want to set up to practice at home

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ive just started to get into welding, and i want to set up something in the garage that wont break the bank. what machines and suggestions do you have for setting up for SMAW?mind you this is just for practicing, im not welding the hulls of ships yet.
Reply:I have a Hobart Stickmate, I love that thing and would buy it again in a heartbeat. I got mine for like $430, but I think they're closer to the $500 ballpark now. Its a great machine, infinite adjust-ability, a great arc, a wide amperage range, and a duty cycle that still lets you do a lot. Id recommend the AC/DC version, over the AC only one... http://weldingwithstretch-com.webs.com/stickmate.htm[Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:Best bet for cost to output would be to look on CL for a used transformer based 230v stick machine. These machines are simple and rugged and usually will run just about forever. 230v isn't as impossible to get as many believe. You can use an extension cord and run most units at lower outputs from a basic electric dryer outlet.I see AC transformer machines on CL all the time for $50-150. Old Craftsman's, Centurys, Lincoln AC 225's, Montgomery Wards, Miller Thunderbolts, etc. While it's nice to have a machine capable of DC as well as AC, tons and tons of projects as well as ships and buildings have been welded up with old AC machines.Nice used AC/DC machines can be found for a bit more, usually $250-500 if you take your time and look a bit. You can find the AC/DC versions of the above machines at the lower to mid range usually, and can often find their larger industrial counter parts, Idealarc's, Dialarc's etc at the upper end along with the occasional industrial ti/stick machine as well. Dc will run a bit smooter than AC and some rods will only run on DC, though as mentioned you don't HAVE to have a DC machine.Stay away from the small 110v units. You really don't have enough input power to run decent sized electrodes with the less expensive machines. Usually you are stuck running 1/16" or 5/64" electrodes and limited to material less than 1/8" of so at best.An idea what kind of budget you have in mind would help some along with your location. Take a minute to add your location to your user CP so we have an idea where you are located. Someone might have seen a decent deal on CL that might be up your alley.Last edited by DSW; 02-11-2012 at 09:45 AM..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:im looking for around 500$ and thats more so in the machine, i can make a sufficient enough table for pretty cheap im sure
Reply:Where are you located??  There's probably a lot of guys on here willing to let go of older units.  I have a couple that are just collecting dust.....
Reply:Check Tractor Supply for the AC/DC Hobart stickmate. Sometimes they run a sale @ $450.00.Good luck,Yakdung
Reply:Originally Posted by yakdungCheck Tractor Supply for the AC/DC Hobart stickmate. Sometimes they run a sale @ $450.00.Good luck,Yakdung
Reply:Originally Posted by bottlefed89Where are you located??  There's probably a lot of guys on here willing to let go of older units.  I have a couple that are just collecting dust.....
Reply:I see a nice old Miller listed on Feb 9th Hampton Roads CL  simply listed as (Miller shop welder Stick/Tig - $600 (Moyock)) Looks like it will do both stick and basic tig.There's a Miller 330AB/P listed on the same page from Feb 8 as well for $500 (Miller Tig Welder Model 330A/BP - $500 (Sunbury NC)) Same Machine Zaps got. An excellent stick machine as well as a very nice AC/DC tig, if a bit heavy and power hungry.A bit older ( Jan 30th)  there's a Lincoln Idealarc listed  for $400 (LINCOLN IDEALARC WELDER - $400 (smithfield) a very nice machine depending on condition. If he's still got it you might get him to go down a bit. there's a very vague Miller listed for $700 from Jan 27th, ( Miller Welder (commerical) - $700 (Portsmouth))  He might go down if he's still got it. You need to get more info to determine what he's got and if it would work.I used my old Newport News zip code to pull those up.A bit farther away, Richmond lists a Miller Thunderbolt Ac/DC for sale. It's one of the older models, but in nice looking shape. A bit on the high side, but it might be a good deal if they'd go $350ish.I would not be scared of those older Millers or Lincoln listed above. If you can weld with it to test it out, chances are you will be good. You will get a lot more machine for your money, and if you want to learn to weld with the big boys, these will do it day in and out. MUCH better machines than the Hobart at TSC in quality as they were designed as an industrial machines..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:You can check some pawn shops, that's where I picked up my mig machine for a good price.Will   Supports Autism Awareness                            My ToysBobCat 225 PLusMillermatic 130Miller Spectrum 300 CutmateEverlast Power Tig 185 Micro April is Autism Month .