Well search was down so hopefully I'm not posting something that has already been gone over.

Bottom line question up top for those that don't like novels. What should I look for when inspecting a used welder?

My sister's finace's company is surplusing some welders and I'm thinking about picking one up. They have two to choose from, the Honda CR10 and a Miller Bobcat 225g. Both are used but are being sold for only $400. Seeing how the Miller,brand new, goes for $3800 it seems like a steal to me.

I haven't done much welding in the past 3 years but I have a ton of work piling up and I'm hoping that these will be able to help out. I have stainless and aluminum exhaust piping to put together, a fuel rail to fill and retap, as well as lots of little odds and ends. I'm guessing that either of these are overkill for such thin material but I do like the fact that the Miller is gas powered so I don't have to run a high voltage line to the garage (I rent so that money would be throw away).

What do y'all think?

 

those are generator welders, so theyre mainly used for stick.
youd be smart to buy the miller, assuming its in good condition, and then get a separate tig machine to plug into it.

 

Thanks! I picked up th miller and ran the generator. It didn't come with the torches or anything so I'll have to pick those up. I saw a starter kit on cyberweld for around $425. I read the manual and it says that you can do GTAW (tig?) with it but I have to buy the tank.