Lincoln AC/DC box vs CHINESE Box?

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I have access to a Lincoln AC/DC box but I was thinking at $220 +/-, not a bad deal for an inverter.  Then I was thinking $400 and dedicated 220 outlet, Okay more power. Unfortunately, Their Ads & Write-Up/Reviews are a little confusing about starting an Arc.  I send an email, 10/22, but never got a response about which Unit/Model starts an ARC the easiest.  I just finished an introductory course for Welding, Oxy/Acetylene, TIG, STICK and MIG in that order.  I pretty much suck and need practice.  Pretty much 2 1/2 hours hands on each set-up listed up above.I have just had one task at hand, which is to repair/weld/reinforce my riding mower. I like to get an Oxy/Acetylene Set-up and Stick set-up.  I like the $200 boxes and was even thinking about the $400 boxes, stick only.  Not interest in TIG due to the expense of gas and or MIG.  I know you weld without Gas on MIG.Please HELP and let me know your thoughts about the Lincoln AC/DC Buzz Box versus a Chinese’s Inverter.Thanks,Mike
Reply:Powerarc 200  not the ST.  Much easier to start an arc than my Hobart Stickmate AC/DC  transformer.  The 200 has more horsepower for a little less money in exchange for 220 only.millermatic 130XPharbour freight 180 amp mig with added caps.hobart stickmate ac/dcpowerarc 200
Reply:Chinese inverter covers a wide variety of machines, so it's tough to make comparisons to them. Basic AC/DC lincolns are nice units. They are strong and rugged and there's very little that can go wrong with them. The big brothers, the Idealarc's are even nicer and have one of the nicest stick arcs you'll find out there. Many times I've seen  used Idealarcs offered for less than the smaller box store counterparts because for what ever reason people seem to think the home owner units are worth more.On inverter stick machines, there are quite a few reasonably priced name brand units out there on the market. Esab has a nice one several people have commented on ( I'll have to dig up the model as I can't remember it off the top of my head right now). Price is less than $500 from what I recall. Also some of the ThermalArc/Tweeco machines have gotten good reviews. The TA/Tweeco machines are made overseas but are well built and backed by a decent company. I wouldn't have any issues with any of those machines or a nice clean used Miller or Lincoln inverter.Now inexpensive Chinese imports have had a spotty reputation. Some machines haven't held up well, but most are stick/tig or other multi process machines. Of bigger concern is customer service many receive when they do have a problem. The inability to contact the seller, the fact that the seller doesn't return calls or emails, issues like the fact you have to pay to ship the broken machine back on your dime,  the strong arm and almost blackmail tactics the sellers have used to publicly deal with customers who post up issues and all have left a bad taste in the mouths of many. I'd strongly recommend you use due diligence and study the record of the company you look to buy from. At that consider the machine disposable if something goes wrong out of warranty. Chances are high if it fails out of warranty you will not be able to get it repaired as many times these companies simply replace broken machines under warranty, not repair them..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I have 4-inverter welding machines. My Lincoln V350-Pro is just flat out amazing the control it has over the puddle. But you may not like the price! I have two Everlast inverter welding machines. I really can't recommend the PowerArc 200 to someone just starting out, if they want to run 6010. Reason being, you have to hold a very close arc length with 6010, or 6011. That's just not normal. But the PowerArc 200 runs 7018 like a dream. The PowerArc 300 is really really nice with 6010. I just wish it would wet out 7018 a little more. The PowerArc 300 has adjustable hot start, and arc force. The hot start means nothing to me, but it can be real handy to someone just starting out.Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:I have had good luck with 2 Everlast machines.   Need to get some stick time on my 185 though.  Been just using it mostly for TIG.   It did run my ESAB wire feeder well thoughI did a review on the 140sta while back.   I would get a 160 amp or larger.  Should run all the rods you need at a hobby level.   The lincoln is only 125 amp output on DC and .  Very reliable but only tapped current settings.   Miller thunderbolt would be a better transformer at 140 amp DCLast edited by soutthpaw; 10-29-2014 at 03:17 PM.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWChinese inverter covers a wide variety of machines, so it's tough to make comparisons to them. ...
