Input On This Welder.

ZWilson07 · #1 08-25-2011, 01:18 PM

Alright guys I already have a smaller 125 amp flux core welder at home that can also be hooked up to gas if I need it to. I just like its ease of being able to plug in anywhere and good for body work and thinner metals.

Ive been wanting a heavier amp rating for the longer jobs, or thicker metals, and also just any of the farm equipment where prettiest doesnt matter, just need a strong weld on thick metals.

I can get one of the Lincoln AC 225 Stick welders through work for like $200 new, just getting your alls opinion on it or recommendations. Thanks

EDIT: its basically just like this one for reference
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...15000P?prdNo=5

dcarrill · #2 08-25-2011, 02:45 PM

Man to tell you the truth I have that exact welder the Lincoln AC 225 Stick welder. I really have have been able to weld with it since my dad got it. Idk if it being an older model makes it worse but I really don't like it.

ranger101 · #3 08-25-2011, 03:06 PM

Bad things about that welder:

1. It's only an AC welder
2. They're not that great. We have a couple at school and they just sit in the corner collecting dust for a reason. Find a Lincoln stick welder that has AC, DC+, and DC- options. Then get a 50lbs can of 6010 electrodes(or 7018) if you plan on welding thick stuff)

ZWilson07 · #4 08-27-2011, 10:08 PM

anymore recommendations on one I should get?

skulldrinker · #5 11-02-2011, 04:50 AM

You'll never go above 120 amps unless you're repairing an overpass. I have the craftsman 225 amp. I almost bought the 295 amp. When i was young I always had to have the biggest and best. And yes now that I have taught myself to weld I want a MIG.

ZWilson07 · #6 11-02-2011, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skulldrinker

You'll never go above 120 amps unless you're repairing an overpass. I have the craftsman 225 amp. I almost bought the 295 amp. When i was young I always had to have the biggest and best. And yes now that I have taught myself to weld I want a MIG.

how do you like your craftsman 225 amp? What would you recommend me getting?

skulldrinker · #7 11-03-2011, 05:04 AM

i bought mine back around 1980. It's the only one I ever used so can't compare. It's has been great for angle iron and flat stock but I was never successful with sheet metal. Even with the thinnest rod and lowest setting it always came out messy. Muffler pipes looked like shit. Not even sure if they make my model anymore but like i said there is no need to spend big bucks on a high amperage welder unless your builing a bridge. There might be only one benifit of a larger unit and that could be a higher duty cycle but for in the driveway jobs 100% duty is not needed. 20% duty is fine... lay a bead, drink a beer, lay another bead, drink another beer.