Budget Stick welder

[FixToolz]

Hello,
I am interested in learning basic welding. I am learning on my dad's stick welder, but i want to save for my own.
I think it will be handy in the future.
I would like a cheap stick welder, if possible for around $100 - $150. (not including equipment)
Any suggestions?
Thanks!

 

[dr_clyde]

You're not going to find much for that budget.

Best I can suggest is to find a Lincoln AC225 used at a garage sale for that kind of money. If you get lucky. That will do stick.

TIG is going to set you back $800 for a pretty bare-bones setup. Lots more going on with a TIG machine. Torch, gas, regulator, pedal, tungsten, cups and whatnot. Plus the machine, obviously.

If you find a DC stick machine, you can rig up a valve torch and scratch start TIG, but that's a pretty advanced method of welding for someone just starting out. I wouldn't recommend it for a newbie.

 

[FixToolz]

You're not going to find TIG for that budget.

Sorry, wrong question. (im a noob)
Just stick welding...
what about something like the Ironton 120 v ARC80 for about $120?

 

[2oolhound]

Keep looking on cl or fb marketplace. I paid $60 for a mint century 225 amp ac/dc stick that came with cables, a bunch of rods and an old school mask (estate sale). Runs off 220 single phase so just a dryer (30 amp) adapter got me going. The stove line (50 amp) would have been better though because it trips breakers at high amps. Does 70% of my welding. I've seen similar deals on these market places over the last few years too but for $100 - $150 you shouldn't have to wait too long. An auto darkening mask is nice for beginners.

Welder with cables $100 - $150
Auto Dark Mask used $50ish
Gloves $10
Adapter cable from dryer outlet 4' long about $40 at harbor freight.
25' or 50' 220V extension cable probably Harbor freight may be something you need too. (i paid $45 for a 25' on sale) This allows you to set up the welder further from the dry or stove plug or whatever your power source is. You may not need one.

Today most new machines do stick as well so these old stick only machines often have no respect, sit in a corner and don't get used in favor of the new rigs. Before mig and tig these were the only game in town and this was welding.

I also bought a 30 year old mig for $40 but don't have a high amp circuit for it so only get an inch bead before flipping a breaker but I like it a lot.

 

[PMD1966]

Hello,
I am interested in learning basic welding. I am learning on my dad's stick welder, but i want to save for my own.
I think it will be handy in the future.
I would like a cheap stick welder, if possible for around $100 - $150. (not including equipment)
Any suggestions?
Thanks!

Bought my AC225 for $39.00 brand new about 25 years ago.

 

[FMB4]

Keep your eye out for a '70s-'80s Miller 225 amp Thunderbolt stick box in good condition.

 

[ybnormal]

the bigger question is, do you want something to learn on, or do you want something to keep after learning on?

quality welders will give you quality welds instead of you having to fight it

 

[FixToolz]

quality welders will give you quality welds instead of you having to fight it

Yeeaaahhh... I might wait a little on this one.
Use my dad's for a while, then buy a quality one.
Thanks for the advice.

 

[Aaron_W]

Yep, Craigslist or Marketplace, look for an old Lincoln or Miller stick welder. I see the AC only ones from haul it off to $200, I'd try and find one of the AC/DC models as that will give you many more welding options. They usually want more for the AC/DC but still they are usually asking less than $300 and again occasionally you will find one where the guy really just wants it gone.

Not a lot of people want a 300lb welder anymore and they are pretty much indestructible so there are lots of old ones out there. Hard to beat the old welders, not even Harbor Freight can compare on price as the cheapest HF stick welder is $240.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

The old tombstone or cube shaped ones really have very little to go wrong with them, and sell in that range.

 

[ericlar80]

I saw a really nice Lincoln square body go for $50 on craigslist recently. I didn't want to make the drive, but the deals are out there for stick welders because nobody knows how to use them.

 

[dffay]

Don’t worry about getting into an older stick welder. Even though they were brand named by Sears or Montgomery Wards, there were a limited number of original makers. They were astoundingly robust with real copper windings and if they have been kept indoors, ugly as they may be, they will outlast the last guy, you and next five weldors. Learn stick and all that it can do and you will be miles ahead with every other type. ALL welding is about heat control. Stick is a fine start.
Good luck to you!

