Last Updated on July 16, 2021 by Luis Ferency
Most of the time, you feel trouble when you do not have enough knowledge about the welding machine. In this case, sometimes you make the wrong decision by choosing the faulty welding machine for yourself, and the result is a waste of time and money.
Although, here we try a little attempt to make ease for you to select a quite suitable machine for your welding process. We have elaborate tools (MIG, TIG, and Stick) with every single feature of their so that you can determine which will be proved beneficial for your case.
We have come with 10 Best Welder for Beginners (MIG, TIG, and Stick) and gave adequate yet comprehensive reviews on these, possibly help you in the race of welding.
Top 10 Welders for Beginners – Comparison Table
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Reviews of Best Welders for Beginners
1. AHP AlphaTIG 200X Beginners Welder
“Best Overall”
The AlphaTIG 200X 200Amp welder has equipped with a stick function that allows welders to do welding efficiently. With this welder, you may have availed the opportunity to weld different types of materials. You can weld aluminum, stainless steel, mild steel, and so many other materials with ease.
Plus, you can weld aluminum up to ¼” inch and mild steel up to 3/8″ inch. The machine contains a range of voltage about 110/120V. Aside from this, the product has the feature of foot pedal with the help of this; you can operate and control the welding process smoothly.
Remarkably, AHP AlphaTIG 200X 200amp has built up with advanced features such as HF, and inverter technology with PMW. PMW with IGBT technology layout with high performance on 110V and 220V provides you the most stable, and long term power source. No matter, you are professional or hobby welder, it is suitable for both of them. At such an affordable price, it gives you professional quality performance for welding.
Interestingly, the machine is so versatile that it makes you enable to use both alternate and direct current. If you want to achieve high quality and precise welding service, then the AHP AlphaTIG 200X 200amp is an incredible option. Besides all these, it allows you to adjust heat input by the use of foot pedal while welding.
- The machine has introduced advanced features.
- Versatile welder.
- Welds up to 1/4″ aluminum, and 3/8″ mild steel
- High-quality results.
- Suitable for Beginners and professionals.
- Sometimes some welders had a problem with AC TIG.
2. Lotos TIG200 Aluminum TIG Welder
“Best TIG Welder for Beginners”
Lotos TIG200 is a compact design versatile welder that enable you to do a wide variety of welding with the help of this efficient yet best starter welder. The welder has the square-wave inverter, which helps you to weld aluminum precisely.
Moreover, you can weld steel or stainless steel, and other thinner gauge materials smoothly and produce quality welds. The maximum output of the machine gives you is about 200Amp only, the dual voltage feature makes it more powerful, you can use 110/220V or 220/240V with 50/60Hz.
Moreover, with this device, you can make the welding process more efficient by using HF and foot pedal components. As HF enables you to start hand torch control, and foot pedal allows you to adjust the heat control while your welding procedure. Aside from all these, the most remarkable quality of the machine is its Stick/MMA welder aspect. With this DC Stick/ MMA function, you have the output electric current range from 15-200Amp. You can have a deep weld pool with less distortion of material to maintain exquisite shape. Also, the product helps you start the arc, and attain the welding arc process stable, effortlessly.
Furthermore, there is a warranty for a year on the device so you can purchase the tool with confidence. The product is good enough for beginners, as it is quite comforting to utilize and learn about it.
- Foot pedal includes in the kit.
- Easy to understand and work with it.
- Easy to start the arc.
- No MIG option.
3. Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Handy MIG Welder
If you are a hobby welder or want to weld house repairs, then the machine is ideal to choose. The layout of the device is very reliable as it is compact and lightweight, which makes your welding process easy to tackle. Even, the product is portable; you can use it everywhere you want. The machine is perfect if you’re going to weld mild steel from 24 gauge to 1/8″ thick. With this tool, you can weld many different ranges of materials such as stainless steel, mild steel, aluminum, and copper, etc.
Besides all these, the capacity of the machine is adequate for the non-industrial level projects as you have a 20% duty cycle at 70amp. Aside from this, you can run this machine with 115V gives you output amperage from 35-88Amp. Also, you can adjust the wire feed speed independently continuously without any sort of trouble. The product has embedded with the safety features welders so that they can work efficiently.