Reply:Originally Posted by OldendumLast time I researched it, there were about 600 companies in China making welders.  Not all inverters, but it's still a bunch.  Pay $410. for an ESAB Miniarc 161LTS.
Reply:Esab 161 LTS is a nice machine, will run 3-32 7018 on a 115 volt outlet no problem. Burns a 5-32 7018 on 230 volt. Should have no problem with duty cycle on smaller rods. Tig is just lift arc but it works pretty well.
Reply:The little ESAB is the best bang for the buck from a reputable outfit.  Not really a TIG welder, but does have lift-arc.  Dual-voltage and just big enough to run decent sized rods or have a good duty cycle within its intended role."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Another vote for the ESAB MiniArc 161LTS.  Plus it will run 6010 rods, no problem...many other inverters will not.
Reply:EVERYONE, I really appreciate the comments and feedback that I summarized and listed below.READ the last comment.Weldinghomer, good to hear the comparison about Stickmate.  Was interested in Stickmate because of Dial setting.DSW, I really didn’t want to mention which Chinese brand, but it is one brand mention and commented on this site.  Even thou 140 amp unit probably would meet my needs, why not step up to 200 amp using 220v a/c.  DSW, Idealarc consider that once, saw one on craigslist for a good deal, but you know the story.  Not real sure why a bigger transformer will work better than their smaller brothers/buzz box. Then there is the bigger power input requirement.DSW, ESAB thinking & researching.CEP, PowerArc 200.  I know you need to be an experienced welder for 6010.  Funny the day we were in class, I had no problem with 6010.  More problems with 7018.  Last day I played with both sticks again, problem with 6010 and just drag the 7018 across the metal.  I thought you had to maintain the gap.  I know I need a lot of practice and there are a lot of excellent videos out there.Southpaw, 160 amp or greater, I concurOldem, $410 for n ESAB Miniarc 161LTS, I wished you would have supplied a link.Southpaw, love all my ESAB machinesM J D, 115 outlet a plusOldem, The little ESAB is the best bang for the buck from a reputable outfit. Not really a TIG welder, but does have lift-arc. Dual-voltage and just big enough to run decent sized rods or have a good duty cycle within its intended role.  Liking the commentShortfuse, another yes with capabilities to run 6010 rods.Sent an email last night to ESAB and received a response this mornig.OK, purchased the last ESAB 161LTS stick package delivered to my house for $360 ($410 with 10% Discount on ESAB Fall Special, Ends end of October)) from Bakers gas & Welding Supply.  My Local Distributor didn’t have any, and there price was $500.  My LWS also mention ESAB was out of stock of the 161LTS units.
Reply:OK, the Miniarc 161 for $410. at Baker's Gas is no longer available, though it was a couple days back.  Three Mules Welding has them listed for $399. plus shipping.  I wouldn't wait.  Other places including Baker's Gas are about $525.http://www.threemulesweld.com/esab161ltsEdit:  Oops, should have read the whole post.  You got a screaming deal on the last one, LOL.Last edited by Oldendum; 10-30-2014 at 12:58 PM."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:should_have...Great buy and price on the ESAB.  Enjoy.  Smooth little welder.
Reply:You should get good use out of your welder. You got a real good deal with that discount.Miller xmt304,  Miller S22 p12, Miier Maxstar SD, Miller 252 w 30A, Miller super32p12, Lincoln Ranger 9, Thermal Arc 181I with spoolgun, Hypertherm 10000 ,Smith torches. Esab 161lts miniarc.
Reply:You got a great deal, enjoy it.  As for the "why buy a big transformer" question, weld for a while.   Then try an Idealarc 250 in DC mode with any rod.  You will have your question answered.  There's a real difference in the arc.  Soft and buttery and unlike the crispness of an inverter.  You'll just have to wait and see.There is just something about them, and it's REAL.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Originally Posted by should_have Not interest in TIG due to the expense of gas and or MIG.  I know you weld without Gas on MIG.