230/120 Stick welder

[by921]

I am looking for a good stick welder that will plug into a 120 and 230 plug, such as the everlast power arc 200st. But I am not sure of this welder because it not from the big 3. I have a Lincoln pro mig 140 and it has been great but I am looking to get a stick welder to weld some thicker material. Miller makes a welder that would work (max star 150) but it is more than double the price. I was just looking for advice on what welder would be a good a good buy. The everlast seem a little risky but I know some people have had good luck.




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[Showkey]

I purchased a larger 240v 175 amp MIG and have not used my 220 amp stick welder since.

With 120v input.......your capacity will be limited.

 

[sberry]

The evelast is a different model than the little Max but they make one for 220$ a 140 that is dual voltage. I would like to try one. The Max is available in a stick only version or used to be that was cheaper.

 

[by921]

I have 240 plug at home but I have a welding job coming up and they only have 120 plugs in the building. I liked the everlast because of the 200 amps and compared it to the Miller because that was the first unit I found from the "name brands"


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[Bondo]

I have 240 plug at home but I have a welding job coming up and they only have 120 plugs in the building. I liked the everlast because of the 200 amps and compared it to the Miller because that was the first unit I found from the "name brands"


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Ayuh,.... Yer not gonna get 200 amps out a 120v welder,.....
'n compare the duty cycle, as it's Important,....

I bought one of these, eons ago, 'n it's still my go to welder, that'll burn any stick electrode made,....

 

[theoldwizard1]

If you have the money, seriously consider the AHP AlphaTIG 200X. Similar in function to the Powerarc 200st but WAY BETTER controls. Lots of positive feedback on YouTube. Much less than the Miller.

 

[by921]

I know I will not get 200 amps out of it on 120 but on 240 plug I should get it. The alphatig looks nice but I really don't need the tig welding. I was not really considering to buy the Miller but it was about what I was looking for and then I saw the price. If I did not need the 120 ability I would go buy a Hobart stickmate


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[bobcatdan]

If you want portable, go with a Miller Bobcat welder/generator. 120 volt arc welders are the biggest waste of time and electricity.

 

[by921]

I don't want a 120 stick welder, I want a 240 unit that will plug into a 120 plug when the need comes up.

 

[Showkey]

I don't want a 120 stick welder, I want a 240 unit that will plug into a 120 plug when the need comes up.

Not sure many of us got that from your OP ???

 

[MJD1]

Check out the Esab 161 miniarc. 3 year warranty and a money back trial period.

 

[trackwelder]

Miller maxstar 150s is a super machine. I have burned a ton of 3/32 7018 on a 120 line and the same with 1/8 7018 on 220. Miller has great parts and service should the need arise. I bought mine when they first came out and even remember the price it was $555.00 and worth every penny.

 

[Roberts210]

These show up on Craigslist pretty frequently for $200 to $300.

 

[zkling]

The best of what you are looking for is going to be a maxstar.

Check out Thermal Arc as well. They make some more budget friendly machines that have many features of the millers. Don't know what an applicable current model number would be off hand.

Everlast and the like, while yes have a cheap entry price, are a **** shoot. And while many people are happy with their unit, will support be there in a few years if you need it?

Another option is to get rid of your 140 and buy a mig/stick/DC tig for ~$1100. Thermal Arc makes the fabricator series, Esab the ???? and Lincolns new PowerMig 210 is a very exciting new contender.

 

[IUEC Medic]

I use a maxstar 150S on a weekly basis, I used it to practice while learning how to weld and I now use it at work for on-site welding. I've probably gone through 50 lbs of 1/8" 7018 on 220 and 10lb 3/32 7018 on 110. It's a pretty stellar machine. It's expensive compared to some of the competition but it's an extremely reliable and durable workhorse. I've looked into buying my own machine for personal use and narrowed down my choices to either a used maxstar 150 (s, Stl or sth) or used multimatic 200, or a new thermal arc/tweco 211 or a new Lincoln 210 mp. All are capable of 110/220 and have a reliable warranty and customer service.

There is an esab unit similar to the maxstar, but service is far more scarce on the west coast than the east coast... Which is also true for the tweco, but the functionality and reliability I've read about, as well as the price point, justifies the unit more than the esab.

Edit: The other imported products I looked at (everlast and longevity) had more questionable reviews.

And as a note; I use "tweco" and "thermal arc" interchangeably. One of those companies was purchased by the other, but the model/line of welders is identical except for the name on the housing.

 

[sberry]

I would like to try the Everlast 140. The price makes it near disposable. Worrying about service years down the road is moot, be different if it cost thousand dollars but it's 220.

 

[Professur]

I know you said stick, but would something like the Hobart Trek serve?

 

[jt777]

Try lincoln electric ac/dc 225. I think it has the mvp plug but it is over 650 bucks here in Canada.

 

[sberry]

I know you said stick, but would something like the Hobart Trek serve?

It is quite expensive. It does have good power though.
What makes these little inverters so attractive is they do it all in their class. On 240V they run a 1/8 lo hy which is a bench mark. Another bench mark in usable welding is 1/8 6011 and 3/32 lo hy and they do this from 120.
I tried the super uber cheap Forney, it really doesn't work. With Max I make a pallet rack shelving set with 3 weeks work and forget what kind of machine it is and where its plugged in to.
I did a remote repair a while back, one size small rod added about 5 minutes welding time to an afternoons work.

 

[sberry]

These show up on Craigslist pretty frequently for $200 to $300.

Very few in that price range here and are gone fast. I used this one hard for about 3 years, I own it for over 30 and its still my shop stick. I have a 300 synch sits right next to it and never use.
I have ran it against other machines in blind tests when I was sharper and its pretty fuggin good.
The newer inverters probably keep getting better starts but this is as good as the Maxstar and maybe better.

 

[Advan]

The Maxstar 150S is the cream of the crop as far as what you're looking for. Next would be the Esab 161. I wouldn't buy a new Lincoln Invertec V-155 over a Maxstar, but I would snap up a used one if the price is right. As far as the Chinese welders go, I wouldn't be too scared of an Everlast stick machine, they seem to be great for the price. Just keep in mind if it craps out, you're probably SOL. That's ok if you're a hobbyist, but I wouldn't try to make money with one.....

 

[Roberts210]

......Very few in that price range here and are gone fast. .....................

You are probably right. I paid $340 for mine last summer, but two years ago when I didn't have the money I did see one for $250 and that one included long leads and a helmet.

 

[by921]

I never heard of the esab or thermal arc units but they look like a good choice if I do not decide on the everlast.