Another way to get substantial discounts on welding equipment is at trade shows. I have a buddy who goes to the SEMA show each year in Las Vegas. Through that connection I got a Miller Synchrowave 200 tig machine complete except for the argon cylinder delivered to my doorstep in Santa Rosa Northern California for $1800. That was MANY hundreds of $$ less than what any local welding equipment could offer.
Also, consumables like tungstens and filler rods are available from online sellers at deep discounts. The only thing we need from local suppliers is argon.
It definitely pays to shop for welding equipment.
