Opinions welcome. Hobart Stickmate LX AC/DC

[pickeringchris]

I found a near new one of these for sale in my area for about 60% the cost of new with a couple extras. What do you guys think? How does this compare to the Lincoln Tombstone?

http://www.hobartwelders.com/products/stick/stickmate-lx235ac-160dc/

Thanks.

Chris

 

[Haywire]

Without personal knowledge of either, I'm going to say that since the stickmate does DC, it's a step up from a tombstone.

Ian

 

[pickeringchris]

Hey Ian.

There is a ac/dc tombstone!!!!

 

[Haywire]

See? I should just shaddap when I have no idea what I'm talking about... ROFL!

 

[pickeringchris]

Na Ian, don't shut up. We like the company.

 

[rankrank1]

I found a near new one of these for sale in my area for about 60% the cost of new with a couple extras. What do you guys think? How does this compare to the Lincoln Tombstone?

Hobart Welders - Products - Stick - Stickmate LX 235 AC / 160 DC

Thanks.

Chris

There is 3 version of Stickmates:
a) LX 205 (AC only)
b) LX 235 (AC only)
c) LX 235 / DC 160 (has both AC and DC)

The biggest advantage Hobart Stickmate LX235 / DC 160 has over a Lincoln AC225 / DC125 is that the amperage adjustment on the Hobart is infinitely adjustable by 1 amp increments where it is tapped into 10 - 15 increments on the Lincoln. Infintely adjustable can be an advantage as your skills improve to utilize it.

While it would appear the specs on the Hobart are better than the Lincoln, many who have used both say they perform very similarly. In other words the Hobart does not necessary appear any more powerful than the Lincoln even the the specs are stated as higher. That said most do prefer the infinitely adjustable amp feature of the Hobart over the Lincoln's taps.

That said the Lincoln is okay machine too. FWIW The current front crank Miller Thunderbolt is identical to the Hobart Stickmate only in blue color. (Miller and Hobart are both owned by ITW and these 2 particualr models go down the exact same assembly line). The older top crank Miller Thunderbolts were slightly different but still the same class of machine as these three.

Smart move in looking at these type of buzzboxes on the used market. These things hardly ever break and good deals are there to be found. Actually I would never buy a new one for that very reason and would go Stickmate or Thunderbolt over the Lincoln if sticking to the newest models.

 

[monckywrench]

Grab it and go weld something! :thumbsup:

 

[bearcreek paul]

Sounds like a good deal,ac dc is the way to go if the unit is in decent shape.
It should have enough power for the home shop.

 

[indianaEPH]

I found a near new one of these for sale in my area for about 60% the cost of new with a couple extras. What do you guys think? How does this compare to the Lincoln Tombstone?

Hobart Welders - Products - Stick - Stickmate LX 235 AC / 160 DC

Thanks.

Chris

I have the same Hobart unit. I love it, but I'm a novice and have nothing to compare it too. ....I know not much help. But I did find the hobart easy to adjust and dial in the current for some decent welds.

 

[lhfarm]

I've learned to weld with this unit and I'd buy another in a heartbeat. I did a lot of research on other sites and this was the top recommended machine for an absolute beginner. It has probably been five years since the purchase and I've never regretted the decision.