which one would you choose

admin

I'm new to welding. I weld as a hobby. I have a Lincoln weld pak 100. I'm wanting to buy a stick welder. I have been looking at the following two welders. I want to weld mild steel that is 1/2" thick. Which one would you guy choose?Hobart Stickmate LX 235 AC Welder $299.00Lincoln Electric AC-225 Arc Welder, Model# K1170 $299.00
Reply:If all you want is an AC only stick machine, look on CL and go used and save big. Usually I see the Lincolns and comperable models for $50-150. They are built like tanks and if they weld when you look at them, chances are they will still weld when your grandkids get them.For the money you are looking at new, you can get the AC/DC versions of those machines used on CL, if you keep your eyes open..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:GET DC! A used transformer machine can be ancient and weld just fine.There is a reason so many AC-only machines are for sale. They serve a purpose, but you can greatly broaden your horizons by getting a DC-capable machine.
Reply:If you are really welding 1/2" stuff, that's some heavy metal.Without commenting on how well either box will do 1/2" (because I don't know), my preference is for the Hobart because it adjusts the power with a sliding core in the transformer. Although it might be more theoretical than real, and in actual practice the difference might not be that big of a deal, the sliding core should theoretically make the power output more tweakable.Another point that might be more theoretical than practical is that, with the sliding core, the entire transformer coil is always being used. So, the duty cycle increases as the power output is decreased. With the Lincoln, my understanding is that full current (give or take) is going through the section of the transformer brought into play with the switched tap, even at low power, so the nominal duty cycle is always 20 percent except for the 75 amp spot, which why there is a circle on it.Again, both of those points might be more theoretical than actual in real use. Both boxes have a bunch of satisfied users.For the difference in the price between the AC-only and AC/DC boxes, I'd spend the extra to have DC available. You can do just about any hobby welding with AC, but having DC is nice.
Reply:I would look for a used one of these on CL or e-bay. I found this one on e-bay for my buddy for $104.50. KICK BUTT welder, Idealarc 250. Look for the AC/DC version like this one. It will do ANY stick welding you need to do."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:Both of the machines you mentioned are good.  There are those of us who feel that there is a better choice.I personally chose the AC/DC Hobart Stickmate.  DC, in my opinion, is a good thing to have.  DC welding, I am told is smoother.