Tractor Supply gas

[mike landrich]

I guess I'm lucky. The gas supplier I deal with is only open M-F, 8-5, so I go on my lunch hour or on the way home. I identify myself as a hobbyist and they don't think any question is dumb and will spend 15 minues showing me options to accomplish what I think I want to do. Real, knowledgable professionals. Even if I could save $10-20 at TSC or some other place, it's worth it to get their help.

That's one reason I bought the Miller 211MVP at my LWS instead of of the Hobart 210MVP at TSC. I get lots of good advice from the LWS. They are specialists and can, and will, answer my questions.

That said a local welder buys steel for me does exchanges for the LWS. It is a win-win situation for everyone.

[Henrymac]

That's one reason I bought the Miller 211MVP at my LWS instead of of the Hobart 210MVP at TSC. I get lots of good advice from the LWS. They are specialists and can, and will, answer my questions.

That said a local welder buys steel for me does exchanges for the LWS. It is a win-win situation for everyone.

I went to my LWS to get a water filter for my plasma cutter. The guy didn't know what I was talking about. They are not all experts.

[mike landrich]

I went to my LWS to get a water filter for my plasma cutter. The guy didn't know what I was talking about. They are not all experts.

My only comeback is pretty simple.......get a new LWS

[monckywrench]

My suggestion is "study sufficient that when you come to the LWS, it's not for advice". It also makes you an easier customer to deal with if you show up with make/model/part number and your only questions are "how much?" and "how quickly?". A water filter would be something I'd order online because anything the LWS has to order is typically as easy for me to order in one shot. That eliminates me having to pick up the order from the LWS when it comes in, saving even more time and money.

LWS make most of their revenue from gas, filler metal, and in the case of equipment, from large commercial buyers. They don't need my small part orders. It's not worth the time and gasoline to go down the road and back when the Fedex driver is happy to hand it to me, and if you Google prices then hit Ebay you can save considerable cash.

Forums like this one get me accurate tech advice without bothering the LWS (who are great guys in the case of my local Airgas). They are so effective when coupled with searching company websites that I self-educated easily while running a welding shop toolroom.