Lincoln Stick welder

I've had one for years. They're a great hobby welder, especially for that price. You can buy rods most anywhere, probably cheapest at Harbour Freight(?). I've welded all different thicknesses of metal, but it's no good for body metal, of course.

I'm a certified welder and I can tell you that the Lincoln buzz boxes are pretty decent. The only problems with them is the lack of fine tuning of the amp output, but that can be rectified by using differing thickness of welding rod. Thinner rod burns hotter as it concentrates the power into a smaller arc.

Well it's no plasma cutter, but depending on the thickness you're trying to cut it does the job. I've cut notches and holes in frames with good results. A 1/16" 6011 rod will burn through 16 gauge (.065) easily. Amp output at about 75amh. You won't want to cut a long cut as the heat will distort the material after a time.  Use 1/8" rod and power in the 80-90 range for thicker stuff. I don't recommend using a welder to cut anthing thicker than 1/4". Keep your arc gap as far as it will hold and work up hill on thin stuff, down hill on thick. Prepare to use a grinder to clean it up.

So it is my understanding that TIG and MIG welders are coming down in price also.

Although more $$$ than an inexpensive welder like the Lincoln, I have heard they are a good welder for the untrained person that won't use it but once in a while?