I need help with choosing stick welder

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I'm considering purchasing a stick welder, but i don't know what kind should i get. I will be mostly welding iron and steel tubes and sheet metal. Thickness will be from 0.04 to 0.25 inch. How much current should it output? Should it output AC or DC?
Reply:I'll try to help you with the following:  The more amps you can get the better, and the verstility of AC/DC will be nice to have.  Different metals often require different polarities and different current processes to get the best possible result.  If you are shopping, a decent 200+ amp AC/DC machine will give you the most versatility.  Hobart, Miller and Lincoln all offer a very competent line of basic buzz box type welders that can be upgraded later with  high freq and pulse boxes to expand beyond stick welding.  I always try to get the most for the least, and add on later as my skill and ability dictate the need for an additional investment.  I am a self taught burner, so I have made many mistakes along the way, and have commited to learn the proper techniques and use of the equipment to insure I dont hurt myself or anybody else.  Welcome to the forum, and I'm sure you will enjoy your new addiction.  One thing to keep in mind, your support tools like grinders, clamps, and consumables will be a large part of your initial expense, as well as making sure you get a quality helmet to protect your eyes.   Welcome and have fun!!!!I'm spending my Kids inheritance, I dont like him that much anyway!!!!!!Enuff tools to do the job, enough sense to use em.Anybody got a spare set of kidneys?  Trade?
Reply:Definately get a machine with DC output.  The rest of the details on machine choice will depend on how much current you have available to supply it with from your service, whether or not portability is a concern and how much money you have available to spend on it.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Portability is not a concern. I live in Europe and i have standard 220V and 3-phase 380V available. My budget is about 350$. I was considering buying this welder http://translate.googleusercontent.c...g11vKEzstDS9hg. What is your opinion about it?
Reply:Sorry about noob questions but... Can electrode like E6010 be used on any kind of metal? I have read that metal being deposited must be the same as metal that is welded.
Reply:6010 is a DCEP or DC reverse rod and only good to weld mild carbon steel. it will cut stainless when you switch it to AC and cranck it though...lol...  Depending on what your going to weld is depending on what rod to use. but most of the stuff you will probably come in contact with could be welded with 6010. but, you may want to use7018 too. like if your welding mild steel pipe, use the 6010 for a root and the 7018 for a filler and cap. its always best to know exactly what your welding on!!!