What to look for when choosing a welder

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A few days ago I saw an old Craftsman 220 volt AC stick welder at an auction.I don't have 220 right now but eventually I hope to.The Craftsman sold for $30, I kinda wish I had bought it, but I figured I would see plenty others by the time I have 220.So my question is, are there any  brands that should be avoided?I know having one that will weld AC or DC is a good thing, but is  there anything else to look out for.I can't be to picky when looking for a cheap one at auction, but is there anything I should know before buying?-MikeIf it ain't broke, your not tryin'! -Red Green
Reply:Yep.First of all, make sure it works.Secondly, make sure you pay less than it's worth as scrap if you find out that it doesn't work.
Reply:First you need to define the work you are going to do.The work defines the machine.
Reply:Over the years I have had two old craftsmans. Never had a problem with either one. They were very good welders, but they were only AC. I would say wait until you can find a good AC/DC welder. One with an infinite amp control.
Reply:Originally Posted by nodak ironmanOver the years I have had two old craftsmans. Never had a problem with either one. They were very good welders, but they were only AC. I would say wait until you can find a good AC/DC welder. One with an infinite amp control.
Reply:Originally Posted by Fat BastardA CC DC machine will weld 95% of all metal in the world. Why would this person need an AD/DC machine?
Reply:Lol, I dont really think the extra 5% is quite that big a deal!Lets see, what am I welding?Anything to big for a 120 volt mig welder, and nickel rods on cast iron/steel.Like I said, what I get has more to do with what I can find cheap, but hopefully it will be an ac/dc machine.Were there any brands that should be avoided?-MikeIf it ain't broke, your not tryin'! -Red Green
Reply:Your question is to vague.  It is like asking what truck to buy?  Without giving anymore info on its actual use it makes it difficult to answer you.
Reply:I usually look for this.Apart from that, I dont have much of value to add.Have we all gone mad?
Reply:older craftman welder were generally good machines. Century made a lot of welders for Sears. another vote for getting an AC/DC welder if you have the patience. they come up on craigslist for $250+ range. Lincoln 225 AC come up all the time for $100-200 range. the AC/DC versions for $250+best bang for the $$ is an old Lincoln Idealarc tombstone 250amp AC/DC... depending on how lucky you get... $150-$750 range. reason for such a wide range is some folks don't know they are one of the best stick welders ever made. they will scratch TIG too. scored mine for $290 and felt luck to find it, due to excellent condition and 150+ ft of heavy welding cable that came with it. there's all sorts of stories of lucky folks finding old Idealarc 250 for $150....  Originally Posted by KirbotA few days ago I saw an old Craftsman 220 volt AC stick welder at an auction.I don't have 220 right now but eventually I hope to.The Craftsman sold for $30, I kinda wish I had bought it, but I figured I would see plenty others by the time I have 220.So my question is, are there any  brands that should be avoided?I know having one that will weld AC or DC is a good thing, but is  there anything else to look out for.I can't be to picky when looking for a cheap one at auction, but is there anything I should know before buying?-Mike