Back in December I set out to teach myself to weld with the help of a neighbor, YouTube (thanks to ChuckE2009 and Jody at Welding Tips and Tricks!) and feedback from experienced welders on another forum. I started out with brazing, then did some gas torch welding, then jumped into stick welding.
When I started work building my barn I bought a Hobart Champion Elite welder generator for power at the barn and the ability to weld. That's what I started stick welding with, but after about 20 hours of use, I was pretty tired of listening to the engine run every time I wanted to weld something.
At that point I bought an Everlast PowerArc 200ST based upon the recommendation of the folks on the other forum. It welds very nicely, has a nice arc and the ability to dial in exact amperages (digital readout) has been really helpful as I learn what amperage to use with various rods and metal thicknesses. I've been considering getting a TIG rig for it, and then found out my father has a welding project where he'll need TIG capability, but doesn't have anything that will weld stainless. So, I'm probably going to loan him the Everlast so he can just get the TIG rig and not have to buy an expensive welder that he won't need after this one project (not something he can easily hire out).
With all of that in mind, I was keeping my eye out for a reasonably priced AC/DC stick machine to temporarily replace the Everlast. This showed up on CL late on Sunday, and I sent the guy a text...it was still available, so I ran by there Monday and brought it home with me.
1996 Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC with a set of leads, a new 400 amp electrode holder, a little cart with wheels, and about 35lbs of fresh 1/8" Lincoln Excalibur 7018 all for $200. I think I would have bought it even if I wasn't planning to loan out my 200ST.....seemed like that good of a deal. When I got there I found out the guy was getting out of the welding business and selling all but one of his welders. He had it all set up, with a nice piece of 1" thick steel, so we ran a couple of beads with it, and it seemed to work just fine. I've heard these are pretty bullet proof, so I'm not too worried. Anyway, here's a quick pic since we all love pics!
When I started work building my barn I bought a Hobart Champion Elite welder generator for power at the barn and the ability to weld. That's what I started stick welding with, but after about 20 hours of use, I was pretty tired of listening to the engine run every time I wanted to weld something.
At that point I bought an Everlast PowerArc 200ST based upon the recommendation of the folks on the other forum. It welds very nicely, has a nice arc and the ability to dial in exact amperages (digital readout) has been really helpful as I learn what amperage to use with various rods and metal thicknesses. I've been considering getting a TIG rig for it, and then found out my father has a welding project where he'll need TIG capability, but doesn't have anything that will weld stainless. So, I'm probably going to loan him the Everlast so he can just get the TIG rig and not have to buy an expensive welder that he won't need after this one project (not something he can easily hire out).
With all of that in mind, I was keeping my eye out for a reasonably priced AC/DC stick machine to temporarily replace the Everlast. This showed up on CL late on Sunday, and I sent the guy a text...it was still available, so I ran by there Monday and brought it home with me.
1996 Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC with a set of leads, a new 400 amp electrode holder, a little cart with wheels, and about 35lbs of fresh 1/8" Lincoln Excalibur 7018 all for $200. I think I would have bought it even if I wasn't planning to loan out my 200ST.....seemed like that good of a deal. When I got there I found out the guy was getting out of the welding business and selling all but one of his welders. He had it all set up, with a nice piece of 1" thick steel, so we ran a couple of beads with it, and it seemed to work just fine. I've heard these are pretty bullet proof, so I'm not too worried. Anyway, here's a quick pic since we all love pics!
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