tig welder advice

[mohillbilly]

found a couple of welder's for sale (1) LTEC 306 looks brand new in pictures, cooler, cart, pedal, torch, stick lead looks like everything but a bottle. (2) Lincoln square wave 275 , cooler, pulser, torch no bottle. would like ya'lls opinion on these and what they should be worth http://kansascity.craigslist.org/tls/5611029397.html

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/tls/5607829412.html

[H80N]

found a couple of welder's for sale (1) LTEC 306 looks brand new in pictures, cooler, cart, pedal, torch, stick lead looks like everything but a bottle. (2) Lincoln square wave 275 , cooler, pulser, torch no bottle. would like ya'lls opinion on these and what they should be worth http://kansascity.craigslist.org/tls/5611029397.html

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/tls/5607829412.html

Both have an asking price of $3000 that is at least double what they are bringing on the used market

The L-Tec is an orphan... antique dinosaur.... and the Linc is a Ho-Hum Syncrowave wannabe

So I would not get very excited over either one

[ryanjones2150]

I think I'd pass on both of those at that price.

[mohillbilly]

Thanks for the reply's , yes I do realize that the asking price is not very realistic I was looking for some your thoughts on machines themselves and what a realistic price would be thanks again mike

[Ltbadd]

Unlike cars, used welders can't always be found around the corner allowing price comparisons, which is why you're asking about the price. Maybe your LWS can help with what a suitable price should be??

[ryanjones2150]

What are you looking for and what is your price range? Maybe we can make some suggestions on a good used (or even new) machine, in your price range and that will fit your needs.

[pat h]

Both have an asking price of $3000 that is at least double what they are bringing on the used market

The L-Tec is an orphan... antique dinosaur.... and the Linc is a Ho-Hum Syncrowave wannabe

So I would not get very excited over either one

Price is high but the square wave is much nicer welder than synchro fizzle had the miller 250 synro it was a problem child even when it was new in know way the arc anyway near as nice as the lincoln, I've used a few of each different versions hands down lincoln is far superior

[H80N]

Price is high but the square wave is much nicer welder than synchro fizzle had the miller 250 synro it was a problem child even when it was new in know way the arc anyway near as nice as the lincoln, I've used a few of each different versions hands down lincoln is far superior

I strongly disagree... but to each his own....

[ryanjones2150]

I technically only have one miller branded tig machine, it's a maxstar 150 STH. I have a Lincoln precision tig, an htp invertig and helga (which I haven't tig welded with...yet...she's an orange Miller too). I have owned and used other machines in the past. I have to say, considering the machines I have and the ones I've used... I like the Lincoln a lot. But, I feel that the arc on my Miller maxstar is easily the best I've used in my experience. If that's an indication of what more powerful, higher dollar Miller machines are capable of, I will absolutely go that route in the future when the need arises. <br />
<br />
This is not meant to hijack the OPs question, but I think the differing opinions will help him make an informed decision.

[H80N]

What are you looking for and what is your price range? Maybe we can make some suggestions on a good used (or even new) machine, in your price range and that will fit your needs.

YUP... Good point Ryan

The OP needs to understand what he is looking for in a TIG machine and will be constrained by his budget

Oldest Tech & Most Affordable first... Most capable.. newest technology and most expensive at the bottom

Transformer/Magnetic Amplifier

Transformer/Chopper Square Wave

Inverter

Advanced Inverter

Other variables will include quality, reliability, service and support

It seems with the growing awareness and popularity of TIG welding... sellers of used TIG machines are asking unrealistic.. even outrageous sums for ancient unsupported machines or Offshore Brand X junk... Asking prices have skyrocketed in the last couple of years.... actual selling prices to informed buyers are considerably lower...

EDUCATE YOURSELF.... this is a substantial investment

[mohillbilly]

thank's for the replies guy's. When I started looking for another welder a few month's ago I was just looking for a ac/dc shop welder and as I looked and researched I saw some that some of the older ac/dc tig welders were going for just a couple hundred more than stick welder it's been 25 years or more since I held a tig torch, my main use would be for stick welding repairing heavy equipment and farm machinery. I have a hobart portable welder that I bought used probably 25 years ago still works fine just got to wanting a shop welder that was more convienent to use than firing up the old hobart. I guess i'm a little strange that in a strange sort of way I'm find my self leaning toward the older machines and even some of the more offbeat ones that aren't that abundant while yes I would love to own a dynasty I can't justify the price, and like I said I have my old hobart portable that will do 99% of what I need to do. It's not that I necessarily need another welder just got a hankering for one thanks to all mike

[ryanjones2150]

Very realistic position you have. I have been finding myself doing more and more stick welding lately, but that's because I'm either build with or fixing some old nasty metal. <br />
<br />
I'm with you on the old technology machines, I have a couple myself. Something that would come in handy to you, even with just your stick machine, is scratch start tig. It's an excellent process that is still used in X-ray quality weld processes today. On steel repairs, I find myself using that process fairly often because of its ease of use and I don't have to drag around a foot pedal. It also helps that my longest tig lead is rigged up for scratch start. I use it to work on farm equipment, machinery and even lawn mowers. It's DC only of course. <br />
<br />
So maybe a miller dialarc AC/DC would be a good machine and you can get them at fairly affordable prices. It's the style of machine you like, it's capable, affordable, single phase, and (most likely) still supported by Miller as far as parts goes, or so I'd think.

[mohillbilly]

Update: It's just like a car wreck you just have to look Ltec machine is on eBay now starting at 3800.00 will wonders never cease

[H80N]

Update: It's just like a car wreck you just have to look Ltec machine is on eBay now starting at 3800.00 will wonders never cease

Methinks.... the seller is overly optomistic...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/L-tec-Model-306-3-380-Amp-AC-DC-Tig-and-Stick-Welder-With-Banard-Water-Cooler-/201599054634?hash=item2ef03d732a:g:sAwAAOSwMHdXS6S9

would be surprised if it sold for that price

[ryanjones2150]

but if its on ebay it has to be true.