Guide to buying used mig welders?

[AceofSpad3s]

Just spent half and hour typing a post and the damn thing got deleted, fml.

Anyways, the outer rockers on my taurus have vanished, so I need to weld some new sheet metal in this summer (as if I didn't have enough to do).

I don't want to spend $500 on a new welder and want to spend the least amount possible since the car ain't exactly worth big bucks.
I don't plan on repairing the hulls of nuclear submarines, so 110 unit should work fine.

What things should I check over when looking at a unit to ensure that it will work well? Any particular units I should keep an eye out for?

 

[JKady]

Keeping it sub 500 bucks isn't gonna be easy for a unit that isn't going to fight you the whole way. Welders are an investment tool, and I think you'll find that once you have one you'll use it all the time. I just picked up a used Snap On MW120 for 500 with a big bottle of gas included and quite a few extras and it's a sweet running little welder. I bought it off a co-worker who was in a tight spot financially and getting out of the automotive biz altogether.

On a 110 machine, I wouldn't fool around with one that didn't have provisions for shielding gas being that it's already at a power disadvantage. On used weldes overall condition/cleanliness is a good indicator of how hard it's been abused, look at the condition of the gun/whip and cables, and if at all possible take it for a test spin.

 

[BD1]

Look for a used Miller, Lincoln, or Hobart. $500 for a used one might be hard to find . Look for a setup with a tank of 75/25 and it will do a nicer job. EASY GRIND wire will really make you happy too.