Before you read any more: they don't do propane/LPG but they have every other type of gas you're likely to need including argon, helium, acetylene, and more.
Parking is very limited but if you're creative (and you are creative if you're a welder) it won't be a problem, just use common sense and don't block the drive as there are other businesses farther back.
It's probably around a 2,000 sf space, packed floor to ceiling with welding gear in every nook and cranny plus a small office space dedicated to more welding gear, paperwork, and some of the owners hobbies that he works on between customers.
I do some mig welding occasionally and have been here about six times over the years because it's not too far from where I work every day. I've purchased some items here but I usually go for argon refills.
In addition to my mig/tig/stick I just got a small Smith Little Torch so I need an oxygen bottle and regulator for it and that's the reason for a lunchtime visit earlier today.
The owner is the only person there normally so you'll likely get a short tour of every option of the item you're looking for... and more.
Is it a place you go in to browse around? If he's helping someone else then perhaps... otherwise it's all business and to the point but questions are certainly welcome and you'll get a concise answer in as few a words as possible usually... perfect.
Look... this is the kind of guy that wants information in two sentences and he wants the second sentence first.
Does the office smell like cigar/cigarette smoke? Yup, I don't smoke and I don't care that it does. I don't think I've ever meta a real welder/fabricator/blacksmith concerned about the smell of cigarette smoke for a few minutes.
Is he gonna recommend stuff you don't need? Never has that been my experience any time I've been there.
Will he answer all your questions? Absolutely... to the point and with expertise, even if others are waiting behind you.
Is he a crusty dude from back in the day? Kinda, and personally I don't care... I even appreciate it.
Does he smell like alcohol? Okay this is something that would concern me but I have not had that experience, not one single time.
Will he hurt overly sensitive people's feelings? Maybe, but it isn't personal or on purpose... in no way is he mean.
Is he mean? No, he isn't mean, he's just been working there every day for 40 years from 7:30am to 5pm except on Sundays (when he's still thinking about welding). Have you worked 10+ hours a day six days a week since Reagan was president? I seriously doubt it.
Will he lead you down the wrong path? Absolutely not, unless you give him wrong or incomplete information but I think he would probably ferret that out and get you the right stuff in spite of misinformation.
Is it expensive compared to other welding shops? A little... but I get quality stuff and I learn something every time I go. I appreciate experts who can answer any welding question and can sell you what you need on the spot... or make better recommendations to help you.
Does he have stuff made in China? Every welding store on earth has stuff made in China. He probably has some but he has stuff made in all parts of the world including USA. He's not going to stock anything that's inferior. If you prefer made in USA just tell him.
Did I walk in and get the full oxygen bottle and Victor regulator I needed in less than 15 minutes today? Yes, and 10 minutes was a tour of every size oxygen bottle he has from 20lb to huge commercial sizes... good to know.
How much did my bottle and regulator cost? I won't tell you because prices fluctuate... but he did give me a decent discount since I ended up buying both items. My life experience proves that buying a higher priced one-time purchase beats having to buy five cheaper versions any day of the week and it will save money in the long run.
Are refills expensive here? Well, common sense tells you to ask about refill pricing before you have a bottle filled so I don't see how some others are complaining about that. Good grief, this isn't rocket surgery, simply ask the price before you have your bottle filled.
Also, unlike some bigger places, he's not going to put a proprietary valve on your bottle to force you to come back to him. You'll still be able to take your bottle anywhere else if you want to. And he's never even offered to exchange my bottle, he just fills it up and I pay and leave.
Do some of the negative reviews sound like competitors trying to put him out of business? Actually ya, some do.
If you value no BS expert knowledge at a place that has every welding related item you're likely to need and get it today this is your place.
If you value long winded meaningless small talk or making close friends with strangers the same day you meet them then you probably won't be happy here.
In the end it doesn't hurt to go check it out... we'll probably all leave Welders Heaven a little smarter if we just park our egos outside. read more