Cheap boc welder on eBay

[Deefa]

Hi everyone,

I am interested in buying a boc mig and had a look at my local boc store with a big sign out the front saying they have specials on migs. They have the smootharc advance 275 mig on special at the moment for $2096.95 with a remote wire feeder etc, their special is that they throw in a cheap auto helmet and a pair of gloves. Which I don't need. I thought I would do some research and on eBay the same welder in boc eBay store was $1760 delivered free. I rang the store and the salesman tried to tell me that it would be old stock or damaged or not include GST. They would not budge a cent on price. He admitted that it was boc Sydney head office under cutting the stores. He also says that warranty claims would be difficult. I am inclined to buy off eBay as it's a considerable saving. But at the same time I'm worried if I go to my local store they might not want to know anything about it. Thoughts???

[richard4u2]

send an email to boc on the net with questions about what the salesman told you and see what they say

[mark_coffey]

having worked on BOC welders, I have found BOC are useless for back up service and spare parts. they might be good with the consumables but absolutely useless at anything else.
Don't get me wrong, they are a good welder, but you need to source spares from third party sellers.
I work for BOC as a contract maintenance electrician and have worked on quite a few different breeds.
the biggest issue is look at the full load current, most home users will not have a problem with the 15A plug attatched, you will find under full load they will draw nearly 30Amps

[Deefa]

Thanks Mark,

I have seen this second hand wia similar specs to the BOC welder and its near my location. what do you think of these? Asking $1800. Near new.

[mark_coffey]

I must admit that I have never had to repair one, have seen a few in workshops around and well used.
The biggest problem for the BOC unit is the wire speed control card, have had to replace a couple, but I think that is more from the extended use of the feeder than anything else, This was used for reclaiming and line boring loader arms.