Miller 330A B/P offered in trade...

[MrSurly]

I'm selling an old 20gl Sears compressor, asking 200 bux; no biggie, if sells or not. It's on Marketplace. I got a message on it from a fellow offering an old welder in trade. It's an industrial AC TIG Miller 330A B/P There's a pic or two. He claims it "was working" when last stored, three years ago.
The machine is capable of welding at 460 AMPs. It's single Phase 240V. IF I was trying to run its full duty (not a chance) it would need a 100 amp or so.
Now,
1. I have a nice Esab multi w/ DC TIG (using it for old car resto)
2. I'm only a hobby welder and only occasionally at that
3. I Have wished that I had an AC TIG to try some alloy welding
4. I have no *actual need* for this, its just something I'd play with.
5. I've learned online that the thing is huge and weighs (literally) 850lbs.
6. Because I'd have essentially $150 in it, I'm toying with the idea.
7. I *think* I could sell it for a few hundred if I clean it up (assuming it works)
8. if it DOESN'T work, I feel I could salvage the copper out of it and not lose.
9. The biggest issue is that the machine might, itself, become a "project"
10. I've got so. many. projects.

Question for you guys & gals: Is this old thing worth messing with? Does it likely have fair scrap value?
Is the idea as crazy as *I* sound?

 

[bczygan]

Those old 20 gal Sears compressors typically go for $50 around here. So that welder is worth at least that.

I looked at them (The welder) on CL. A capable machine but big, heavy and energy hog. I've seen them offered for $300 during the recession but now for $700 or so.

So, it's up to you. You don't have to use the welder to it's max. or hook it up for that. Got a way to move it and space?

Bill

 

[MrSurly]

So, it's up to you. You don't have to use the welder to it's max. or hook it up for that. Got a way to move it and space?

Bill

Well, the shop seems to be always full.... shop Tetris is the norm.
I haven't found the dimensions of the thing and haven't seen it. Just how big are they? My assumptions (maybe 40x40x14???) could be waaaaay off.

 

[sberry]

Those are big ole monsters. I can deal with something like that but would pass unless I actually needed it, not worth the labor to scrap. Sell the comp, put it in a fund, build it up and find a modern welder plugs in a common outlet.

 

[bczygan]

I guess the fact that I passed on one for $350 says it all.

Because I am always willing to drag anything and everything home!!!

Am I right, sberry?

Bill

 

[dr_clyde]

I scrapped one of those out about 10 years back for about 3 bills in copper. Had to strip it out myself, but I was young and unemployed so I didn't mind taking the time.

If it works, its a decent TIG machine and stick machine. They are very heavy, about the size of a small refrigerator and very awkward to move and store. Outdated by about 4 generations now. They were replaced by the Dialarc and Syncrowave machines.

But, I would be happy with that trade if I had a way to move and store the machine. IMO, the welder is worth more than the compressor.

 

[dr_clyde]

Those are big ole monsters. I can deal with something like that but would pass unless I actually needed it, not worth the labor to scrap. Sell the comp, put it in a fund, build it up and find a modern welder plugs in a common outlet.

This is probably sound advice unless you are really into the old birds.

 

[sberry]

Be different if a guy really needed it and could handle it as well as power it. Its not a bad thing, as the doc said,,,, just rather obsolete and not practical. I see a couple of the imports are now so cheap and actually work, got all the new whiz bang features makes you feel like a super freakin hero.

 

[MrSurly]

I see a couple of the imports are now so cheap and actually work, got all the new whiz bang features makes you feel like a super freakin hero.

Well, let's explore that a little? first, can you tell me which brands or machines to avoid? Second, are there specific machines that you can point to that could satisfy my purpose? Again, I have an Esab 252i so I don't need a a multi process, I guess all I need is the minimum AC tig box, I can use my leads. Let me know if you know of a decent candidate.