A low quality welding machine is difficult to work with and, in my experience, leads to a lot of unnecessary re-work. Every shop owner wants to buy the best and newest machines, but this is often way out of the equipment budget. So they settle for cheap machines built offshore or used welders bought at auction.
There is another option.
Instead of buying new or renting the machines, you can buy one on the used welder market that is several years old, but you must be smart about it. There are advantages and pitfalls to purchasing used welding machines, and in this guide, I will give you the knowledge you’ll need to make an informed purchasing decision.
Once you’ve read through this guide, check out Red-D-Arc’s used equipment sales page to see all their used welders for sale.
Before You Buy a Used Welder
“Ultimately, the only way to ensure you’re getting a quality machine is to rely on established retailers who have a track record of supplying reliable, well-maintained welding equipment.”
You can’t just run out and buy any used welding machine. You must go into the search with a plan and understand exactly what you need. Take the time to think about what welding processes you’ll be using and the features that you need a machine to have.
Also, consider the skill, experience, and training of your welders and fabricators. It doesn’t make sense to spend extra money on a high-end welder with the most advanced features if your employees are not able to use them. I’ve worked in several shops where top-of-the-line machines were used to tack weld simple parts together. These machines had all the best features, but they never got used.
Another consideration is the welding processes that you will be using. Many shops have welding machines for processes that are either rarely used or not used at all. I worked at a welding shop that had several machines collecting dust because they were SMAW or GTAW machines, and that shop never used those processes. These machines were very expensive and bought brand new but no doubt suffered internal damage from the metal dust that was collecting on the circuit boards.
Also, consider where these machines are used. If you have a mobile welding business, you’ll want welder generators or welding machines that use common voltages such as 110 or 220 volts.
Red-D-Arc has a selection of used welder generators for sale.
In a shop environment, you want to think about what your staff will be working on. If you build large fabrications, the welders that you buy must be able to move around the structure, whereas if your products are small and built on a fab table, you can get used welders which are fixed in place.
You can even get small suitcase-sized welders like the Lincoln LN25 PRO Wirefeeder Suitcase at Red-D-Arc
Advantages of Buying Used Welders
Buying a used welder is always cheaper than buying the same welder new and this is the main advantage of used welding machines. Since these machines are several years old, their cost has depreciated over time. As long as a machine is well maintained and cared for, you can get a top of the line welder at a fraction of the cost of a new one.
I have used welding machines that were older than I am and they worked flawlessly because they were maintained and cared for.
Do you really need all of that?
Modern welding machines have a lot of advanced features, but most of these features were introduced several years ago so there will be many machines on the used market that have the premium features you want. Even though Red-D-Arc stocks many new machines with cutting edge welding technology, most shops can get away with buying used welding equipment that is several years old but has been expertly maintained.
While many shops go to the local auction to buy used welders, there is a significant advantage to buy through a company like Red-D-Arc. They have access to a large inventory of welding machines and have the staff to maintain, inspect, and certify that the welder you buy is in top condition.
Even large expensive machines like the Miller 1000 AMP Digtial Subarc which is used for SAW, can be found at Red-D-Arc at a significant capital savings.
Considerations When Buying Used Welders
Used welders can be a great option when you are setting up a brand new shop and trying to cut costs or make your hard-earned dollars go further, but they have some pitfalls you must look out for.
Buying from auctions
Many welders have encountered welding machines in their careers that seemed great on the outside, but once they started welding, problems surfaced. Inconsistent arcs, erratic wire feed, power drops or surges, and inadequate gas flow can all lead to extreme frustration.
One of the main pitfalls of buying used welding equipment from auctions is that while it may look great in the pictures, it may not function as hoped. The equipment might appear to be in excellent condition visually, but its performance can be significantly different once put to use.
This discrepancy between appearance and functionality can result in costly setbacks and delays in projects. It’s crucial for welders and fabricators to be aware of this risk when considering purchasing used equipment, especially from auctions where thorough testing before purchase may not be possible.
You also never truly know how well-maintained a machine is. Even though it may work perfectly when you buy it, there may be issues lurking just under the surface that can lead to costly repairs.
The only way to know for sure that a used welder is still good is to lay down some beads.
Parts nightmare
Potential parts availability issues is something we wouldn’t want to overlook prior to spending thousands on used equipment. This is particularly problematic with cheaper Chinese brands, which often use proprietary components that can be difficult to source. Wire reels, coolant pumps, torches, switches, displays, and so many other parts for these machines may become a nightmare if replacements are needed down the line.
In contrast, reputable sellers often provide comprehensive repair services and can supply parts as needed. This accessibility to replacement components and expert maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of your equipment and minimize downtime.
Opting for well-known brands from established retailers not only ensures better performance and reliability but also guarantees easier access to parts and servicing. While this approach may require a higher initial investment, it offers long-term benefits in terms of equipment longevity, consistent performance, and reduced frustration from parts-related issues.
Looks can be deceiving
When purchasing used welding equipment, it’s important to consider more than just appearances. While a machine may look pristine in photos or at first glance, its true performance can only be determined through many instances of actual use. This is particularly true for equipment bought from auctions or sites like Craigslist, where testing is often not possible or very brief.
To mitigate these risks, buyers should consider purchasing from reputable sellers who thoroughly test and refurbish their equipment. These sellers often provide warranties and stand behind their products, offering buyers peace of mind. By choosing a trusted retailer, welders and fabricators can significantly reduce the chances of encountering unexpected issues that could lead to project delays and additional costs.
Ultimately, the only way to ensure you’re getting a quality machine is to rely on established retailers who have a track record of supplying reliable, well-maintained welding equipment. This approach may cost more upfront but can save considerable time, money, and frustration in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Over the years, many welders have opted to purchase used equipment, often with mixed results. Some sources have been proven to be particularly unpredictable, with some machines performing well while others fall short of expectations. In contrast, welders purchased through reputable retailers like Red-D-Arc have consistently demonstrated superior quality and reliability.
If you’re looking for reliable and high performance equipment, visit our website or contact us today.
