Old Machines- What to Look For?

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I've been wanting to go looking through estate sales, pawn shops, craigslist, and all that; in hopes of finding an old welding machine or two, to fix up. The only problem is that I have no real idea what's a good find as opposed to the vintage equivalent of Harbor Freight junk.Any advice? Brands and models to look for, or to leave where they lie?Currently working as a Paralegal, but still interested in hobby welding.Miller Bobcat 225ntOne- Character Fractions: ¼ ½ ¾ ⅛ ⅜ ⅝ ⅞
Reply:old machines usually means no warranty....... and often spare parts are no longer available. but many machines last decades before they stop working. it has been my experience the more electronics and fancy features the more that can go wrong. obviously if company that manufactured machine is no longer in business spare parts will be harder to get normally.motor generator welders are often working decades later for stick welding. big heavy noisy but often they just work. BUT when i was welding professionally i wanted newer smaller machines with new technology not WW2 surplus machines. that why you see old machines for sale cheap. often welders just want to get rid of them and will sell at any price.
Reply:It's not uncommon to see old Miller 330A/BP machines sell pretty cheap, and they're a beast of a 800# machine. Lots of other good machines, too, I just happen to have gotten lucky on a 330A/BP myself.
Reply:Stick with Lincoln and Miller welders and you will have buyers. I had very good luck on a Lincoln Weldanpower and just started on a Miller 2E, gives me a chance to try some of the old welders, learn, and make an extra buck.Thermal Arc 210 - Tweco 211I - Cutmaster 52
Reply:Originally Posted by WNY_TomBold machines usually means no warranty....... and often spare parts are no longer available. but many machines last decades before they stop working. it has been my experience the more electronics and fancy features the more that can go wrong. obviously if company that manufactured machine is no longer in business spare parts will be harder to get normally