Best NEW stick welder for farm and fab and why?
- Thread starter Tim_in_IA
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In the 250 amp range, the reason to spend 1800 bucks more is to get duty cycle and functions. At the low end you can buy a solid AC stick welder like the Lincoln or Hobart. Add 1800 and you should be able to buy a Tig/Stick machine, with a higher top end duty cylcle. You get better arc starting , more adjustments to play with to adjust the arc when stick welding, and the ultimate arc control of Tig. If I had 2000 bucks to start with, I would definately have a set of OA torches. There goes 4 or 500 easy with tanks and a cart. Then I would get a 250 amp AC DC machine. Thats another 500. Then you grab a Hobart Handler 180 Mig for 800 and bang, you are totally set up.
AlanB
Elite Member
I was about to type what automech just put in. That would be the way I would go, although I would probably stretch a bit for a miller or lincoln Mig. You will not regret buying quality on that purchase.
As to the guy that asked what the difference was between welders, the easiest way I could say it is the difference between a Yugo and a Mercedes. They are both cars, and they both get you there, both have doors, wheels etc, we could probably point out more similarities then differences. But somehow, If you are around cars much, it is not hard to see, notice and feel the differences in the two.
As to the guy that asked what the difference was between welders, the easiest way I could say it is the difference between a Yugo and a Mercedes. They are both cars, and they both get you there, both have doors, wheels etc, we could probably point out more similarities then differences. But somehow, If you are around cars much, it is not hard to see, notice and feel the differences in the two.
Highbeam
Super Member
Thanks guys, the easier arc starting and higher duty cycle of the high end arc welders are indeed good reasons to spend some more money. Those items are worth more to a professional welder than to a hobby welder. Knowing what you are getting for the additional money is required to be able to make an informed decision on whether to spend the additional money. A fool and his money are soon parted, right Dargo?
"If I had 2000 bucks to start with, I would definately have a set of OA torches. There goes 4 or 500 easy with tanks and a cart. Then I would get a 250 amp AC DC machine. Thats another 500. Then you grab a Hobart Handler 180 Mig for 800 and bang, you are totally set up."
I think this is a great summary of the way most of us would spend the money and I agree with it. You will be able to stick metal together like a mad man. Sticking metal together is how fabrication is done.
"If I had 2000 bucks to start with, I would definately have a set of OA torches. There goes 4 or 500 easy with tanks and a cart. Then I would get a 250 amp AC DC machine. Thats another 500. Then you grab a Hobart Handler 180 Mig for 800 and bang, you are totally set up."
I think this is a great summary of the way most of us would spend the money and I agree with it. You will be able to stick metal together like a mad man. Sticking metal together is how fabrication is done.
Dargo
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</font><font color="blue" class="small">( A fool and his money are soon parted, right Dargo?)</font>
Well, I'll have to leave that one up to you to answer bud. When I sold my 2nd business, I kind of semi-retired around the age of 40 so I could spend more time with my kids. And, as I told you before, I strongly believe that if you don't have the cash to buy something, you don't need it. I think you opened mouth and inserted foot rather deeply with that comment. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
Well, I'll have to leave that one up to you to answer bud. When I sold my 2nd business, I kind of semi-retired around the age of 40 so I could spend more time with my kids. And, as I told you before, I strongly believe that if you don't have the cash to buy something, you don't need it. I think you opened mouth and inserted foot rather deeply with that comment. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
Highbeam
Super Member
I don't think so. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
It's good to know what you're buying before spending extra money. We know that there is a higher cost option, but to just assume that option is superior because it costs more is foolish. To decide based on facts and research that a more costly welder is justifed is much wiser.
It's good to know what you're buying before spending extra money. We know that there is a higher cost option, but to just assume that option is superior because it costs more is foolish. To decide based on facts and research that a more costly welder is justifed is much wiser.
BloomingtonMike
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I bought an AC only 300amp Lincoln IdealArc 250 for $150 and that included the undercarriage. It is a big boy stick machine that will weld about anything. Use an Oxy setup and cutting torch and do your cutting. I also own a Lincoln SP100 small mig. It is very nice as well. For welding the Farm implements I grab the sticks and IdealArc myself.
I would really spend $300 or so of your budget and go take a welding class. I did and I am very very happy with what I learned in that Weld 110 class.
May help you choose the welder you want after taking it.
Have fun.
I would really spend $300 or so of your budget and go take a welding class. I did and I am very very happy with what I learned in that Weld 110 class.
May help you choose the welder you want after taking it.
Have fun.