http://www.grizzly.com/products/item.cfm?Product_ID=14013&&User_ID=143803&St=7624&St2=-68845726&St3=78162909&DS_ID=1

http://www.grizzly.com/products/pics/g3/g3390.jpg

$189.95 and $30 shipping...

Only $219.95 total. It sounds like a good deal to me, just looking for other opinions....Not worried about it being stick. I haven't welded since H.S. 12 years ago, but I'm sure it would come back.

I would make a 220v cord for it....

I/buddy of mine have had (I think) the exact welder for about 10 years...been fine. 220vac, dc weld, hi amps, right? I dont think you can beat it.

I checked out the website, and I don't think the $189 is an AC/DC just AC. AC maybe all you need, but if I was buying new, I think I'd drop the other $110 for the AC/DC model.

chad

i would spend a little more money and buy a ac/dc machine like the lincoln cracker box ac/dc model. home depot has them for a good price. i belive that machine is ac only which isn't terrible but dc is so much smoother to weld with.

hey-

check your local swap meet, want adds or welding shop for used 220v stick machines. i've seen some really nice, heavy duty, older stick welders for less than that one is new!!

Tim the Toolman is right-

"More Power"!!!!

is better, especially with welders!

later

ive had one that is about a good 30+years old, its a 220 craftsman upto 180amp @ 24/12v , works great, done everything with it, takes a lot of practice to get good with a welder especially a stick, i would reccomend takeing some stick welding classes at a local community collage. I still prefer a perty weld of a mig, but if you know what ur doing a stcik bead can be just as purty and if not stronger.

-SMART ASS

$419 - Hobart STICKMATE 235AC/160DC WELDER

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=42329

Sound like (I am) a dummy, so could someone explain the whole "DC" thing? What are the benefits of it?

Thanks, Mark

alincolcn just like it is the same price at Home Depot

an AC/DC lincoln just like it is $300 and worth it.

best deal is a used one ( AC/DC)

Id go with Lincoln over century

Originally posted by Welby
Sound like (I am) a dummy, so could someone explain the whole "DC" thing? What are the benefits of it?

AC - You're welding current is still 60Hz AC. Lots of snap crackle and pop. More weld spatter, and you can't use some types of welding rod.

AC/DC - You can select AC or DC on these boxes. The DC is a LOT smoother and allows you to use a wider variety of rods (including the popular 7018 "Jet rod"). The jet rod is nice because it make a beautiful smooth weld and the flux will flake right off (if it's fresh rod).

Also note, if you later decide you want to MIG weld (wire welder) you can buy a Ready Welder and use the current output from your existing DC welder. For around $500 (now/hopefully get cheeper in the future :) ) you have a spool gun for the shop, and a tool box life saver for the truck! :D
But you CAN'T run a MIG on AC! :nuke:

DC is alot safer to use also, My welder actually says on it, dont use AC where DC could be used.

when IM outside sprawled out on teh concrete with my package wedged between teh frame rails I dont want that AC current seeking the path of least resistance thru my balls.

it isnt hard to get burned by a AC stick machine, my race car buddy has scars on his arms from buyilding a cage in a dirt floor shop.

also the DC has ALOT less platter, and is quiter, AND the best thing

for about $100-$150 you can add a TIG torch and gas bottel, and have a scratch start TIG machine to do SUPER nice pretty welds on even little thin stuff
NOt a must have for basic fab stuff, but alot more otions for up[grade, and cleaner for the basic fab stuff.

Thanks for the info guys, it helped alot :beer: