What do you guys think of this welder?

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I am learning and soon hopefully will be certified on stick welding. This guy has been selling his welder for a long time now and Im interested in it. $200, cant really go wrong...http://abbotsford.en.craigslist.ca/tls/2162817258.html
Reply:I would hold out for an AC/DC. They can be found on CL for around the same as he wants for his AC only machine if you're patient. I was not patient and bought an AC only machine, although I only paid $95, I eventually got an AC/DC. Now the AC just sits in the shed.Miller Challenger 172Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC 225/150Miller Maxstar 150 STLVictor 100CVictor JourneymanOxweld OAHarris O/ASmith O/A little torchNo, that's not my car.
Reply:Originally Posted by bigbI would hold out for an AC/DC. They can be found on CL for around the same as he wants for his AC only machine if you're patient. I was not patient and bought an AC only machine, although I only paid $95, I eventually got an AC/DC. Now the AC just sits in the shed.
Reply:Good point thanks guys. Now for a question, what is the difference in welding? I know the principles of AC and DC but not in a stick welder?
Reply:Yes you can go wrong!You need the DC welder because most of all the welding electrodes are DC  preferred.if you do not believe me go check the polarity for these rods. 6010,6011,6013,7018,7024 and you will start to understand.Get the AC/DC machine or DC only machine but NOT the AC only machine.Last edited by Donald Branscom; 01-16-2011 at 11:04 PM.AWS certified welding inspectorAWS certified welder
Reply:You ain't a gonna believe this.  But maybe you will! I just got one of those today, this one looks like it was fitted out with a DC rectifier. (Thanks Duane!)    Anyway, AC is workable, but DC is much smoother to use, and offers more rod choices. I leared on an AC machine, well I learned bad habits perhaps, but that is what I had. You won't get arc-blow on AC, but you are limited to AC only rods. If you can learn to run AC, then go try a DC machine, you will instantly be able to tell the advantage.There are plenty of rods that run on AC, 6011, 6013, AC7018 to name a few. Check the boxes, or go to your rod suppliers website for rod polarity.Last edited by tanglediver; 01-16-2011 at 11:19 PM.City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:Good info. I think I will hold out for a better machine. That explains why the machine has not been sold for a month or two now. I want to learn on a good machine, my job may depend on it.
Reply:Originally Posted by Donald BranscomYes you can go wrong!You need the DC welder because most of all the welding electrodes are DC  preferred.if you do not believe me go check the polarity for these rods. 6010,6011,6013,7018,7024 and you will start to understand.Get the AC/DC machine or DC only machine but NOT the AC only machine.
Reply:Funny you mention the price... he started off around $800 if I remember right. Another reason it hasn't sold yet.