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Posted by: 76-914 Jan 19 2015, 09:48 PM

I finally retired my old HF Bench top drill press. Long overdue.. It's built furniture, odds n ends, a few auto mods and an airplane. Purchased in 1990 and running until I unplugged it...............



and replaced it with his Big Brother. The new one is 1hp, 3/4", 16spd with low speeds starting at 200 rpm. It's nice when bits cut instead of chip at the metal. I can clamp pieces down instead of holding them by hand. I still watch pieces fly across the room but my hand ain't down there when it happens.







But this, this has changed me. Or at least my welding skills. Having owned a HF model for 4 years I was transformed when using the Miller. First thing I found is that I don't need a spot light to illuminate the area I am welding. The lens is clear glass until a spark. Not a dark shade until a spark! Plus I don't need to get within inches of the weld to see/watch my weld. I swear, between the flood light and placing my eyebrows within an inch of the arc, I though it was my vision. What a difference. Now if I can only figure out why a $150 helmet out performs a $39 helmet.

Posted by: warpig Jan 19 2015, 10:16 PM

QUOTE(76-914 @ Jan 19 2015, 07:48 PM)

I finally retired my old HF Bench top drill press. Long overdue.. It's built furniture, odds n ends, a few auto mods and an airplane. Purchased in 1990 and running until I unplugged it...............

Posted by: Bruce Hinds Jan 19 2015, 10:17 PM

111 reasons . . .

Posted by: brant Jan 19 2015, 10:27 PM

Which model of helmet and where did you buy it?
Definitely on my list of future upgrades

Posted by: 76-914 Jan 20 2015, 09:12 AM

Amazon, $140 shipping included! It's the Miller Pro Hobby model. BTW. Good helmets have replaceable parts & batteries! So consider the HF a throw away and the Miller a life time investment.

Posted by: Amphicar770 Jan 20 2015, 11:50 AM

I replaced my older Miller with a digital elite and am amazed at how this technology has improved over the years. Picked mine up on one of Zoros 30% off sales with a $70 dollar rebate from Miller.

Posted by: Porsche930dude Jan 20 2015, 08:47 PM

i cover the lenses inside and out with a cut up clear soda bottle. Saves money on the special ones. I dont know if you can do that with an auto helmet though

Posted by: 76-914 Jan 20 2015, 10:27 PM

This one came with 5 spare outer and 2 inner replacement lenses.