Anyone have any pics of welds done on the AC and the DC for comparison? Is the AC/DC version worth the extra $120?
From my research the only benefit of the DC feature is smoother welds. Which if it is true would be worth it, but is that the only benefit?
http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImage/1dfa9053-f56c-41ba-9671-b0c4e96e0866_300.jpg

I grew up with a AC only buzz box. It worked okay. When I first got my dialarc 250 for a tig power source, I used it occasionally for DC stick. That was the first I had ever welded DC SMAW. It was indeed as nice as is claimed. It goes down much smoother, you have better arc control, and it typically starts easier too. It is rare that I stick weld anything anymore, but I still tend to use DC more than AC when I do. It is worth an extra $120...

Later,
Jason

more choice of rods with ac/dc. I had a a/c only for many years and built a lot of things with that and oxy/acytlylene. then found a great deal on an ac /dc. now it sits in the corner and lonely with the 250 amp mig and 300 amp tig. These units are bullet proof and the old one were even better with the copper windings. Get a used on of either choice, I have sold two for $75 ea. to friends should be able to pick one up for no more then $100.00 ED
now looking for one for my son in law. for under $100

These are some of the first welds I ever made, done with an AC225. 6013 rod

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p315/PhotosDeSample/S4020795.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p315/PhotosDeSample/S4020793-1.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p315/PhotosDeSample/S4020794-1.jpg

those look nice!

The only time AC is really preferable is when welding magnetized parts or if you're using 6011 on rusty/dirty materials (farm repairs).

It's worth the money to buy a DC capable machine. You'll almost always better arc control and better penetration with DC. You also have a much wider selection of electrodes to choose from. Try using both - It won't take long to see the difference.

I see home depot carries the Lincoln AC/DC 225 $389 doesnt seem too expensive.

6011 on rusty/dirty materials (farm repairs).


6010 will do the same job with DC.

The only time I might think of using AC is if for some reason. The Arc blow was so bad I couldn`t weld the joint.

When they say DC is smoother they mean how it welds not how the finished bead looks there should be no difference, except different electrode bead styles. If you compare the same electrode on Ac and Dc it will look the same to the naked eye.:)