ac or dc arc welder

[dleroy43]

ok so I am getting an arc welder soon. I dont have the $6?? for a mig. I have only dc arc welded. Is there much differance between dc and ac welding techniqes or welding abilitys? I am trying to decide between the lincoln 225s or the 225 ac\dc.

Thanks

 

[Tominator II]

DC stickwelders do better with more types of rod. With my AC stickwelders I pretty much use 7014 rods for horizontal and 6011 rods for vertical and overhead welds. I have tried 7018 AC rod and it works well but is harder to find. With nickel rod I have welded cast iron many times too with AC welders.

 

[dleroy43]

I need somthing better than the harbor freight wire feed I have

 

[runamok151]

if you can afford the difference, get the ac/dc. you'll probably use dc most of the time for steel, but sometime you might find the ac works better. and you'll also be able to weld aluminum if you ever need to.