Early 90s Century stick welder

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Hey guys.  Well I stopped up to the closest Airgas to me today.  The guy had no stick machines in stock.  He said he prolly only sells 1 a year.  I couldn't believe that.  well anyways, he said hes got a buddy that he sold a Century to in the early 90s.  Its a AC/DC, he wasnt real sure on the amps, said it wasnt over 250.  he said the guy never uses it and may be interesed in selling it.  Then there is another guy with the same welder  that never payed for the machine.  He said something around $250 for 1 of them now.  Does anyone know anything about these machines or anything I should look for?  What I really dont like is that there will be no warranty or guarantee.  What I was originally looking at was the Hobart Stickmate LX AC/DC.  He told me century used to make Hobarts stick welders before miller bought them out.  Should I just stick to the Hobart or are the older centurys worth it if they havent been used much?Thanks,Tom
Reply:Most of those old transformer machines are hard to break. There's not all that much in  them to go wrong. I'd feel safe getting one of those Century models as long as you can test it to be sure it works.As far as the LWS not having a plain stick machine in stock, that does not surprise me at all. Most guys would grab one from Home Depot / Lowes in a low end unit like that or go to the internet. Most of the sales at the LWS would be on things like Genset units for stick, or multi purpose machines like a Miller XMT that runs stick at a lot more amps, and can also be used to do DC tig or Mig. They are just more versitile for a shop in general. The other thing now days is that most places don't want to carry inventory that they can't move fast. My LWS has maybe 2 different migs on hand plus a couple plasma cutters. Anything else they can have that afternoon or the next day usually, mid week tops.
Reply:Yeah he has a lot of supplies..just not the machines to use them..haha..I was hoping when he told me they were centurys that they were the "Heavy Duty" model with the flip top and huge dial.  We have 2 of them at school.
Reply:anyone else have any input?
Reply:If the price is right, just make sure that it will weld before you buy it. There isn't much to go wrong with them, just a transformer in a box with a power switch and connectors. Don't buy it if you can't test it first, and test it at more than just one setting to be sure that everything works.CharleyLMiller MM252Miller Bobcat 225NTMiller DialArc HF / DIY Cooler2 Victor O/A TorchsetsMilwaukee 8" Metal SawMilwaukee Dry Cut "Chop" Saw 5 Ton Wallace Gantry Various Grinders, Benders, etc.
Reply:ok guys..I guess if it works good im gunna buy it
Reply:I have a old Century ac/dc machine.   It is older then the 1990's.   I love it except sometimes I have trouble selecting my amperage.   It seems to stick.   Usually I unlock it and strike an arc and it will move the dial.   Other then that, it all I could ask for out of ac/dc stick machine.HH135 MigEverlast PowerUltra 205Century heavy duty 250dc/295ac stickA/O system, victor 450 series gauges w/cutting torch and j100 torch.