So I go to the Airgas dealer who my dad recommended to buy some filler metal and other accessories as I'm just getting set up with my 180SD.

First off, I only want a pound or so of some 308 and 4043 each as I'm just practicing on scrap. He says they don't sell them by the pound anymore... He did have an open box of 308 which he hooked me up for $6 - that I'm not complaining about. I will definitely go back to this guy when I need more.

So, I go to the Praxair dealer for some aluminum. They sell smaller boxes, but no 4043 - says he can order it for $11. blah, I'll just order it to my doorstep off the internet.

THEN, I talk to him about getting a setup for backpurging.... The guy who "has 15 years welding experience" and "has gone to Miller training classes" was clueless as to what backpurging is. The customer who pulled in on a tow truck with rebel flags all over it was equally as confused.

I'm a rookie and all, but I thought it was standard practice to backpurge stainless? Am I wrong on this? Or am I just surrounded by rednecks... end rant...

BTW, anyone recommend any online dealers for filler metal?

 

Tigdepot.com seems to be pretty good for filler. We have a company called Linweld around here and they are really friendly and helpful.

 

Yeah, read a recommendation for tigdepot on another site and just ordered 5lbs of various filler (4043/ER70S-2/312) and a couple magnet holders for $50 shipped about an hour ago. Can't complain about that. Shipping was very affordable at $9.

 

I have called praxair and air gas over the phone. And all I can say is, there attitudes were so bad, after I hung the phone up I never even thought about going to those 2 places. I went to a place called mitler over here, where there service was top notch. Very nice people there to help out