Have you just started your welding business and want to choose the best welder to carry on with? Well, in that case, you are in the right place. Here, you will find detailed information about the 4 best welders for beginners that are easy to operate, affordable, and offer prolonged use.
So, let’s walk through the guide below and familiarize yourself with the facts that will help you invest in the right welding equipment.
Buying Guide
Selecting welders is never a piece of cake. There are so many options to look into and various aspects that you cannot ignore. However, among the multiple brands choosing the right welder might help you in several ways. In this guide below, you will learn about the best welder brands, followed by their features and their strengths and weaknesses.
Materials You Will Use
It is never the case that when it comes to choosing a welder, you invest in any of the available options and start using them on any metal you want. Certain welders are not compatible with certain metals. For instance, if you consider carbon steel, that is good to go with all kinds of welders because it is quite tensile and handles a lot of heat.
However, if you consider stainless steel and aluminum, things are different. Stainless steel cannot handle as much thermal conductivity as carbon steel, and hence MIG or TIG welders are suitable in this case. Whereas, if you look at aluminum, it goes well with just MIG. However, you will also need a spool gun with this.
Desired Current Range
The current range is one of the essential considerations that need attention when choosing a welder. The thickness of the metal you will be welding decides the level of current needed. The thicker the metal, the more the requirement of the current and vice versa.
Although it is not possible to always have an idea of the thickness of metal that you will always be welding. However, you can still determine the range of current needed because most welders nowadays have various options that can be adjusted.
Welding Conditions
Assessment of the conditions of your surroundings also matters when choosing the best welder for your job. Some welders offer dual voltage, and some don’t, so check out the voltage applicable at your location and the one provided by the welding machine when choosing to buy a welder.
On the other hand, some welders work over generators, and some don’t, so you must also assess the fact that you will always have a power supply or not so that you can purchase accordingly.
How to Choose the Best Welder in 2023
Below you will find the 4 best welders, followed by their details; reading through these details will make it easier to decide which welder is suitable for your use.
YesWelder MIG-205 DS
Features
- YesWelder 205 DS is one of the best welders for beginners because of its simplicity and ease; anyone can learn to operate it in no time.
- It has a very compact size and is lightweight, so moving it from one place to another is easy and hence offers versatile functions.
- The welding power of this welder is 205 ampere, which offers a 60 percent duty cycle which is quite good compared to other welders on the pricey side.
- It also supports dual voltage, which is very important when choosing a welder because you can use it irrespective of location.
- It supports manual settings and automatic setup that adjusts itself in terms of current depending on the thickness of the metal.
- It has an LCD which helps adjust everything as you like, and a protective cover to keep it safe and running in the long run.
- It supports many options like flux welding, stick welding, MIG, and TIG.
- The arc settings of this welder are what impresses everyone the most, mainly because it is so stable that new welders can manage the task quite efficiently.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Portable and light in weight
- Offers one year warranty
- Easy to use
- Impressive duty cycle
- Supports multiple welding options
Cons
- Does not include the TIG torch
- Won’t weld aluminum as it lacks a spool gun
- There is no gas regulator included
Eastwood TIG 200
Features
- Eastwood TIG 200 is the best TIG welder for anyone looking forward to something unique and affordable.
- Eastwood welder has a 60% duty cycle, and the maximum output is 190A, which could be achieved when welding stainless steel.
- The performance of this TIG welder is very efficient and has sensitive controls for adjustment. The welder also consists of a stable arc as well.
- It has a larger size, but due to the latest inverter technology, the weight of this welder is not too much, and hence it may be termed a portable welder.
- It also comes with a foot pedal, which has a rocker style, and this welder is relatively easy to use.
- You can easily stick weld using this machine in AC and DC modes.
Pros
- Contains a hose and gas regulator
- It has a choice of dual voltage
- The cooling system is equipped with a double fan
- Offers 3-year warranty
- The duty cycle is impressive
- Easy to operate
Cons
- There is no holder for the stick electrode included
- Does not have a digital display
- The size is a bit larger as compared to other options
Miller Electric Mig Welder
Features
- You can call Millermatic 211 the best MIG welder when compared to other available brands and options in the market, and it offers dual power with 120V and 240V.
- It works perfectly with mild and stainless steel; you can also use it for aluminum, provided that you attach a spool gun.
- The thickness of mild steel supported by this MIG welder is around 3/8, whereas, for aluminum, you can also weld the same thickness by using 18 gauge.
- It operates in two modes; you can choose either MIG welding or flux welding.
- It is also provided with a gas regulator, and it is for argon as well as carbon dioxide gas.
- The duty cycle of this welder is 20 percent when used at 120V and 40 percent when operated at 240V.
- It is compatible with a generator, and the weight of this welder is around 38 pounds, so carrying it anywhere you want and using it with a generator is relatively easy.
Pros
- Keeps the machine cool during long working hours
- Contains an auto-set feature
- Suitable for working in remote areas
- The design is compact enough to be easily carried
- Designed for comfortable and strain-free use
Cons
- For aluminum welding, spool gun gas is to be bought separately
- Problems with the driver shaft may be encountered
- It is a little expensive compared to other MIG welders in the market
Lincoln Electric Power MIG 210 MP
Features
- Lincoln 210 mp is one of the most efficient welders to choose from, and this could be an excellent investment, especially if you are a beginner.
- The best part is that it supports multiple welding processes, so it won’t be wrong to call it the best multi-process welder that offers flux welding, TIG, MIG, and stick welding.
- It has multiple electrodes that also support versatile welding processes with many variations. Hence this welder can be used for various welding applications.
- Lincoln 210 MP offers dual voltage, 115V, and 230V, to make it easier for the welders to use it however they like.
- At 200 amperes, the duty cycle offered by this welder is 20 percent; however, at 100 amperes, the duty cycle amounts to 40 percent.
- Two cooling fans are given at the back of this welder, which control the welder’s temperature during the welding process.
- It is backed with inverter technology, making it easier for the machine to be carried at different places as the weight is just 40 pounds. Also, it can be attached to a generator for small projects.
- It has a very easy-to-use interface, a plus point for new users, and the front LCD makes usage and control much easier.
Pros
- Supports use in multiple welding tasks
- Light in weight and portable for working remotely
- Made with heavy-duty material to last longer
Cons
- It is quite expensive
- The AC mode for aluminum is missing
- Lacks high-frequency start
Conclusion
Investing in a welder is something big. You need to consider many things. It is always suggested to have a list of different brands and models in front of you while deciding which welder you must buy. This investment must be made with care so that you only get yourself the best welder for use that works efficiently, offers the best and neat welded cuts, and is also easy on the pocket.
FAQs
1. What is the most important thing to look for in a welding machine?
Ans. The amperage and power is the first thing that must be considered when choosing a welding machine.
2. If I need the fastest welding process, which kind of machine should I buy?
Ans. MIG is the suitable machine to be chosen and used to have the fastest welding process.
3. Which kind of gas is used by welding machines?
Ans. The gasses commonly used by welding machines are helium, argon, and carbon dioxide.