 

[welder4956]

The Lincoln AC 225 machines are low priced and available at the big box stores. You should be able to find a used one in your price range. Stay away from the 120V stick machines. They are usually very hard to start an arc due to low open circuit voltage. For someone trying to learn how to start an arc and hold a good puddle, they can be very discouraging.

 

[ybnormal]

I saw a really nice Lincoln square body go for $50 on craigslist recently. I didn't want to make the drive, but the deals are out there for stick welders because nobody knows how to use them.

yeah, I picked up a small Lincoln Hobby welder a few years ago at the swap meet. barely looked used, $20.
.....and then I immediately stuck it in the back of the garage and kept promising 'yeah, anyday now, I'll pull it out and start practicing'

 

[dutchgray]

Was given one yesterday, a little 110A AC oil filled transformer unit, by Oxford. It needs an earth lead is all.

 

[Alcap]

If your just looking for something to practice with while you’re saving for a higher grade one . You might want one of these cheap inverter welders . Im a so-so welder , but still need to get jobs done . I have a HOBART 175 , mig , a cheap HF 110v flux only to be able to take out of the shop but wanted to see how well a $50 welder would work , and must say it does pretty good with my skill set . Here’s 2 examples , one with multiple passes on thick plate steel and a single pass on the wear bar on a old snowmobile. The little thing is lunchbox size , the cables are heavier then the welder lol. https://usa.banggood.com/Topshak-ZX...MIhaj68Lzy9QIVhLLICh1opgOjEAsYAiABEgLJ4vD_BwE Those welds were done with 7018 rods

 

[rockinacummins]

As stated above, Lincoln AC225 machines (AC/DC if you upgrade a little bit), which are colloquially referred to as “tombstone” or “cracker box” machines, have been used in an astronomical number of hobby and farm shops for years and years.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

Used or maybe sn Amazon special. I think the hf cheap stick welder is $230

 

[vpd66]

I have one of these.

ref=sr_1_5

I can't believe no one has suggested one. Its a 160 amp inverter stick welder. It will run on 110 volt or 220 volts. Of course it has more power on 220 volt. I bought it for the time someone calls and says can you come over and weld this? It runs 6013,6011, and 7018 rods real nice. The best part is it all fits inside a 5 gallon pail!

 

[mitusa]

keep your eyes out for a used Lincoln tombstone.....I bought one at a flea a few years back for $75. He said it worked and it did...had the heavy gauge leads and clamp and electrode. Is one of my best buys; will do everything I'm able to do or want to do!!!

 

[MadMechMaster]

Maybe use that $100 and take a continuing ed class in welding. Try a few processes and find what's worth saving for.

 

[tool_scrounge]

Used arc welders can be a good deal, especially older ones from lesser known brands. We had Marquette AC welders that had crazy amounts of iron in the, yet sold for very little. I have even see Lincoln 250 AC/DC welders for $100 in the past, which a lot of welder for them price.

 

[Kenskip1]

AM AMICO ELECTRIC Amico 160 Amp Stick arc DC Inverter Welder IGBT 115-Volt and 230-Volt Dual Voltage Welding Machine New ARC-160D - The Home Depot

Complete your cooking jobs perfectly with the assistance of this uniquely designed AMICO POWER Amico Stick arc DC Inverter Welder IGBT and Dual Voltage Welding Machine New.

www.homedepot.com

 

[seber]

Old Airco welders often fit that range in AC/DC. They went out of business a long time ago but they were top of the line basic welders and represent amazing bargains today.

 

[brownbagg]

the best ones out there are the dc machine, I have a lincoln 225 ac/dc my brother has a monkey wards that is about fifty years old.

yard sales, that where they are

 

[Mr.N]

Hello,
I am interested in learning basic welding. I am learning on my dad's stick welder, but i want to save for my own.
I think it will be handy in the future.
I would like a cheap stick welder, if possible for around $100 - $150. (not including equipment)
Any suggestions?
Thanks!

