AC/DC stick welder options. $700 new range, or used.

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Hey all. I'm in the market for a new SMAW machine. I'm sticking to Miller, Lincoln, and Hobart either new or used. I'm searching craigslist for an older Lincoln tombstone, or like a Miller Thunderbolt or the likes. I'm in a full time welding program, and believe it or not, I stick to using the more "old school" type welders at class. We have Lincoln Invertecs, and Miller XMT multiprocess machines, but I'm not a huge fan of them. I prefer to weld on a very old TIG machine, that does DC stick and the only bells and whistles on it are arc control, or off a miller 8 pack that looks like it's older than I am.Basically want DC amperage up to at least 120 so I can run 1/8th 7018 electrodes, maybe more like 150 to give myself some headroom for a higher duty cycle. I want DC because that's pretty much all we're taught on to run 6010 and 7018. I know people love old lincoln "buzz box" but I want DC. Same with the miller thunderbolt. I think I'd maybe prefer some more modern options, like arc control adjustments. The biggest thing I want is the machine to be able to handle doing the whip and pause technique with 6010. I read that new inverter machines don't like it. My everlast PA200st won't even weld it. That's the most important thing. I weld all day at school, and I wanna be able to come home and weld some more at my shop running 7018, 6010 pads, tees and svog's in all posistions. I need a lot of practice.Am I looking in the right direction in these machines? Personal experience welding on any of them? Do I have any other options out there?I wish i could spend couple thousand on a fancy new machine, but here are my new options:Hobart: http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/stor...c-stick-welderLincoln: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lincoln-E...=5yc1vZc8lpZwpMiller: http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...p?model=M16100Mechanic turned welding student. 4x4 enthusiast. Hoping to make a career out of all of thoseLincoln 140, MIGEverlast PA200STToo many tools to list...
Reply:the miller thunderbolt is a great machine! 230 amps a/c and 150 d/c, infinite adjustment unlike taped tombstones or stick mate and they run scratch start tig very well. The best part is that you can normally find a nice used one around $200-$300. I've had one for 15-20 years that I still use regularly! You can still get parts for them almost everywhere that sells welding supplies also. I don't think I'd buy one new though, for that $ 750 price tag you could probably buy a used dial arc and have more power,duty cycle (also bulletproof) and remote voltage control. I'd suggest a dial arc over an inverter myself. I've been running a miller xmt304 lately and I like it but it just doesn't have that bite that a transformer unit has.Real welders know how to penetrate!(Equipment)Whatever can be used to beat my opponent into submission!
Reply:A lot depends on how much you'll be welding with the machine.  Used AC/DC arc welders are easy to come by.  A good shop machine would be an old Idealarc or and old Dialarc.  Built like tanks and very durable.  Can be had in nice shape within your budget.  These are real heavy duty machines that will last you a lifetime, even with heavy demands placed on them.  And they are smoooooooth on DC stick, buttery.  The Lincoln you picked is a tapped machine with limited duty cycle at 125 amps.  The Miller is a more expensive machine than the Hobart with different paint.I personally wouldn't go new.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Old school machines are my fav too - and you can't go wrong with the Dialarc or Idealarc. (I'm a Dialarc fan)They can be found used down to $200 and weld excellent.But at school, I'd use those inverters as much as you can - good chance you will need to use them at work - get comfortable with them. (Hell, even I have a couple....)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:Follow MinnesotaDave's advice, that way you won't be lost at a real Job. Nothing wrong with an old school machine, but in the classroom setting you need to use the hi-tech stuff!Just Saying......
Reply:In my area you can pick up a used Dialarc or Idealarc cheaper than a new Thunderbolt, Stick-mate or AC/DC 225.But because of space and power limitations, I opted for the Thunderbolt. It's been a very good machine.Miller a/c-d/c Thunderbolt XLMillermatic 180 Purox O/ASmith Littletorch O/AHobart Champion Elite
Reply:The Hobart at tractor supply is about $530 and is really the same as the miller thunderbolt.  I have one and like it.Also the powerarc 200  would probably run the 6010 rods.  I have one of those and it runs 6011 with plenty of voltage to spare.millermatic 130XPharbour freight 180 amp mig with added caps.hobart stickmate ac/dcpowerarc 200
Reply:My Dialarc was $300.  The Idealarc was $350 with the factory cart and 200 feet of leads.The ESAB 161LTS supposedly handles 6010 well, though how well I don't know. Dual voltage, portable.  Right around $400."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 weldinghomerThe Hobart at tractor supply is about $530 and is really the same as the miller thunderbolt.  I have one and like it.Also the powerarc 200  would probably run the 6010 rods.  I have one of those and it runs 6011 with plenty of voltage to spare.
Reply:I would definitely look for an old Lincoln AC/DC idealarc 250.
