Whether you are searching for a top quality welder you can use for farm, home use or industrial applications, stick welders are the best. These machines provide stronger welds as compared to other welding processes such as MIG and TIG. They are also able to weld thicker materials which makes them better than MIG welders. However, finding a good stick welder is not very easy especially if you do not have a specific model in mind. To make your work easier, we have compiled a detailed Lincoln AC 225 review. This machine is among the most preferred models on the market. Before we go into details of this machine, you need to understand what stick welding is and why it is important.
Detailed Lincoln AC 225 Review
Powerful Performance
One of the most outstanding features you will love about this machine is that it is very powerful. Unlike others, you can use it to weld even thicker metals than 16 gauge. As a result, it is a perfect machine for heavy-duty welding tasks. If you are searching for a unit you can use to weld thick pipes, Lincoln AC 225 will be the best choice. You should also note that it works with different metals such as steel, stainless steel ad cast iron.
Design
When searching for a welding machine, you need to look for a portable welder especially if you are planning to use it in different places. Lincoln AC 225 is among the most portable units. Besides that, it has 11 settings which varies from 40A-225A.
Warranty
Another thing you need to know about this machine is that it comes with a 3 years warranty. This means that it is among the most durable stick welding machine on the market. The warranty caters for any manufacturing defects which might cause harm.
Safety
One of the major disadvantages of welding machine is that they become too hot which might be very dangerous to the machine. The good thing about Lincoln AC 225 is that it has thermal protection feature which shuts it off automatically when it becomes too hot.
Long Cord
You will also find that this machine comes with a long power cord which means that you won’t require to use an external cord. The benefit of having this cord is that it allows you to work far from the machine to enhance your safety.
Power
It is also important to note that this machine works with a 50A 230 volts power output. Again, you cannot use it with a portable generator. The duty cycle of this machine is 20%/225A/25 volts when it is at peak output current.
Efficiency
Whether you are a professional or a beginner who is searching for an efficient machine, this unit will be a good choice. Unlike others, it allows you to weld metals join metals faster which means that it saves your time when welding. It is also made of sturdy materials to enhance durability.
What Is Stick Welding?
Stick welding or Shielded metal arc welding is a form of welding which requires electricity and a stick electrode to join different metals. As compared to other welding processes such as MIG and TIG, stick welding produces the strongest welds. Most of the stick welders can use both DC and AC depending on the type of electrode that is being used. Again, the voltage for the rods may vary from 19-40 volts or 20 to 550 amps. Sticks welders are also known as arc welders because this process involves heating of metals until they melt.
Benefits Of Stick Welding Machines Such As The Lincoln AC 225
Portability
One of the major benefits of stick welding is that you can easily move with the equipments due to their lightweight design. This means that you don’t need a cart to move the welding machine like when you are using a TIG or MIG welders.
Heating
As compared to other processes, stick welding produces lesser heat. You will also find that it provides greater concentration of heat which allows you to tackle projects more easily.
Complex Projects
Another benefit of this process is that it is the best for heavy-duty projects such as construction work or welding bridges.
Reliability
Unlike other welding processes, stick welding is highly reliable even when you are handling very complex projects. You can also use it for small scale and heavy-duty projects. Again, you can use it on different materials with different thickness.
Does Not Require Shielding
Unlike other welding processes, stick welding does not require use of a shielding gas which means that it is more economical.
Affordable
The overall costs you will incur for stick welding is less than the cost you will incur when using other processes.
Factors To Consider When Buying Lincoln AC 225
Skills
The first thing you need to know before you decide which machine to buy is your experience level. If you are a starter, you need to look for a machine that is easy to use. Most of the welding machines for beginners are also affordable and lightweight. On the other hand, professionals require a powerful machine with more advanced features. However, these machines are a bit expensive and are also complex to use.
Power
You also need to check the power rating of a machine to determine whether it can handle the type of tasks you normally do. In case you will be using it for small projects you can consider one with a power input of 115V and 40 V. However, if you will be using it for complex tasks, you should ensure that it is compatible with 220V power outlets.
Materials
Welding machines are only compatible with specific materials. Therefore, you should pick one that suits the machine you frequently use. You also need to check the material thickness it can weld.
AC/DC Capability
In terms of price welders with AC capabilities are the most affordable but they do not provide great results. On the other hand, DC welders are the best if you are searching for a heavy-duty welder. DC welders are the best if you want to get smooth welds while AC welding machines are the most efficient.
Price
When searching for a quality welder, you should look for the most suitable for your projects irrespective of price. It should also be compatible with the materials you deal with on daily basis. The cheapest welders are the best for small-scale projects while the expensive ones are ideal for heavy-duty tasks.
- Durable construction
- Very efficient
- Wide welding amperage
- Great option for beginners
- Works with different metals
- Fairly priced
- Portable design
- 3 years warranty
- Only AC capabilities
Top 3 Safety Gears For Welding Form Lincoln Electric
1. Welding Jacket
When welding, you should always ensure that you are wearing a welding jacket. However, you should ensure that the one you are wearing is made of top quality materials. It should also be flame resistant. If you are searching for the best welding jacket, Lincoln Electric Premium Flame Resistant [FR] Cotton Welding Jacket is one of the top rated jackets on the market.
2. Welding Gloves
These protects your hands from heat when welding. Lincoln Electric Roll Cage Welding /Rigging Gloves will give you the best protection because they are also resistant to impact. You may also consider Lincoln Electric Black One Size Flame Resistant Welding Sleeves to protect your arms from heat and spatter.
3. Auto Darkening Helmet
What you need to know is that the heat or splatters produced during welding is very dangerous to your eyes. Auto darkening helmets provides the best eye protection because they are able to adjust according to the intensity of light produced when welding. Lincoln Electric K4134-1 Lone Star Auto Darkening Helmet and Lincoln Electric K3683-4 Viking 3350 is among the best.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you run this machine on a 120 volts power output?
No, it requires 220 volts
- Is stick welding better than MIG welding?
MIG welding is very easy to learn and the most common type of welding. However, stick welding requires cleaner touches than MIG welding and it is also messy. However, it is the best if you want to weld thick materials such as cast iron. It also produces the strongest welds as compared to other forms of welding.
- Can it weld ¼ inches steel?
Yes
- What is the duty cycle of this machine?
The machine provides 30-40% duty cycle at peak output.
- Who should buy a stick welding machine like the Lincoln AC 225?
Stick welders are great machine for those who deal with complex tasks like building bridges, pipelines or construction projects. Apart from that, you can also use them for small-scale projects such as welding gardening tools, utensils among other simple tasks.
Our Final Verdict
Lincoln AC 225 is one of the most preferred stick welders since it provides an exceptional performance as compared to other cheap units. It is also versatile, efficient, durable and easy to use. Due to this, you can use it for general repairs and maintenance tasks and also for simple fabrication projects. Another reason why most professionals love is that it provides a wide range of welding amperage which varies from 40-225 amps AC. This means that you can use it on different types of metals which includes carbon steel, cast iron and stainless steel. It also comes with a 3 years warranty which means that it is a top quality product for both professionals and starters.