AC vs. DC

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I am purchasing a stick welder most likely either the Hobart Stickmate LX 235 AC or the LX 235 AC / 160 DCWhat is, in laymans terms, the difference in welding with AC vs. DC ? What is the benifit of each one over the other?The latter machine cost about 40 % more than the AC machine, is it worth it ?
Reply:Hi again HvPhotog what type of work will you be using the welder on? I know in the Intro section you said your a farmer! basically on the farm either machine will work fine.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:Its a lot easier to lay down a good looking weld with a DC machine. In addition, you get a lot more rod choices with DC. In my case, I would rather have a good used AC/DC model than a new AC only model, if cost was an object - so that is what I did. I purchased my Miller Thunderbolt with 75 feet of big copper leads for $200 off Craigslist. The leads alone were worth more than I paid for the thing, and it is common when purchasing a used one to get some nicer leads. The new ones come with tiny little short leads.  I watched CL quite a while before buying mine. The general price range for an AC model (LIncoln, Miller or Hobart) seems to be around $100-$150. The AC/DC models for between $150-$250, depending on how pretty the case is. Unlike wire welders (with electronics inside) there is very little to go wrong inside these machines,  they are built like tanks, and they are easy to fix, so used makes the most sense to me here.  Except to test it when I got it, and once to cut some iron on 200 amps I never even use it on AC.Last edited by smyrna5; 04-06-2009 at 08:38 AM.Lincoln 175HD Miller AC/DC ThunderboltSmith AW1, Dillion (Henrob) Mark III, & Smith LittleTorch
Reply:Originally Posted by specterHi again HvPhotog what type of work will you be using the welder on? I know in the Intro section you said your a farmer! basically on the farm either machine will work fine.
Reply:Originally Posted by HvPhotogIs one easier to weld with than the other?What is the benifit to using DC vs. AC?Can they both weld the same material?
Reply:You'll get better penatration with dc but for farm/landscape use the ac will do the job.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:- AC machine is cheaper than AC/DC- AC offers less choice of electrodes- AC is incredibly hard to strike an arc with low amperage like you might use to weld thin sheet metals- AC requires that you set the machine hotter to get the same results you would have with a DC machine- DC offers greater choice of electrodes- DC allows you to dial the amps down low and still have a hope of striking an arcJust something off the top of my head.Also, I have a Miller Thunderbolt clone AC/DC and it is not as good as I would like.  My circumstance is that the machine is stored in an unheated shed and the temps get real cold here.  I have the older design with the crank on top.  This is a magnet for grinding dust.  Have to keep a rag over the top of the welder at all times.  Rust is also a problem for the moving parts inside.I would look at the Lincoln AC/DC with a switch on the front.  This is bulletproof and will be my choice if I was to buy another welder of the same class.Gordie -- "I believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant."
Reply:I would definately go with a DC machine, but I would choose something with alot more output than that one.   The drawback I see to getting the Stickmate AC/DC is it only puts out 160 amps on DC so 1/8" rod is all you'll be burning with it on dc.  If you have a big groove to fill welding that thick excavator metal,  you'll be doing more passes with 1/8" than if you had a bigger machine that would allow use of 5/32" rods.I would look for a used Dialarc or Idealarc or a Bobcat, or anything with 200 amps or more of dc output.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Originally Posted by DesertRider33I would definately go with a DC machine, but I would choose something with alot more output than that one.   The drawback I see to getting the Stickmate AC/DC is it only puts out 160 amps on DC so 1/8" rod is all you'll be burning with it on dc.  If you have a big groove to fill welding that thick excavator metal,  you'll be doing more passes with 1/8" than if you had a bigger machine that would allow use of 5/32" rods.I would look for a used Dialarc or Idealarc or a Bobcat, or anything with 200 amps or more of dc output.
Reply:Originally Posted by HvPhotogwill those plug into 110?
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1No and neither will the ones you mentioned
Reply:I don't know how many things I've built/repaired with my little "crackerbox".  All you need is a circuit capable of carrying 50amps 220v, and you're in business.  Build a cart, and they're easy to move around.I really enjoy the Lincoln AC/DC 225/125 machine.  It's done just about all I've ever asked from it.Every project I've posted on here has been built with either my older AC machine, or the newer AC/DC version.  I'm nuts about the DC capabilityLast edited by farmersamm; 04-06-2009 at 07:47 PM.Reason: forgot the volts"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/