's what the welding supply store is for.

 

[motofool33]

I have a longevity inverter Mig welder arcmate 205P (for pulse mig) (for the price i paid 899$ its great) (but today there are some Red/blue welders very close to this price)

Makes beautiful welds, right out of the box. (my day job is welding inspection/ ndt testing of welds)

the support on technical items, replacement parts is Meh, i also bought a cutmaster 42i plasma cutter and was having some issues with it and they were not alot of help.

the mig guns and plasma torches on some of the units are not the same as other chinese/asian welders so consumables could eat you up if you dont search for the cheap places to buy.

Do i think a brand name welder would make a better weld in these low end style 200amp or less welders. No prep, setup, end gap, wire choice and gas will make much more of a difference. i could set this machine up next to a millermatic 211 and the welds i can create would be very similar in quality once settings are dialed in.

where the Red and Blue branded welders will shine is in 10 years you need parts for the welder they will have it and a service center to help you.

Ken if your near houston you could come check out mine ill be off rotation in July.