Advice on buying a welder please

HCJtractor · Mar 28, 2011

I have about decided on a Miller Bobcat 225 welder/generator. My second choice is a Hobart Champion Elite, which has about the same specs, but just a couple of fewer features. (I do like the fact that the Hobart has the 6-50 NEMA receptacle whereas the Miller doesn't, which forces the use of an adapter cord to run most Migs or plasmas with the Bobcat) What do you guys think between these two?

But my main question is where to buy. If I buy it locally at a dealer, I will pay almost $300 more than online. I like to buy locally and have a relationship with a dealer, but realistically, it's not like I am a welding professional. I asked the dealer what prep they do of the machine, and they said none. Just unbox it and check for damage, maybe install the battery. So saving $300 seems the way to go. Any disadvantages of purchasing it from a major online dealer???THe Hobart is only about $170 less than the Miller, and I will have to buy or make an adapter if I choose the Miller (cost $65)

Thanks for any thoughts or input.

lwalsh · Mar 28, 2011

You might want to ask the dealer if he can split the difference with you. Then if you have a problem during the 3 year warranty you will be better off. The reality of having the overhead of a real store means he's likely giving you a fair price. The Lincoln Ranger 225 is also a good machine.

Mark @ Everlast · Mar 28, 2011

Indiana oxygen always has pretty fair deals online.

The champion has a lower duty cycle, just so you know.(used to anyway).

Here's a smoking deal btw, if you don't mind a tiny dent:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Miller-Electric-Bobcat-225-/180637118697?pt=BI_Welders&hash=item2a0ecfb0e9

Unused. Maybe Miller will transfer the warranty for you. It would be a cross country ship, and maybe you can make them an offer to make it worth it.

HCJtractor · Mar 28, 2011

Mark @ Everlast said:
Indiana oxygen always has pretty fair deals online.

The champion has a lower duty cycle, just so you know.(used to anyway).

Here's a smoking deal btw, if you don't mind a tiny dent:
Miller Electric - Bobcat 225 | eBay

Unused. Maybe Miller will transfer the warranty for you. It would be a cross country ship, and maybe you can make them an offer to make it worth it.

Thanks again Mark. I already had seen that one on EBay, so I am may see what their bottom dollar is. Thanks for the suggestion.

Shield Arc · Mar 28, 2011

I bought my Dynasty 300 from Indiana Oxygen.

Up until a few months ago the only two factory authorized repair centers within 100 mile radius were independently owned. Then the largest independent welding supply in the area bought out one of the repair centers. In 37 years of buying welding equipment I always go with the cheapest. I have yet to see one bit of attitude from my local welding supplier, they know it's nothing personal, it's all about money.
I made my living on hard bid jobs, job always go to the lowest qualified bidder. Its just a hard cold fact of life for some of us.