Powcon parts, sad news

[ccawgc]

Just received word last week. Arcon no longer has parts for powcon welders. They will still keep the manuals up on their web
site for down loading. If anybody finds a repair shop that is going to repair these and the pcbs post it here.

[7A749]

Suppose that about the final nail in the coffin for PowCon.

Of course, it makes sense for Arcon since they don't sell welders if they're helping ppl fix their PowCon machines.

I guess it was only a matter of time

[BusinessHippieRH]

So... Somebody local has a 300SM with Powerdrive II for sale for what seems like a good deal. In fact, until this thread popped up, I was planning on calling him as soon as I get my taxes done.

I currently have a Hobart 205AC, but have been getting in to stuff where a MIG set-up would be ideal (tube for 4x4 bumpers, sliders, etc.). I'd like to keep the stick and gain MIG. You guys seem to be the only ones that know a whole lot about these machines.

So: just how reliable are they, and what are the chances of repairs going forward? Or: should I just save up a bit more and either buy a good MIG or a multi-process that's still got support?

Thanks in advance.

[ccawgc]

In their day. they were good machines. But they are getting old now, a powcon might last a week or for 10 years.
No way to know. Just don't pay a lot if you buy.

[John T]

never heard of them....

[7A749]

They were the first to bring inverters to the market back in the late 70s. The design is very reliable for its age and brilliantly engineered. Just no real support for them and unless you have a boneyard of parts laying around, you're screwed if they stop working.

Yeah, don't pay much for it.

[DanD78]

Did someone buy up the parts inventory? I know of a local shop that might buy out the inventory.

Dan D.

[soutthpaw]

There have been no parts inventories for a long time for Powcon.

posted with Skype from mobile.. excuse the weird typos

[cope]

I sold my 200SM in 2004. It ran great, but I knew the writing was on the wall.

[Rondo]

I first saw the KaPow-Cons in the mid 80's. I still see their Plasma Cutters out there. It was a game changing product