Furthermore, in the case of active learning, the machine gives you shielding gas and flux core welding strengths. There are 8-foot welding leads that make an easy to operate the whole welding process with this little handy MIG welder. Welding gun, gasless nozzle for flux-cored welding, had regulator, 1-lb. Spool of 0.035 inches, 2-lb spool of 0.025 inches, solid MIG wire, contact tips, welding hand shield, chipping hammer, and hose for MIG welding will include in the package.
- The f continuous option of wire feed speed adjustment.
- Dimensions: 18″ ×10.3″ ×16.8″ inches.
- Warranty on the machine.
- A good option for hobbyists.
- Not suitable for industrial projects.
4. Lotos MIG140 Flux Core & Aluminum Beginner Welder
If you want to do all the welding projects on your own so here Lotos MIG140 140amp MIG welder is a most suitable and versatile option. With this welder, you can weld at the industrial level and produce a high quality of performance. For welding aluminum, the device gives you a spool gun, which will be capable you to weld nicely aluminum. It is effortless to set up the whole welding process, and you can less than ten mints can set the machine. In this way, the tool by its quick services enables you to save your precious time. You can connect the welding machine to your existing 110V wall outlet easily without any sort of trouble.
Moreover, the drive has an excellent welding power such as you can weld stainless steel up to 3/16″, mild steel up to 3/16″, and aluminum up to 1/8″ or thinner. Plus, it can deal with 4″ or 8″ wire spool at an industrial level. The 2T/4T switch, you can adjust the system of welding while welding for a long time; you may release your finger. Thus, the machine makes the welding process much convenient for users.
Besides all these, the product has equipped with high-quality parts that make your welding more reliable and durable. Also, the thermal protection system, which has incorporated in the machines, makes your welding process secure. Hence, Lotos MIG14 140amp MIG is the most proficient, and most comfortable welder to use at an affordable price.
- Easy to set up.
- 2T/4T feature.
- Versatile & reliable.
- 20% duty cycle.
5. Campbell Hausfeld 115V Arc/Stick Welder
“Best Affordable Starter Pack”
If you are a beginner, finding for a machine that gives you excellent welding services at a very cheap rate, then Campbell Hausfeld WS0970 115v 70Amp arc stick welder is a perfect fit for you. As by the name, you can get about the prominent features of the device, such as 115Volts, 70Amp power, and arc stick welding quality. It does not end here, and there are many more you should know about the product. As with this tool, you can weld thick stainless and mild steel from 18 gauge to 1/8-inch.
Remarkably, this best welder for beginners is perfect for the boat trailer, automotive sheet metal, and wrought iron. The tool incorporated with a dual heating setting, which makes you enable to adjust the heat for use with welding rods. Also, the thermal overload protection feature helps you to avoid overheating automatically. Apart from this, the product has a transformer design that aid you to have a smooth arc, and easy-starting. So, no matter, you are professional or beginner, you can use it effortlessly.
You can operate the welder with standard power 115V. Thus, you don’t need any specific input power when we talk about the duty cycle, so at 50A, it gives you a 20% duty cycle. However, the tool enables you to end up your work faster and easier at such an economical price.
- Lightweight
- Dimensions it has 15.2″ × 7.8″ × 10.2″.
- Warranty for five years.
- Easy to use for beginners.
- 20% duty cycle.
6. SunGold Power Multifunction Welder
SUNGOLDPOWER 200Amp Welder has considered as the easiest and simple welder to operate by the users. Also, the machine is suitable for welding a range of different kinds of metal materials. With this tool, you can weld steel, stainless steel, brass, bronze, mild steel, Nickel alloys, and copper efficiently.
Moreover, the welder has equipped with HF start, and Digital Led display systems. With HF, you can endorse a start-up at 100%, even enhance the tungsten file, and began an easy arc starting, whereas Digital Led Display System enables you to watch amperage easily. Many welders have concerned about the design of the welding machine; here is all your concerned end with lightweight and compact portable design of the SUNGOLDPOWER 200Amp Inverter Welder.