Reply:Originally Posted by Scott MoyerHey all. I'm in the market for a new SMAW machine. I'm sticking to Miller, Lincoln, and Hobart either new or used. I'm searching craigslist for an older Lincoln tombstone, or like a Miller Thunderbolt or the likes. I'm in a full time welding program, and believe it or not, I stick to using the more "old school" type welders at class. We have Lincoln Invertecs, and Miller XMT multiprocess machines, but I'm not a huge fan of them. I prefer to weld on a very old TIG machine, that does DC stick and the only bells and whistles on it are arc control, or off a miller 8 pack that looks like it's older than I am.
Reply:Dang... That's a deal on that Lincoln. We have one just like it at work. Great machine. Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkUsing Tapatalk
Reply:Be patient, watch Craig's List or for sale items in your local paper, a great welder will show up for the price you want to pay. I agree with others, don't buy new, stick to the old classics. The IdealArc 250 or the Miller Dialarc are very overbuilt and will work for years with little if any maintenance. I found my IdealArc 250 at a flea market this spring, paid $130, took it home and blew it out with compressed air and it welds perfect. I sanded it down and a buddy painted it for me. I am super happy with it. Here are some before/ after picturesSent from my iPad using TapatalkSteveLincoln IdealArc 250Lincoln SA200 1966 RedfaceSteveMiller Dialarc 250 (1990)Miller Maxstar 140 STR (2003)Lincoln SA200 Redface Pipeliner (1966)Lincoln MP210 (2015)Victor and MECO torches
Reply:$130. - $200, dangit. But at least my $350. Idealarc 250 had the cart and about 200 feet of nice 1/0 leads."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:You did ok, I bought my factory undercarriage at Stumpf's for $75. Very easy to move a heavy welder with it. I drilled and tapped a 1/4-28 grease zerk in the center pivot and center wheel hub, I just forced grease in the front wheel bearings Sent from my iPad using TapatalkSteveLincoln IdealArc 250Lincoln SA200 1966 RedfaceSteveMiller Dialarc 250 (1990)Miller Maxstar 140 STR (2003)Lincoln SA200 Redface Pipeliner (1966)Lincoln MP210 (2015)Victor and MECO torches
Reply:Originally Posted by PipelinerRun fast, get in the truck drive on the sidewalk forget the puppies and nuns just get there.
Reply:Lincoln made TM AC & AC/DC in 300 /400/500/ 650 amp models along with the Tig 300. Miller ,Airco ,P&H GE and Westinghouse did too. All.great to this day!
Reply:I bought my AC/DC Stickmate from Northern Tool, with their free shipping.  I was told by a Miller factory rep that the Hobart and the Miller are equal machines, intended for sale at different price points.Millers are sold through professional Welding supply outlets and Hobarts are sold through big box stores and other retail outlets.Very shortly after I received my Stickmate, I asked a Navy Chief Hull Tech to take a minute and look at my welder.  After seeing the welder, his comment was "You could build a ship with that!"In my town, it seems to me that the cheap used Tombstones, Thunder Bolts and Stickmates are hauled into Mexico.I offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor
Reply:If money isn't an option, I'd always recommend "new."   That's just me.  A "new" Thunderbolt (with the $200 blue paint job) just looks so cool and will outlast you.  I'm all about aesthetics and I can't stand the tan colored Hobart models or a tool in the garage with the same name that matches my wife's kitchen appliances. . That's just me though and for an extra $200, I'm willing to pay it for that sole reason alone, if need be. I only bought my AC/DC Lincoln USED.... Because it was never taken out of the box and was practically given to me at a price that nobody could have passed up.   I love great finds like that and I kick myself for not buying a lottery ticket that day!!! I'll probably give that Lincoln to my son when he moves out one day and then I'll buy a Thunderbolt.  Right now, the Lincoln set on "DC" works on my 3/32 and 1/8" 7018 Excalibers, perfectly.  Lincoln Power Mig 216Lincoln AC/DC-225/125Miller  625 X-Treme PlasmaMiller 211 Forney 95FI-A 301HF 91110Victor Journeyman O/PMilwaukee DaytonMakita  Baileigh NRA Life Member
Reply:Originally Posted by SuperArcI...I can't stand the tan colored Hobart models or a tool in the garage with the same name that matches my wife's kitchen appliances....
Reply:Concerning the three new machines listed:I am not sure one could complete the cap on a test coupon, running 125 - 130 amps uphill on one of those machines without technically violating the duty cycle. (2 minutes in a 10 minute period)I know, folks push them past that all the time...just sayin'I learned to weld on a Lincoln 225, but it was on about a million and a half welds on square tubing and steel sheet.No duty cycle issues there30+ years later, I have an old Miller 250 Twin AD DC stick machine, and a 200 amp 3-in-1 Northern Tool machine.