Used vs. New

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Hey, I'm just getting into welding.  I currently have a Lincoln 110v wire feed machine this is really only good for thin sheet meatl type work.  Most of what I need a welder for is for welding 1/8" to 3/16" thick angle and square tube stock.  I'm in the maket for a 225 Lincoln stick welder, and have been pricing them for a while.  The cheapest I've found is $265 at Lowes, which isn't a lot of money, however I've also seen some on CL fo a 1/3 to 1/2 that price.  Is it worth my while to search for a used one, or should I just go new.  Again, I'm not looking to use this everyday, just to fab stuff from angle and tubing.  Basically looking for a good hobby.  Thanks in advance.
Reply:Having started out with a hobart stick machine almost the same as what you are talking about I would buy a used one. Alot of people start out with one of those machines then up grade so you can get a good deal on one I sold mine for $175.00 and only used it maybe 10 times before up grading to a gas powered machine with a higher duty cycle. Only having a 30% duty cycle killed me when I was trying to do something seemed like I would spend twice as much time waiting for the welder to cool down then actually using it.
Reply:If you are interested in AC-only,and transformer-based welding machines in general, buy used and save money. Many owners don't spend the time to practice stick welding and barely use their machines. Bad for them, good for you!A machine that will do DC is preferable, but AC machines have built many, many projects. I've run the heck out of Lincoln buzzboxes as have thousands of other users, and I won't get rid of mine though I own more capable machines.
Reply:The old transformer stick machines like the AC or AC/DC tombstones are tanks. There very little to go wrong inside. They either work or they don't. Usually if they don't they've been dropped or heavily abused. I'd strongly suggest used for a machine like that. A mig or tig with electronics can be a bit more of a gamble if you are not familiar with the machines. Some are great and parst are easy to find. Some on the other hand were dogs, and if they break the parts to fix them can be more than you can buy a similar used machine for. If looking for a machine like this the best thing is to ask here about what issues a particular model may have.Good luck..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:If you can stand the pain($$), get an AC/DC machine. I personally think they weld better even in AC mode. And I think you're ahead to buy one of the big three American made ones!!                                        JMHO,                                                    MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:What about Dayton?  I don't see much of them on here, and can't find a website for their products.  I found a good deal on a mig and an AC/DC stick machine.  Should I hold out for a more common brand?
Reply:From what I've seen the Dayton amp adjustment is more on the crude side of things. I would look into getting a Hobart or Miller since they have infinite adjustment on the amps and will let you dial the machine in more precisely.  If possible make sure to get a machine that has DC also, it will have a smoother arc and be easier to learn on.
Reply:Craigslist is your friend.   Keep looking until you find a used 220V stick welder for $100 or so.  Even if you pay more, you are likely to get the money back when you sell a used welder.   Not so with a new welder, you will take a loss when you sell it.Sculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge
Reply:Well, I ended up buying an older Lincoln AC225 off of CL.  For the $100 I invested, it should be fun to learn on.  I am now researching what stick to use and when, etc.  I have visited the Lincoln website to attempt to download a manual for it, but haven't had much luck as it does not seem to be available.  Anyways, I hope to have 240v installed in my shop by Tuesday, so I can try it out.  Thanks for all your help.
Reply:I can tell you that the Lincoln tombstone welders are near bulletproof, and I see them quite often on CL for under $150.  In fact, if you are patient, AC/DC models pop up from time to time for $200-250, which is a much better deal.
Reply:A good rod to learn with is a 7018 AC, just make sure the metal is fairly clean.
Reply:Rookie mistake.  I didn't realize that the rated input of an AC225 is 50A.  My small shop only has 30A.  I am familiar with electricity, and can install the 30A/240v circuit own.  However, for the minimal amount of welding that I plan to do, and the price of materials to get a 50A circuit installed, it may not be worth the investment, so I was wondering, will an AC225 operate at all if I were to run it off a 30A circuit?
Reply:It'll run fine on a 30 amp circuit, just won't be able to run it full out very long, if at all.But it will weld on 30 amps.John
Reply:Originally Posted by kamccarthyincRookie mistake.  I didn't realize that the rated input of an AC225 is 50A.  My small shop only has 30A.  I am familiar with electricity, and can install the 30A/240v circuit own.  However, for the minimal amount of welding that I plan to do, and the price of materials to get a 50A circuit installed, it may not be worth the investment, so I was wondering, will an AC225 operate at all if I were to run it off a 30A circuit?