you can get a AC buzz box for around 200 new. If you get a used one you take the risk of what kind of condition it is in and if its duty cycle has been exceeded during use, this is typically what damages a welder. I have seen some good AC/DC welders in the 200 dollar range, but I knew how they had been used. Ask the right questions and try it out and you could get a bargin. I would look for one a little newer than the one you described. You can get one much smaller that will do more and has a longer duty cycle than those really old ones, not that they will not weld just fine.
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Welding FAQ
- Thread starter thumbtrap
- Start date
- Views: 8748
wroughtn_harv
Super Member
I use Lincoln 5P+. It's the grey rod. 5P is the red rod. They're both E6010 which is the D/C version of E6011.
The reason I like plus is my preferred welding position is vertical up. The plus doesn't cut as hard as 5P nor sixty eleven. I work my puddle almost like a gas weld and with plus it's a clear and easy puddle to work. It's a very predictable puddle to manipulate and you've got a grace period when you compare it to something like seventy eighteen which falls all of a sudden and you always seem to be one step behind if you're watching it as you work it.
The other big benefit with plus is cleaning. It cleans easy with just a brush most of the time. It's not near as difficult to clean as say sixty eleven can be. And it sure as heck is a lot easier than 5P to clean.
The biggest downside of it is the cost though. I can buy E6013 through one of the wrought iron suppliers for about forty to forty five dollars for fifty pounds. Getting a break my 5P+ runs me about sixty to sixty five for the same amount.
It's also real easy on you doing overheads and with transitions like when welding pipe joints. I've found it easy to manipulate the puddle with either pushing or pulling. There are a lot of rods where pushing causes nothing but heartache.
I've got a cousin by marriage about five ways that's a union weldor. I've learned a lot from him. He confirmed what I've heard for years. There are two kinds of stick weldors. Those that live and die with 5P and those that live and die with 5P+. I'm a plus and he's a pee. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif
The reason I like plus is my preferred welding position is vertical up. The plus doesn't cut as hard as 5P nor sixty eleven. I work my puddle almost like a gas weld and with plus it's a clear and easy puddle to work. It's a very predictable puddle to manipulate and you've got a grace period when you compare it to something like seventy eighteen which falls all of a sudden and you always seem to be one step behind if you're watching it as you work it.
The other big benefit with plus is cleaning. It cleans easy with just a brush most of the time. It's not near as difficult to clean as say sixty eleven can be. And it sure as heck is a lot easier than 5P to clean.
The biggest downside of it is the cost though. I can buy E6013 through one of the wrought iron suppliers for about forty to forty five dollars for fifty pounds. Getting a break my 5P+ runs me about sixty to sixty five for the same amount.
It's also real easy on you doing overheads and with transitions like when welding pipe joints. I've found it easy to manipulate the puddle with either pushing or pulling. There are a lot of rods where pushing causes nothing but heartache.
I've got a cousin by marriage about five ways that's a union weldor. I've learned a lot from him. He confirmed what I've heard for years. There are two kinds of stick weldors. Those that live and die with 5P and those that live and die with 5P+. I'm a plus and he's a pee. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif
DocHeb
Veteran Member
For a lot of information, check out the <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.lincolnelectric.com/knowledge/articles/list.asp>Lincoln Electric Articles</A>. There are many articles for the novice and experienced welders.
Boone
Gold Member
I'm make an occasional weld, maybe once a week. I have a twenty year old ac 295 amp Wards, and a Lincoln 100 wire feed with the gas conversion. For the flat stock and angle iron I like the stick welder, and on lighter stuff the mig is great.
The Lincoln is nice for hauling around and taking it over to a friends place that only has a 110 outlet, but a larger unit would be noce to have.
Chop saws are great and make building things a lot more fun.
Having a welder is also super because it can change the way you look at the world around you. If you think you would like something but can not afford to buy or it isn't even sold, then go to and make it for yourself.
Now I gotta get to work, I've got an old truck brake drum and some 3 inch pipe waiting to become a portable stand for the chainsaw electric sharpener.
Boone
The Lincoln is nice for hauling around and taking it over to a friends place that only has a 110 outlet, but a larger unit would be noce to have.
Chop saws are great and make building things a lot more fun.
Having a welder is also super because it can change the way you look at the world around you. If you think you would like something but can not afford to buy or it isn't even sold, then go to and make it for yourself.
Now I gotta get to work, I've got an old truck brake drum and some 3 inch pipe waiting to become a portable stand for the chainsaw electric sharpener.
Boone
wroughtn_harv
Super Member
<font color=blue>Now I gotta get to work, I've got an old truck brake drum and some 3 inch pipe waiting to become</font color=blue>
Oh Boy! He's gonna make his own forge!!!!!!!
<font color=blue> a portable stand for the chainsaw electric sharpener.</font color=blue>
Well, darn...................
Oh Boy! He's gonna make his own forge!!!!!!!
<font color=blue> a portable stand for the chainsaw electric sharpener.</font color=blue>
Well, darn...................
dullpain
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2000
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- Middle Tennessee
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Got a flyer from Lincoln today in mail. The ( MSRP ) price for an AC-225 buzz box is $308. The AC/DC 225/125 is $472. I would think typically you could find either of these about $100 cheaper if you shop around. For the difference in price (if you can afford it) the AC/DC is hands down better.
