Buying welders
New vs used vs imported: buying mig welders smart
Quick answer
Buy new from an Australian distributor if the machine earns income; buy used quality if budget rules and you can test before paying; buy import-tier only for genuinely occasional use where downtime costs nothing. The purchase decision is a service decision.
The three-way trade-off
| Route | Price | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| New AU-distributed | highest | lowest — warranty + service |
| Used quality brand | 40–60% of new | medium — test before paying |
| New import/eBay | lowest | highest — no service net |
One rule
Whatever route you choose, budget for the safety gear as non-negotiable spend: a quality auto-darkening helmet, gloves, and ventilation. A $500 machine with proper PPE beats a $2,000 machine with none.