A strong, cheap 230 V stick welder for farm and structural repairs, with lift TIG if you add a torch.
Amazon $229.99The ArcCaptain ARC250 is the better TIG or stick welder overall, rated 3.4 to 2.7. The ArcCaptain ARC250 leads on duty cycle and value. The Lincoln Weld-Pak 225i wins on features. The ArcCaptain ARC250 costs $289.01 less ($229.99 vs $519).
A stick welder from a major brand for home and farm repair, with touch start TIG as an option.
Amazon $519Prices were last checked November 2, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the ArcCaptain ARC250 for duty cycle (60% at full output (220 A) vs 30% at full output (225 A)) and value ($1.05 per amp ($229.99, 220 A maximum) vs $2.31 per amp ($519, 225 A maximum)).
- Choose the Lincoln Weld-Pak 225i for features (dual voltage, lift TIG vs lift TIG).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every stick TIG or stick welder; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | ArcCaptain ARC250 | Lincoln Weld-Pak 225i |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 2.7/5 |
| Value 30% | 65 $1.05 per amp ($229.99, 220 A maximum) | 35 $2.31 per amp ($519, 225 A maximum) |
| Duty cycle 20% | 100 60% at full output (220 A) | 25 30% at full output (225 A) |
| Features 25% | 30 lift TIG | 80 dual voltage, lift TIG |
| Warranty 25% | 25 2-year warranty on the machine | 0 warranty not published, scored as none |
Specifications
| ArcCaptain ARC250 | Lincoln Weld-Pak 225i | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Processes | DC lift TIG, stick | DC lift TIG, stick |
| Maximum output | 220 A | 225 A |
| Duty cycle | 60% at 220 A | 30% at 225 A |
| Input | 240 V | 120 V and 240 V |
| Features | ||
| Pulse | No | No |
| Foot pedal in the box | No | No |
| TIG torch in the box | No | No |
| Weight | 11.5 lb | 20 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | - |
