New Rebel 215 emp upgraded from AC 225

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I was set on not buying another machine for awhile because I just got the Tombstone a couple months back but I really wanted to try out some tig welding and I Was a little bit concerned about only running on AC before I went to test out on 3g and 4g plate with a DC machine so DC was a huge plus and I decided to pull the trigger on a new ESAB rebel EMP 215 At first I was sort of questioning my decision that it wasn't a red or blue machine. But as soon as It got here all doubt went away, this machine is light years above any old AC buzz box or cheap box store welder. The arc is so smooth and crisp I feel like Im in heaven! and the puddle is so easy to read with DCEP. That combined with the fact I can dial in specific amperage and Arc force settings really improved my verticals. Its actually amazing the difference. even my vertical slag is just falling off! No more spatter everywhere after padding a few beads. Im sure this is old news to most of you but I dont have many welding friends and I just wanted to share the good experience. And if anyone is considering upgrading from a older cheaper welder like the buzz box Do not hesitate! I think this is one of the best decisions I have made in a long time.  Thanks!
Reply:glad you had such a positive experience.I personally prefer DC stick welding to AC as in my experience it does run smoother and give a nicer puddle on 6013 and 7018 rods, even compared to a decent oil cooled welder. the rebel is a lovely little unit that gets consistently high praise, especially for the MIG part and the "smart mig" easy setup. I'd love one, but don't have the field work to justify one - sticking to my big 3phase machines in the shop.
Reply:

Originally Posted by TexasTig408

I was set on not buying another machine for awhile because I just got the Tombstone a couple months back but I really wanted to try out some tig welding and I Was a little bit concerned about only running on AC before I went to test out on 3g and 4g plate with a DC machine so DC was a huge plus and I decided to pull the trigger on a new ESAB rebel EMP 215 At first I was sort of questioning my decision that it wasn't a red or blue machine. But as soon as It got here all doubt went away, this machine is light years above any old AC buzz box or cheap box store welder. The arc is so smooth and crisp I feel like Im in heaven! and the puddle is so easy to read with DCEP. That combined with the fact I can dial in specific amperage and Arc force settings really improved my verticals. Its actually amazing the difference. even my vertical slag is just falling off! No more spatter everywhere after padding a few beads. Im sure this is old news to most of you but I dont have many welding friends and I just wanted to share the good experience. And if anyone is considering upgrading from a older cheaper welder like the buzz box Do not hesitate! I think this is one of the best decisions I have made in a long time.  Thanks!
Reply:I beat on the Rebels daily, mainly flux core. I will say stick runs about the best I have seen for all rods including 6010. Congratulations on your purchase.ESAB Rebels 215 and 235, ESAB HELIARC 281i, ESAB ET 301i, Hypertherm 85 and 45XP, Thermal Arc 185, TD 60i, HTP PRO PULSE 300
Reply:Thanks guys, I burned rod after rod all day today, a structural welder friend of mine came up and helped me with some verticals and with the combination of the new machine and his guidance I can now do a vertical Z weave pretty good! Even he was starting to say my welds were looking good! It made me really proud because I've had such a hard time with verticals and now its like it just clicked. my  slag runs right down the middle and just falls off! I've put a lot of work into this so far and its really paying off! Munkul- Thank you! Its actually amazing to me how much difference there was. In all aspects, just feels all around cleaner and smoother. I have been welding on the machine since about 8 am and I just cant get enough. I live in a pretty remote area and although I dont have a lot of need to take it out now, It will be nice to have the convenience of a light little machine when something comes up. thegary- I am glad I learned to watch my puddle and actually weld on that AC machine though because now I am way better because of it I feel like. it made everything seem easy! Thank you! Jaws- I cant wait to try out some of the different processes, I need to get some gas and ill be set to go. The Esab 6013 samples they sent me ran like a dream, Although Im a 7018 kinda guy. Im sure the wire will be great as well. Good to know they can take some abuse, I will definitely be running the hell out of mine as well for awhile. Thank you!