3 Tips For Buying A Used Welder
Welding is a process that is included in many manufacturing and fabricating projects. Access to your own welder will give you the ability to complete all of your weldings in-house, helping you reduce project completion time and save money. If a new welder isn't in your budget, you should consider a quality used welder instead. Buying a used welder can be beneficial if you ensure you are investing in a unit that has been cared for by the previous owner.
1. Inspect the Power Cord and Welding Leads
You should carefully inspect the power cord and each of the welding leads whenever you are evaluating the condition of a used welder.
Welders are used in rough settings. They may be exposed to heavy objects, sharp objects, and extreme temperatures. The last thing you want to do is buy a welder whose power cord or leads have been damaged during use. You want a welder whose power cord and leads show no signs of crushing or melting. If the outer insulation is compromised, you could experience electrical shortages when you put the welder to use on future projects.
2. Evaluate the Control Knobs
You will see a wide range of control knobs on the face of any welder. These knobs are used to adjust the settings of the welding machine so that you can work with many different materials.
It's not uncommon for control knobs to come loose with frequent use. You want to evaluate the face of any used welder to determine if all control knobs are present before making a purchase. Missing or loose knobs could make it impossible to adjust the welder for projects that need a high level of precision. Only invest in a used welder with functional control knobs.
3. Check the Cooling Fans
Welding machines generate a lot of heat while they are in use. Most modern welders are equipped with cooling fans that help prevent the machine from overheating. The condition of these cooling fans is critical when it comes to the functionality of a used welder.
Look for worn bushings on the cooling fans. Check to ensure that each fan's motor runs strong. Faulty cooling fans could be an indication that the welder has been exposed to overheating in the past. Overheating can damage critical internal components, so a used welder with faulty cooling fans might not last long enough to generate a return on your investment.
For more information about purchasing a used welder, such as a used Miller XMT 350 CC/CV welder, contact a local seller.
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