Shopping for an AC/DC stick welder

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Hey guys,I have an old Lincoln AC-225 stick welder that has been useful for improving my skills, but I'd like to upgrade to a DC capable unit.I'm not stuck on red, by the way.  I've been shopping around on the 'net, and I've found these "best" prices per model:Lincoln 225 AC/DC for $387 at Home DepotHobart Stickmate LX AC/DC  $386 at Tractor Supply Co.Miller Thunderbolt 225 AC/DC for $475 at local welding supplyDo any of you guys know of a better deal on an AC/DC stick machine?  I've just about exhausted my brain for other places to check and haven't found anything close to the top two.  Your thoughts?
Reply:Just go w/ any of those three and I think you'll be happy. I have the Miller thunderbolt 225 AC/DC and am satisfied w/ it.                              MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:The Hobart and the Miller only differ in color.  Get the Hobart at Tractor supply.  The Hobart will give a finer adjustment of the output current.DennisThermal Arc 185-TSWMillermatic Challenger 172VictorO/AAtlas Craftsman 12 by 24 LatheEsab PCM-875Wholesalem Tool Mill-Drill
Reply:I have the Lincoln. It's served me well for years.DewayneDixieland WeldingMM350PLincoln 100Some torchesOther misc. tools
Reply:I'd give the high end DC capabilities a heavy weighting factor. The DC is what you started out looking for, that's what I'd focus on.
Reply:By high end, I'm not sure what you mean- high current?  Consider a more expensive machine?It looks like the Lincoln's DC current capacity is less than the Hobart, so I'm leaning towards the Hobart so far.Hobart Stickmate LX AC/DC, Millermatic 252 & 30A spoolgun, Thermal Arc 185 TIG, Miller BWESmith Oxy-AcBridgeport 2J , South Bend 42" 9AHusky 7.5 HP 22.3 CFM 80 gal compressor
Reply:Originally Posted by dstaleyBy high end, I'm not sure what you mean- high current?  Consider a more expensive machine?It looks like the Lincoln's DC current capacity is less than the Hobart, so I'm leaning towards the Hobart so far.
Reply:This threads a couple of months old but I will reply anyway.  I was in the same boat as dstaley a year or so ago.  Did the same search and found that actually getting the Lincoln to/from HD was cost prohibitive so drove 30 miles to my closest Tractor Supply and bought the Hobart.  Would like to say it welds great but I have not even plugged it in yet!   I bought 25' additional lead for it, cut the stinger lead about 6" from the box and put a quick connector in so I have the option of using just the factory stinger lead (15' I think) or going out to 40'.  I think it will be a handy rig if/when I get around to welding with it.Old farm boy type welder/fabricator
Reply:[QUOTE=dstaley][*]Lincoln 225 AC/DC for $387 at Home DepotQUOTE]I consiedered the Lincoln from  HD also.  Attractive price at $387, until I found out the shipping was $90.Does anyone know if the storefront locations will match $387?MetalBob