Miller, Lincoln & Hobart used pricing (ie. CL, eBay, etc.)

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I know finding bargains in every market comes in waves. Cars are a fine example, classic models that were hot a decade ago might be had for a song this year (or vise versa). Is this the same for welding units?I'm being told (and see quite often being told to others) to keep an eye out on Craigslist or eBay for quality used units for half retail pricing. I'm currently in the market for stick, Mig and TIG (or multi) and looking for an upper end 115v and/or 230v up to 210 amp. Unfortunately after almost three months of closely watching all used sources it seems these items are rarely priced at any semblance of a discount. 90% of the time asking prices are at or above what select online retailers price new and under full warranty. On the other hand I do see many commercial size welding units at appreciable discount. 250 amp and up look to be great deals for those in that market.Simply wonder if I may be "in the market" at the wrong time to be looking for real deals on consumer/pro-sumer level units? Should I just resign myself to thinking "new"?*EDIT* -- One pertinent factor may be local which is Washington DC, MD, VA.Last edited by golem; 11-03-2012 at 11:31 PM.Reason: added local
Reply:Tried cyberweld??   http://store.cyberweld.com/     Their prices are usually at or lower than craigslist or fleabay , plus free shipping and no tax .  I know several people that love "blue" machines that buy there said they had the best prices .Longevity 160sx Lincoln 140 miglincoln magnum spoolgunVictor torch and regulators
Reply:Yes, location makes a big difference.   Watch out for post Sandy water damage units hitting the used market now...  The deals are on the older Transformer machines.   If u r looking for an inverter which includes all the dual input voltage machines, they are in demand and draw higher prices as u have seen.   Commercial equipment that only runs on 3 phase power sells very cheap due to most hobby/home users do not have 3 phase power.     The good deals u r referring too on the newer stuff only last a few hrs at best.  U need to run some sort of app like searchtempest.com and set alerts for when welders are listed, call immediately and have cash ready to go and be willing to travel a bit for the right dealTiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:If you aren't using a CL aggregator like Searchtempest, Crazedlist or a similar site, you probably want to try one. I usually use the search term "welder" and then sort the list manually unless I'm looking for a specific model.A quick CL search shows an older Hobart and wire feeder for $400 in Silver springs MD for example...http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/m...378664349.htmlAlso if you are looking for a multi process machine that does it all, that will severely limit what you find. With the exception of heavy industrial units, most of the multiprocess units are fairly new to the market. That will limit how many are out there used for sale. Also keep in mind that many larger industrial machines may be 3 phase. You need to do a bit of research and look at the tags before you buy. Dirt cheap "deals" may be that way because the machine is 3 phase only and useless to most people..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I've seen some deals in MD either east or west of DC.  There are occasionally deals in Richmond or Norfolk if you don't mind the drive. There was a Lincoln SP-200 with a big gas bottle for $350. not long ago in Norfolk. I got a Syncrowave 250 for $850. in Norfolk and a Dialarc 250 for $300. near Richmond.  Got a TA Dragster 85 for $50."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Golem,the "wave" I've noticed regarding used pricing is annual, but really isnt't that drastic.  There are a few collectors, but I don't think thery're driving the prices.Pricing is also subject to developments, and after all, welders nowdays are similar to computers, so watch for similar trends,  i.e., mfgrs unloading "outdated" units.Even in this generation, there seems to be regional variances though.K, regarding searchtempest, is it working for everybody (or anybody)?Lincoln SA 200Esab Caddy 160Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Dialarc HFI don't like making plans for the day because then the word "premeditated" gets thrown around the courtroom....
Reply:I would agree that the older transformer units will be the cheaper. They're large, heavy and generally not considered portable. You will have to be on the "deals" now as others are doing the same thing.In my area I watch the ASKING prices on CL almost daily. Asking and getting are two different things. There's a guy been listing a 300AB/P for over two years now at 1K +. It sits outside under a tarp and can't even be tested because he doesn't have the power available.This one is as about as good as it gets for here on "avarage". Again, thats asking price.http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/an...355484941.htmlThere's another Dialarc on there also for 650. Non HF and nothing else with it.It's close and IF I were in the market, I'd start at 300 and go from there. If it didn't work out, I'd watch the listing and see where the price goes in a few weeks all the while still looking at others. Who knows? Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while.If you have the space and their weight (476#) becomes an issue with these. You would have two of the processes covered however. Others would be able tell you if a feeder could be added.Here's another. http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hn...386230475.html  Not in the same class but you get an idea of the ranges. I think it's an ONAN CCKA so it's worth that for parts/scrap.IMHO, the guys that got one from work got it for little of nothin' and don't know how to operate or find out it doesn't work so well in the dryer/range outlet.
Reply:Thanks for all the great replies!Those Craigslist crawlers are definitely the way to go, much appreciate the heads-up on that. A quick bit of study and I should be able to tweak it for optimal (and timely) searching.I can attest that I'm definitely in the competitive range of the used market. A prime example is my being able to say that a Thermal Arc Fabricator 211i inverter unit would be the perfect fit for my needs. Being just a hobby/DIY user the flexibility and portability of a unit like that makes it very desirable but the price is a bit difficult to swallow. In lieu of ponying up new or pie-in-the-sky snagging one of those used I will likely have to settle for a large 115v/small 230v Mig and good used 200a buzzer. Hoping I can see it come to fruition at under $600. Tall order I know but I can wait a few more months, maybe we'll have some upgraded sellers come the new year.  Really do wish I were shop-settled because, as has been mentioned, those larger units (even single phase) can be had left and right for absolute bargain prices. Seems $700-$900 easily buys high quality 250+ amp units.I'll be sure to put everyone's suggestions to good use. Thanks!Last edited by golem; 11-04-2012 at 10:27 PM.
Reply:Don't be afraid to make some people offers. I found my hobart handler 140 mig on a car forum for cheap. I got it for $280.  I think it came with the tank too, but I can't remember.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Originally Posted by dubl_tregarding searchtempest, is it working for everybody (or anybody)?