The best stick welder should be able to preform in a various amount of projects regardless of environment, due to the versatility of this process.
Stick welding is a technique in which an arc is created at the surface of the metal. This creates a sort of heat up to the melting point of the metal. The low temperature and intense heat used in this technique are very suitable for certain jobs. It is fast, accurate and reliable.
The heat produced by the arc will not damage metal plates or even people standing near the furnace. The arc will only stick to the metal if it's heated up to the melting point of the metal.
If you’ve never tried stick, or ARC welding; you might assume that it’s not as useful as MIG or TIG welding. It’s time to think again; these stick welding machines make the process simple for difficult projects, such as underwater welding.
After all, some jobs only reply on the this stick process due. Stick welding is commonly used in ships as well as in aircraft construction.
These are the best stick welders that will help and assist you in a wide range of projects; when it comes to versatility.
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Top Stick (Arc Welder) Welding Machine in 2023
1. Amico Professional Stick Arc DC Welder
This is a professional grade machine with industrial power. You will be using all of your electrode when it’s time to weld. As well as advanced IGBT inverter technology to give your welding machine better control.
The AmicoPower welder features a hot start and is easy to operate. You will always know what your voltages are thanks to the LCD display that’s easy to read as you work. And best of all, you will use most all of the power as you work. The machine features a range of 100-250 wide voltage plus an 80% duty cycle at 200 amps.
The best purpose for this machine would be thin plate welding and your jobs will be flawless. Spatter and cleanup will be much simpler than before thanks to the quality of this machine.
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2. Reboot ARC135 Stick Welder Inverter Dual Voltage
This little machine provides superior arc stability, and features a built in hot start. This is a dual voltage welder that is capable of producing 100V to 240V. The duty cycle operates at 60% when using 3.2mm sticks. This makes it great for extended periods of welding.
The Reboot ARC135 makes it possible to weld carbon steel, alloy steel and medium carbon steel. Included with your purchase is a 1 year warranty, plus after-sales customer service for one week. During this period any faulty welder will be refunded, no questions asked.
Weighing in at just 10 lb, this is a great helper to keep on hand at your home or hobby area.
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3. Hobart 500570 Stickmate 160i
Hobart is always a good brand when it comes to welding. This is a dependable and tough little machine. It is not difficult to carry around and is just a bit bulky weighing in under 20 lbs. The cable measures in at 10 feet in length and even has a holder for electrodes.
The work cable and power cord are 10 feet and 6.5 feet long respectively. There are power cords with MVP adapters rated for 120V and 240V included as well.
The machine will fire up quick thanks to the hot start technology. Output for this machine comes in at 160 amps and you can safely weld 5/32 inch mild steel with it.
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4. LOTOS LTPDC2000D 3 in 1
The Lotos Stick Welder also consist of TIG, arc, and plasma cutting, all in one machine. This machine is versatile and flexible depending on the type of weld, it features an easy and stable arc start, with a deep weld pool. This compact welder is easy to carry around thanks to the handle on the top.
The non-hazardous compressed air can be used to cut alloy steel, aluminum, copper and mild steel.
Another cool thing about the LOTOS stick welder is that it is capable of doing other welds such as TIG and Plasma with precision. Most multi-function welder's usually excel at one, but this machine will give you quality welds regardless of which process.
The machine is dual voltage/dual frequency. It operates at 110v/220V and 50/60 Hz. The LCD display helps keep you mindful of the voltage being used.
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5. Everlast PowerARC 140ST
The Everlast Power ARC 140 STi is a machine that you won't mind paying a little extra for, it definitely gets the job done at ease. The IGBT welder is quite compact and can fit in the carry case. It allows you to do both Stick and TIG welding jobs.
You will get the stick torch and the cable, plus a DINSE style connector gas valve. TIG torch plus cable and DINSE connector/work clamp are also included.
The welder includes a hot start feature and adaptable arc force control when in stick mode.
The welder is dual voltage capacity at 120v/240V, so plug it in at home and start working.
