Buying a used tig welder?

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Hey guys--I know this is likely a dumb question- but I used the search function using buying used tig welder, used tig, and used ta 185 and did not find what I was looking for....After some preliminary research it looks like I want a Thermal Arc 185 for its portability, ability to weld very small exhaust tubing all the way up to 1/4" aluminum, hf start, and well liked on this forum of experts.. I assume it can weld steel even thicker with stick function but I rarely would do anything over 1/8" anyhow...But my question is- as I am not really in a hurry- is it ok to buy a used machine or do they "wear out"?  Or do welders not depreciate so better to get a warranty?I don't have a tank, torch, cups, grinder or anything yet- my residential garage doesn't even currently have lighting beyond the garage door opener w/ lights I added- I don't know how people functioned here since 1961-  I have one 110 outlet which is half used now by the garage door opener and an extension cord- so I have a lot of work cut out for me..
Reply:The best size torch would be a WELDCRAFT WP-20. Good all around size.The trouble with that brand was it was not a major brand and i do not know if the company is in business any more.As far as your electrical service, if you need 220V you will need to have that and you can use a dryer 50 amp plug.  Get the one that has two vertical tangs and one half round ground pin. Very common. There were about 4 or 5 other styles but the one i just mentiond has been around the longest and is usually cheap and available.For the exhaust tubing use .065 not .049. The tungsten you should use is 1/16 not the 3/32 for that job. With .049 it would take the highest skill to do a perfect job.The most important thing with tubing is to make small tacks(4) and then let it cool . Talking about a butt weld. I welded .049 stainless tubing for 11 years.Stainless will want to warp more than steel but you can just polish the stainless or if you want a real quality job take it to a platers and ask to have it electropolished.Last edited by Donald Branscom; 04-01-2008 at 05:50 PM.
Reply:Yep the weldcraft 20 is great as long as you have a water cooling unit. If you don't it's a horrible choice. Thermal Arc is a major manufacturer. Can you say Thermadyne? They have been around a long time and build some good stuff. I discussed the 185 with the techs where I get parts and repair work done because they had a used one with a good price on it. They said it is a great machine as long as you don't have any problems with the boards. The exact same thing can be said for Miller, Lincoln, Hobart and ESAB as well. The majority of my welding equipment was purchased used. I've never had a welding machine wear out and have used machines that were 50+ years old. I have had a couple burn up. One was brand new and the other had been seriously abused before I got it. The amount of depreciation varies depending on the type of machine.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.