Best stick welder for a newbie

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Once again, as i posted on my other thread about running pipeline. I am fairly new to the welding world, so don't laugh at my inexperience haha. Anyhow, i wanna know what would the best stick welding machine for a newbie like me. I wanna be able to weld using 6010 as well as 7018 rods. So what would be the best cheap but reliable welding machine for that? Also been reading about ac/dc and dc machines. Still a little confused, but just my question. I'm looking into buying a machine to weld at home and practice myself. Thanks! -Kyler Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. -Confucius
Reply:Get you an SA 200 or 250 to practice with. That is the preferred machine for pipe line welders, so might as well get used to that machine since you want to go pipelining eventually anyway. Then you will be set up for a machine, and then just need the truck to haul it on.Getting one of these machines, means you won't have to worry about if you have enough electrical power to supply it, or getting a 240 receptacle installed. Just pour in the required fuel, fire it up and start welding.Last edited by Bistineau; 10-31-2014 at 11:09 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauGet you an SA 200 or 250 to practice with. That is the preferred machine for pipe line welders, so might as well get used to that machine since you want to go pipelining eventually anyway. Then you will be set up for a machine, and then just need the truck to haul it on.Getting one of these machines, means you won't have to worry about if you have enough electrical power to supply it, or getting a 240 receptacle installed. Just pour in the required fuel, fire it up and start welding.
Reply:Cheap and reliable AC/DC welder? (you need the DC for your 6010 and 7018 rods - they taught you that right?)I'm a fan of the Miller Dialarc - it can be found down in the $200-$300 range and you can practice all day with it.Many of the smaller home-owner machines like the little Lincoln 225 and Miller Thunderbolt are very good little welders - but not if you want to practice to pipeline.The Lincoln Idealarc is also a top choice.For modern inverters, cheap is normally not in the cards if you want it big enough to do serious hours of non-stop practice - in my opinion.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Stick to the major name brands and stay away from the cheap box store imports. If you are going used, I'd hold out for an AC/DC machine.250 amp Miller DialArc AC/DC StickF-225 amp Forney AC Stick230 amp Sears AC StickLincoln 180C MIGVictor Medalist 350 O/ACut 50 PlasmaLes
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveCheap and reliable AC/DC welder? (you need the DC for your 6010 and 7018 rods - they taught you that right?)I'm a fan of the Miller Dialarc - it can be found down in the $200-$300 range and you can practice all day with it.Many of the smaller home-owner machines like the little Lincoln 225 and Miller Thunderbolt are very good little welders - but not if you want to practice to pipeline.The Lincoln Idealarc is also a top choice.For modern inverters, cheap is normally not in the cards if you want it big enough to do serious hours of non-stop practice - in my opinion.
Reply:Originally Posted by GravelHe's a high school senior so that probably isn't an option right now. angler, Any ac or ac/dc buzzbox will serve you well (Lincoln tombstone, Miller Thunderbolt, Hobart Stickmate, etc). Here is a Lincoln 225 AC machine in Alvin for $125. Not a bad deal in this area and it looks like it has plenty of lead.  Do you have a 240v outlet in your garage or wherever you will be welding?  Even an electric dryer plug will get you more than half of the max output of this machine.I prefer the Thunderbolt because the amperage has infinite adjustment whereas the Lincoln has tapped settings.
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauHe did ask about the best, didn't he? I think for the line of work he is planning on getting into, this would be one of the best for him to consider. There will be no need to upgrade for quite awhile either, so that makes it an even better choice.
Reply:Originally Posted by GravelTrue story.  But wouldn't he get spoiled to that perfect DC wave?
Reply:I paid $200.00 for this Lincoln SA-200. Paid $294.00 for the Everlast PowerArc 300. The PA-300 with stack 6010 every bit as nice as the SA-200, but it won't run 7018 as nice as the SA-200. Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPI paid $200.00 for this Lincoln SA-200. Paid $294.00 for the Everlast PowerArc 300. The PA-300 with stack 6010 every bit as nice as the SA-200, but it won't run 7018 as nice as the SA-200.
