Which Stick Welder for a New Welder?

[blueriver]

Is the dc feature worth the added money ...

 

[grsthegreat]

Is the dc feature worth the added money ...

OH YES/... especially with 7018 rod.

 

[bearcreek paul]

Yes I've welded dc before but it's been awhile.Maybe 25 yrs since I've been out of the machine shop.

I have used an old ac buzz box since the seventies.From what everybody said the 140 should be about 140 lbs lighter.

 

[Soundguy]

anyone see the newest ac/dc welder HF just put out.. looks to be over 100A on both sides.

just wondering if anyone's been brave enough to test it?

soundguy

 

[grsthegreat]

anyone see the newest ac/dc welder HF just put out.. looks to be over 100A on both sides.

just wondering if anyone's been brave enough to test it?

soundguy

I fear those who have tested are no longer with us :laughing:

 

[bubbacuse77]

I have an Hobart stickmate LX. It is AC and DC. The DC is worth it as mentioned earlier. I rarely take it out of DC electrode positive. Safer as well. It is the exact same machine as the Miller thunderbolt with a diffrent cover. Confirmed by the moderator on the miller welding forums. Hobart is Millers way of offering you a discount product without just lowering the price on the fancy blue stuff.

 

[grsthegreat]

I have an Hobart stickmate LX. It is AC and DC. The DC is worth it as mentioned earlier. I rarely take it out of DC electrode positive. Safer as well. It is the exact same machine as the Miller thunderbolt with a diffrent cover. Confirmed by the moderator on the miller welding forums. Hobart is Millers way of offering you a discount product without just lowering the price on the fancy blue stuff.

I priced both at the supply houses.... there only about a $20.00 difference here. hobart was $509 and Miller $529.

 

[bubbacuse77]

We have a store in Wisconsin called farm and fleet. they sell it everyday for $435. Maybe because Miller is made in Wisconsin?

 

[grsthegreat]

We have a store in Wisconsin called farm and fleet. they sell it everyday for $435. Maybe because Miller is made in Wisconsin?

ya, they have to ship it way up here to idaho...can be cheap. I paid $199 to ship my stupid tire chains...... the welder feels nearly as heavy... HA

 

[blueriver]

What about the units that include the plasma cutter ... worth it?