AC stick is not easy, but alot of stuff has been welded with it over the years. The correct rod choice and lots of practice are critical. I would agree that Mig and Tig are hands down the choice if your'e welding new, clean steel inside a shop. That said, mig and tig just do not cut it when you are welding rusty, greasy steel with less than perfect prep. Yes, you can run flux core but it still not as good.
Last winter I broke the frame on my snow plow in the middle of a storm. I pulled into the garage, brushed the snow off and buzzed it back together with my Lincoln AC225 still soaking wet and salty just to get the job done. Figured I'd go back and fix it later. That never happened. No way could I have welded that with my mig. I've had my AC225 for 19 years and my mig for about 2. No way I'd want to give up the mig for body work or lighter gage stuff. For that the AC bites big time. But for frame work, rock sliders, etc. when its got to be strong I am more confident in my AC stick welds. And the debate rages on....
