First, I am a hobbyist. I bought a mint condition Hobart Handler 120 mig welder for $250 a couple months ago. Now I want to weld some thicker materials like 1.25" rebar to 3/4" rebar to make some bed head boards, coffee tables, etc. The thick stuff is for not for strength, just looks. Also some thicker plate where weld strength is an issue. I have a dedicated 220v/50amp circuit in my garage. I have about $400 to spend. I see three options to get more welding power:
- an a/c buzzbox (0)
- an ac/dc stick (5)
- sell the HH120 for 5 and use that to buy a Lincoln 175T (0).
Pro stick: I can keep the HH120, I have the portability of a 110volt machine.
Con stick: If I buy the stick, I have the learning curve of learning stick.
Will the 175T give me the punch to do heavier metal, especially using flux-core? Is the 175T a good compromise? Thanks.