I bought a USED Lincoln IdealArc 250 amp AC/DC+ & - machine about 8 years ago. This is a heavier duty model than those above with a generous duty cycle. Gave $700 for it and never flinched. It was probably 6-8 yrs. old when I bought it . I believe they typically sold new for around $1200 to $1400. Has been a great welder for me. Of couse it looked AS NEW when I purchased it. The guys shop, home, yard, and vehicles were neat and kept up. I think if buying used checking those things out tell a big story. If I found a good used piece of equipment such as this and the same circumstances I would go for it. That is if you got the time or inclination to shop for that type of stuff. I looked about 6 months before I found a used welder I would have. I don't know if Lincoln still makes the IdealArc or not. Don't see it in the flyer.
I bought a USED Lincoln IdealArc 250 amp AC/DC+ & - machine about 8 years ago. This is a heavier duty model than those above with a generous duty cycle. Gave $700 for it and never flinched. It was probably 6-8 yrs. old when I bought it . I believe they typically sold new for around $1200 to $1400. Has been a great welder for me. Of couse it looked AS NEW when I purchased it. The guys shop, home, yard, and vehicles were neat and kept up. I think if buying used checking those things out tell a big story. If I found a good used piece of equipment such as this and the same circumstances I would go for it. That is if you got the time or inclination to shop for that type of stuff. I looked about 6 months before I found a used welder I would have. I don't know if Lincoln still makes the IdealArc or not. Don't see it in the flyer.
DocHeb
Veteran Member
<font color=blue>"I bought a USED Lincoln IdealArc 250 amp AC/DC+ & - machine about 8 years ago ... I don't know if Lincoln still makes the IdealArc or not."</font color=blue>
The <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.mylincolnelectric.com/Catalog/equipmentdatasheet.asp?p=2495>Lincoln IdealArc Welder</A> is still manufactured, albeit slightly higher in price than what you paid.
The <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.mylincolnelectric.com/Catalog/equipmentdatasheet.asp?p=2495>Lincoln IdealArc Welder</A> is still manufactured, albeit slightly higher in price than what you paid.
MDNick
Gold Member
Since I finally having something to add around here, I thought I'd mention I just ordered a AC/DC 225/125 Lincoln electric job from my local welding supplier. Best deal I could find off the internet was $405, free shipping. This local guy got it for $400+tax. He doesn't have one at this store but does at another one. With the tax difference, I am paying $17 more for it. Well worth it to stay local. I decided to buy the deluxe form of the venerable AC 225 for the reasons everyone said, only another $150 or so, and gives the option of DC. Worth it when amortized over the life of the welder.
I passed up a used model of the same machine. Guy said it was still on the original shipping crate. Yep sure enough. Wood was water stained, box was a bit rusty. Used quite a bit. While I know the guy, I was also concerned about the duty cycle not being properly followed. $200. For another $200 a new machine and a new machines 3 yr warranty.
With respect to helmets, I am looking at a Jackson executive auto darkening helmet. $289 off the web, haven't talked to the local shop about it yet. Anyone know if the Jackson series has a clear glass replaceable cover plate so the spatter isn't boogering up the auto-darkening system plate?
I passed up a used model of the same machine. Guy said it was still on the original shipping crate. Yep sure enough. Wood was water stained, box was a bit rusty. Used quite a bit. While I know the guy, I was also concerned about the duty cycle not being properly followed. $200. For another $200 a new machine and a new machines 3 yr warranty.
With respect to helmets, I am looking at a Jackson executive auto darkening helmet. $289 off the web, haven't talked to the local shop about it yet. Anyone know if the Jackson series has a clear glass replaceable cover plate so the spatter isn't boogering up the auto-darkening system plate?
bnixon
Gold Member
Looking for a welder. I was looking at a Lincoln Pro Mig 135 amp. $459 at Lowes. I was wondering if this would be enough of a machine to weld on implements and things of that nature. I like the mig because I have heard it is easier to learn than a stick welder. Is that correct? would I be better off with a stick welder?
I am new to welding and know absolutely nothing about it. All feedback is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
I am new to welding and know absolutely nothing about it. All feedback is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
EdDekker
Silver Member
- Joined
- Apr 11, 2000
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- 192
- Location
- New Ipswich, New Hampshire
- Tractor
- Kubota B2400, Bobcat 331 Mini-Excavator
<blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr>
With respect to helmets, I am looking at a Jackson executive auto darkening helmet. $289 off the web, haven't talked to the local shop about it yet. Anyone know if the Jackson series has a clear glass replaceable cover plate so the spatter isn't boogering up the auto-darkening system plate?
<hr></blockquote>
I have the Jackson Nex-gen hood. It is still new, so far like it a lot.
It uses standard large coverplates for the outside and a special coverplate inside. The inside plate has two corners notched out to provide access to the controls. (The coverplates are plastic not glass.)
With respect to helmets, I am looking at a Jackson executive auto darkening helmet. $289 off the web, haven't talked to the local shop about it yet. Anyone know if the Jackson series has a clear glass replaceable cover plate so the spatter isn't boogering up the auto-darkening system plate?
<hr></blockquote>
I have the Jackson Nex-gen hood. It is still new, so far like it a lot.
It uses standard large coverplates for the outside and a special coverplate inside. The inside plate has two corners notched out to provide access to the controls. (The coverplates are plastic not glass.)