Reply:CEP, is that cloth covering a classified project?30+ yrs Army Infantry & Field Artillery, 25 yrs agoMiller 350LX Tig Runner TA 210, spool gunLincoln 250/250 IdealArcESAB PCM 500i PlasmaKazoo 30"  vert BSKazoo 9x16 horiz BSClausing 12x24 lathe20T Air Press
Reply:Originally Posted by lighttekkuYou paid $200 for the SA 200?
Reply:Originally Posted by storemanCEP, is that cloth covering a classified project?
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPYup. Paid $250.00 for this one.
Reply:Originally Posted by lighttekkuYou have two? :O
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPOh at one time I had 5 or 6, now I'm down to just 3!
Reply:Texas_angler, found you an SA200, just find CEP's house!  Originally Posted by CEPYup. Paid $250.00 for this one.
Reply:Originally Posted by lighttekkuJeezum. I guess it's good to have backups! How many welders do you own?
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPOh at one time I had 5 or 6, now I'm down to just 3!
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauKeep in mind, CEP is ONLY a hobby welder.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPYup. Paid $250.00 for this one.
Reply:Originally Posted by lighttekkuHow many welders do you own?
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauKeep in mind, CEP is ONLY a hobby welder.
Reply:Originally Posted by newburyCEP - in the pictures and prices you posted  - is that the condition they were in when you bought them?  Or did they require a total rebuild?Originally Posted by lighttekkuWanna add a craftsman 95 to your collection?
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPGot one something like it. Oh by the way I forgot to count this one.
Reply:Originally Posted by lighttekkuHow many welders do you own?
Reply:Originally Posted by lighttekkuNo amperage dial?
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPGot one something like it. Oh by the way I forgot to count this one.
Reply:Originally Posted by lighttekkuNo amperage dial?
Reply:Haha thanks guys for all the help! Sorry I've been really busy, but I think I'm going to buy a Hobart stick mate lx235 when I get the money. Unless I could get a welder for free (which lord knows ain't about to happen)Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. -Confucius
Reply:Originally Posted by texas_anglerHaha thanks guys for all the help! Sorry I've been really busy, but I think I'm going to buy a Hobart stick mate lx235 when I get the money. Unless I could get a welder for free (which lord knows ain't about to happen)
Reply:Originally Posted by texas_anglerHaha thanks guys for all the help! Sorry I've been really busy, but I think I'm going to buy a Hobart stick mate lx235 when I get the money. Unless I could get a welder for free (which lord knows ain't about to happen)
Reply:Originally Posted by texas_anglerHaha thanks guys for all the help! Sorry I've been really busy, but I think I'm going to buy a Hobart stick mate lx235 when I get the money. Unless I could get a welder for free (which lord knows ain't about to happen)
Reply:From your starting point, I'd go with a dual-voltage stick machine to get up to speed with skills.  But my only direct experience is with an Everlast PowerArc 140ST that makes beautiful welds with 6010 and 7018 rods, so it's  a good training  machine and affordable.  Anyway, good luck with your decision!Agape GuyEverlast Power I-MIG 200 (dual voltage)Everlast PowerArc 200 stickHarbor Freight Titanium 125 Easy FluxHypertherm Powermax 30Way too many power tools
Reply:Originally Posted by Agape GuyFrom your starting point, I'd go with a dual-voltage stick machine to get up to speed with skills.  But my only direct experience is with an Everlast PowerArc 140ST that makes beautiful welds with 6010 and 7018 rods, so it's  a good training  machine and affordable.  Anyway, good luck with your decision!
