Fair Price for Thermal Arc 185 TSW?

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I'm seriously considering this machine based on many favorable opinions expressed in previous post. Can anyone tell me what a fair price would be for a 2005 TA 185 TSW with the following included;Includes:MachineTig torch with 15 ft leadsLeather hose and cable covers *(nice option)Ground clamp and cableselectrode holderspare tungstensFoot controlGas splitter with 2 valves *(nice option)Argon regulator and gauge**** New small tank of pure Argon 40 ft3 full and certified *(optional)Argon hose 15 ftOriginal Owner's Manuals and quick setup sheet Bought new in 2005, Paid 2,800 with the accessories listed.Runs on 220 VAC (208-230 volts)Was used on stainless steel tubing and aluminum light hobby work. An incredible machine, very portable and flexible.Thanks in AdvancePaul
Reply:What's the fair price of something?  Ans: What it goes for in open fair auction.  Use Ebay advanced search, check Completed Auctions.  Good reference for fair value on an item.  Useful tool if you want to list something for sale on craigslist, as well.  To use the completed auctions box, you must be logged in to Ebay.One of those sold on 12 Sept for $1550. (good shape, less the tank and extras..)http://cgi.ebay.com/THERMAL-ARC-185-...item2a0a114d46--zip
Reply:I think a later Arcmaster 185 would be a better machine to look for. A 5/6 year old inverter that probably cost $1500.00 to $1600.00 at the time, would not get me giving up more then a grand.Bit more for the bottle and other options.Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:If he paid $2,800 for that setup in 2005, HE PAID TOO MUCH.Seems like, if my memory is not failing me, in 2005, the TA185 units (ready to weld, with torch, work lead, etc) were less than $1800.  That's not including the bottle, which you could get for <$100.Check the "new price" from IOC and knock off 40% for 5 years of use.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:$1500 would be a fair price, as equipped.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Thank you all for your feedback.  I went and checked out the machine this afternoon and everything seemed to be in order, save one small hitch.... Apparently it was too much effort to set up the machine and lay down a few beads unless I was absolutely buying today. I explained (politely, I hope) that I was also looking at another machine and would then decide. No dice, "call me when your ready to BUY".One other thing concerned me, the seller lives in a marina and the machine has been exposed salt air, etc.  I wonder what effect this might have on the electronics over the yearsAnyway I greatly appreciate your replies and feedback.
Reply:I bought a later model Arcmaster 185 for $1600.00 new in box. It didn't have a bottle or a tig cover. Stupid way to sell a machine. Walk away, and find a different machine. The Arcmaster 185 welds just like the TSW-300, something I would not say about the TSW 185 I used. Early model one anyway.Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:If he won't let you try it out first, don't buy it.  It probly doesn't work right, or he would be very willing to let you try it.  I'm used to buying used stuff from people who don't know how to run it, don't have the 220v power to run it, don't have the gas, etc. etc.   I bring the welding truck, which has all the necessary power, cables, gas, etc to run just about any kind of machine and test it out myself before buying.  I've never had anyone flat refuse to let me test something.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:my TA185 was just north of 2k out the door, not 1500.  I think I paid right about 2100 all told with my bottle. extra reg, hose covers. etc..  still 2800 a little high.  i think more like 2300."Was used on stainless steel tubing and aluminum light hobby work"   at a marina?  hahahaprobaly used A LOT, on everything imaginable, at full capacity on a long extension cord at reduced voltage and bounced all around in a pickup truck all the time.just for him being a dick go elsewhereLast edited by dsergison; 09-17-2010 at 11:27 AM.