Please help

[slaggy]

Hello All,

I'm in a dilemma on what welder to buy next, I am stuck in choosing between a Lincoln AC/DC 225/125 stick welder and a Lincoln 175HD mig welder, most of my work will be under 1/4in. thick material, would that be the limit on the Mig and what would be the limit on the stick welder.
I would appreciate you guys opinion on this matter.
Thanks.:waving:

[gnm109]

Hello All,

I'm in a dilemma on what welder to buy next, I am stuck in choosing between a Lincoln AC/DC 225/125 stick welder and a Lincoln 175HD mig welder, most of my work will be under 1/4in. thick material, would that be the limit on the Mig and what would be the limit on the stick welder.
I would appreciate you guys opinion on this matter.
Thanks.:waving:


You'll get a lot of expert opinons on this. Either of those machines could do more than 1/4" with multiple passes but I doubt that you would be doing much more than 1/4 " very often so either of them would do for that matter.

The MIG would have the advantage of possibly being able to do some aluminum or stainless steel with the proper gas, liner and roller.

The MIG would, at least in my opinion, have a slight edge on welding sheet metal, although I've seen excellent work done on sheet metal with stick. I just think that you'd be less likely to burn through with the MIG when set properly.

The place where the MIG really shines is the ability to do nice tiny little tack welds very easily. That can be very handy. Not saying you can't do tack welds with a stick machine, it's just easier on the MIG.

My 2 cents....it's early, you'll get lots more response on this question from the real experts here since it's an excellent question of basic choice of machine.

:)

[littlefuzz]

For under 1/4" material I'd go with the mig it's faster, easier for a novice welder, and cleaner. Should serve you well.

[kbnit]

I'd have to agree with above, go with the MIG, more versatile for sure

[Snidley]

It's nice to have all the information up front. It just helps in determining the limits.

- budget?
- generally what are you welding (such as building trailers or table ornaments)?
- inside a shop or outside in the open breeze?