Are these 3 welders approximately equal?

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I have a few other post here, and I'm looking to you guys to help me decide which welder to buy. I don't know much about welders. I want a stick welder and I understand AC/DC capability is desirable. I'll never be "a welder", but I want to build a log splitter (after I play with whatever I buy for maybe 3 months as I learn how to stick weld reasonably well. I will take a welding class when one is offered by the tech college). Are all 3 of these welders up to the task?Are these 3 welders pretty close in terms of power, capability, sturdiness, and support?Price wise, they're all in the same ball park, with the Lincoln being right in the middle.Can one of them do something that the others can't?I've been browsing this forum for awhile, so I know there is certain amount of "brand loyalty". And that's cool. But does one of these 3 stand  above the other 2? If so, can you tell me specifically why. All things being equal (and the purpose of this post is to determine if all 3 are "approximately" equal), I'm leaning towards the Hobart Stickmate LX 235AC/160DC because of the price, unless you convince me otherwise. Having said that, the AirGas dealer I visited (who sells the Miller Thunderbolt) was very friendly, knowledgeable, and close by, and that's worth something to a rookie like me. And, I'm only 60 miles from Appleton, Wisconsin. Isn't that where Miller (and Hobart) welders are made? I don't want to buy a used welder. I want a new one.All I'm looking for is your honest and unbiased opinions. I'm not trying to start "a war" so be nice. My gut feeling is all 3 are good welders, and in actual use, a rookie like me couldn't tell any appreciable/subtle differences between them. "Eeny, meeny, miny, moe"Thanks for your input guys,Don  <
Reply:The Hobart machine and the Miller machine are the same thing.  there is a thread with my name starting it on the hobart board....A Hobart employee answered my question and went so far as to tell us that Hobart makes both the hobart AND miller machines on the same line.That said....If you can, look around HARD for a lincoln IDEALARC 250.  Even an ugly one is a prize. Look in my profile at my pics...that Idealarc was bought for 400$  It can build a ship easily and is tank tough.Getting an AC/DC machine is a good idea.  You can tig with DC Sstart.  im putting the gear together to do it myself right now.  bought an argon tank today.good luck.
Reply:Don you don't have the experience to truly understand what I'm about to say. The PowerArc has hot start, it is nice, I wish it was a little hotter. The machine also has a 6010 port, this machine will stack iron as good as my mid 50s shorthoods. This machine runs 7018 every bit as good as my mid 60s Red Faces. Yes I'm very impressed with it!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:I have nothing but good things to say about my thunderbolt xl ,but darth is right about the idealarc.Those things are tanks.The older ones are all steel and copper, not much to go wrong with them.I've seen them sell for as little as $300.If I were to do it over,I would consider an old idealarc.Miller a/c-d/c Thunderbolt XLMillermatic 180 Purox O/ASmith Littletorch O/AHobart Champion Elite
Reply:I know your trying to decide between the three but how about a little inverter? I have a Maxstar 140 that was given to me and never really used it since I have my TA 185 until lately. Having the ability to use 110v with this machine is so nice and has the power to run 3/32" 7018 at the end of a 100ft extension cord.I think you should give an inverter a chance. I looked on ebay and the Miller 150s were selling for $800 plus new and also did a search on google for the Thermal Arc 161s and that was selling for $627. The Thermal Arc has lift-start for tig if you wanted to give tig a try but the Miller 150s isn't recommended for tig. Both units also recommend going with 6011 vs 6010.
Reply:look for any of these machines in used condition, no point in buying a new one because they usually dont break,,for same reason dont let dealer support enter the decision, you probably wont need it...you can probably find a decent one with leads for less than half the price of new...take   someone with you to be sure they weld...
Reply:Originally Posted by darthwelderThe Hobart machine and the Miller machine are the same thing.  there is a thread with my name starting it on the hobart board....A Hobart employee answered my question and went so far as to tell us that Hobart makes both the hobart AND miller machines on the same line.That said....If you can, look around HARD for a lincoln IDEALARC 250.  Even an ugly one is a prize. Look in my profile at my pics...that Idealarc was bought for 400$  It can build a ship easily and is tank tough.Getting an AC/DC machine is a good idea.  You can tig with DC Sstart.  im putting the gear together to do it myself right now.  bought an argon tank today.good luck.
Reply:I have an old version of the Thunderbolt with the crank on top.  Not a good  machine.  The new ones with the adjustment on the front panel look to be much better from what I can tell.  Have looked at the Hobart at TSC in the Soo and like them.  Prices are right too.  For no good reason (or any reason for that matter) I like Lincoln and would likely buy one if I had to do it all over again.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 have ben told by the Miller Rep that the Hobart ac/dc Stickmate and the Miller Thunderbolt ae the same machines with different trim and distribution channels.  Millers are sold through Welding Supply stores and Hobarts are sold at a lower price point through big box stores and retail outlets.  I found my Stickmate at Northern Tool + Equipment with free freightI offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor