Buyer’s Guide: How to Find the Best Stick Welder for the Sale
Since stick welding is one of the most common welding methods, we’ve created these best stick welder reviews to help you find the absolute best welding machine for your specific needs. Additionally, we’ve included plenty of videos, as well as arc welding basic tips for beginners.
Best Stick Welder Reviews: Table of Contents
- Buyer’s Guide: Make Sure You’re Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck
- Reviews of the 6 Best Stick Welders for Sale
- The Best Stick Welding Electrodes, Rods, and Arc Welder Leads
- Where to Find Cheap Stick Welding Machines Under $200
- Bonus: Stick Welding Tips for Beginners (How to Use Arc Welder & More!)
Stick Welding Tips: Buyer’s Guide
Before launching into our in-depth best stick welder reviews, check out these useful facts about arc welders for sale:
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- If you want to accomplish a wide range of projects, consider a stick welding rig with AC/DC output. In general, this causes higher quality welds. For example, DC welding helps prevent arc failure and does a superior job with very thin materials. Also, it makes the process easier for beginners. (Including less mess, smoother arcs, easier startup, etc.) That being said, AC welding output does have its time and place. Frequently, an AC output is necessary with magnetized materials.
- If you want versatility for larger projects, opt for 225-300 amps.Â
The 6 Best Stick Welder Reviews
In the following reviews of each stick welding machine, you’ll find plenty of technical information, such as specs and warranty. Additionally, we’ve included tips to figure out if it’s the best fit for you. For example, the more you know about set-up procedures, duty cycle, and input power requirements, the better choice you’ll make.
Now, let’s get into the fun part!
Lotos 200A TIG/Stick Welder
Best 110v Stick Welder
The Lotos is a multi purpose welder with dual voltage, so it works well for several types of welding. However, it’s so useful for stick/arc welding that we had to include it in these best arc welder reviews! In fact, it’s one of the best overall welders on the market today.
Lotos Welder Specs:
- Processes: Plasma Cutting, TIG, Stick
- Welding Amperage Range: 15-200A
- Duty Cycle: 60% at 200A, 100% at 95A
- Input Voltage: 110/220V, 50/60Hz
- Weld Thickness: over 1/4” and can cut up to 1/2”
- Weight: 32lbs
- Height: 14in
- Length: 8in
- Width: 17in
- Best Price: Check Current Discounts
- Warranty: 3 years
Welder Parts Included:Â
Not only is the Lotos an affordable welder, but it also comes with the necessary accessories. In other words, you won’t be paying an arm and a leg in “hidden costs.”
Along with the welder, you’ll also get:
- TIG accessory kit TA01
- Ground Clamp (6 feet)
- 3-pin Plasma Cutting Torch (13 feet)
- 3-pin TIG welding torch
- Long stick welding electrode holder (6 feet)
- Owner’s Manual
- Argon Regulator
- Air Hose (6 feet)
- 4 Air Hose Clips
- 2 Air Hose Connections
Welder Parts Sold Separately
Notably, there are some extra parts that will cost more. However, features like the foot pedal are well worth the money.
Here are 4 parts to consider adding:
- Foot pedal
- Additional plasma cutter nozzles, electrodes and cups
Advantages
- 3-in-one function saves money
- Since it’s a dual voltage welder, it’s compatible with normal outlets and generators.
- Relatively portable
- Pilot arc eliminates need to scratch start
Video: Lotos CT520D 2000 Combo Machine Welder Demo
Special Considerations
Although these aren’t necessarily deal breakers, there are two things to keep in mind. First, this welder doesn’t weld aluminum. Second, the arc welder leads are a bit short, which can limit movement.
An easy fix is to add aftermarket arc welder leads.
Overall Assessment
In many ways, the Lotos multi process welder is the best of all worlds. It’s one of the best welders for the money because it’s useful for multiple welding methods, has dual voltage, and enough power for most welding tasks. Another benefit is the low price tag.
It’s affordable, yet not so cheap that quality suffers.
>>Click here for 90+ Lotos Welder Reviews on Amazon<<
Hobart 500570 Stickmate 160i Stick Welder
Best Welder for Home Use: Hobart Stick Welder Review
The next stick welder review is about the Hobart Stickmate 160i arc welder. This best DC stick welder is great for use on the farm, artwork with metal, DIY projects, and home repair. If you want precise control for consistently smooth arc welds and a lightweight, portable welder, the Hobart Stickmate 160i could be the best fit for you.
Hobart Stickmate Welding Machine Specs:
- Processes: Stick (SMAW) Arc Welding
- Welding Amperage Range: 20-160 Amps with 240 volt; 20-80 amps with 120 volts
- Input Voltage: 120/220V
- Weld Thickness:Â up to 5/32″ inch mild steel
- Weight: 15lbs
- Height:Â 10.5″
- Length:Â 13.375″
- Width:Â 7.125″
- Best Price: Check Current Discounts
- Warranty: Hobart 5/3/1 Warranty
Arc Welding Machine Parts Included
When you purchase this piece of welding equipment, these are the parts included in the price:
- Sturdy electrode cable (10 feet long) with cable holder
- Work clamp and cable (10 feet long)
- A 6.5 feet long power cord containing MVP adapters for 120v and 240v
Advantages
- Premium DC welding capabilities, which is best for SMAW
- Very easy to start arc due to HotStick technology
- Spectacular price to capability ratio
- Hearty, durable, and long-lasting
- Polarity switch for easy polarity reversal
Special Considerations
- Due to play in the gauge dial over time, it can become a challenge to know exact amperage.However, the better you become at arc welding, the easier this will be.
- Another thing to be aware of is that this is a DC welder, not an AC/DC combo.
>>Check out these Stick Welding Tips for Beginners to learn how to make the best stick welds<<
Overall Assessment
If you’re looking for the best home stick welder for farm use, and you need a solid mid-tier arc welder at a great price, check out the Hobart 500570 Stickmate. It’s powerful enough for most home uses and has plenty of preferable features. The direct current capabilities make it superior for welding thin material.
>>Click here for Verified Owner Reviews on Amazon<<
Lincoln Electric K1297 AC/DC 225/125 Arc Welder
Lincoln Stick Welder Reviews
For a robust Stick welder with AC and DC welding capabilities, the Lincoln Electric K1297 is a wonderful choice. With a wide amperage range and impressive duty cycles, this is a great versatile machine for a wide range of projects.
Welding Machine Specs
- Processes: ARC/Stick Welding
- Welding Amperage Range: 40-225A AC, 30-125A DC
- Duty Cycle: 20%@225A AC, 20%@125A DC
- Input Voltage: 230V 60Hz
- Wire Feed Speed Range: N/A
- Weld Thickness: over 1/4”
- Weight: 124lbs
- Height: 24in
- Length: 12in
- Width: 17.25in
- Best Price: Check Current Discounts
- Warranty: 3 year parts and labor warranty
Video Review: Lincoln ElectricK1297 AC/DCÂ
Welder Parts Included
Alongside the welder, the package includes an attached input power cable and plug, as well as a work clamp with cable.
Additionally, consider adding these welding machine accessories:
- Wheel Kit K761
- US Forge Welding Economy Chipping Hammer (“Amazon’s Choice,” with 230+ positive reviews!)
Advantages of this Lincoln Stick Welder
- Extremely durable
- AC/DC capability makes for great versatility
- Powerful enough for larger home projects
- Easy to install
- Stylish design
Special Considerations
- Short cables
- Since the Lincoln Electric
Overall Assessment
Lincoln Electric has a reputation for making reliable, long-lasting, quality equipment. The Lincoln K1297 is no exception, and users consistently rave about it’s build quality, style, and performance. If you need a powerful, durable, versatile AC/DC stick welder to use around the home, farm, or shop this welder is for you. It has a max power output of 225A on AC current, which makes it easy to weld a variety of different metals. It’s a small welder for big projects that will last you for years.
>>Click here for 10+ Verified Customer Reviews<<
EVERLAST PowerARC 200ST 200amp TIG Stick IGBT Welder 110/220 Dual Voltage
Everlast Welder Reviews: Best 220v Stick Welding Machine
This dual purpose Stick welding machine is great because, if you decide to pursue TIG welding at anytime, all you need to do is purchase a compatible gas valve torch. As one of the leading welder brands, Everlast once again delivers premium quality to help you create the best Stick welds.
Welder Specifications:
- Processes: Stick Welding; TIG Welding
- Welding Amperage Range: 20-120A (110V), 20-200A (220V)
- Duty Cycle: 35%@120A (110V), 35%@200A (220V)
- Input Voltage: 110V/220V 50-60Hz
- Weld Thickness: over 1/4”
- Weight: 32lbs
- Height: 15in
- Length: 11in
- Width: 7in
- Best Price: Check Current Discount
- Warranty: 5 year warranty
Everlast Welder Parts Included
Along with the welder, Everlast includes a work clamp and a Stick torch. Each part has corresponding 10′ long cables.
To make this a TIG welding machine, you’ll need to separately purchase a gas valve torch.
Advantages of this Everlast Welder
- Easy positioning due to great design
- Versatile and reliable
- Incredibly powerful arc
- Easy set up
- Dual voltage
- High quality power cord and ground clamp
- 5 year warranty
Special Considerations
One thing to remember is this Everlast Stick welder may be difficult for beginners to master. However, with practice comes rewarding skill.
Consider getting your welding certification to develop skills that will last you a life time.
Overall Assessment
If you’re on the market for a powerful 220v Stick welding machine, the Everlast PowerArc 200ST would be well worth the money. With the ability to switch between AC and DC power, it’s useful for a variety of situations.
Additionally, the arc on this machine is one of the best-in-class. Yet another selling point is that the Power Arc comes with copper ground clamps and a power cord. Often, even expensive machines don’t include these items.
For medium to large jobs, this Everlast welder will serve you well. It really is one of the best Stick welders for the money, if you want a solid long-term investment.
>>Click here for Verified Owner Reviews<<
Ansen 160AMP TIG/Stick Welder for Sale
Best Inverter Stick Welder for Sale/Best Stick Welder Under $500
Looking for the best inverter Stick welder that won’t break the bank? While Ansen isn’t one of the most popular welding machine brands, they do provide great value for the money. This dual purpose welding machine comes complete with everything you need to Stick and TIG weld. Also, it’s portable and lightweight, so you can easily take it with you when you’re on-the-go.
Specs
- Processes: TIG welding, Stick Welding
- Welding Amperage Range: 20-160A
- Duty Cycle: 60%@160A
- Input Voltage: 115V/230V 60Hz
- Wire Feed Speed Range: N/A
- Weld Thickness: over 1/8”
- Weight: 14.7lbs
- Height: 11.8in
- Length: 15.4in
- Width: 6.3in
- Best Price: Check Current Discount
- Warranty: 1 year
Stick Welder Parts Included
In addition to the welder itself, this welder kit includes:
- Stick stinger
- Ground clamp
- Tig torch
- Cups and collets
- Plug adapter
- Hand-held mask
- Electrode holder
- Gas hose and regulator
- Brush
- Owner’s Manual
Welding Machine Parts Sold Separately
Altogether, there are just two accessories you’ll need to purchase separately. Specifically, stick welding electrodes and an argon gas bottle.
Advantages to the Ansen Arc Welder for Sale
- Lightweight and portable
- High frequency start
- Amp knob dial is accurate
- Very smooth arc
- Post-flow and downslope
- Great price
Special Considerations
Notably, the warranty is only a year long. However, it performs well, and you can always perform welding machine repair. Here and there, some reviewers have noted poor quality control.
Overall Assessment
For welding on the go, the Ansen 160A TIG and Stick welder is a great machine. This is truly one of the best stick welders for the money because of its many positive qualities. Specifically, the way it produces smooth arcs, lays down excellent beads, and has a high frequency start and downslope.
Comparatively, it’s a fraction of the price of expensive welder brands like Miller and Lincoln. And it welds almost as well! If you’re looking for a great budget TIG and stick welder that you take with you anywhere, the Ansen 160A TIG and Stick welder is the way to go.
>>Read 30+ Verified Owner Reviews on Amazon<<
Maxstar 150S Stick/Arc Welder for Sale
Miller Arc Welder Review
Without a doubt, the Maxstar 230 volt welder is one of the best welding machines online. First, it has the outstanding quality we’ve come to expect from Miller. Also, it’s extremely easy to use and a great portable welder. While Miller has a reputation for being pricey, Miller arc welders are available from Amazon’s used welders section.