FixToolz,
Handy as how? Welding to create benches or pipe? Welding sheet metal on vehicles or what are you looking into?

A cheap welder on Amazon will last for 1 month to about 2 years. Go enough to learn, but the money will be gone.
An old welder can be found for $0 (free) to $400+, get your the word out your looking. This is an investment, you can sell it for what you pay if you shop smart. (AC/DC units are 2-3x of AC units, but worth the upgrade if you can afford it)

Where you should spend your money? First is on your safety.
1. Hood: Don't get an auto darkling hood. Cheap ones **** and you can find an old school heavy hoods for near free. Buy new glass and a couple shades like 11, 12 & 13. Yes the old ones are heavy and ****, yet someone people used them for years. ($10-30)
2. Gloves: Start of with a thick heavy ones for stick welding, HF sells some. Now slowly move up to Tig gloves and they will teach you if you've your hands too close. ($12 & then $20)
3. Welding cover: You want a welding jacket or cover to protect yourself. Old thick jackets can be found at the thrift store that would work. Or search Amazon and look for warehouse deals on welding jackets. ($10-50)
4. Other cover: Don't weld in sandals and shorts. If it's too hot to wear cover then don't weld.
5. Other people: Make sure you are not flashing people with your welding. You can makes simple blocks with carboard and a basic frame.
6. Consumables: Yeah, your welding rod is going to cost money. Make sure to shop around. ($10-$100)
6a. You need a few small tools: A welding hammer to hit the slag, a HD file to knock slag and file, and last a heavy duty wire brush. ($5-$40)

Where you should spend your time:
1. Looking for deals on a welder. Don't rush it, find a deal post it here without the link. Reply to anything close to your budget and ask if they have room to move for someone just learning. (I have sold a used welder at 50% of value to a kid learning to weld, gave him a hood, gloves and small stuff.)
2. Look for deals on steel. You'll need material to practice welding. Find your local steel suppler and ask for their drops sections, or if they have a garage bin you could take a few piece from to practice.
3. You need a cart for your welder. Look at that, with the deal on steel you can make your own!
4. You need a welding cart. Ok, you've learned from building a cart to hold your welder. Now you need a cart to hold what you are welding... This is where your deal on steel could influence the final cost. You don't need much, just sturdy.
5. You need to practice more... Ask your Dad for help, ask around to find Neighbors who weld, post your pics for feedback, and watch videos on welding.

A lot more learning and improvement will come over time and improvement will be self evident as you advance your skill.

FYI, if you are young enough this can be a skill you turn into a career that makes a good living.
If no interest, it can be a skill that contributes to life long hobbies.





.

 

[ybnormal]

FixToolz,
Handy as how? Welding to create benches or pipe? Welding sheet metal on vehicles or what are you looking into?

A cheap welder on Amazon will last for 1 month to about 2 years. Go enough to learn, but the money will be gone.
An old welder can be found for $0 (free) to $400+, get your the word out your looking. This is an investment, you can sell it for what you pay if you shop smart. (AC/DC units are 2-3x of AC units, but worth the upgrade if you can afford it)

Where you should spend your money? First is on your safety.
1. Hood: Don't get an auto darkling hood. Cheap ones **** and you can find an old school heavy hoods for near free. Buy new glass and a couple shades like 11, 12 & 13. Yes the old ones are heavy and ****, yet someone people used them for years. ($10-30)
2. Gloves: Start of with a thick heavy ones for stick welding, HF sells some. Now slowly move up to Tig gloves and they will teach you if you've your hands too close. ($12 & then $20)
3. Welding cover: You want a welding jacket or cover to protect yourself. Old thick jackets can be found at the thrift store that would work. Or search Amazon and look for warehouse deals on welding jackets. ($10-50)
4. Other cover: Don't weld in sandals and shorts. If it's too hot to wear cover then don't weld.
5. Other people: Make sure you are not flashing people with your welding. You can makes simple blocks with carboard and a basic frame.
6. Consumables: Yeah, your welding rod is going to cost money. Make sure to shop around. ($10-$100)
6a. You need a few small tools: A welding hammer to hit the slag, a HD file to knock slag and file, and last a heavy duty wire brush. ($5-$40)