Besides all these, the tool has incorporated with powerful features such as 200amp TIG Welding Output at 60% duty cycle while 180amp MMA (Arc) Welding output at 60% duty cycle. Plus, the machine can produce industrial quality metal chassis; also, the device is suitable for custom fabrication and maintenance jobs. The fan cooling system of the machine makes your welding process more proficient. 157-inch TIG Touch cable, ceramic nozzle, needle holder, inner hexagon spanner, 47.2inch ground clamp and cable, 70.8-inch electrode holder and cable, and cable joints will include in the package.
- Compact design
- At a 60% duty cycle, you can get 200amp TIG welding and 180amp MMA (Arc) Welding output.
- It has a fan cooling system
- Easy and straightforward to run.
- Foot pedal not included.
7. Weldpro 200 Multi-Process Welder
“Best Multi-function welder for starter”
The Weldpro 200Amp inverter has a multifunction system; it has built-in such a way that gives you MIG and TIG welding functions too. Even, it is a multifunctional tool still easy to understand the working of the device thus can do work smoothly. There is no trouble of adjusting the voltage and wire-speed because it has synergically designed MIG/Flux Core welder. So, this welding machine compensates wire speed and energy automatically, even at the same time it offers users to first turn voltage by their if they want.
Moreover, the device has a remarkable power capacity due to the latest technology that has incorporated in it. In the compact-sized machine, you may have a high power of working because of IGBT Inverter technology. With this tool, as described above, you may attain different welding styles, such as MIG, TIG, and Stick, but in all these cases, you’ll get the same maximum output 200amp. There is a dual digital display facility also available; now, you can watch amperage and voltage. Plus, the 2T/4T modes, advanced DC TIG features, and spool gun capability made the tool most versatile and desirable.
Besides all these, the result produced by the tool is excellent as it provides smooth and clean welds along with minimum spatter. You can do any type of chore with this tool, and with a spool gun option, you can weld aluminum too. Apart from all this, the product is light in weight; thus you can easily carry it from one place to another.
- Multifunction machine.
- Produce excellent quality results.
- Advanced and automatic features
- Easy to run and set up.
- Yellow quickly may dirty.
8. Forney Easy Weld 271 MIG Welder
Forney Easy 140Mp Welder, like Weldpro 200amp welder, is a multifunction system that has MIG/DC, Stick, and TIG Welding process. The machine can weld up to ¼ inch plate thickness, utilizes gasless, and gas wire more than 0.35 inch and up to 1/8 inch stick electrodes. Firstly, in MIG Welding, you can set up the tool for flux core welding, though with gas set up, it can easily switch to run mild steel. In a single pass, you can weld up to 1/4 “mild steel at 140 amp.
Secondly, in DC TIG Welding, with a suitable torch, hose, tungsten electrodes, and regulator, you will use this process. Lastly, in stick welding, the stinger and ground clamp has included in the package with your machine to use this process as welding. Then, this welding process makes you able to weld with an electrode up to 1/8″/.
Moreover, you can quickly start up the process; then, further, every strike becomes easy. In this way, you can attain precise and clean welds. With the aid of controls on wire feed speed and voltage, you can deal with the process of welding proficiently. Apart from everything, the machine is light in weight, and give you well grip.
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Short leads.
9. Blue Demon BLUEARC-90STI
The Blue Demon BlueArc -90STI welding machine designed as an inverter-based stick welding machine though has a TIG welding option too. However, the machine has 115V inverter technology that you can use anywhere on many kids of materials. Remarkably, the device is suitable for different weld kinds of carbon steel, cast iron, and stainless steel. Even the little unit helps you to weld several hard surfacing materials. The system of inverter-based from a bit of transformer power gives y a large power output.
Furthermore, the product is light in weight. Thus you can deal with it quickly. Also, you can carry the machine from one side to another without any problem if we talk about the dimensions of the tool, so it is about 14″ ×8″ ×11/5″ inches. The addition of TIG features in this machine makes it far more potent as compared to any other only stick features machines. With 3/32 rods, the device works great because it is a DC-only machine. If you are entry-level welder, so you can buy it as the tool is accessible for use through the price of the device is not much enough. Yes, you can have this powerful machine with great features at a little cost.
- Affordable to buy.
- Easy to use.
- Two types of welding option (Stick and TIG welding).
- It gives good output power in a small amount of input.
