Buying second hand, what to look for

[Jgguinness]

Hi all
First post but have read plenty. Basically a newbie. Have arc welded a few times on thick metals. Did own a SIP 130 Turbo but never really got on with it so sold it.

Father in law is a good welder and I've managed to bribe him into repairing my motors up till now, but figured its about time I man up and learn myself.

Basically seen a GYS Smartmig 160. From all the reviews I've read it's a good place to start and will do what I want. The question I have however is if buying second hand what do I look for as general areas that could cause an issue?

Also are spares for GYS readily available if required?

Kind regards

 

[Jim Davey]

I'm a GYS agent as are Weldequip so you've got options there. The Smartmig hasn't exactly been out ages so used ones should be in pretty good shape if you can find them. Points to look for on any welding set are mainly burned out dinze (twist) connectors and earth clamps and torch neglect/abuse, smashed regulators and scratched and leaking seat faces on the reg stems. All of the above are easy to sort but too many little problems added up will eat up your saving between new and used. Just give everything a good once over and if you get to try before you buy even better.

 

[cumbriasteve]

I don't think I have ever seen a used GYS for sale yet, the members here that have them rate them highly and I think it would be the set I could be tempted with if my Clarke died a death.

I should imagine if a good used GYS did come up for sale it would command a very good price and if it's not a 'good' GYS then you would probably not want it anyways.

 

[Jim Davey]

They are about, the O/P has been offered a Smartmig thats a year old for a fair price so I think as long as when he goes to give it a once over it passes muster then it will be a good buy.

 

[cumbriasteve]

They are about, the O/P has been offered a Smartmig thats a year old for a fair price so I think as long as when he goes to give it a once over it passes muster then it will be a good buy.

Yep..agree with that, did not realise he had one on offer.

 

[Jgguinness]

An update. Went to see the GYS today, lad was spot on. Gave a demo, went through the settings etc. checked stuff over. Works an absolute treat. So I'm very happy, can't wait to start learning now.

Regards

 

[cumbriasteve]

Spot on.. sounds like you have done well, feedback from owners suggest they do appear to be a good machine.