Esab welders?

So I'm making this thread preemptively, I haven't heard back from the seller yet to know if it's even still available.

But I found, what I think, is a good deal on an ESAB migmaster 150.

I recognize the name esab, and have seen some pretty glowing reviews of their higher end units, but really can't find anything about the 150. Over on welding world, they seem to have a reputation of higher cost than red and blue, but different features, at least with the larger models.

What I do know is it will take flux core or shield gas, it's got 8 wire speed and 8 voltage settings, and being a 150 I believe it runs on 110v.

Replacement parts look readily available on eBay, and not overly expensive. Supposedly, this is the brand they used to give away on monster garage or another custom car show.

Should I run? Should I grab it for the $225 asking price?

It comes with a spool of solid wire and a regulator, but no tank or other accessories. I'll probably just pick up a helmet and spool of Lincoln flux core wire until I need/have extra cash for a tank of shield gas.

Lots of ESAB stuff is industrial grade. I'd recommend being extra sure about voltage (confirm it works in a wall socket). The welding store is your friend for consumables.

In reply to wheelsmithy:

I wouldn't think voltage would be an issue on a machine that small, 3 phase could be a possibility though.

BrokenYugo wrote: In reply to wheelsmithy: I wouldn't think voltage would be an issue on a machine that small, 3 phase could be a possibility though.

Fair enough, and I'd say you more succinctly said what I was trying to say. To whit, Plug it in on a household circuit, and make sure it works. Maybe even weld with it some. An industrial welder that won't run on household current in this situation is as helpful as giving a fish a bicycle.

He called and botched me out for bothering him. Apparently he sold it 2 weeks ago but never pulled the ad, so it's my fault.

So I bought the 170amp harbor freight mig instead.

Did you politely say "well, then, maybe you should take your ad down, dumb berkeley"?

I have an older (Italian) HF 110V MIG and I'm happy with it.

RevRico wrote: He called and botched me out for bothering him. Apparently he sold it 2 weeks ago but never pulled the ad, so it's my fault. So I bought the 170amp harbor freight mig instead.

How dare you call the number on an ad which is still active?!

In reply to Dr. Hess:

It wasn't quite as polite, but I think he got the point. I've been in a pretty foul mood the past few days, some of that might have come through on the phone, his fault, could have just emailed me.

Anyway...

I've been going back and forth for MONTHS about welders and scouring Craigslist and welders web looking for something in my price range, with decent reviews, that will handle what I plan to do, and this should fit the bill perfectly. I don't have, and never had, a need to stick things thicker than 1/2" together, and while more current control might be nice for body panels, I'm years away from attempting to weld body panels.

I picked up the Lincoln .035 flux core wire based on internet suggestion, and should have this running Sunday when I get some help putting in the breaker.

There are plans of getting a tank of shielding gas, most likely 25/75 co/argon, but not for a little while yet.