Hello with Questions.

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Hello, I’m new hear, and to welding.  There seems to be a lot of good information here and I have lots to learn, lets see how it goes.I have recently lost my access to welders, torch, and fab tools.  My uncle moved out of state and took his tools with him.  So this leaves me in a scramble for some stuff.  The main things I am interested in are a Lincoln 225 buzz box, and an acetylene torch kit (I got the tanks from my Uncle, but nothing else). I see some Lincolns on eBay for around a buck fifty.  I have herd some of them come with aluminum innards rather than copper and don’t last very well.  How can I identify which welders have the copper or aluminum?  Also there are evidently two styles of 225’s AC and AC/DC, so far it seems that the AC would be fine for my use as I am normally just welding 3/16 to 7/16” C.S.  What would cause me to want the AC/DC?  What else is comparable both quality and price wise? And with torches, the 3 brands I have discussed are Harris, Victor, and Smith.  I was told (by a Rep. from De Lille Oxygen) that either would be fine for my use.  Smith seemed to be a little nicer; with gaskets, and warranty, but for “farm” use would it make a difference?  I have also seen Smith torch sell on eBay for $200 with 3 year warranty, that seemed pretty reasonable to me, what do you think? At this point in time I am closing on my house next month, and getting married in Sep. so I don’t want to spend more than I have to, but don’t want to cheap out and regret it later.  Advice from some much more experienced welders than me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your info.Todd
Reply:Go for the DC, you won't regret it.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:I've only used Victor torches my whole, life but the others sure have loyal followers; I can't say bad about any of them.Go with the DC welder.  Better rod selection, more materials can be welded, easier welding, too, with better penetration.  As mentioned, you'll never regret it.
Reply:Thanks for the suggestions. When buying a used welder how can I tell if it is the AC/DC, and if it has copper or aluminum inside, other than taking it appart?Thanks, Todd
Reply:It will say on the label if it has DC because that is a very desirable feature.  There will also be some way to swap the polarity with a switch or swapping the leads connections.  The material of the windings is usually unimportant; why do you ask?
Reply:I keep hearing to stay away from aluminum windings, and go with copper.  I belive a supply house Rep told me the copper would be more durable.  What do you mean by "usually" unimportant?Thanks for the help.Todd
Reply:Very few machines have had problems with their aluminum windings, and none of those are currently made.  Many machines, even today, have aluminum windings, and many machines have copper windings.  Each are designed well to work with what they have.  It's a moot issue these days.If you are in the market for older Lincoln engine-driven generators, it's worth investigating, otherwise, forget it.Supply house people are among the worst to ask for advice about machinery.  That's why they work in a supply house.
Reply:Just a thought, but have you considered looking at the Hobart Stickmate?  I am a diehard Lincoln man for the most part, but the stickmate in an AC/DC machine will give ya a better range of DC current.  160amps DC  vs 125amps DC on the Lincoln.  The stickmate will for the most part cover the range of 1/8" 7018 rods, while the 125 max on the Lincoln is going to keep you limited in my opinion.  as far as torches go I have Smith and Victor in my shop along with a few others, and with that said they all have served me extremely well.  Good Luck ~JacksonI'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:I will look into the stickmate.If aluminum or copper windings dont make a difference then why can I get a aluminum wound welder for 260 from lowes, but a copper wound one for 380 from local supply(I know copper is more exspencive), wouldnt everybody just buy the cheaper?  I'm not trying to argue, as I have no clue, just making sure I am understanding this properly.Thanks very much for all the help.Todd