Welder Experts: Buy or runaway???

[AZ79K5Project]

I have a lead on an old Midstates 220V welder. This thing is a MIG and stick welder. It is just smaller than a VW bus. It certainly is not portable. It is on a 4 wheel dolly. The guy says it takes 4 people to lift into a truck and he will deliver it. I don't have a lot of info relating to power duty cycle or model number.

It comes with both sets of wires (MIG and stick), regulator and hosing. No tank. The owner is asking $300. The wires are in fair shape but will need replacing in the future. The gas line is new and some of the wire feed components have been replaced.

I just bought another K5. I am planning on custom skid plates, custom dash for gauges, tube bumpers with winch mounting and when my skill is there, a full roll cage. I plan on building up this 79K5 over the next few years.

I have read everyone's veiw of the Miller 175 and I would love that, but this price has me considering it.

What is the consensus? Is this a good price? What should I be checking for? Any words of caution?

 

[walla2k5]

How old??? Can you still get parts?? When this thing fires up,will it dim the lights in the neighborhood?? It sounds huge...

 

[midnitewarya]

I'd pass on it. Newer 220v's are much more portable, and by the tiume you got that thing working the way you want it, you could have bought a Lincoln 175.

Al

 

[camiswelding]

no parts .... forget it...

try for a small 220v machine,,, miller or lincoln,,, youll save in the long run

 

[AZ79K5Project]

Thanks for the assistance. Miller 175 it shall be.

 

[goldwing2000]

Also keep in mind that you can get a brand new 220v stick welder for $200.
Get a mig for small stuff and a stick for big stuff and then you can weld just about anything!

 

[Propayne]

how old is that thing? it sounds ancient. our School MIGs are about 3 feet high and 4 feet wide and can be picked up by two people.





might as well get the lincoln 175