Reply:Yes, I have both the PA140 & PA200.  The 140 (using 220v) is a good training machine to burn 6010/11 or 7018 rods. I've used it for a few projects.  This suitcase machine will give you beautiful arcs.  It also comes with tig components, but I haven't  used them.Agape GuyEverlast Power I-MIG 200 (dual voltage)Everlast PowerArc 200 stickHarbor Freight Titanium 125 Easy FluxHypertherm Powermax 30Way too many power tools
Reply:Originally Posted by Agape GuyYes, I have both the PA140 & PA200.  The 140 (using 220v) is a good training machine to burn 6010/11 or 7018 rods. I've used it for a few projects.  This suitcase machine will give you beautiful arcs.  It also comes with tig components, but I haven't  used them.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPI paid $200.00 for this Lincoln SA-200. Paid $294.00 for the Everlast PowerArc 300. The PA-300 with stack 6010 every bit as nice as the SA-200, but it won't run 7018 as nice as the SA-200.
Reply:Originally Posted by ExcaliburCEP,  give me the truth about that green machine you have there.
Reply:Have you had any problems with it?  Can you get support if needed?Does it perform to your expectations?Don't want to create a survey for you to complete, I guess what I'm asking is would you be afraid to try an Everlast plasma cutter if you were in the market for one?Lincoln Electric:Ranger GXT 250SA-200LN-25Pro MiG 256Pro Mig 180Esab CV 251Invertec 160Victor Torches”
Reply:“Have you had any problems with it”? Not a one, I've had the PowerArc 200 for 4-years now.“Can you get support if needed”?I hope so! I'll only deal with Mark Lugo, I think he is a man of his word. “Does it perform to your expectations”?For the money I'm very impressed! The PowerArc 200 is a strange duck with 6010. You have to hold a  real close arc length. But it runs 7018 like a dream.The PowerArc 300 is fantastic with 6010. But it doesn't wet out with 7018. So I'm a little disappointed with that.“I guess what I'm asking is would you be afraid to try an Everlast plasma cutter if you were in the market for one”Boy that is a tough one to answer! I just don't know. Just don't know if I would gamble with one of their Tig, Mig, or plasma cutters. I gambled with the first SMAW of theirs, and was very pleased. But come on what can really go wrong with a simple stick welder? I'd have to try one of their Tig, Mig, and plasma cutters before buying.Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:ThanksThat's where I'm at right now too.Lincoln Electric:Ranger GXT 250SA-200LN-25Pro MiG 256Pro Mig 180Esab CV 251Invertec 160Victor Torches”
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPYup. Paid $250.00 for this one.
Reply:If you can't weld with a 225AC Lincoln you only "THINK" you're a welder.I still smile when I hook up my fancyascz kwik connecors, plug in a 6011 and drag the cables out front.Rednecks have been doing this since Teddy was president.Don't learn who makes the best toy. Learn how to weld.Bubble gumTooth pixDuct tapeBlack glueGBMF hammerScrew gun --bad battery (see above)
Reply:Thanks everyone for the replies. I'm still in the process of getting some money saved up for a welder weather it be new or used. But anyhow i appreciate it alot! I'm about to post another question i have for people in the general houston area! Again, thanks!Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. -Confucius
Reply:I've  had mine for about a year, and I love 'em.  Terrific customer service, too, if you ever have a question or issue.  If I had to do it all over again, I would have just gotten a more powerful (<210 v) dual-voltage machine.  I don't  really need two stick welders.Agape GuyEverlast Power I-MIG 200 (dual voltage)Everlast PowerArc 200 stickHarbor Freight Titanium 125 Easy FluxHypertherm Powermax 30Way too many power tools
Reply:Originally Posted by lighttekkuI was considering getting one of those at some point. How long have you had it?
Reply:Originally Posted by Agape GuyI've  had mine for about a year, and I love 'em.  Terrific customer service, too, if you ever have a question or issue.  If I had to do it all over again, I would have just gotten a more powerful (<210 v) dual-voltage machine.  I don't  really need two stick welders.