Opinions wanted

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So I have a nice old K.O.Lee 275A buzz box that is AC only. I also have a Lincoln 3200hd 110v mig. I have tried a buddy's new precision tig using the stick function and man did it lay a nice bead in comparison to my buzz box. He said it was because of the DC feature.I was all set to buy a Hobart stickmate LX with ac/dc option when a ready welder2 made itself available to me.Both welders are in the $300 price range.The compact size of the ready welder is appealing to me as I am out of room in my garage and I have trucks that run on 24v, so the power supply is readily available.Not sure which way to go on this.
Reply:I had a ready welder (original version)  they work well but a bit limited as you cannot really adjust voltage.  exception is if you have the CV or CC powersource adapter kit.  Not sure if that's included.  the gun is always hot as well though they have a cold contactor kit also..  just depends which one you are looking at...   Yes for the DC current.  I started welding with and AC buzz box then moved to an AC DC machine, it's a huge difference.   I suggest you buy both of them. I felt that the feed mechanism for the readywelder was not that smooth and a bit awkward to load.  the controls inside are a bit exposed too and if you birds nest the wire you risk shorting something out.   Great for trail use.. will also work as a aluminum spoolgun with the gas...  I did use it for a couple of Aluminum repairs on my boat via batteries and it worked fine...If you look at this page http://www.readywelder.com/info.php and then put the mouse over the features it will tell you which models have those features.  you want to get the one that will connect to cc arc and has cold start.   then you can run it off and DC Stick welder.     Funny enough, I just picked up a GoWeld today.   It does have the advantage of the voltage control on the gun and also has the CV adapter wiring built in.  I am not sure if they can be run of CC machines though.   See my post in other manufactures forum..  Quality wise the GoWeld definitely seems better made.    Oh I did visit Readywelder offices in Anaheim CA a couple years ago to get a couple parts and also find out about what was involved in becoming a distributor.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