Welding machine Cancel The title field is required!

1. Justin Murray

   

   0 posts
   
   8/28/2013 11:08 AM

   Our welding machine was sent in to be repaired, dial switch was bad, and turns out it would be cheaper for us to purchase a new one. What we have is a Lincoln AC 225 stick welder. I got prices on this same model and a ac/dc model. I talked with a few folks that weld and got feedback to go with ac/dc model. A little more versatile in what you can do and the machine is a little more durable. Our mechanic does a great job welding but is not sure of the difference in the machines. We do not do that much welding but have a project trailer that we plan on working on this winter. What do you guys have in your shop?

   
   
   
   
2. Andy Jorgensen

   

   1 posts
   
   8/28/2013 12:08 PM

   We have the AC model of the Lincoln Electric model 225. We do a lot of fabrication and this thing is used almost on a daily basis. For our needs or just basic welding, it is sufficient. Unless you start getting into aluminum welding/tig welding, I really don't think you need anything more. I'm saying this because our other welder is a $4,500 Miller top of the line and all we use it for is stick welding.

   
   
   
   
3. Dinger Greg

   
   8/28/2013 3:08 PM

   Some rods react better to DC than AC. Thinking 7018 is one of them. When you use DC it's like welding with a mig, smooth a silk. It might give you some versatility as well like running a spool gun, on some models. Then you can burn flux cored wire and weld outdoors without the wind messing with you. If its within the budget, go with it. Better to have and not need it then to not get it be limited by the machines capabilities.
   
   Just my 2cents

   
   
   
   
4. Jeffrey Gaylor

   

   0 posts
   
   9/20/2013 7:09 PM

   If you have the resources to buy a machine that can run DCEP, you will have better stronger welds..
   
   Jeff Gaylor, GCS
   
   3 year welding student

   
   
   
   
5. Henry Heinz

   

   0 posts
   
   9/21/2013 6:09 AM

   Buy yourself a good mig machine, like a Miller or Lincoln. You will want one in the 252+ range. I have a Miller 252 and a new Lincoln Power Mig 256. The 256 runs around $2,500.00 and well worth the money. Either machine will weld 1/2 steel with no problems. If you want to talk tig welders, well that's another story, but again well worth every penny.
   
   Regards,