Need Opinions on Arc welder

[Mr.Jake]

I did some searches but all that came up was people wanting advice on migs. I'm buying an arc welder soon. I’m going to use it mainly for household repairs and projects, but it needs to last because friends and neighbors are constantly bringing be their *Edited**Edited**Edited**Edited* to be fixed. I have it narrowed down to 2 welders, one is just an AC which should be all I need, and the other is an AC/DC. Both Lincoln.
Here's the AC
http://www.mylincolnelectric.com/Catalog/equipmentdatasheet.aspx?p=2493
Which I can get for $369.00 CAN
And the AC/DC
http://www.mylincolnelectric.com/Catalog/equipmentdatasheet.aspx?p=2494
It’ll run me around $650.00

Is the extra money really worth it for an AC/DC welder? I have read that AC cannot weld the 7000 series rod, but I have used it on AC on a 110 POS, and it holds good and penetrates. I will probably only be welding steel, possibly cast iron. Mostly larger metal, but I will be doing some 1/4" stuff. Any input will help. I am a fan of Lincoln, and looking to spend less than $600.00, but will spend more on the AC/DC welder if it’s really worth it.
Thanks!
:beer

[TeamGeek6]

Id go with the less expensive one, itll work. Might want DC for pretty work thats inspected, but for home use, who cares?

Put an old coffee can on the welder and have the friends and neighbors kick in a fiver. Thatll help pay it off.

PS the trick to welding heavy material is to pre heat it with a torch. Ive done up to 2" plate against 2" plate and a box like that will work.

[brapp]

cant go wrong with a lincon the big red box they are tried and true and fairly in expensive or a hobart is a good unit also

[Mr.Jake]

Yeah i've always liked the old jukebox lincolns. A torch will be the next investment. Im lucky becasue the tank refill station is 2 mins away! I guess ill go for the AC225. Thanks.

[fahque99]

Spend the extra on the AC/DC, there are so many options if you have DC as well. You can get a tig torch and do DC scratch start tig or get a high freq box for it and do some great tig.

[Cody]

Lincoln AC-225, I really like this one. It will do anything you need to do.

[BigRed_Ryno]

Got to admit, the AC/DC one will CERTAINLY have more uses, but for general mild steel and cast repairs just A/C will be sufficient. A/c is all i have, and i do cast, alu, and stainless with it. As for a lincoln, they're all we use 'this side of the pond' and you only have to drive up and down britains motorways to see the work we produce with them.

[ProCarbine2k1]

I would grab the AC unless you are planning on getting into TIG. I like Lincolns, but I know Miller and Hobart make good equipment also. Lets see some pics if you already made your purchase!

[Mr.Jake]

still deciding, have until next week to decide, so ill let you know