Welding Tips and Tricks

I'm new to welding. Looking to learn from some more experienced folks.

Thinking about buying a decent stick welder.....
Looking at the Thunderbolt XL, Lincoln Tombstone, or Hobart Stickmate

Which one would you choose and why?

Thanks,
NSFH

Welcome to the forum, and to welding! Judging by your avatar, it looks like you're no stranger to handling hot metal!

I would go Lincoln or Miller- not that there's anything wrong with Hobart, I've used a Lincoln tombstone and owned a Miller Thunderbolt. Lincoln and Miller "crackerbox" welders come up pretty frequently second-hand on Craig's List, and they are generally bulletproof: the transformers don't go bad. (Hint: if you buy used, plug it in and make sure you hear the fan running, because fans can go bad.) If it was me, I'd look for an AC-DC model, even though they are more expensive, because of the wider range of electrodes they can run and because you can set them up as TIG welders.

I think these call for a 220v 50a power supply, but I ran my Thunderbolt on an extension cord from my 30a clothes dryer outlet (through a window and outside, of course). Do you have power available?

Let us know which direction you take it!

Welcome to the forum.
Coming from a miller guy, I'd choose Hobart. Hobart and Miller stick welders are pretty much the same thing except Hobart is cheaper. Main problem with Lincoln tombstones is the lack of amperage adjustability. And as Artie said go with AC-DC for a little bigger price for a better range of welding capabilities.

NSFH, welcome to the forum.

Artie F. Emm wrote:Welcome to the forum, and to welding! Judging by your avatar, it looks like you're no stranger to handling hot metal!

I think these call for a 220v 50a power supply, but I ran my Thunderbolt on an extension cord from my 30a clothes dryer outlet (through a window and outside, of course). Do you have power available?

Let us know which direction you take it!

Yes Blacksmithing is a hobby I really enjoy.

I have a 30amp dryer outlet....
And I haven't decided which direction I will go. I really want the Thunderbolt in AC/DC

Farmwelding wrote:Welcome to the forum.
Coming from a miller guy, I'd choose Hobart. Hobart and Miller stick welders are pretty much the same thing except Hobart is cheaper. Main problem with Lincoln tombstones is the lack of amperage adjustability. And as Artie said go with AC-DC for a little bigger price for a better range of welding capabilities.

The Hobart is a great choice and might be the way I go for now.
I am thinking about maybe saving for an Everlasting PowerTig 315lx. The specs on this machine are amazing.

If it calls to you then that's the one! You can alway trade it or upgrade later. That would be a solid machine that will be capable of lots.