anyone with a Hobat Stickmate?

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Hey GuysI've been in the market for a used/cheap stick machine and decided I really ought to go with an AC/DC model.  Today I ran across a Hobart that caught my eye.  And at a little over $400 new, I was wondering what you all thought?I'm building a blacksmith shop and need a stick machine for some pretty standard things---welding up stands and tables, welding billets together for forge-welding, and for welding chunky plate/I-beam stuff for a press I want to build.Another thing I will be needing to do a lot is hardfacing.Anyway, what do you guys think of this one-- a 230A/160A AC/DC Stickmate?  http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/...g=true&cFlag=1Seems to me it'd have the horse power to do me a lot of work.ThanksJohnIt's better to curse the darkness than to set yourself on fire.
Reply:I have a friend who has that welder and it seems to do a pretty decent job.  I also wouldn't be scared to look for a good used machine either.  Almost all of my stick machines are OLD machines i bought used for little of nothing.  They weld better than alot of the newer stuff in my opinion.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:I thought about what you said, and found on Craigslist.org a little-used Century AC welder.  295 amps for $100.  The guy told me we could talk about the price.  I think for my needs, it might be a place to start.  I know the Century isn't "Big Three", but they've been around a long time.I'm going to think on it and decide tomorrow.It's better to curse the darkness than to set yourself on fire.
Reply:Just curious, which one did you go with? I bought the stickmate lx and have yet to be disappointed.