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Could you please recommend some model numbers and reasonable prices for a used basic DC stick welder that will weld 3/8 - 1/2 steel in one pass (I presume 200 to 250 amps) ? And also any new model numbers that will fit once you read my application.
I have a small farm and will be fabbing small farm implements for my 23HP tractor and doing mods on tractor, etc. I've taken a stick welding course and was cutting and drilling large holes in 1/2 in plate and welding aluminum with an arc welder. That made me think I should get more proficient at stick welding and get a larger solid used basic stick welder (NOT a crackerbox), and maybe thereafter I would get a mig for lighter work, better cosmetic beads, or convenience if I needed it and as I gained experience.
I realize you can do multiple passes with a mig welder for thicker stock. And maybe I wouldn't be welding as much 3/8 - 1/2 steel as I think and maybe somebody could convince me a smaller mig is the way to go. But I've seen the kind of stuff on a tractor forum (tractorbynet.com) these guys are doing and have been warned about getting too small a welder. And I was amazed at what I could do after only one course in stick welding.
Just seems for right now a bigger capacity plain ol' stick welder is what I need that does DC in the range I was needing to cut plate, drill holes, and weld thicker plates (3/8 - 1/2), e.g. 200 amps was about my setting on the Dialarcs the school had. I was planning on spending $800 or less for the welder alone. So things like the Econotig might not be doable, and some of the mig units I see (and the Econotig for that matter I believe) that also do stick have a stick capacity but only around 150 amps tops which I worry is not enough.
Advice ? Thanks for any. And remember, I am watching Ebay and auctions now, so specific model numbers would be very helpful. It seems there are a zillion used model numbers, but I am looking for some basic workhorse rugged unit that maybe has been working 10 years and will work another 20. Portability is not an issue as I do all the work outside my shed.
Thanks,
Bob
I have a small farm and will be fabbing small farm implements for my 23HP tractor and doing mods on tractor, etc. I've taken a stick welding course and was cutting and drilling large holes in 1/2 in plate and welding aluminum with an arc welder. That made me think I should get more proficient at stick welding and get a larger solid used basic stick welder (NOT a crackerbox), and maybe thereafter I would get a mig for lighter work, better cosmetic beads, or convenience if I needed it and as I gained experience.
I realize you can do multiple passes with a mig welder for thicker stock. And maybe I wouldn't be welding as much 3/8 - 1/2 steel as I think and maybe somebody could convince me a smaller mig is the way to go. But I've seen the kind of stuff on a tractor forum (tractorbynet.com) these guys are doing and have been warned about getting too small a welder. And I was amazed at what I could do after only one course in stick welding.
Just seems for right now a bigger capacity plain ol' stick welder is what I need that does DC in the range I was needing to cut plate, drill holes, and weld thicker plates (3/8 - 1/2), e.g. 200 amps was about my setting on the Dialarcs the school had. I was planning on spending $800 or less for the welder alone. So things like the Econotig might not be doable, and some of the mig units I see (and the Econotig for that matter I believe) that also do stick have a stick capacity but only around 150 amps tops which I worry is not enough.
Advice ? Thanks for any. And remember, I am watching Ebay and auctions now, so specific model numbers would be very helpful. It seems there are a zillion used model numbers, but I am looking for some basic workhorse rugged unit that maybe has been working 10 years and will work another 20. Portability is not an issue as I do all the work outside my shed.
Thanks,
Bob
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