Lincoln 225 AC/DC Welder Comments?

Scotty370 · Jan 20, 2009

I'm about to 'pull the trigger' on a stick welder purchase. I want to stay with one of the big players in the welding game ie, Lincoln, Miller, Hobart, etc. Guess with all the history that the old "Tombstone Lincoln" has, I'm sort of leaning that way. The DC is a plus (I guess) over the old boxes. I'm fairly proficient with Oxy/Ace cutting and welding on thinner materials, so I've got the basics down about what it takes to 'glue' two pieces of metal together, but other than toying with my son's wire Mig machine, I've never 'struck-an-arc'. I'm not wild about buying over the net, as I'd rather support local business, but surfing has shown the K-1297 between $490.'s to over $600 bucks! I stumbled across the same unit on the web advertised by Home Depot for $389.-!! OK, add to cart, viola! Add $200. Shipping!! Bummer! Speaking with a friend that works PT at HD, he called his boss who said "No problem" They'd just special order it in, and sell it to me for $389.- (plus my local sales tax). This was NOT because my friend works there, just something they'd do!! I'm ready go with it.

Now a couple questions! Are DC worth the extra money? Can a person get relitively proficient stick welding, in a reasonable amount of time? I envision 1/4-3/8" steel will be the bulk of my challanges. Does this sound like a unit that a 'newby' to the art of electric arc would be well served with? Any comment on price/value are appreciated. Thanks in advance. ~Scotty

bobodu · Jan 20, 2009

I'm quit fond of my old Tombstone and think you would be hard pressed to find a better machine. Mine is old and copper wound as opposed to the newer aluminum ones. I also have a DC Lincweld engine welder. I use AC most because it is handier than starting the big one. Although it's easier to make "pretty welds" with MIG....I can't stand the things. I'll take a good strong Lincoln ARC any day. Like anything,it just takes practice.

woodrr · Jan 20, 2009

MAN I AM GOING TO HD TOMORROW IF I CAN FIND THAT PRICE MATCH!
SEND IT TO US

Dc is much better to run stick.......I enjoy running dc much more than ac and the rods are cheaper!~

Kfbeal · Jan 20, 2009

I saw the same thing a few months ago. I have just the AC welder and considered purchasing this one, but decided to save the $389 and just use the one I have:

Lincoln Electric AC/DC 225/125 Welder - K1297 at The Home Depot

Jeepnford · Jan 20, 2009

Personally I think the DC is worth the extra money,better arc characteristics. If you know a welder who can help you learn or could take a class I think it helps.

Rowdius · Jan 20, 2009

Jeepnford said:
Personally I think the DC is worth the extra money,better arc characteristics. If you know a welder who can help you learn or could take a class I think it helps.

I agree on the class. I can lay a fair bead with a mig machine, but am not very good with OAW or SMAW. I've got quite a bit of leave time I have to take at work or lose, so I've started taking an Intro Welding class (covers a short shot of welding/cutting with oxy fuel, then mostly SMAW) at the local junior college. As that I am not taking it for credit, it is only $150. Even though it is not for credit I have to take and pass all the tests, including the 1G bend test, as that if for some reason I want to get the certifcation, I only have to pay the difference between the for credit/ not for credit price in the next two years. Pretty good course so far, but I've barely started. It meets once a week for six hours. I don't think $150 is a bad investment for being able to build and repair my stuff at home.

woodlandfarms · Jan 20, 2009

I know nothing about welding, but have a Lincoln 225 AC/DC. My inlaws are serious welders and have taught me a bunch (for me anyway, I still know nothing).

But, you should look at Craigslist or your local pennysaver. I bought mine for $100. Lots of people unload them and from what I hear they really don't wear out.

Carl

George2615 · Jan 21, 2009

Scotty,
I've been doing welding projects for over 30 years. I did take a couple courses years ago and had some pro's give me tips over the years. I would suggest you take a basic course. I am not a professional certified welder but can run decent beads that have never failed. I can weld steel, cast, and aluminum fairly well. Welding comes in real handy for many tractor projects. I have used AC/DC welders and each has their uses. For basic steel welding I would recommend using DC, its worth the extra money. I believe you can get fairly proficient in a short period of time. I have instructed a few friends of mine over the years and they picked it quick enough that they bought their own welder. You can't go wrong with the brands you mentioned. Watch your local swap sheets for deals. Let us know what you buy.

ninefinger · Jan 21, 2009

Scotty370 said:
Speaking with a friend that works PT at HD, he called his boss who said "No problem" They'd just special order it in, and sell it to me for $389.- (plus my local sales tax). This was NOT because my friend works there, just something they'd do!! I'm ready go with it.

This is good to know, I was about to settle for the 1170 after seeing the shipping, $250.00 here. I have a HD and Lowes almost across the street from each other and both carry the 1170, if one will not do it I can drop the other's name and maybe get it for the $389. Corporate phone call fell on deaf ears a couple of weeks ago.

2manyrocks · Jan 21, 2009

For a brand new AC/DC machine, I think that is a reasonable deal.

Sometimes I see a few old used AC machines around here for $200, but they get gobbled up quickly.

Unless it gets hit by lightening or run over by a truck in your garage, I don't know how you'd ever wear it out.

I have one, and I'm keeping it.