Hobart Stackmate LX stick welder

[flusher]

I'm leaning toward this AC/DC 235/160amp stick welder. TSC has them for under $400.

Anyone out there have one of these? Any comments pro or con?

 

[Dargo]

I have a Stickmate LX 235. Compared to the Lincoln "tombstone" welder I have, the Stickmate has a far, far superior arc and produces a much nicer weld. My old Lincoln and even older Craftsman buzz boxes will stick metal together but the settings are so limited as compared to what you are considering. Using the right setting on AC or DC and with straight or reverse polarity will make life much easier for the average hobby welder. Use the settings listed on the top of the welder for the material you are welding with the appropriate rod and you'll be surprised at how easy it will be to make a quality weld.

 

[Hydraman]

Howdy, all. I have had a Stickmate AC/DC for a while now and believe it to be an excellent machine. I have used straight AC machines in the past and find this one much easier to use, especially when doing out of position welds.
I am sure that, once you try it, you'll wonder how you ever got along without one before. Don

 

[Gaspasser]

I bought the Hobart Stickmate AC/DC @ TSC after comparing Miller and Lincoln. Price is what swayed me. Miller & Hobart made by the same company - Illinois Tool Group. Have been very satisfied with it.