Engine-driven welders for the semi-pro

[Trent Combs]

I'm considering buying a portable unit to allow me to weld gates, pipe fences and other ornamental/non-critical projects. May have need (eventually) for light structural, but no pipelines for me. Since I am looking at this as a secondary income as well as a hobby, there is the distinct possibility that I will find that paying jobs are few and far between - and since I live in oil country, there may be too much competition from moonlighting pros to justify owning the machine - so resale is a factor. I'm really just looking for the personal satisfaction of fabricating projects, with the possibility of offsetting the cost of equipment with the occasional side job. I already know I can make more $/hr teaching night school - but I enjoy welding. I have the capability to transport a full-size welder. While the Bluestar 6000 is attractively compact, lightweight, and probably enough machine for my immediate needs, they run ~$2200. For a few (ok, hundred) dollars more, I could have a 10K machine. Of course, if a smokin' deal comes up on a used unit, I'd probably jump on it, but let's just consider new. Lincoln Ranger 10000, Hobart Champion 10000, and Miller Bobcat all come to mind as possibilities - with Lincoln leading the pack based on local resale.

Your thoughts and opinions?

[dda52]

All three are almost equal. The only exception would be the Hobart is DC only. The arc quality is the same on all three. Any of the three would be a good buy.

[Mike W]

Trent, I just realized we are in the same location. Do you need a fitter? (just kidding). I will keep my eyes open for a machine for you. I have seen quite a few in the paper from time to time.

[Tx Firefighter]

I was in the exact same situation as you are. I wanted an engine drive to do some side work with. I bought a Bobcat 225, which was 2515 bucks out the door. It great, no complaints, I'd buy it again without hesitation.

In my area, Miller welders are dominant in the engine drive class. There's very few Lincolns here in Texas that aren't mounted to a pipeliner's truck. I probably see 20 or more Millers in trucks in my little town every day.

As far as resale, the guy at my welding supply looked for a used machine for me for awhile. We never saw a Bobcat with less than 2k hours for sale and none of the machines with over 2k hours sold for less than 1800 bucks. I finally just gave up, and bought new.

[Zrexxer]

As far as resale, the guy at my welding supply looked for a used machine for me for awhile. We never saw a Bobcat with less than 2k hours for sale and none of the machines with over 2k hours sold for less than 1800 bucks. I finally just gave up, and bought new.

I've noticed the same thing around Austin; even the machines that have been beat to an almost unrecognizable pulp are bringing 70-80% of new prices. It's worthwhile just to find a good price on a new one and buy that instead.

[dulknife]

i have a champion 10,000 i build things out of drill stem and really like the hobart. ken

[dda52]

Same thing in San Antonio. Probably 85% are Miller. The others are pipe welders with SA's. There are a few more of the smaller red machines, but the word was that the heat was killing the electronics, which the bigger Rangers ( 250 & 305 ) have plenty of. I'm not sure if they've found a solution for that yet.

Used machines are top dollar and are going very quick. Not sure why a friend of my wife's can't get rid of his machine. When I was kicking the idea around about whether or not to rebuild my Bobcat, I asked about the used market around here. Airgas told me to give them a pic and details, and they'd probably have it sold for me in two or three days! I have since decided to keep it. I could probably get around $1800 for it I'm told and it is 16 years old! Like they said, go new. It will be better in the long run.