Northern Tool 200 AMP stick welder

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Hi Guys:I just tinker with stuff once in awhile. I'm sure not a welder, and never will be. I don't even own a welder and don't know much about them. I want something cheap, simple, and with reasonable power for my first welder to "play with" and learn a bit about stick welding. I've been looking at the Northern Industrial Arc 200 230 Volt, 200 Amp Arc Welder, Model AC4180 for $149.99 http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...1950_200381950 All of my power tools (all Roybi from Home Depot) always perform well for me and they all end up just collecting dust. But they sure come in handy when I'm tinkering. I don't need top of the line stuff. If I really get in to this welding thing, I can always get something better later. I'm not to concerned about the duty cycle on this welder as at 65 years old, I work kinda slow anyway. I don't think I'll ever be welding thin stuff. I'm a semi-retired computer instructor, and reasonably mechanically inclined (I can break stuff with the best of them). After I learn how to stick weld reasonably well (and I have absolutely no doubt that I can/will as I have the patience of a saint and am a bit of a perfectionist) I'd like to make an ATV log arch something like one of these: http://www.logrite.com/mainarch.html I think this welder is AC only. Is it a big deal not to have AC/DC capability? I already have a 50 AMP outlet in my garage. After the ATV log arch, I may try building a log splitter which would require welding thicker material. Been using the little Ryobi electric log splitter for years and it works just fine, but it's a bit slow. So is the welder I'm considering capable enough for the projects I have in mind. I don't wanna buy a used welder as I don't know enough about them and could easily end up with a lemon and not know it.So what say you all? Much obliged guys.Don  <Last edited by genesis; 02-17-2011 at 10:20 AM.
Reply:I would look for a lincoln tombstone on craigslist. You can them for the same price maybe even cheaper for an ac only model. You'll have a better machine for the same amount of money IMO.
Reply:Got my AC/DC Tombstone off CL for 175.00.Once you weld with DC, AC quickly fades from memory...Lincoln Power MIG 210 MP ( boat anchor )Lincoln Weld-Pac 100 HDHobart IronMan 230Cutmaster 42Jackson NexGenSumner Ultra ClampsDWM120
Reply:Don,While I can understand your not wanting to go used due to lack of knowledge, but either an AC or AC/DC transformer based welder is not a complex machine. If it turns on and welds at the seller's shop, you can reasonably be secure in the knowledge that it will do so far into the future in your own shop. Personal bias...stick with spending a bit more for a used AC/DC unit now as it will make the learning process much easier having a continuous DC arc instead of a 60 cycle a second off/on AC arc.Lincoln PrecisionTig 275Miller 251Miller DialArc 250Bridgeport millHossfeld bender & diesLogan shaperJet 14 X 40 latheSouth Bend 9" 'C'Hypertherm 900Ellis 3000 band saw21"Royersford ExcelsiorTwo shops, still too many tools.
Reply:Find a used Lincoln 225 I bought mine in 1965.I never welded with DC until 5 years ago.Buy DC if you can find one.DC is much easier to weld with.Ive been welding since1955 so what do I know?
Reply:Took a look at the welder you are interested in.The welding leads look far too light for 200 amps.The welders weight sets off an alarm.57 lb  the Lincoln 225 weighs over 100 lb.The projects you have in mind should be welded with 7018 rods.One review says it wont handle 7018 .The wood splitter will require 7018.That welder has a very small transformer.How much will it cost to ship to you.
Reply:True, you will never be a weldEr, but with a little practice on a tombsone, you can and will be a pretty good weldOr. They are great machines, I have an AC only version. I really like it, and its pretty much bulletproof... I'd advise against the northern tool unit, just because of it not having earned a reputation like the lincoln has over the decades, and plus, without seeing one in real life and welding with it, you'de never know about the quality of it, or the lack there of. You cant really go wrong with a buzzbox :-)[Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:Amen to ..DC is BetterI offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor