Hobart 500421 Stickmate LX 235 AC Stick (SMAW) Arc Welding Power Source

by Hobart

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Hobart's Stickmate LX AC/DC power source lets you choose between AC or DC weld output to expand your welding options to either AC or DC Stick electrodes. DC output means fewer arc outages, less sticking, less spatter, better control on thin work, and easier out-of-position welding. AC output produces less arc blow and easier starts. Accu-Set (patent pending) design, provides accurate heat control with infinite amperage control. Additionally, Stickmate LX allows higher duty cycle when amperage decreases, unlike some competitive products on the market.

Product Description

This AC/DC welding power source is a top performer in its class. It has the range and output to handle most stick welding, hard surfacing, and cutting jobs. ? 230V single phase ? Offers increased weld time as amperage decreases ? Infinite current control ? Includes 15' electrode cable w/ HD holder, 10' work cable w/ clamp, and 6' power cable w/ plug. ? Approx. shipping weight: 111 lbs.

Product Details

Data Sheet [333kb PDF]

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Product Manual [1.06mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 17.5 x 12.8 x 18.8 inches ; 104 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 108.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00004WHGH
• Item model number: 500421
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #127,664 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Hobart 500421 Stickmate LX 235 AC/DC, March 25, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Hobart 500421 Stickmate LX 235 AC Stick (SMAW) Arc Welding Power Source (Tools & Home Improvement)

First of all the price along with the free shipping is the best I've seen. It arrived very quickly, several days before the expected delivery date. However it did sustain some cosmetic damage in shipping. It was obviously dropped at least once and the box was pretty rough looking by the time I recieved it. I decided I could live with the cosmetic stuff and didn't go to the point of reporting it. I think you almost have to expect some kind of damage in shipping considering the weight, 120 lbs.

delivered to your door by some poor UPS guy. Anyway, aside from that, the unit looks pretty good. I fired it up and ran a few beads with 7018 and 6011 rod and it worked beautifully. In my opinion just as well if not better than the older model miller thunderbolt 225/150 ac/dc unit I'd been recently using. The front mounted switch to change from ac to dc seems to be of good quality. Though the plastic crank handle for adjusting the amperage seems a little flimsy. I opend the cover to look inside and everything looked pretty well built. Though I was a little disappointed to see the secondary coils made from aluminium windings rather than copper. All in all so far I feel it's worth the money.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding SMAW Welder for Light Industrial and Homeowner Fabrication / Repairs!, May 31, 2010

By 

M. Philion "Self-Proclaimed Tool Guru" (Berks County, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hobart 500421 Stickmate LX 235 AC Stick (SMAW) Arc Welding Power Source (Tools & Home Improvement)

I purchased this welder to replace a cheap Harbor Freight unit that I overworked and killed. (It was not very well built to say the least) So after scouring the internet for information I settled on this unit and purchased it locally. The quality of the welds that I made improved immediately. Granted I consider myself an amateur at best, the difference between the Hobart and Harbor Freight unit was night and day. Rarely do I ever have to exceed 100A output DC for the majority of my work so the 20% duty cycle is not a concern. If you do lots of welding with electrodes greater than 1/8" you probably should consider a higher output unit such as the Miller Thunderbolt 300/200 or larger.

Final Thoughts...
You wont be disappointed in a quality USA Made product. The internals are very well built, although I would have rather seen copper windings on the transformer (they're aluminum) given the current cost of copper I can live with that.

A few things that are not mentioned.
The rated output of this unit is 225A AC and 150A DC with a 20% Duty Cycle, the output advertised is the MAX output.
Also you need a NEMA 6-50 receptacle to plug this unit in. It draws at max load 50A so consult with an licensed electrician if you do not already have the appropriate wiring in place. (There are special rules regarding arc welders in the National Electric Code, so make sure the electrician is familiar with that too!)

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It does the job well, November 19, 2010

By 

OSSRoy "OSSRoy" (Williamsport, PA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Hobart 500421 Stickmate LX 235 AC Stick (SMAW) Arc Welding Power Source (Tools & Home Improvement)

I have had no problems with this welder. The current setting lever could be a little smoother, but I have seen the same issue in other brands.