- Not ideal for industrial use.
10. ESAB Thermal Arc Inverter Portable DC Welder
ESAB EMP215IC has embedded with three types of welding processes that are MIG/TIG, and Stick has considered the best machine for learning. If you are a hobbyist, then you’ll get a high level of help from this machine as the device offers you to learn both MIG and TIG settings along with welding material with this proficient tool. Even, you can set up the product effortlessly; simultaneously, you can change welding settings. The only you have to concern is about the welding way which you want to have after that you run the machine smoothly. The device for you determines the sophisticated setting and makes the process of welding easy for you. Also, it is easy to utilize the digital screen.
Apart from these, you can weld stainless steel, mild steel, and other metal materials simply . But the fact is that the tool is not ideal for aluminum welding. If you want to have this ability to weld aluminum, then again, the Weldpro 200Amp Inverter Multi-process welder is perfect.
- Ideal for the beginners.
- Stable and durable machine.
- Has MIG/Stich/TIG welding processes.
- Quite expensive.
- Not ideal for aluminum welding.
- Heavyweight (72 pounds).
Best Welders For Beginners – Buying Guide
Being a beginner, you might have to face difficulty in finding the most suitable welding machine for your use. Whereas, many of the misleading information available out there also could affect your product selection criteria.
But nothing to worry!
After going through this guide, you will be able to choose the perfect fit welding machine for your use.
Though, before explaining the factors that you should typically look for before purchasing a welder. Let me start with the basics, which will help you in making a precise yet informed decision about your purchase.
If you are already aware of the necessary knowledge, then you can move ahead.
Let’s dive in;
There are different types of welding processes for various applications. Hence, the Welding machines varies as per the requirements of the job.
From among different processes or techniques, there are only 3 widespread & majorly used processes.
- MIG Welding
- TIG Welding
- Stick Welding
To your concern, we have also listed only those welders which are suitable for these frequently used processes.
Let’s have a quick look at these Processes;
1. MIG Welding
MIG welding is the process, from which most of the welders start their career due to various reasons. Though, on the top of the list, the main reason is that it’s relatively easier to learn and master. Despite being a beginner, you will be able to perform exceptionally during this process.
Many of the welders love to do MIG welding as it does not cause any spatter and produce the cleaner, precise, and accurate result.
MIG welding used for;
More specifically, MIG Welding generally used in construction and on almost every type of outdoor welding project. Because it can get the work done in speed while offering the portability as well.
Every thin object could be weld with MIG, including steel, stainless steel, and aluminium material.
2. TIG Welding
TIG welding is another widespread and most commonly used welding process. Because it also does not lack in the area of accuracy and precision. No doubt, if the welder is looking for high-quality output along with the ease of use, then TIG welding would be the priority.
But Wait!
To enjoy its high-quality output, precision & accuracy, you need to spend some time in mastering the process. Because it is not that much more comfortable as the MIG welding, it takes time, courage, and patience to make yourself master of TIG welding. Moreover, it provides more control to you relative to MIG & Stick welding.
TIG used for;
- Steel material
- Stainless Material
- Non-ferrous material like aluminum
3. Stick welding
Last but not least, stick welding is one of the oldest techniques frequently welders use to get their job done. But over time, the usage of stick welding has declined due to various reasons.
The primary reason includes the required skill level of the welder. Not any welder could quickly get his hands dirty in stick welding because it’s a little bit more complicated than any other welding process.
Moreover, you need to have a higher level of attention during stick welding and have to deal with the spatters. In short, for the starters, it merely not easy to master and learn.
Apart from the disadvantages, stick welding also has advantages that can’t be ignored. Whenever it comes to stability, the stick welding marks the top spot on the list. Moreover, around the rust and dirt, none of the other welding processes could compete with the stick welding.
Similar to MIG welding, it got fame among welders because of having the ability to get the job done even in windy situations.
How to choose the best Entry Level welder for your applications?
1. Basic Requirements
Being a beginner/hobbyist, before choosing any of the welders, you have to figure out your basic requirements.
In what sort of the condition you usually weld, and what sort of the metal you have to weld, are the most important things that have to be considered while analyzing the requirements.
