please suggest a good, inexpensive stick welder for a beginner to practice with

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I am looking to spend about $100 and all I need to do at this point is practice my stick welding.  I am enrolled at a welding school, but I want something at home to weld with.  Thanks!
Reply:everlast pa 140stmillermatic 130XPharbour freight 180 amp mig with added caps.hobart stickmate ac/dcpowerarc 200
Reply:For $100 about the best you could hope for is a Lincoln 225 AC crackerbox.  With some 6011 and 7018AC rod you could weld the world back together.  This is a $100 stick welder:
Reply:Based on your location, this is the best deal going around I see.  This is a pretty good deal on a nice clean machine.http://kansascity.craigslist.org/tls/4764410834.html
Reply:You are in luck, you should be able to pick up a used AC only buzz box for about $100.All 7018 are not created equal. Washington alloy's 7018 says on the package they run AC but trust me, they do not.For such a cheap rod they run great on DC.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:Originally Posted by ianpierpointI am looking to spend about $100 and all I need to do at this point is practice my stick welding.  I am enrolled at a welding school, but I want something at home to weld with.  Thanks!
Reply:Did you check craigs list ? What rod do you use at school ?  6010 DC or 6011 AC ?  Look for a AC / DC machine. The AC will be cheap while AC/DC more.
Reply:Ian:Welcome to the forum.  I am up the road close to St. Joe.  I would suggest the Miller T-bolt.  I have the AC/DC version of that one that I packed away from the LWS about 35 years ago.  It works as good today as it did new and has lived a hard faithfull life.  The price seems a bit high for a used older AC only machine but if the pic is an accurate portrayal of it's actual condition, it might be worth it.RogerOld, Tired, and GRUMPYSalesman will call, Batteries not included, Assembly is required, and FREE ADVICE IS WORTH EXACTLY WHAT YOU PAY FOR IT!Dial Arc 250HFThunderbolt 225 AC/DCAssorted A/O torches
Reply:The Miller posted by Pipeliner is a fair deal.  If you later find a good deal on an AC/DC machine, you should be able to resell the Miller easily."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:Originally Posted by weldinghomereverlast pa 140st
Reply:Dont mess with a welder that looks that rough.My Lincoln was new in 1964, still looks new.
Reply:I do not recommend an AC Buzz box. They are the worst thing to learn on in my opinion. They are hard to start, hard to run, and not good for much. If you can find an used AC/DC or Inverter like the Everlast you'll be better off.Constant Current Weldor.
Reply:Originally Posted by DavidbrownI do not recommend an AC Buzz box. They are the worst thing to learn on in my opinion. They are hard to start, hard to run, and not good for much. If you can find an used AC/DC or Inverter like the Everlast you'll be better off.
Reply:Originally Posted by DavidbrownThey are the worst thing to learn on in my opinion. They are hard to start, hard to run, and not good for much.
Reply:I have no issues with AC welders - and a good used AC welder can be found from $60-$150.But don't get a little AC welder, those will drive a man to drink. The 225 amp ones run better.6011, 7014, and even some 6013 - good to go Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Yeah don't waste your time on a 120 volt stick welder, go 240 volt with an output 225-230 amps would be best.Those 120 volt stick welders are only for small repairs, as far as I can tell.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveBut don't get a little AC welder, those will drive a man to drink.
Reply:ianpierpoint - I started off exactly where you are, figuring I would spend very little money and get something to get started with.  Mistake.  I was limited in what I could do, and frustrated at the junk welds I was turning out.  Finally bit the bullet and bought a used Dialarc.  It was like night and day.  Within a week I started to improve.  Not saying I became an ace, but I began to be able to do things I couldn't do before, and to achieve the kind of consistent results that lead one to think that they have a fighting chance at getting to be somewhat competant at laying down respectable beads.  I know that if your money is limited there isn't much you can do, but if there is any way you can get your budget up to double or triple what you plan to spend now, I think you won't regret it.  For 250-350, you can get an older American ACDC transformer machine with a decent duty cycle.-Marty-