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6. ZENY Arc/Stick Welding Machine DC Inverter Dual Voltage
This is a great one for beginners out here who want to get started with stick welding. All you have to do is add the welding electrodes and you will be ready to start. Amperage control is infinite, and the LED display keeps you on track.
The machine itself is made of steel and plastic components. Duty cycle operates at 60% for efficient welding. Voltage is 110V and 220V and will handle power fluctuation of +/- 15%. Combine this with the over-heat, overpressure and overcurrent protection and it’s a great machine for all skill levels.
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7. DEKOPRO 110/220V MMA Welder, 160A
This machine features an advanced IGBT inverter. It is a small but powerful welder that can handle all of your small steel jobs. The design is one of portability and you will find it easy to take this little tool everywhere.
The machine is energy efficient and will have you welding all day if you feel like it. If welding with copper and iron, damage to these metals will be reduced when working with these metals.
Whether you’re looking to do some basic work around the house or farm or touch up some auto body work, this machine can help you achieve the desired results.
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8. Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder
This machine is ideal for those starting out with stick, who want to learn on a quality machine for a good price. The arc starts decently enough, but this is a smaller amp welder (90 A). It’s definitely good for those small-range jobs, but that’s about it.
The equipment included is solidly made, albeit a bit short. If you plan on doing mostly hobby or very light work, or just want to teach the basics of stick this machine is the way to go.
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Buying Guide For Stick Welders
Stick welders tend to be the more superior product when compared to MIG and TIG welders. While other welders are beneficial for a variety of jobs, stick welders are simple and valuable. You get a far superior weld for things like tanks or sealed containers. They’re also fast to use for a job.
It’s nice to have a welder that is predictable. If you’re a seasoned welder, you can easily tell when a stick weld was used. While they might not be something fancy that people rave about, this is a piece of equipment that is going to get the job done. If you’re looking to invest in a new welder or add to your collection, there are some factors to consider before you buy a stick welder.
Power In Amps
The amperage of a stick welder will determine what you have the ability to weld. When it comes to a stick welder, you can fuse just about any material. You just need to make sure that you have the proper amount of amperage.
A 140-amp stick welder can make quick work of a 1/8” sheet of metal, but don’t expect it to do much for something that’s nearing two inches.
Take the number of amps that you think you need, and increase that number by about twenty o fifty amps. This accounts for any future variables that you may encounter.
Voltage
Your typical stick welder will come equipped for a 110/120 volt input or 220/240 volt input. You can also choose between single phase power and three phase power at the 240 volt mark.
The three phase welders are suited more for commercial use. The single phase models are adequate for household use or in small shops.
Different Features
Stick welders can come with a slew of different features. You may want something basic, but it’s good to have a few inclusions that you can learn how to use later on. Plasma cutters can be added onto a stick welder, which essentially is creating a whole other product all in one.
Frequently Asked Questions about Stick Welders
Q: Is quality something I should be concerned with?
As with any other piece of equipment or tool, quality makes a big difference in how long you’ll have that item in your possession. It can also make a big difference in the quality of your weld. If you’re shopping on a set budget, you might be tempted to buy the cheapest model you can find.
Try to at least take a step up, so you’re getting something that will be worth the investment. That being said, make sure you research a product before buying it. A high-priced item doesn’t ensure you’re getting the best product out there.
Q: Do I have to be a skilled welder to invest in a stick welder?
Stick welding is definitely something that requires skill, so this wouldn’t necessarily be the first welder that you invested in. If you’ve been welding with something like a MIG or TIG welder, a stick welder is something you might want to start practicing with to expand your skill level.
Q: What type of stick welder is best for multi-purpose use?
You’ll want to stick with an AC/DC output stick welder. You can rely on the DC portion for easy startup, better looking welds and easy overhead welding.
Conclusion
In summary, our favorite of all the best stick welders for the money is the Hobart Stickmate 160i. It is decently priced, and other users rated it favorably, too.
This stick welding machine is extremely versatile, in terms of dual voltage, compact, lightweight, and reliability. This is the type of welder you could easily bring on the go for a wide range of projects, both small and industrial jobs.
Which of these machines would you like to use? Got questions or comments? Leave them for us below!
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