Thunderbolt ac/dc 225/150 for a first machine?

[Raf]

What do you seasoned pros feel about this welder to start out with, for a hobby?
is there anything special to know about this welder?
thanks,
Raf

[MinnesotaDave]

Very good hobby welder in my opinion.

Lots of people never need more and use them for 20+ years.

[Sberry]

I have 8 machines a couple would cost 10X and after 35 yrs in this I use a DC buzzer. If you invite a professional over to do a job you wont have to be embarrassed. Its essentially the same type of machine he would find on a nuke construction. I used to come home from the power plant and use one the following day, I never really could tell the difference
I really don't consider them a hobby machine. They wont run 5/32 lo hi but its rarely needed in the general world.

[Sberry]

There is another stick machine I would have to consider here. Its up front cost is a bit more but the caboose is a lot cheaper and that is the Maxstar 150S. I did get a little 25 ft lead for jumping over projects but considering copper secondary and a pinch for primary the cost is gained back right at the start.
Even a buzzer need more lead and or longer cord, with some connectors etc it adds up fast. The Max can do a 1/8 6011 at 100 ft from a 12 cord and longer from240, the machine acts as a remote and the work from 120V is near revolutionary, its nearly put my portable out of business.