Welding - Stick Vs Gasless MIG?

[mbohuntr]

Here's a decent link...

Stick welding information

 

[Butters]

I have just about every type of welding machine there is to have because it's part of my work and if there was a fire in the shop and I had only enough time to take one welding machine out it would be the Mig. Just love that machine. It's used 90 % off the time over the rest but it will never replace the stick welder. My opinion, nothing will and it will always have a place in the welding world.

So is my impression right that you like Miller Welders?
JK, nice machines, Only one of mine is a Miller, but I like it alot.

 

[Butters]

Oh I know that all to well,
I've got a Hobart handler 110 MiG, never tried it with out the gas, I thought that's the reason for MIG, (gas shielding). Found an old thunderbolt AC on the side of the road 30 years ago that I still use most. Went and bought a Honda powered 170 amp dc welder cause everyone said DC was easy???
How do you Guys run your DC welders, electrode+ or E-?
E- is called straight polarity I believe, which sounds contradictory to ac welding, been told that's the way to go but didn't find it any easier.
I don't have much time on the DC machine so I guess I have to practice more.
Been considering a class in welding, would help me I'm sure.

[/I]

My favorite stick welding is done with 7018 rods on DCEP (Electrode Positive).

 

[2manyrocks]

If you can find a good used Lincoln ac/dc stick welder for $100-$200, go buy it and weld with it some. You should be able to get your money back if you don't like it. The stick welders are very flexible machines.

It's easier to get a good looking weld with a MIG, but a decent 220v MIG and tank will set you back probably $600+. I hesitate to buy a used MIG because they are more mechnically complex and frankly, I don't see many of them for sale used.

If you want to buy new and money is no problem, then I second the recommendations for a Hobart 187 or equivalent Miller or Lincoln MIG. Lots of people really like the Millermatic 210. I don't know how they feel about its replacement, but you can check on Miller's website forums to see. The 120v MIGs are portable and will connect to adequate 120v outlets, but I prefer the 220v units.