Lincoln told me that M indicates Mexico.

I was recently surprised to find that Lincoln is building their newest TIG machines in Italy.

this argument really depends on the cost of fabrication and the profit margin of the item.
I doubt the costs would skyrocket 2-3 times, because I doubt assembly costs are that high. Labor and overhead probably only costs <10% of a big ticket item like a welder. The vast portion would be component cost and then R&D.

In order to meet the legal definition of Made in 'Merica 51% or more of the components must be made in the USA and assembled here too. A company Like LE will pay the cheapest bulk rate it can get for capacitors, power cords and other "low impact" components. Components with no RD and minimal skill in manufacturer are the ones that are cheaper to source overseas, because the only way to make them cheaper is knock out that final few % that is labor and overhead. It's also harder to argue a  quality issue unless the component fails to meet spec. A plastic knob from china will do as well as a plastic knob from the USA 9/10 times. Can you fault the company for trying to lower the cost of their welder?

For the record Hypertherm is manufactured and assembled in the USA, not sure if that goes back down to every last nut and bolt, but they definitely have no interest in outsourcing their manufacturing.  Assembly costs in the US are usually very competitive to china once you add in the lead time and shipping.  what isn't competitive are environmental dirty manufacturing processes and anything that requires a large quantity of low skill labor.   Some specialized manufacturing like battery production and carbon fiber production etc are coming back to the US or never left. Contrary to popular belief it wasn't cheaper to make everything overseas.

ESAB.  I like La, and ESAB makes a 1.5 I use extensively.

Redwing Irish Setter brand is 100% china.  Just so you know.

I have to agree with most that has been said. I'm sick of supporting China, I'd rather buy Canadian, English, German, Italian.....even Mexican made products over Chinese. China's pollution, lack of laws for it and on and on are the reasons they can cut our throats not to mention a billion or so folks sitting around. I try to buy American but sometimes you have to get what you get. At least all of my steel I use for any projects is made right here in the good ol' USA. Checked with my supplier and he said either Alabama or Virginia which makes me feel better.

As far as the boots go. I've owned redwings, bare bones no insulation or padding for $200 and after 2 years they were flat wore out, then another $200. I have to admit, 2 years ago was not the highest point in my finacial career, just laid off and scounging for work so Holemart here I come. Bought a pair of something brand work boots. 2 years later the side finally gave out at the toes. I thought, American made? I'd like to but searching the sites you guys have posted here.....there's no way I can afford those boots, $200, $300....$400? Really? They better outlast me for $400. Why can't we have a pair of American made boots, like my cheapo's from Wally world for say, $10, $20 more? I can honestly say that the boots I had for 2 years were on my feet just about everyday, except Christmas maybe. They are the only shoes I own so get worn daily. The $200 boot would have to last 6 years but usually after a good summer or two the "scent" from the boots ain't that nice and they're done for anyhow.

Maybe when the business gets better, bigger and I have that expendable income I can move up to American made $200 boots but still I can't justify it. $60 boots = 2yrs, $200 boots = 2 years. I know the savings is only $140 over the two years, but that's an oil change on my truck plus $20. Yes, I use American made oil, Amsoil and I can justify the expense because Amsoil saves me money....lots of money. I'd say my family is typical American family, single income and every penny is squashed til it bleeds, then we squash it again.  I laugh at the news people talking to the "smart ones", educating Americans on how to be thrifty, everything they talk about we have been doing for years. We went to the goodwill the other day and I had to laugh, my wife asked what? I told her other than my underwear, socks and boots everything I was wearing shopping at the goodwill.....came from the goodwill!! 

Unfortunately Wally World and China help with the squashing of the pennies around here and wish I could buy more American made products, maybe a new store called Americamart. China has got us by the goobers and we've grown accustom to it. A lot of folks would have a hard time changing if we all of the sudden stopped using Chinese made products and went solely to American made. Cost's would increase for certain and I know it would not be so good in my household, especially if you consider the % difference in the American made boots compared to the China made boots. Finally, yes, I did buy a new to me welder for several grand, big job a few months ago, enabled me to have the money set aside for such a purchase. It can be justified as it will open up more opportunities, last longer, weld bigger. $200 boots will be gone in 2 years just like the $60 boots. $80 American made cheap boots that lasts 2 years, yeah, I would do that. I'd still save $120 compared to the $200 boots, which is still an oil change.