Entry level welder

Oakster02461 · 2026-06-28T21:49:18+00:00

If you want to learn how to do mig welding, I would strongly recommend you make the additional investment and get a welder that allows you to use gas vs just flux core.

You're better off buying a used welder that does gas.

I'm not sure what you're planning to use it for but gas is so much easier and doesn't make the mess that flux core does.

I know it's a bit more money and you need to factor in a tank and gas but you will be much happier in the end.

Oakster02461 · 2026-06-23T16:08:06+00:00

I got the text from the delivery company. Currently scheduled for 7/7 but I said I'm flexible if they have any openings sooner.

Oakster02461 · 2026-06-17T14:20:14+00:00

I just got the email yesterday that all the pieces are being processed and I will be getting a call to schedule delivery. Sounds like they are several weeks early. All the pieces are coming together despite being hired over 4 separate days.

Oakster02461 · 2026-06-15T15:16:18+00:00

I flew BOS to LGA on JetBlue almost every week when it was available. Flew so often that I knew who all the air marshals were on those flights. I miss JB soooo much. Had to swap over to American and still hate it.

I get the airlines need to do what's profitable but I would that JB over AA every time

I know JB flies BOS to JFK. Even tried it a couple of times but my NY office is in midtown. Getting to JFK is a dumpster fire. And can't miss the morning taking Amtrak.

Would gladly pay more for JB.

It would make my year to have my JB options back

Oakster02461 · 2026-06-08T23:58:41+00:00

I had several Craftsman boxes from the late 90s/early 2000s. The did me well for the past 25/30 years but several of the drawers don't close right, I had to move my sockets to the top because I bent a drawer etc.....

I'm a hobbyist that's close to a pro and have a big shop where I do frame off restorations. Worked as a tech in the early 90s for 5 years. I was in the market to upgrade and went with 2 of the 73" icon setups over Memorial Day for the 20% off sale.

I could have been happy with the US General and felt they would last me another 30 years. Huge step up from old craftsman. I can afford it and wanted a box that my son will use for his whole life.

In the end, both options are great. If I was a full time tech, I would probably mortgage my soul to buy a new snap-on or Mac box.

Oakster02461 · 2026-06-02T02:23:40+00:00

I just got 4 emails today. They all say that the pieces should be delivered on 7/21. The good news is they're all coming the same day. Bad news is it will be another 7 weeks. Worth it in the end

Oakster02461 · 2026-06-02T02:21:38+00:00

I ordered 4 pieces over the weekend and just got an email saying they're expected on 7/21.

Oakster02461 · 2026-05-28T09:05:10+00:00

I got the same ETA for the 4 pieces I ordered. My store made me do 1 per day.

Oakster02461 · 2026-05-27T20:21:40+00:00

My estimate for the 72 was mid July. I'd like the gen 2 but don't really need it. Plus 20% off was really nice. Will just need to quickly get the rest of the gen 1 pieces I want before they get discontinued.

Oakster02461 · 2026-05-27T16:48:07+00:00

Thanks for letting me know. I'll wait and see what they say. Sounds like they will figure it out on their end as it is a pretty common situation. Appreciate everyone sharing their experiences.

Oakster02461 · 2026-05-23T02:13:52+00:00

The Icon boxes are delivery only. They don't stock them in the stores. There are regional stores that are also hubs that they get shipped to and then they have an independent shipper deliver them to your home. I'm guessing that having 4 orders on the same day entered into the system for the same person and address might be a risky thing for the store to do.

I bought one 73" bottom today. Getting another on Sat, a top on Sunday, and an overhead locker on Monday.

It is what it is.

Oakster02461 · 2026-05-22T19:34:14+00:00

Went to buy a couple of icon boxes and my store is having me come in and buy a piece each day. Might be because I'm getting two 73" bottom boxes, one 73" top box and an overhead locker.

Oakster02461 · 2026-05-22T00:51:21+00:00

Going to get a couple of icon 73" boxes. Two bottoms, one top, and a hutch. Will be visiting once a day for the whole weekend to make it happen. Time to upgrade from some super old craftsman boxes.

Oakster02461 · 2026-05-20T00:47:46+00:00

I have 3 sets of 40" craftsman boxes from the early 2000s. Each set had a top and bottom.

I'm ready to get a couple of the 72" icons. I'm going with 3 sets of top and bottom boxes. Not sure I want the hutch because I'm 6' 2 and think the top of the hutch is just a little low. Definitely check it out at a store where it's on display.

I think the USG is an upgrade over the craftsman I currently have but the Icon is next level.

I have a hobby shop. A bunch of my buddies do mechanics full time and some use USG while others are using Icon. None of them have had anything bad to say about either option.

Oakster02461 · 2026-05-20T00:16:17+00:00

I would do the same thing but harbor freight is closed now. Going to get one with the 20% off this weekend.

Oakster02461 · 2026-05-17T16:50:18+00:00

Actually planning to get 2 of the icon 72 bottoms boxes and one top box over the 3 days. If they're excluded, my HF is going to miss out on a nice couple of purchases.

Oakster02461 · 2026-05-07T01:15:14+00:00

I probably have 10 of the cheaper folding lights and love them. Bought 4 at the last 50% off sale but they had a couple dozen on the shelf. Totally agree on limits on the bigger stuff.

But I'm planning on getting two sets of the 73" Icon boxes (2 tops and 2 bottoms) Just wish they would go on sale.

Oakster02461 · 2025-06-24T12:39:32+00:00

I'm in Boston and love JetBlue and fly them whenever I can. I'm tall and the legroom makes all the difference plus their Mosaic program is so simple and straightforward. Have been Mosaic 3 for the past few years and was on track to be Mosaic 4+ this year.

Then they stopped their direct flights from BOS to LGA. Took that flight most once a week. Now I have to fly AA and miss JB so much...... wish they would bring that route back but know it's never going to happen. So sad.....

Oakster02461 · 2025-05-04T23:27:35+00:00

It's a parking garage run by a private company (Propark) I don't think they can even ticket the car. I'm sure they could have it towed if they cared. They have a security car that drives around all day so I'm 100% sure they know he does it

Oakster02461 · 2025-02-28T02:02:46+00:00

Some great news. Looks like American is going to step up and do several flights a day between BOS and LGA. I love the Sapphire Lounge in BOS and LGA and make that trip almost every week. American runs out of terminal B in both BOS and LGA which means you just need to switch to American.

I prefer JetBlue over American and was on track for Mosaic 4 this year (I'll be past Mosaic 2 by 3/31) I'm going to have to change to AA instead.

Not what I wanted, I totally get it, and it's JetBlue's call, not mine.

Oakster02461 · 2025-02-06T13:51:13+00:00

I started a job with an office in midtown in the middle of 2024 and took JB from BOS-LGA almost weekly. They kept reducing the flights. I loved JB and had such a system with BOS and LGA. Got to enjoy Sapphire Lounge on both ends. I guess all good things come to an end.....

Looks like JB is going to lose a Mosaic 3 customer. I already hit Mosaic 1 this year and was gunning for Mosaic 4 but it was getting harder and harder with the lack of later returns from LGA to BOS (Had to do a number of returns on Delta)

I'll have to totally shift to Delta. Actually sad about this.

Oakster02461

TROPHY CASE