Miller Arc Welder Specs
- Processes: TIG; Stick
- Welding Amperage Range: 5-150A
- Duty Cycle: 100A @ 14VDC, 100% duty cycle, 150A @16VDC 30% duty cycle
- Input Voltage: 115 -230VAC, 15-20A
- Wire Feed Speed Range: N/A
- Weld Thickness: over 1/4”
- Weight: 13.7lbs
- Height: 9in
- Length: 13.25in
- Width: 5.5in
- Best Price: Check Current Discounts
- Warranty: Miller True Blue Warranty (5/3/1 year)
Advantages of this Best Miller Arc Welder for Sale
- Because it’s less than 14lbs, this is a definite best portable stick welder.
- Another benefit is that it’s able to switch between 115 volts and 230 volts.
- Effective heat management prevents overheating.
- Lastly, it’s easy to use.
Special Considerations
Basically, there are three things to consider:
- No aluminum welding capability
- If you need to weld thin materials, this is a great choice.
For thicker metals, consider an alternative. - Last but not least, remember to add the foot pedal to your shopping cart! It’ll really improve your welding experience.
Overall Assessment
By and large, Miller is one of the most reputable welder brands. This USA-based company consistently produces excellent welding equipment. And this Miller arc welder review shows that the Maxstar 150S is no exception.
While it may be more expensive than other stick welders on the market, the Maxstar 150S is extremely well built, versatile, and comfortable to carry around. In other words, the premium quality matches the price. It’s got an excellent duty cycle at lower amperages.
For an excellent lightweight TIG and stick welder, its hard to beat the Maxstar 150S.
>>Follow the links for Miller Arc Welder Discounts on Amazon<<
The Best Stick Welding Equipment
Of course, personal protection gear of all sorts is important: welding helmets, gloves, boots, As you can see, it’s vital to have good stick welding rods & electrodes, as well as good Arc welder leads. They play a vital role in each project.
Stick Welder Rods (Electrodes) for Sale
These best stick welder reviews wouldn’t be complete without mentioning stick welding electrodes.
Since they come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, buying the right stick welder electrode requires some research.But don’t worry – we’ve done that work for you. For your guide to choosing the best arc welder electrodes, check out “The Internet’s Greatest Hacks for Understanding Stick Welding Rods.”
The Beginner’s Guide to Different Types of Welding Rods & Electrodes
(Check out “The Beginner’s Guide to Different Types of Welding Rods & Electrodes” for reviews and information about stick welding rods.)
Arc Welder Leads
Stick welding leads (also called arc welder leads) are essential. Simply put, they’re welding cables that are composed of two parts: a non-conductive jacket of rubber or faux rubber that encases a a bundle of find copper strands. Their purpose is to serve as an electrical conductor for the welding current.
For information about how to choose the best size of Arc welder leads, check out Lincoln Electric’s article entitled “Selecting the Proper Size Welding Cables“.)
On a Budget? Find the Best Cheap Stick Welder for You
While the machines reviewed above are excellent, we understand that sometimes, the bottom line is keeping cost to a minimum. So, if you’re in search of a good cheap stick welder, check out “How to Find the Best Cheap Stick Welder Under $200 (Reviews).”
In this article, you’ll find arc welders for as low as $70. Now that’s affordable!
How to Find the Best Cheap Stick Welder Under $200 (Reviews)
Stick Welding for Beginners: Tips & Tricks
Since it’s definitely trickier than MIG welding, here are some helpful links:
- Video: How to Weld With a Stick Welder
- Stick Welder Settings: How to Get the Perfect Amperage Range
- Free Stick Welder Settings Chart
And of course, find out everything you need to know at Stick Welding Tips for Beginners (Arc Welding Basics).
Best Arc Welder Reviews: Your Turn
Now that you’ve seen these best stick welder reviews, the ball is in your court. Whether you want popular Miller Maxstar 230 or you decide on choosing a super cheap stick welder under $200, we hope you’re happy with your decision and that you have many good stick welding hours ahead of you!
Still in the shopping mood?
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