bcarwell
Gold Member
I know I could ask at a welding forum but I trust you guys' answers better.
Could you please suggest some preferably used (but new is okay) model numbers to watch for of reliable, basic, solid, good 220V AC/DC stick welders in the 200-250 amp range and what an approximate price range might be ? I'm assuming Miller, Lincoln, or Hobart. Model numbers would be very helpful and what a good price would be.
I've taken a stick welding course in community college, am finishing wiring my shed and am ready to start doing some fabricating and mods, 3/8-1/2 in. steel.
I've read alot of the religious discussions about welding here, duty cycles, MIG, TIG, being able to do thicker stuff with smaller MIG machines and multiple passes, etc., etc.etc. and don't care to revisit them. For my purposes, I am convinced starting by acquiring a solid stick welding foundation first with some projects and a quality stick welder is the way to go. I was cutting and drilling holes in 1/2 inch plate and welding aluminum with an arc welder in this basic community college course much to my amazement. And I figure if I can do all that with a stick welder, then maybe after paying my dues I can spring for a MIG or TIG later. I did use MIG in the course and no doubt it lays some beautiful beads easy and was a piece o' cake...
But please, some basic 200-250 amp stick welder model recommendations to keep my eyes out for on Ebay and auctions, and prices would be very much appreciated from you experienced folks...
Thanks,
Bob
Could you please suggest some preferably used (but new is okay) model numbers to watch for of reliable, basic, solid, good 220V AC/DC stick welders in the 200-250 amp range and what an approximate price range might be ? I'm assuming Miller, Lincoln, or Hobart. Model numbers would be very helpful and what a good price would be.
I've taken a stick welding course in community college, am finishing wiring my shed and am ready to start doing some fabricating and mods, 3/8-1/2 in. steel.
I've read alot of the religious discussions about welding here, duty cycles, MIG, TIG, being able to do thicker stuff with smaller MIG machines and multiple passes, etc., etc.etc. and don't care to revisit them. For my purposes, I am convinced starting by acquiring a solid stick welding foundation first with some projects and a quality stick welder is the way to go. I was cutting and drilling holes in 1/2 inch plate and welding aluminum with an arc welder in this basic community college course much to my amazement. And I figure if I can do all that with a stick welder, then maybe after paying my dues I can spring for a MIG or TIG later. I did use MIG in the course and no doubt it lays some beautiful beads easy and was a piece o' cake...
But please, some basic 200-250 amp stick welder model recommendations to keep my eyes out for on Ebay and auctions, and prices would be very much appreciated from you experienced folks...
Thanks,
Bob