Seems to be big price differentials for new welders, what's the scoop?

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I've been looking in to all my options when buying a new welder, locally here in the Toronto area, accross the border in the U.S., internet sites, etc., it appears that the prices are all over the map to be honest.Some of the internet sites have the most inexpensive prices but I'm not sure sometimes if you are buying new welders, refurbished welders, returned welders, used welders, welders that have cheaper parts (are there different versions of the same welder, some with better parts than others, for example), etc., plus when it comes to warranty I'm not sure how that would go if you're not sure what you are buying.I like to support the local stores too, they gotta eat too.Any rule of thumb when buying a new welder, any questions to ask (so you know you are getting a new welder, with the best parts, and not some sort of hybrid), any tricks that I may not be aware of (both for me, and the seller/store/site), anything I should be cautious of?I'm considering a Lincoln Precision TIG 225, Miller Syncrowave 250, or a Lincoln 205 Inverter machine, would probably want to buy a new one.Regards to all.Working on cars and bikes is my hobby, learning to weld the pieces together is my quest.
Reply:There's quite a bit of price markup in welding machines from cost to suggested retail.   Local welding gas suppliers make most of their money on gas and other supplies related to welding.   They often sell the machines at just barely above cost, figuring that buyers will also have them fill their tanks and buy other consumables and supplies there, so they get a customer for the long term.   The internet sellers sell the machines for low prices too, but don't usually carry any inventory.  Because  they direct ship the machines straight from the manufacturers, their overhead is very low.  They make a little on each machine, hoping to sell alot of them.   Many are also local shops so the internet thing is just a side deal for them.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I just bought a lincoln precision tig 225 from harris welding on ebay, they are also a full service welding supply in Ohio, they carry both miller and lincoln, my lws couldnt even come close to the price ...here on Long Island, land of OVER TAXED over head is quiet high,out of this area a lws could probably compete with online but I saved many hundreds over what a lws would sell for, I was very happy buying from Harris, they where friendly and knowledgable, and since they where a real lws in Ohio and not the typical ebay big box company I had no hesitations buying.
Reply:I personally would recommend buying from a Local dealer.  When the time comes that you need parts, consumable, or accessories you will be glad that you did.  If you look after them then I guarantee you that they will look after you.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:Hi David, I also live in Toronto and have ben weighing my options on equipment. (New vs used Vs US sourced) I just bought a Miller 211 last week from Praxair. I found their price competitive to Ebay. Saved myself the drive to Buffalo and more importantly I will get good service and advice from them. So far I have learnt a lot just asking questions at my local welding store. I am also eyeing the precision Tig 225. Again, the local flyer price is more or less in line with US EBay pricing. (Within 10%). Praxair has the Precision Tig for $2400 or so Canadian with a cart. Our dollar is around .81 USD, so this is in line with the US prices more or less. My Miller 211 came to about $850 USD before taxes with the $75 Miller cash back rebate.  I also went to Linde in Etobicoke to compare prices, but Praxair is 10 minutes from my shop. Good luck, let me know if you find any deals locally.
Reply:Originally Posted by NicadHi David, I also live in Toronto and have ben weighing my options on equipment. (New vs used Vs US sourced) I just bought a Miller 211 last week from Praxair. I found their price competitive to Ebay. Saved myself the drive to Buffalo and more importantly I will get good service and advice from them. So far I have learnt a lot just asking questions at my local welding store. I am also eyeing the precision Tig 225. Again, the local flyer price is more or less in line with US EBay pricing. (Within 10%). Praxair has the Precision Tig for $2400 or so Canadian with a cart. Our dollar is around .81 USD, so this is in line with the US prices more or less. My Miller 211 came to about $850 USD before taxes with the $75 Miller cash back rebate.  I also went to Linde in Etobicoke to compare prices, but Praxair is 10 minutes from my shop. Good luck, let me know if you find any deals locally.
Reply:Also, be aware, some advertised prices may just be the power units only, some prices may include the complete "ready to go" kit, with everything except a bottle.
Reply:I shopped the Internet for the best price I could get on a vantage 500.  printed it out and took it to my local airgas and showed it to them.  Now I haven't even done a dollars worth of business with airgas since it had it out with their billing department in 2003. I took the print out to the store manager who was a high school friend of my dads.  And the company he started with who was bought by airgas, our old account number with them was 7.   do you own math.Anyhow showed him the price and told him if he beat it I MIGHT consider doing business with airgas again.    Well they did, but I still buy everything from my independent LWSVantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:My local Airgas usually quotes me machine and parts pricing about the same as the best deals on the internet.  I usually buy through them.   Only drawback is having to pay the sales tax.  If I went internet from an out of state place I could avoid the tax too and it would be a savings if the shipping was also free.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Thanks everyone.Working on cars and bikes is my hobby, learning to weld the pieces together is my quest.
Reply:Originally Posted by roadkillbobbthe lincoln precision tig runner kit cost under $2000.00 at harris welding on ebay free shipping and no tax, check em out and no I aint being paid to say anything
Reply:Originally Posted by DesertRider33My local Airgas usually quotes me machine and parts pricing about the same as the best deals on the internet.  I usually buy through them.   Only drawback is having to pay the sales tax.  If I went internet from an out of state place I could avoid the tax too and it would be a savings if the shipping was also free.
Reply:Originally Posted by DesertRider33.  If I went internet from an out of state place I could avoid the tax too and it would be a savings if the shipping was also free.
Reply:I just paid my car registration renewal.  It was doubled this time.   I'm not looking forward to seeing the welding truck renewal when it comes later this year.  Oh the joys of living in the Republik of Kalifornia....MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Wait till you get a real truck
Reply:Originally Posted by DesertRider33I just paid my car registration renewal.  It was doubled this time.   I'm not looking forward to seeing the welding truck renewal when it comes later this year.  Oh the joys of living in the Republik of Kalifornia....