If you are the one who desires to weld with the ease, and not want to be involved in the complex welding processes, then the MIG welder for beginners would be the perfect fit for you. Because it can be learned quickly, and allow you to get the job done speedily.
Specifically, for stainless steel, steel, and aluminum alloy material, you should consider MIG entry-level welders.
But if you are the one who gets involved in the varied welding projects. Then TIG welders would bet the much better option than anything else because the TIG welders can weld every type of metal except cast iron.
Long story short, Grab the listed TIG welders for beginners if you want to practice on every type of metal at the start.
Apart from this, if along with other materials, you also want to work with the cast iron materials, then better to go with Stick welding. Similar to MIG welding, it is even easier to learn and master relative to TIG welding.
2. The purpose behind starting a welding
The purpose of getting your hands dirty in the solder should be considered as well while purchasing the starter welding kit. Otherwise, you would end up spending the unnecessary amount on the wrong choice.
If desiring to just experience the fun of welding, then, there is a different option for you relative to the one who considers welding as his professional career.
From the bunch of the options, here are some recommendations for you.
Planning to make yourself specialized in TIG welding, then Lotos TIG200 Welder and AHP AlphaTIG 200X welder should be at the top of your consideration list because both of them provide you the best value for money along with the quality output.
Whereas, Forney Easy Weld 271 MIG Welder will be the perfect fit for you if you desire to learn the welding quickly to progress in the welding field effectively in a shorter time.
Though, everyone can’t afford to experience the quality of these welders. If you are one of them, then Campbell Hausfeld Arc/Stick Welder would be the perfect deal for you. Despite being affordable, it got widespread for serving the user with efficient, accurate, and precise output.
3. Budget
Along with the rest of the consideration, the budget is another factor that can’t be ignored while purchasing the entry-level welder.
You can’t quickly determine the perfect welding kit for beginners from the bunch of options that could serve you with the value of money without putting a dent in your pocket.
Because almost every manufacturer compromises the quality while meeting the pocket of the budget users.
But nothing to worry! We have found a welder that could compete with the premium welders and can be bought at the most affordable price.
So here is the recommendation of those welders which are perfect for beginners, and fall under the category of budget welders;
4. Brand Names
Another thing that you should focus on while purchasing a welder is the brand name, credibility, and quality of production.
There are rare cases that you don’t regret after purchasing welder from the local manufacturers. Here are the brand names, which are eager to provide you the best quality welding machines at the most appropriate price.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ’s
1. What is the best MIG welder for beginners?
For the beginners, there might not be any good option other than MIG welders. Because of various reasons, including ease of use, accurate & precise welding, etc.
But choosing a single welder for your MIG project from the market, would not be that much easier as it seems like. Hence, we have done the research and found some welders, which are suitable for beginners and can be used as a starter welding kit.
These best MIG welder for Beginners are as follows;
- WELDPRO 200 AMP MULTI-PROCESS WELDER
- Lotos MIG140 Flux Core & Aluminum
- Forney Easy Weld 271 MIG Welder
2. What is the best welder for home use?
Being a beginner, you might not be attracted to the larger projects yet. In fact, it is the best practice that, instead of practicing on more significant projects, you try to master the skill while welding home objects.
But what are those welders, which are perfect for both beginner and home use?
Here those welders are;
3. How do I Choose a welder?
“How do I choose a Welder” is one of the most frequently asked questions, which has to be discussed in detail so that you can’t waste your money on any of the worst welders. Hence, instead of answering it in FAQ’s we have prepared a detailed section on this question.
You will get the answer to this FAQ in this section: “How to choose the best Entry Level welder for your applications?”
Conclusion
We are done from our side and tried our level best to provide you comprehensive yet detailed information on the topic of “Best welders for beginners.” And we believe that you have chosen the best welding starter kit for yourself.
But if you are still struggling to make a choice, then here are the best starter welder that we like the most from the top 10 options. Because they are versatile, provide value for money, can be purchased at the most reasonable price and output of these welders can’t be beaten by any other welder easily.
Luis Ferency with experience of 35+ years is a semi-retired welder. Though his passion for welding and learning keeps him going further. He loves sharing his knowledge on his expertise in SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and FTAW. Hence, this helped the new welders to seek leverage knowledge and improve their welding skills.
