Small welder help

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I want to be able to stick weld plate. I cannot imagine anything over 1/8-3/16. I've seen the HF models but you're never sure if they can do what the say, and I'm afraid a wirefeed would always be a problem especially  the cheap ones. is anything good on 110v? I could plug into the dryer outlet but would need a super heavy duty extension cord. What about a buzz box? Thanks Dave Gale
Reply:Well, you're gonna get many opinions here, I might as well start with the first.....In MY opinion, there isn't a 110v stick machine worth a damn, period.  Not even for 1/8" "thin" sheet metal.  Mig is a different story.  So, since you specifically asked about "stick," I'll stay on topic.  One of the best "home grade" stick welders out there is either a Hobart LX AC/DC model.  Next would be the Lincoln AC/DC-225.  I think you can find a brand new Lincoln cheaper than the Hobart LX (AC/DC) model.  On the used market, you can find a used Loncoln AC/DC-225 on CL for around $300.00.  You'll just have to keep checking daily.   That's how I found mine "used" (never taken out of the box).   He wanted $200 and I think I flashed about $175.00 and the guy took it.   It was a deal I couldn't pass up....Anyway, do yourself a favor and buy one of those two proven machines.  You can also go "AC only" and that will lower the price of each brand by another $200.00.  So, for around $350.00 total (+/-), you can have a great little 220v machine.   Your dryer outlet (30 amps I'm guessing) will power those machines on the lower settings. Again, my own opinion is that for a decent stick welder that isn't too expensive (transformer based), you really need a 220v power source.  The 110v stick machines will just make you wanna punch your wife out at the end of the day.  Recap:  Seriously look at the Hobart LX (both AC and AC/DC models) or Lincoln AC/DC-225/125.Last edited by SuperArc; 05-30-2013 at 02:26 PM.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:Many people use 120 volt stick welders everyday with excellent success. Yes, some own very high quality machines way beyond most people here have.Esab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:You might also look at the LONGEVITY StickWeld 200i.110/220 stick and TIG.From the desk of Kevin CaronTrying to be the best me I can!www.kevincaron.comAHP Alpha Tig 200x MillerMatic 251Miller Syncrowave 200
Reply:Originally Posted by SuperArcIn MY opinion, there isn't a 110v stick machine worth a damn, period.
Reply:At the moment, it seems that a good buy for a 120/240V stick welder from a major manufacturer is the ESAB MiniArc 161LTS. Not much more than a Thermal Arc 95S, another decent machine.  Not sure what happened to the screaming good deals on the Thermal Arc 161S and 161 STL. Depending on location, you can sometimes get deals on older AC/DC 240V buzz boxes, sometimes  $100. - $200. depending on brand."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:There are many impressive dual voltage 120/230 inverter stick/tig welders out there costing anywhere from just under $300.00 to well over $1500.00. I have several of these little lunch box welders and yes  they all perform best plugged into 230v but can do more than most people would ever imagine plugged into 120v when the proper electrode and or technique is used.  The 120v welder circuit breaker in your shop should probably be at least 20 amp but a 30 amp is better. With that said I have made plenty of cash using the little welders in places where there was nothing more than a 15 amp circuit and extension cord. I have saved hundreds of hours on the engine drives and tons of cash on welder/truck fuel by using  little dual voltage inverter welders when I can. The 120v only models are cool but you can purchase a dual voltage unit for just a little more or in some cases even less money.