Tombstone Welders

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I am looking to buy a "tombstone" arc welder.  The three models I'm looking at are below.Miller Thunderbolt, $590, 225AC/150DCLincoln, $530, 225AC/125DCHobart Stickmate LX, $449,  235AC/160DCWhat brand would you recommend and why?  Problems with any particular model?The Lincoln has the lowest DC output, which turns me off, I would prefer to weld DC anytime I can.  I also read some comments on this site that the Lincoln has a small problem with the adjustment knobs not working at times, the crank adjustment on the other two may be more reliable/easier to use?  Comments please?Thanks,Randy
Reply:The Lincoln is bullet proof.  It will last for ever.  Miller owns Hobart, so it's basically the same machine.  The Miller/Hobart has better range of adjustment.  Tough call.  Do you like Red or Blue?  I have the AC only tombstone, but if I could buy another, it would probably be the Miller.It's not what you can buy, it's what you can build.
Reply:My cousin has the Hobart model you mentioned.  I really like that it has so much DC power.  We have the lincoln at my high school.  It is a bulletproof machine like JC said, but on 1/8" 7018 DC the machine had to be turned all the way up and I still dont think it was quite hot enough.  The miller and the hobart are pretty much the same exact thing and the hobart has more power for less money.  Once I get a 200 amp service in my house im gettting the Hobart.
Reply:Third the Miller I have an AC only Lincoln and it is a little limited only use it when I cant get my Sync 250 to a job that I need to stick weld.BrandonLincoln Tombstone 225 A/C Steel StickerOld Victor O2/Acetylene setupMiller Syncrowave 250 Tig/PC-300 PulserMiller Millermatic 212 Mig HTP Invertatig 201 Giant Teck D50 Plasma cutterLots of HF grinders
Reply:I need as much DC power as possible so that probably knocks out the Lincoln.  Is the Miller worth the extra $140 with 10 less DC amps?   I'm a little confused at the quality of the Miller versus the Hobart, since they are made by the same company?Keep the thoughts coming.Thanks for the replies, Randy
Reply:I saw keep looking and buy a good used Miller dialarc or lincoln ideal arc.  They are both bullet proof, and can be had used for the same money as you have listed there if you look around.  You would have A LOT more welder for the money.  If I had to pick one of the three it would be the hobart.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:Originally Posted by 99trxriderMy cousin has the Hobart model you mentioned.  I really like that it has so much DC power.  We have the lincoln at my high school.  It is a bulletproof machine like JC said, but on 1/8" 7018 DC the machine had to be turned all the way up and I still dont think it was quite hot enough.  The miller and the hobart are pretty much the same exact thing and the hobart has more power for less money.  Once I get a 200 amp service in my house im gettting the Hobart.
Reply:Originally Posted by JC'sWeldingThe Lincoln is bullet proof.  It will last for ever.  Miller owns Hobart, so it's basically the same machine.  The Miller/Hobart has better range of adjustment.  Tough call.  Do you like Red or Blue?  I have the AC only tombstone, but if I could buy another, it would probably be the Miller.
Reply:Im getting the Hobart in a couple weeks.  If a Lincoln Ideal arc comes up and its a good deal thats what im going with.  Cant find one used though.
Reply:If you have a good relationship with your LWS you can get a Miller Thunderbolt larger than that for less money.  I paid a little over $500 for the 300/200 machine.  The constant dial gauge was great and I used it frequently for TIG welding even though they said it was not maid for TIG it did an excellent job at it.Jamie WebbWelder & InspectorBusiness and HobbyLincoln Pro-Mig 180 with Spool Gun and Lincoln AC225
Reply:Personally, I'd like a little more DC amps on my crackerbox, but in the alternative, I can take out a few 7018AC rods and have all the power I need.  The AC version runs different, but it does the job.With any small machine you face limitations.  You can't have it all unless you got deep pockets.And here's something for thought.  What is the true output of any machine??  It ain't always what's on the dial.  It's where the rod runs good.  Forget the numbers.I like Lincoln because it's what I own, and it's what's available at the local LWS.  And to be honest with you, it's more about the guy that sells it to you, and is the first one you go to when you have problems.  Good supplier makes a world of difference."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Samm I think I saw one of your steers going through the sale barn.  I think it had your brand on him. Attached ImagesCharlie
Reply:I am looking to get the miller thunderbolt myself.I heard it can do steel up to 1/2.
Reply:Originally Posted by pyroracing85I am looking to get the miller thunderbolt myself.I heard it can do steel up to 1/2.
Reply:The Hobarts coming home in a week
Reply:Originally Posted by farmersamm. . .I like Lincoln. . .
Reply:I missed thisOh those big eyelashesMoooooo ve over baby, Daddy's home"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/