So should I spring for new or used equipment as a newbie?

[Bex]

If you check out my intro you will see that I am completely new to welding. So I am looking at getting my first equipment to do some learning then odd jobs here and there around our home/shop and eventually some more serious repairs to a trailer I am renovating.
I have read elsewhere that an ac/dc stick welder should be my stick welder of choice because it is more versatile than "just" an ac unit. Also a wire feed unit can be a handy addition as well.
So my question is:
Should I go for a used Century ac/dc 250amp at $290.00 that I can go look at today. I see there are plenty of used units of all types that, bought over time will (perhaps) get me equipment that meets or betters my current $1000.00 budget.
I have also thought about the ArcMate 160 Mig purchased new and wonder if this is likely to be all the machine I will ever need?
I guess my ignorance is so vast that I really dont even know what questions I SHOULD be asking, let alone welding specific. But I figure if I don't put my toe in the water then I will still be thinking about it in a year or more. (ha, just realised that "toe in the water" is probably not a good term when talking about volts and amps).

[Bluesman]

I would buy a used ac/dc unit locally from someone that can give you a quick crash course in how that particular machine works and how to tweak the settings. It is a lot easier to "get your feet wet" from an individual that has used the machine firsthand than it it is to try to learn from a manual in a box with a "new" machine. You are more likely to get discouraged if you sink a large sum of money into a new machine and not be able to get the "instant" results you desire. A used machine is broken in like a good pair of work boots, and in my opinion, a little more forgiving than a "crisp" new unit.

Just my opinion though. I would also try to weld ac stick until you get the hang of it because it is a little more trickier than dc stick and if you learn dc stick first, you will be spooiled. That's been my experience with these highschool youngins in my class anyway. We have started them on ac long enough to get the feel for it and then let them try a little dc and it is always easier for them and boosts their ego a little when they realize how much smoother they can weld on dc settings.

Once again, just my two cents worth.

[SICFabrications]

in my honest opinion as one who supports my family as well as my ex-wife by way of the welding machine, buy the absolute best and biggest that you cant afford first... it will be a machine that you can grow into... once you start to get the hang of running a bead, you WILL outgrow a smaller machine quickly... a word of advice, stay away from the old transformer based machines, although they are great and sometimes have better arc characteristics of the inverter counterpart, the transformer machines like to make that lil meter loop outside run REALLY fast and drive up your electric bill....

if you will ever want to weld aluminum, then my suggestion is an ac/dc tig machine.... the tig machines will also weld smaw (stick) then you have 2 processes to learn and master.... if you are looking for mig, then really spend the cash and buy one that is capable of a spoolgun and 250 amps or better, that way, you can weld a trailer without too much fear of cold lap...

i know there a re a bazillion choices out there for machines and the best advice to offer is this..... buy a machine that can be repaired easily, easy access to parts and tech help, buy a machine that accepts common consumables (for example, dont buy a century machine)

in this life and the next and the one previous, it has always been "you get what ya pay for" take that to heart

[WookieWelding]

+1 to what sic said

[Bex]

Thanks for the advice and opinion, I really appreciate it.

I do like the idea of new equipment, for warranty and the fact of having someone locally I can actually go see if I have an issue.
Used also has its merits of course, cheaper way to learn, resell the equipment (yeah right, like thats gonna happen) then buy new. That way I invest a minimum just in case I cannot get the hang of it.
Sic, if you were to be needing to do this what would you be considering as a first piece of equipment? And as we are here, lets stick with longevity equipment. I only have 220/30amp in my shop.

[Bluesman]

Resell value on used machines around here is strong. Even a used anything is higher than giraffe cooter. I bought an old Lincoln weldenpower last year, about a 1952 era machine, and gave 450 for it and was offered 750 by another local fella. A used Miller Bobcat will run you about 2500. Stan says they have Miller Bobcats for a lot less over where he is located. I've been tempted to get him to buy a few for me and go pick em up to bring back down here to sell. . I need a good diesel burner or gas burner unit for myself but would love to be able to pay for it and the fuel to go pick it up by selling a few extras on the way back.

[SICFabrications]

if i could only buy one machine and it must be longevity, then i would buy a 200pi... ac/dc tig, stick and a plasma cutter all in one.... i wouldnt go for the 160, cause if you plan on trying to tig aluminum anything thicker than a pop can, you will need the extra amps.... and sometimes, 200 amps isnt enough... hope ive helped... of course, if you buy one on my recommendation, i wont make any commission, so dont worry about that =))

[Bex]

Hey, thanks Guys, again, I really appreciate the input. Sic, if you did make a commission I would be pleased for you, its all factored in to the cost isn't it? Someone will make something out of it, why not you?
I will do a little more research then decide.
Look for more questions, there will be some!

[Bex]

Couldn't find that 200PI without doing a search, its not in the menu tree for TIG machines, not as far as I can see anyhow. I wonder why that is?
Anyway, now that I found it, thats a heck of a machine! I am downloading the manual as I write this to read later or tomorrow and try and understand some of the features.
Next will be to chat with my local supplier in Sylvan Lake,

[SICFabrications]

if you have any questions as to what the features do, what the various knobs dials n buttons do and what they do to shape the arc, please ask.... it's what i know best...