Where you should spend your time:
1. Looking for deals on a welder. Don't rush it, find a deal post it here without the link. Reply to anything close to your budget and ask if they have room to move for someone just learning. (I have sold a used welder at 50% of value to a kid learning to weld, gave him a hood, gloves and small stuff.)
2. Look for deals on steel. You'll need material to practice welding. Find your local steel suppler and ask for their drops sections, or if they have a garage bin you could take a few piece from to practice.
3. You need a cart for your welder. Look at that, with the deal on steel you can make your own!
4. You need a welding cart. Ok, you've learned from building a cart to hold your welder. Now you need a cart to hold what you are welding... This is where your deal on steel could influence the final cost. You don't need much, just sturdy.
5. You need to practice more... Ask your Dad for help, ask around to find Neighbors who weld, post your pics for feedback, and watch videos on welding.

all good stuff. the only thin I woul dpoint out is that the HF gloves are a little bulky so you won't have good fingertip control, and the gold color of the leather tends to leach and stain your fingers (ask me how I know) but they do work great otherwise

 

[boom_bap]

I'd be cautious of getting an old transformer machine, unless you have a shop. You're going to need a 50-100A breaker in your garage which is not common for most hobby, part time folks. I'd get an 200 amp inverter and treat it as an disposable investment into learning. You can find those for anywhere between $200-500 from a lot of different brands and it will probably last you a long time. Yes they're made in China. Yes so are Miller and Lincoln, you only need those brands if you buy a new machine, you need a 5 year warranty, and the machine is making you money. A DC arc is a DC arc no matter the brand, and if you're learning stick you should be welding DC+ with cheap 6011 and 7018 rods. If you enjoy it you can upgrade later down the road. I have a Miller so I'm not telling you not to go that route, I'm just saying there are a lot of good machines for cheap that will get your foot in the door for a cheaper price.

Do NOT cheap out on a hood and safety gear. Get a name brand hood. YOu only have one set of eyes. You can good a really good Lincoln or Miller for like $100 with rebate all the time.

 

[Mr.N]

I'd be cautious of getting an old transformer machine, unless you have a shop. You're going to need a 50-100A breaker in your garage which is not common for most hobby, part time folks. I'd get an 200 amp inverter and treat it as an disposable investment into learning. You can find those for anywhere between $200-500 from a lot of different brands and it will probably last you a long time. Yes they're made in China. Yes so are Miller and Lincoln, you only need those brands if you buy a new machine, you need a 5 year warranty, and the machine is making you money. A DC arc is a DC arc no matter the brand, and if you're learning stick you should be welding DC+ with cheap 6011 and 7018 rods. If you enjoy it you can upgrade later down the road. I have a Miller so I'm not telling you not to go that route, I'm just saying there are a lot of good machines for cheap that will get your foot in the door for a cheaper price.

Do NOT cheap out on a hood and safety gear. Get a name brand hood. YOu only have one set of eyes. You can good a really good Lincoln or Miller for like $100 with rebate all the time.

I have had a different experience. My Lincoln AC/DC buzz box, which calls for 60A, run wide open on a 50A break and never trip once. I have used a 30A breaker and a 75' extension cord to weld 1/4" plate. Rods are usually 1/8" 6010, 7018 and 6013, sometimes a run a 3/32 rod. Extension cord is 6/3.
The 30 amps were usually a electric dryer outlet when help out family.

Don't get me wrong, I've a $200 55A Plasma cutter and an $800 200A Tig Ahp, both china stuff that is the investment in learning.

If money is tight, you can always sell the old welder for near what you paid. When rent is due, it's due!

 

[sparky 1971]

Keep using your dad's welder until you have enough money saved to buy a good one for yourself. It's been at least 15, probably closer to 20 years ago that I justified to myself that I should buy a Harbor Freight welder. One of the happiest days of my life was when I bought a Lincoln and set that HF POS on the curb.

 

[Rkcubed]

Around here you can pick up a Lincoln Idealarc 250 prett cheap. Warning they aren’t portable. But you can weld under 150 Amps and n need to worry about duty cycle. Some have DC.