Pickhill (Giant?) oil filled welder

[6ply]

I was offered a welder today. Not sure about price but I don't suppose it will be expensive. I was considering replacing my old buzz box with a new inverter welder but this one got me thinking. Only major disadvantage I can see is it is big and heavy. That may rule it out so I'm going to sleep on it for now.

Any idea about how much I should offer?

Thanks.

 

[JOEPRO]

That is an oil filled welder to my untrained eye and I've seen several going for only about £60 it seems no real demand for them.

 

[minimutly]

Yes, I was going to suggest between £50 and £100. Good backup to have under the bench.

 

[6ply]

Thanks @JOEPRO and @minimutly that's kind of the price I was thinking. To be honest I should have just made a low offer at the time (to save another journey) but it is a heavy/bulky beast hence I'm not sure I'll find room for it.

 

[JOEPRO]

Thanks @JOEPRO and @minimutly that's kind of the price I was thinking. To be honest I should have just made a low offer at the time (to save another journey) but it is a heavy/bulky beast hence I'm not sure I'll find room for it.

I like vintage tools don't get me wrong.

But if it were me I'd spend the same amount on a new mini inverter arc welder from amazon etc. Or a new or used GYS made in France unit for a little more.

They will have better features such as anti stick and hot start. Better welders IMO but this oil filled one will still be working in another 50+ years so there is that. Its just a big impractical lump.

 

[6ply]

I like vintage tools don't get me wrong.

But if it were me I'd spend the same amount on a new mini inverter arc welder from amazon etc. Or a new or used GYS made in France unit for a little more.

They will have better features such as anti stick and hot start. Better welders IMO but this oil filled one will still be working in another 50+ years so there is that. Its just a big impractical lump.

50 years... I'll be dead before then.

I've used old oil cooled welders like this one but virtually no experience (maybe 5 mins) on an inverter unit. So, I'm comparing with my current buzz box which doesn't do too bad.

 

[Hopefuldave]

I have one of those - converted to the 240-415v step-up-and-isolation transformer for my rotary phase converter!

Yes, they're bloody heavy, when I was stripping it down to rewind it I had to use the push-around forklift thing to lift the lid....

 

[Bornfree]

They are a lovely welder. I prefer AC no dreaded arc blow with these.

 

[roofman]

They used to sell for £1 an amp before inverters came along, demand has dropped for them these days.

 

[Richiew]

If you can lift it into your car you should get it for free.

 

[julianthegypsy]

Added bonus of being silent, which is quite strange these days!

 

[pressbrake1]

Plenty of grunt to burn in 5mm all day

 

[Gareth J]

Due to the weight, they often come with very long, good quality leads. Work out the value of them and see it as getting a free welder included.

 

[GRW]

I can see the benefit of an inverter arc welder for portability (I have one of the dinky 80A Parkside £50 jobs) - but people go on about weight advantages with an inverter mig.... when you've a heavier gas cylinder making that rather moot .

Even I've heard of Pickhill though, and was told it was quality kit, and being oil-cooled it'll have a great duty cycle and capable of being worked hard without complaint.

Keep away from the oil in them though. I was told old transformer oil is evil stuff & highly carcinogenic - so it's fine left alone inside the welder - but don't be tempted to open it up & get your hands in the stuff!

 

[frank horton]

thatsa good make...it will prob last a lot longer than 50.......I bet it's nearly that already.......
with those higher amps u'll need a 3 phase supply.......
I have a 220amp Oxford, it just wont pull 220 nicely....when running on 3 phase it's so sweet.......
I also have a 480 oil filled welder....dont use it much now buthateto scrap it........
for mobile I run an old copper wound buzz box.......
modern stuff is overpriced carp if it's just stick welding.....

over here shield gas is very expensive so my Oxford gets used a lot.....

built a fetteling bench around mine.....the welder is on roller bearings shelf........
to move it I used a pallet truck.......lol......

 

[6ply]

Still thinking about it. Would like it but I don't really have the space. Shame really as it would be better than my existing buzz box on several counts.

 

[Munkul]

They last ok (although they do break like everything else, they can be repaired easily)
They don't weld anything like a decent inverter though. And they need a decent supply, 16 amp bare minimum.
A decent inverter can live on 13amp for 3.2 rods, is nicer to weld with, and runs all 7018 and manganese (some 7018s don't run on AC) and you can move it around like a kids lunchbox.

Bottom line, they're worth £60 for a reason.

 

[Barking Mat]

Good solid reliable welder, better duty cycle than an inverter.

I've had my 15 - 20 years, I was given it.

 

[pressbrake1]

Yes, I was going to suggest between £50 and £100. Good backup to have under the bench.

I have one under the bench in all my workshops just like the old maintenance shops

 

[brightspark]

had mine from new 52 years. paid 115 quid for it direct from pickhill . never been outside and has leads 10 meters long