Why chop the plug off? (used machines)

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I'm looking for a used TIG. Why do i find them with the plug lopped off and no accessories included?  Only the power source a lot of times.  Is this normal or suspicious?Lincoln PowerMig 180cVictor O/ABandaids and aspirinI don't know what I don't know!?
Reply:i see alot of tombstones arrive on jobsites that way because you never know what power wil be available so the weldors get quite skillful at tieing in direct to spare breakers or even buss.  i would not expect this with tig as it is not so widely used on construction sites that scabbing power wire together is the norm...
Reply:DON"T buy it till you try it!David Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Because there are so many different types of receptacles, most higher end machines don't come with a plug on them from the manufacturer.   That explains it for new machines.   For old machines, many owners save the plug for another machine when they sell off their old machine.   Most machines I have bought did not come with a plug, new or used.  Ones I have sold, I sold without plugs.   Usually when I go to look at a used machine, I take the welding truck, which has the Bobcat welder/generator on it, and I take an extra plug that fits the Bobcat (NEMA 14-50P) so I can wire on my own plug and test the machine before I buy it.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I take them off machines we surplus here, we use 30 or 50 amp twistlocks, you are not likely to have the receptacle for it, and they cost us $35 - $60 each.             You will need to install a plug to match your own outlets .        Same reason most powersupplies are sold "bare", the shop usually keeps the torch and leads, saves the cost of a new set.         Heavy migs are the same thing, 'cept the feeder may cost $2500, that is why they get split up.        Also many times a torch or feeder will be replaced several times over the life of a power supply. They are seldom the same age, many times not the same brand.     Most dealers will figure out a way to test the machine if you need to. You can test a tig machine with a stick stinger, just set the controles to tig and play like you have tungsten. Test the high freq, and delays, Listen for the solenoids to click etc.  I usually try to sell machines right out of the shop, let the buyer test them under power, and include a used stinger and ground clamp with cables.     Too bad most dealers don't keep a stock of used plugs etc, they can make more money selling new. The typical dealer is geared toward the big buyer.  But I think that it hurts  limit sales to the smaller user. That is one reason used machines are so cheap. -And difficult to find , they don't make much on them, The dealers would rather we scrap them.past work toys; lathes,mills, drills, saws,  robots, lasers ironworker, shears, brake, press, grinders, tensile tester,  torches, tigs, migs, sticks, platten table, positioner,  plasmas , gleeble and spot. Retired June 30, 2009.
Reply:Originally Posted by David RDON"T buy it till you try it!David
Reply:Originally Posted by wesdavidson...we use 30 or 50 amp twistlocks, you are not likely to have the receptacle for it, and they cost us $35 - $60 each.
Reply:For the same reason your bitching they dont come with the machine.  They cost $$$$  The hubbel twist lock plugs i use are $50+ each.Vantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:I had no idea plugs were such a big deal. I guess I'm spoiled, I plug everything into the dryer outlet. Learn something everyday.Lincoln PowerMig 180cVictor O/ABandaids and aspirinI don't know what I don't know!?
Reply:Often the large machines are direct wired to a disconnect. If you have room for a larger machine, you can generally buy a 300+ amp machine cheaper than a 250 amp machine. I bought my Miller Syncrowave 300 with coolmate, a brand new air cooled torch, foot petal and new leads for $600. Like you said though, you have to be willing to travel a bit (cheap vs buying new welders). It works like gang busters. It probally has $600 worth of scrap metal it. I bet it weighs 800 lbs.Not a beginner, not a pro !
Reply:Those plugs are around $100 bucks a pop.Go hot, or go home!
Reply:Originally Posted by DualieFor the same reason your bitching they dont come with the machine.  They cost $$$$  The hubbel twist lock plugs i use are $50+ each.
Reply:Its all good skywestVantage 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.