Thinking about welders

Rowdius · Nov 14, 2008

I have access to a decent mig machine and a brother who is a pro for welds that I can't do, but that is 20 miles one way, and he doesn't like to be bothered at three in the morning when I read something on TBN! So, I have been thinking about picking up a machine for my little shop.

I lay pretty good mig beads, and so-so stick beads, but with prices for welders, I am going to get a stick welder. Practice will make my stick work improve anyway.

So, I've been considering a Lincoln 225AC or the Lincoln 225AC/DC (you know, the tombstone buzz box). Of course the AC/DC would be better. Locally the 225AC runs about $270 new, and only slightly less than that used, at least the few I have found. The AC/DC is a little harder to find (of course I just started looking today though) but there is a nearly new looking one in a pawnshop here for $360 I think.

What do you think of these prices? Any other suggestions? Right now $360 a little more than I want to pay, but I'd rather go ahead and do it, if it is a deal that won't be around later.

Bird · Nov 14, 2008

I've never used an AC/DC tombstone, but I learned to stick two pieces of metal together on the 225AC machine and really liked it. Is the AC/DC machine worth the cost difference? Probably not, to me, but it might be to a lot of our more knowledgeable welding members.

Rowdius · Nov 14, 2008

Bird said:
Is the AC/DC machine worth the cost difference? Probably not, to me, but it might be to a lot of our more knowledgeable welding members.

Yeah, that is one of the questions in my head. The DC side would allow me to go a little thinner without burning holes, but then I have a little cheapy 110v wire feed that does an _okay_ job on thin stuff, and access to the big mig welder too. The home depot (yeah, I know) website is showing the 225AC/DC machine for over $600, so the $360 price at the pawn shop sounds pretty good... If I want the DC. Being able to pick up the 225AC for a hundred bucks less brand new is something to think about.

I learned on a mig machine, and so I've never been excited about stick, but than again, I never used an auto-darkening mask until a few months ago. I'd like to try stick again with it, maybe I'll "stick" with it this time.

ugh

Edited to add...
Hmm, the HD site is showing the AC/DC machine for $390 now... Pehaps I was looking at a different site. In any case, I'm going to check out some local welding stores tomorrow, I'd rather give them the money if possible

patrick_g · Nov 14, 2008

If you weld a bit with the AC/DC tombstone using DC and then try welding with AC it is altogether likely you will prefer the DC ability of the AC/DC version.

The machine will most likely outlive you and your heirs so on an annualized basis it is not very expensive.

I bought my AC/DC Lincoln 10-15 years ago and abuse the devil out of it and it is as good as new.

Typically I only use AC when I use BIG rod and turn it up all the way to use it as a cutting torch substitute instead of having to transition to the plasma cutter.

Pat

bialecki · Nov 14, 2008

Check out www.Craigslist.com Look around, in a short time I am sure you can find a nice used welder, mig or stick. I found my TIG that way, it took me about 6 weeks and I am glad I searched. Buying used you can get some good deals where a tank, supplies, wire, cart etc. are usually thrown in.

bobodu · Nov 15, 2008

With patience, you can often find an OLD copper wound tombstone for under $100 at sales and auctions. I paid $85 three years ago. There are plans on the internet for building a converter to DC and that is another winter project for me.

polo1665 · Nov 15, 2008

Rowdius said:
I have access to a decent mig machine and a brother who is a pro for welds that I can't do, but that is 20 miles one way, and he doesn't like to be bothered at three in the morning when I read something on TBN! So, I have been thinking about picking up a machine for my little shop.

I lay pretty good mig beads, and so-so stick beads, but with prices for welders, I am going to get a stick welder. Practice will make my stick work improve anyway.

So, I've been considering a Lincoln 225AC or the Lincoln 225AC/DC (you know, the tombstone buzz box). Of course the AC/DC would be better. Locally the 225AC runs about $270 new, and only slightly less than that used, at least the few I have found. The AC/DC is a little harder to find (of course I just started looking today though) but there is a nearly new looking one in a pawnshop here for $360 I think.

What do you think of these prices? Any other suggestions? Right now $360 a little more than I want to pay, but I'd rather go ahead and do it, if it is a deal that won't be around later.

I paid $450 for my Hobart 225 AC/DC (new). It seems to me that $360 would be a good price if in good condition. Sounds like you've already got some experience under your belt, I'm still learning.

Mark

Butters · Nov 15, 2008

Rowdius said:
I have access to a decent mig machine and a brother who is a pro for welds that I can't do, but that is 20 miles one way, and he doesn't like to be bothered at three in the morning when I read something on TBN! So, I have been thinking about picking up a machine for my little shop.

I lay pretty good mig beads, and so-so stick beads, but with prices for welders, I am going to get a stick welder. Practice will make my stick work improve anyway.

So, I've been considering a Lincoln 225AC or the Lincoln 225AC/DC (you know, the tombstone buzz box). Of course the AC/DC would be better. Locally the 225AC runs about $270 new, and only slightly less than that used, at least the few I have found. The AC/DC is a little harder to find (of course I just started looking today though) but there is a nearly new looking one in a pawnshop here for $360 I think.

What do you think of these prices? Any other suggestions? Right now $360 a little more than I want to pay, but I'd rather go ahead and do it, if it is a deal that won't be around later.

The Lincoln AC/DC for $360 is a good basic welder that will outlive all of us. You will enjoy running 7018 rods on DCEP. very nice beads with little effort.

AJ Clark · Nov 15, 2008

AC/DC machines are a world above AC machines. I have been welding professionally for 12 years and you could not pay me to :burn rod" with a AC. DC will give you a more stable arc which will allow more penetration and fusion to the root of the joint your welding. Arc(stick) welding with DC, in my opinion, would be easier to learn and is well worth the money you have to shell out to get DC. I have a Miller Thunderbolt XL that is 220V and a 110V Lincoln mig welder for home use as well as a engine driver Miller Bobcat 250 for a weekend money maker. As for a welder you want to keep and use for a long time..... spend the extra money to get something you will not regret later. I highly recommend a AC/DC arc welding machine............just my 2 cents.... I bet if you perfect your welding skills in DC polarity and then go back to AC....it's like going in time... not in a good way either.