campbell housefield welder--good welder? Which one?

Railrider1920 · Mar 31, 2011

Hey Folks,
I stumbled across a campbell housefield welder for sale for $100. It's an arc welder, most likely 110v. I didn't have time to get more than a quick look. Don't know the model num or anything. I'm probably going back over there to get a better look and can get numbers then. It's only about 2 to 3 years old they said.

Just by going on what little info I have given here, think it's a decent one for the price?

He also has an oxy acetylene set up, 4 ft tall oxy tank, big regulators on a rolling cart for $70. My oxy set up is a smaller one and the oxy reg is messed up. I can get one or the other, but not both. Which one should I look more at do you think?
Thanks

sunshadow · Mar 31, 2011

if the welder is a TIG get it, if it is a MIG probably get it, if it is just a buzzbox get the oxy acetylene rig

-Page

Railrider1920 · Mar 31, 2011

Thanks Page.

I went back over there and talked to the guy. I'll get one or the other tomorrow morning. I got some pctures of the arc welder. After doing some looking around online, I found one like it. It can be seen at the link below.
http://www.csntools.com/asp/superbrowse.asp?clid=902&caid=&sku=CHP1920&refid=PG302-CHP1920

I got some cell phone pics too. It is 220 volts. They said that it is only an arc welder, no mig or tig. Comes with everything to start welding, hood, rods and other accessories.

The oxy acyet rig has some big victor regulators on both the oxy and acy tanks. There is a cutting system on the end of the hoses right now.

With this additional info, any other opinions on which to lean more towards?
Thanks.

Southclaw · Mar 31, 2011

I say don't get the welder. If you find a Miller or Lincon for that price snap it up. If you want to get a campbell you might as well buy it new. It may cost you an extra $50 and then it may last you for a little bit.

I think that is a good deal on the torch though.

Zech

SeanMK · Mar 31, 2011

Im in the welding supply bus. GET THE TORCH OUTFIT!! With the price of cylinders, you wont get hurt on that, even if the regulators and torch are junk.

Deweyknives · Mar 31, 2011

SeanMK said:
Im in the welding supply bus. GET THE TORCH OUTFIT!! With the price of cylinders, you wont get hurt on that, even if the regulators and torch are junk.

Make sure the cylinders are part of the deal. Around here, most tanks that size are rentals.

A C Richards · Mar 31, 2011

Check the collar of the bottle. If there is raised writing on it it is probably a rental. If it is smooth or has stamps on it it might be an owner. You do not want to buy a rental/lease. Also check for a company label on it then contact that company to find out if it might be an owner rig. Get a letter from the seller with a warranty that it is free from incumberances and if it is not an owner bottle he will take it back and refund your $$. But for $70 the regulator is probably worth that. The welder, well that has been answered. Save up for a Miller or a Lincoln. A mig/wire feed would serve you much better for most all knife making processes.

Railrider1920 · Apr 1, 2011

Thanks guys. Good to know that about the rental tanks having the raised lettering. The guy that owned it has passed away a while back. His sons are selling these. I doubt I could get such a letter or possibility of money back.