I have an older (probably 25 yrs) Lincoln 225 AC stick welder. I'm basically competent, not expert with it, but can do any of the tasks I've tried (welding tractor parts, 'framing' for a work bench, that sort of thing).
I have an opportunity to buy a newer (about 3yrs) Hobart AC/DC stick welder, but I'm probably out a net of $100 after selling the Lincoln. I generally MIG the light stuff, and I have a gas setup that sees little use except for heating rusted parts. Is there any practical advantage for a home use in having a DC arc welder? The biggest task I see on the horizon is building a smoker this spring.
I have heard you get more consistent welds (because the polarity is constant) and you get somewhat better off-position welding (upside down, for instance, which if I had to I would likely MIG). What I'm looking for is whether that investment will substantially improve either the appearance or actual quality of the welds (they look OK, and seem to hold, but they're clearly home made).
Thanks
Steve
I have an opportunity to buy a newer (about 3yrs) Hobart AC/DC stick welder, but I'm probably out a net of $100 after selling the Lincoln. I generally MIG the light stuff, and I have a gas setup that sees little use except for heating rusted parts. Is there any practical advantage for a home use in having a DC arc welder? The biggest task I see on the horizon is building a smoker this spring.
I have heard you get more consistent welds (because the polarity is constant) and you get somewhat better off-position welding (upside down, for instance, which if I had to I would likely MIG). What I'm looking for is whether that investment will substantially improve either the appearance or actual quality of the welds (they look OK, and seem to hold, but they're clearly home made).
Thanks
Steve