What stick welder should I buy?

[nmscout]

I have been looking for a welder for a while now and started off wanting a mig. I decided to get a stick because I can get so much more for the money. I want to be able to weld up bumpers, cages, etc, and also do thicker metal, up to 3/4 of an inch. I would like to spend around $600 bucks, what do you guys recommend?

[CJesse7]

i would go with a lincoln, thats what i have for a stick welder and it works great.

[nmscout]

Which lincoln? I need to buy before the price increase which starts Nov 1.

[CJesse7]

here ya go man, its a real good welder for the money, i love mine.

http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?CNTTYPE=PROD_META&CNTKEY=Products_2%2FPower+Tools%2FWelding+%26+Sold ering%2FWelders&MID=9876&ProductOID=614909&cm_ven=hd_shopping.com&cm_cat=Dept-25&cm_pla=Class6_Sub4&cm_ite=ID-166036-Lincoln_Electric_AC/DC_225/125__Welder

[cj7jeep81]

Do you have any local welding supply places? If so, you might want to see what they carry and service. That way you have a place that can help you if you have problems.

[nmscout]

Yeah I have a few local shops, an i get a 10 percent discount from them through the vocational college. I was looking at the miller maxstar 150s and the thunderbolts, anyone have any experience with these? Otherwise I will probably buy that lincoln and a 175 mig. Also do I really need an AC/DC machine if I have a 175 mig for my smaller stuff, or can I just buy an AC?

[nmscout]

I might just break down and buy a MM210. If some one could give me some advice, I need it greatly. I need to buy a welder today because I am going out of town tomorrow. So my choices are an AC only stick and a MM175, a MM210, or a nice AC/DC stick. Thanks

[chumly2071]

Go for the 210, if you have the $$$ to spend on it. unless you step up to really thick materials, or high production, it will serve you well for a long time. mine has a much smoother arc than a buddies 175, and a lot more power on the top end. add the spool gun at a later date, and you can do aluminum with the right shielding gas. I can't really comment on the stick, as I am no good at welding with one...

[nmscout]

Well I bought the Lincoln 215 today. I used a miller in class today and i did not like it as much as the lincoln. I talked to the dealer about lincolns customer service and he said that they have great customer service and that we have a lincoln rep here. Thanks for the modivation to spend the extra cash for the bigger mig.