Stick Welder Question

admin

I have only learned to wire weld and would like to learn stick welding.  I have been looking at the Hobart AC/DC Stickmate/Miller Thunderbolt, but really don't have the space for a unit this big.  The inverter DC-only units, like the Thermal Arc, look good.  My question is, will I be giving up a lot by not having AC capability with an inverter?  I have read that a lot of guys only stick weld using DC.  What do you think?
Reply:http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will we realize we cannot eat money.                                         -Cree Indian ProverbSA 200 LincolnVictor Torches
Reply:You'll be using DC 99% of the time.  You'd only want to use AC on metal that's magnetized and making it difficult to aim the arc.   I've only had problems with this on old used pipe, and then only a handful of times.  If you mainly weld new material, I wouldn't have any issues buying a DC only machine.Edit: I've never tried this, but with a DC only machine you can counteract the magnetized metal by wrapping the ground lead around the workpiece.  Try one direction, then the other to find which way cancels the field.Last edited by AndyA; 06-13-2011 at 10:39 AM.Dynasty200DX w/coolmate1MM210MM VintageESAB miniarc161ltsLincoln AC225Victor O/A, Smith AW1ACutmaster 81IR 2475N7.5FPRage3Jancy USA1019" SBAEAD-200LE
Reply:Originally Posted by morgaj1I have only learned to wire weld and would like to learn stick welding.  I have been looking at the Hobart AC/DC Stickmate/Miller Thunderbolt, but really don't have the space for a unit this big.  The inverter DC-only units, like the Thermal Arc, look good.  My question is, will I be giving up a lot by not having AC capability with an inverter?  I have read that a lot of guys only stick weld using DC.  What do you think?
Reply:I really like my Hobart LX235 stickmate - it is pretty small.  I have never used the AC setting, duty cycle seems to keep up with me even when I am going as fast as I can.  You end up spending enough time between rods, checking fitup and chipping slag that the welder can work all day (at least at the pace that I work).Hobart LX235Victor 250 Oxy-Acetylene Rig (welding and cutting)Bobcat 773F-350, 1999, 4x4, 16' 10K# trailerOutdoor Wood Burner - 10 cords/year
Reply:Another vote for the Hobart LX235 stickmate, I put it on a small cart and it rool right into a spot under the cabinets.  I especially like that I have a stepless control of the output current.  Bought mine from Northern with free shipping and no sales tax.I 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
Reply:Originally Posted by gwileyduty cycle seems to keep up with me even when I am going as fast as I can..
Reply:I think the versatility of an inverter would surprise you vs a stickmate.  At around 15 lbs I take my little Maxstar 140 with me to work everyday, easy to load and unload. It will run 3/32 7018 @ 80 amps at the end of a 100ft extension cord without a problem on 110v. It runs nicely on 110 but on 220 it runs even better and if you smartly make a few adapters you can the use your existing extension cords. I was using my machine on a manlift next to a coworker using a Big Miller 500 and the little max arc was running and sounding smoother plus my amp adjustment was right next to me. The last plus is that the Maxstar can weld thin since it has lift-start tig just get the add-ons.I would take a look at the Thermal Arc 161 stl, I've seen it priced as low as $640 and does have lift-start tig.
Reply:Since I am wanting this for thicker materials, will the 160A DC output of the Hobart Stickmate or Thermal Arc 161 be enough?
Reply:When you do a unlimited stick weld test, it is done on 1" plate. Most of the time 1/8 7018 is used and the machine shouldn't have a problem keeping up since you have clean between passes. I have a TA 185 that is rated a little higher then the 161 at 160amps @ 40% duty cycle and I was welding with   5/32" 7018 on 1 3/8" thick plate, practicing for my weld test and never had a problem.  The inverters seem to have a 10% higher duty cycle over the trannies on DC.  On my little Maxstar 140 the thickest I welded was 1/2" vert up with no problems. I hope this helps.
Reply:Originally Posted by morgaj1Since I am wanting this for thicker materials, will the 160A DC output of the Hobart Stickmate or Thermal Arc 161 be enough?
Reply:No thicker than 1/2" mild steel.
Reply:With proper joint prep (beveling and fit up) and good beads (multiple passes will be needed), you should be okay for non critical stuff.Buy the biggest you can afford, and don't be scared of used name brand equipment you can try out.
Reply:I am not a pro, but based on my experience - I have welded 1/4" steel with my LX235 in a single pass with both 1/8 and 5/32 7018.  At 1/2" I would be running a root and one or more passes to fill and cap.Hobart LX235Victor 250 Oxy-Acetylene Rig (welding and cutting)Bobcat 773F-350, 1999, 4x4, 16' 10K# trailerOutdoor Wood Burner - 10 cords/year