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Tool Talk Discussion Forum

Lincoln Welder Buzzbox Question

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Howard H.

06-25-2007 11:54:59




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Hi -

Looking at getting a new Lincoln welder for the shop and saw a price of $280 for the "regular" older style with AC control only or $500 for the same unit with the DC capability, too...

I know for using 7018 rod, it works better with DC... Is that the main extra ability?

What are the main pros and/or cons for going with the DC option??


Thanks,
Howard




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Tim B from MA

06-28-2007 09:46:00




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 Re: Lincoln Welder Buzzbox Question in reply to Howard H., 06-25-2007 11:54:59  
I second the suggestions to be patient and look for / wait for a deal on a good used machine that is AC/DC.

craigslist tool ads is a good place to look, especially if you are near a population center - good welders at good prices are on there pretty regularly.



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dave guest

06-26-2007 19:54:20




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 Re: Lincoln Welder Buzzbox Question in reply to Howard H., 06-25-2007 11:54:59  
When to use DC positive and when to use DC negative and which is positive or negative, the welding rod? Used to know but totally forgot. Thanks. Too old.



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souNdguy

06-26-2007 11:50:35




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 Re: Lincoln Welder Buzzbox Question in reply to Howard H., 06-25-2007 11:54:59  
Hobart makes a 235ac/ 160 dc unit for 380 or 390$ or so.. I saw them at TSC... I picke dup thier 235ac only machine,.. paid 239$ for it. Love it... have welded some 1/2 and 3/4 metal with it with impressive results.

For sure.. DC gives a nicer bead when you need it.. I have access to an old lincoln ac/dc tombstone as well as a 250a mig.. so i opted for the cheaper AC only welder at home.

Hobart is pretty much 'blue' anyway.. so it's not bad for a cheaper unit.

Soundguy

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lucasss

06-26-2007 05:29:34




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 Re: Lincoln Welder Buzzbox Question in reply to Howard H., 06-25-2007 11:54:59  

have had lincoln ac/dc buzz box. i like dc for the thin stuff or specialty rods calling for dc.that dc arc is very stabil. i like the ac for it powerful deep penetration in heavy steel and steel down to 3/16. it only costs a little more to go first class. lucas



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dan hill

06-26-2007 03:50:12




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 Re: Lincoln Welder Buzzbox Question in reply to Howard H., 06-25-2007 11:54:59  
You should be able to buy the AC DC welder for 400.00.Ive welded since the mid 50s.Got to use a DC welder about 5 years ago.I like DC much better.Bought my Lincoln 225 in 1964.Just oil the fan motor bearings now and then.Good welder.



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mjbrown

06-26-2007 03:44:04




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 Re: Lincoln Welder Buzzbox Question in reply to Howard H., 06-25-2007 11:54:59  
Be patient, buy a swap sheet. I was able to find a Miller Gold Star for $700 a few years ago. It's hard to wear out a welder so good used ones are available at decent prices. DC is nice but AC is better on old rusty or dirty steel like is on farms. An out of position welding class I took required us to use AC.



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woodache

06-25-2007 23:43:20




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 Rod AC-DC Re: Lincoln Welder Buzzbox Question in reply to Howard H., 06-25-2007 11:54:59  
7018 a very high strength rod can be purchased for use with AC machines and runs very well too. Just ask the supply company for AC 7018



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135 Fan

06-25-2007 17:28:14




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 Re: Lincoln Welder Buzzbox Question in reply to Howard H., 06-25-2007 11:54:59  
For all intense purposes there is no cons to getting a DC machine over an AC machine except for TIG welding non ferrous or burning very large rods where arc blow could be a problem. You will be much happier with a DC machine. Electrode positive is most common. Dave



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Ross

06-25-2007 20:15:02




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 Re: Lincoln Welder Buzzbox Question in reply to 135 Fan, 06-25-2007 17:28:14  
Are there any single phase DC only welders out there? I bought a Hobart 3 phase DC only for scrap but my Lincoln Ideal Arc does AC and DC
Like Bill L said look for a Lincoln Ideal Arc or Miller Dial Arc. I just bought an Ideal Arc at an auction like brand new with 100ft of leads and heavy wheels. I paid a little over 200 and thought I got a heck of deal but a little patience really paid off.
Ross

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135 Fan

06-26-2007 20:10:47




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 Re: Lincoln Welder Buzzbox Question in reply to Ross, 06-25-2007 20:15:02  
All single phase machines have an AC transformer and a rectifier so they are made for AC and DC. AC current usually goes a little higher. A 3 phase machine like a goldstar or equivelant don't run AC because you can't have 3 phase AC output on a conventional machine. Look at high amp conventional TIG machines. They are all AC/DC single phase. Dave



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Bill L

06-25-2007 12:57:33




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 Re: Lincoln Welder Buzzbox Question in reply to Howard H., 06-25-2007 11:54:59  
In my opinion DC works much better with all rods. Less spatter and smoother welding and therefore a higher quality weld. I have started using 6010's on DC vs 6011's they have a much stronger arc and better penetration it is suppose to be a DC only rod. I many times will use a 6010 root pass weld and the follow up with a 7018 The 6010 cleans the metal and will burn through rust and paint then the 7018 is very smooth and flows very well to smooth out the rough weld of a 6010 also providing more strength in a multipass weld. Another benefit to DC is being able to change polarity to get more or less penetration. DCEP (Direct current electrode positive) gives better penetration than DCEN (Electrode negative) which will be better for lighter materials. Reversing polarity works well with 6013's for lighter materials

If you are comfortable with Ebay and buying used I would spend that 500 dollars to buy an Idealarc or Dialarc. These are light industrial welding machines that can be had for less than 500 dollars if you wait for the right auction. Yes you would be buying a used welder but chances are pretty good that it will out last your buzzbox unit and it will give you a smoother welding current output for better welds. I bought a used dialarc on ebay for 400 dollars 5 years ago and its still a great machine.

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