Miller Bobcat 250 FS at local Pawn Shop

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In the things are tough all over dept, I saw the Bobcat at a local shop.  It had been marked down from $1899 three times to $1199, no leads.  Looked to be in relatively good shape externally and was set up for mounting in a truck or trailer.   Since I have an almost new Hobart 10k Champ, I didn't look at the hourmeter or start it up.  Seemed like a low price though, if it worked as the shop manager said it did.On the other hand, also saw a Thermal Dynamics 39 and a new looking Miller Spectrum 375 plasma cutters for  around $1000 each.  I checked their prices on Ebay and found I could get new or nearly new like items, no sales tax, some with free shipping for just over that price so those weren't a good deal.  Might have been able to negotiate though, but this shop likes to sell at marked price.  However, I have two import plasmas, both working fine, so I can't justify buying either.TheBobcat really intrigues me though.  I hesitate to go check it out, though,  because I really don't want to me tempted to by something else I don't really need.  I barely use the Hobart. except as a generator. Even worse, because of thge drought, welding or doing anything outside that makes sparks outside will get you a $500 fine.  Not exactly a job stimulus package.  I almost got busted yesterday for setting up to weld a handicapped ramp together at the VFW. On a whim I asked the pawn shop what the would give me for the Hobart and they said they didn't want it in any circumstances.  They are way overstocked and seem to be anxious to get rid of inventory.Steve in Central TX
Reply:That Bobcat sounds like it might be on the high side of normal depending on the hours. $1K seems to be about what I often see these machines bringing used.The advantage of the Bobcat vs the Hobart is that the Bobcat is a CC/CV capable machine and the Hobart is strictly a CC machine. No big deal if you just want to run stick, but if you want to run wire, you'll want the CV capability..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:Originally Posted by DSWThat Bobcat sounds like it might be on the high side of normal depending on the hours. $1K seems to be about what I often see these machines bringing used.The advantage of the Bobcat vs the Hobart is that the Bobcat is a CC/CV capable machine and the Hobart is strictly a CC machine. No big deal if you just want to run stick, but if you want to run wire, you'll want the CV capability.
Reply:Well if your not really interested wait a few weeks and see it is still there. Perhaps if it is he will be more hungry to sell and deal with you and if its gone you saved your self the agro of thinking about it.Miller thunderbolt 250Decastar 135ERecovering tool-o-holic ESAB OAI have been interested or involved in Electrical, Fire Alarm, Auto, Marine, Welding, Electronics ETC to name a just a few. So YES you can own too many tools.
Reply:Originally Posted by dumb as a stumpWell if your not really interested wait a few weeks and see it is still there. Perhaps if it is he will be more hungry to sell and deal with you and if its gone you saved your self the agro of thinking about it.
Reply:Steve your quickly approaching a critical point, that fall off the edge point of no return...a) If you buy it and didn't really need it - what did you gain... maybe CV capability?    (But you got it out of your system and you have options open - sell the Hobalt, sell the Miller, etc,)b) If you don't buy it and it disappears, are you going to regret this the rest of your life???    (I'm certain we can all remember those few items we passed on - only to look back and say, "Darn".)Not a good place to be!Rick V 1 Airco Heliwelder 3A/DDR3 CTC 70/90 amp Stick/Tig Inverters in Parallel1 Lincoln MIG PAK 151 Oxy-Acet
Reply:Originally Posted by Rick VSteve your quickly approaching a critical point, that fall off the edge point of no return...a) If you buy it and didn't really need it - what did you gain... maybe CV capability?    (But you got it out of your system and you have options open - sell the Hobalt, sell the Miller, etc,)b) If you don't buy it and it disappears, are you going to regret this the rest of your life???    (I'm certain we can all remember those few items we passed on - only to look back and say, "Darn".)Not a good place to be!