Is this deal as good as I think it is?

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Hey guys, sorry for the breach of forum etiquette by not making an intro post first. I had planned on lurking and learning a lot longer before I started yapping  However, I think I've stumbled over a great deal, and wanted some more experienced opinions. I found a Lincoln 175HD, with cart, tank, and wire. After I told him I was just starting out, he also said he'd give me a helmet, gloves, and a lesson when I came to get it. Judging by the picture in the ad, I'm estimating the bottle is around 4-5 feet tall. I forgot to ask size when I talked to him, since I was thinking I was just happy it came with any tank  He did say the tank cost around $200, if that helps.He's asking $575.Am I right thinking I would be a fool not to jump on this? Or would I be the fool for doing it? I'll properly introduce myself later, promise! Last edited by NiteTiger; 08-12-2011 at 05:39 PM.Reason: punctuation
Reply:That's about right- not the deal of the centurythe 175HD is only worth about $300.00-  a new tank is about $200.00Helmet- $50 bux- depends on what helmetGloves- 20 buxCart- 50 buxEd Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1That's about right- not the deal of the centurythe 175HD is only worth about $300.00-  a new tank is about $200.00Helmet- $50 bux- depends on what helmetGloves- 20 buxCart- 50 bux
Reply:Sounds like it.  However, bottles that size are frequently leased from the supplier.  If thats the case and your not going to own the bottle and may not be able or willing to take over the lease I'm not sure how good a deal this is.   Check the retail price for the welder and then when you find out the status of the bottle you can make a judgement.  The contents of the bottle have value so even if you didn't keep it at the right price it would be ok.  Actually if it is leased the contents are the only thing the seller owns.  Good luck
Reply:It wouldnt hurt to offer him $550, and see what happens. If not, Id still say thats a pretty good deal, especially for that bottle. Sounds like a big one!! And even better if theres still gas in it. I say as long as everything checks out, go have some fun with it. Happy welding!! [Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:Originally Posted by NiteTigerThanks for the info! This is why I wanted input. If I get to haggling with him, what would be a "cant-pass-this-up" price? Also, I need to check with him as to whether it is actually an *HD model. Going back and looking at the ad, he didn't specify HD, just Lincoln 175. My mistake. Got it confused with another ad.
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1http://nashville.craigslist.org/tls/2538327320.htmlAll of the Lincoln 175's are the same in this class- they are tapped machines, that isn't bad just a step down from the SP175 PLUS- which has a Continuous Voltage selectionThey even have a Weld-Pak 5000HD which is the same as the 175SP175 T (tapped) this one was only sold through Welding shops and because of this people thought they were a better machine but they were exactly the same as the Retail Box store models.Current Models for retail confusion are:EASY MIG® 180 PRO-MIG® 180WELD-PAK® 180HDLincoln rebadges these machines for each store: Lowes, Home Depot, Sears so that they don't have to "Price Match" and each Box store has their "own" Lincoln welder.Anyhoo- $500.00 would be my 1st offer
Reply:Remember...CASH talks!
Reply:Yep, its the HD model.Even with it not being the nicer CV machine, I'm still feeling like this would be a great deal for me. It's, so far, the only  american made 220 machine that comes near my budget constraints. Plus, I was thinking that the 175 amps would be good, because it will allow me to practice on slightly thicker materials.My take at the moment is that I'm better off getting some time running beads than waiting on the budget to flex enough for a nicer machine. Am I right in thinking this way, or am I setting up a situation that's going to come back to haunt me?I just want to get started ASAP
Reply:Originally Posted by welds4dRemember...CASH talks!
Reply:The better deal you get, the less you lose (if any) when you sell it to upgrade.
Reply:Hmmm, looking at the manual I downloaded for the 175HD, it seems to have a 30% duty cycle @ 130 amps. If I've been studying well, that means that welding @ 130 amps, I'll be able to weld for just shy of 3 minutes before needing to let the machine cool. Further, the machine would need to cool for approximately 7 minutes before begining another 3 minute weld. By now it should be blatantly obvious that I have 0 experience welding, so please forgive me if I'm over-analyzing this. Will a 3 minute weld time give me long enough welds to practically practice on? I realize I'm not needing a production level duty cycle, but I'd like to make sure I'm not pissing away cash just because something is on sale. I'm not shopping like a woman, dammit! I'm just looking for a machine that will allow me to get good, practical experience zapping metal to puddle   I'm not looking for an industrial machine, but I need it to be practical.As a beginner welder trying to learn, is this deal going to serve me well, or leave me with decent hardware value and no effectively applicable skills?
Reply:Just shooting from the hip here, but 3 min could net you a couple feet of weld.  Maybe more.  Do some grinding and fit up, take a leak, whatever, and you're ready to go again.My name's not Jim....
Reply:Originally Posted by BoostinjdmJust shooting from the hip here, but 3 min could net you a couple feet of weld.  Maybe more.  Do some grinding and fit up, take a leak, whatever, and you're ready to go again.
Reply:Originally Posted by NiteTigerThanks Boostin'! Just needed someone with experience to put that timeframe  into perspecive for me. Much grass
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1Look at your watch for 3 minutes