Choosing a welder is not an easy task. For us, it takes a lot of consideration before you can end up with the right unit that would suit your needs and interests. If you are still new to this device, you might have to take it slowly as you need to dissect the type of welder that you need to invest.
The best welder for beginners is the one that accommodates their skill level without being too flimsy and shabby. But of course, such statement is easier said than done. The truth is, you cannot find a welder that would be usable with any applications that you want. Therefore, you should know what a particular unit can do.
In this article, we have listed some great welders that novices can try. Each of these welders has respective applications in where they can fit best. We have indicated their capabilities so that you can decide which one of them will meet your requirements. Let's get started!
Top Picks: Best Welder for Beginners
Last update on 2024-04-18 at 12:38 PST - Details
But before we discuss the features of these welders, let us take you in a short course first. Since most of you are beginners, it would be great if you practically know the basics of welding. In this way, you will know what type of welder you choose, depending on your desired applications and motivations.
A Guide to Different Welding Process
As we mentioned earlier, there are no welders that can do all the jobs on the site. You should always remember this fact if ever you are going to shop for a welder. Of course, you can only determine such if you already know what kind of welding you want to do. If you are still clueless about this, then you should read the following section.
Stick Welding
For those who have been in the welding industry for quite some time already, they probably have learned stick welding. These seasoned welders have an arc welder as their primary and trusted tool. For many years, stick welding is the most prevalent type of welding, especially for home-based applications.
Specifically, this type of welding uses the interaction between the welding rod and metal. There is an electric current that flows between these two components, or commonly called as the "arc welding electrode." In application, stick welding is the best option if you are working with joints and alloys. They are also usable for both outdoor and indoor projects, even in those hard-to-reach areas.
Notably, an arc welder is the most cost efficient type of welder that you can get. They are not that expensive, but very effective on bonding dirty and rusty metals. On the other hand, the learning curve for stick welding is long. You must practice consistently to maximise its potential. Therefore, if you are into stick welding, you better get an arc welder with you.
MIG Welding / Gas Metal Welding
If you are a beginner, we recommend that you should start with MIG welders. Particularly, MIG welding is the easiest to practice and learn. It can produce clean and quick results, which makes it ideal for amateur applications. Despite this, MIG welding can still create strong joints. Of course, its output is aesthetically appealing, too.
One good point of MIG welding is that you can apply it to both thin and thick types of metal. But on the other hand, it is not usable on working sites where the windy condition might strike instantly anytime. Moreover, it doesn't work well with rusty and dirty metal like the arc welders.
Fortunately, there is an MIG variant called the Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW). It is still using the wire-feeding mechanism, but unlike the MIG welding, it doesn't need a shielding gas. Instead, it is utilising the Flux-Cored innovation to protect the arc. As a result, this type of welding produces effective and efficient welding outputs, especially on outdoors. You can also apply this welding technique on dirty materials.
MIG welding and Flux-Cored welding can work on aluminium, stainless steel, and other types of metal. They can weld materials that have 26-gauge.
TIG Welding
This type of welding is using a tungsten electrode to create a weld. The working area is then shielded by a particular kind gas (typically argon) against contamination. Because of this, TIG welding produces the cleanest of welding results. The aesthetics are so high that many professionals are using it for finishes and incredibly beautiful jobs.
TIG Welding is the perfect option if you regularly work with thin metals. It is due to its accuracy and cleanliness. In fact, you are not required to clean your material after you weld it. The accuracy of TIG welders is due to the infusion of plasma to the metal.
But on the other hand, you should know that TIG welding is not for fast-paced application. This type of welding is usually slow and would consume your time in the field. Its quality is excellent, but you need to consider the time factor as well. Moreover, you need to practice with this type of welding, too slightly. It is also a good choice for beginners, but a little practice is entirely necessary.
To summarise, here are the type of welding styles and the corresponding welders they use:
- Stick Welding - Arc Welders (beginner to advanced users)
- MIG Welding - MIG Welders (perfect for beginners)
- TIG Welders - TIG Welders (good choice for beginners, too)
These are your primary considerations when choosing for a welder. For beginners, we recommend that you should opt for MIG and best TIG welders for money. But definitely, you can also try arc welders if you want to hone your skills in welding. Check out the next section to see the best options for these welders.
A Full Review: Best Welder for Beginners
These are the initial details about the featured welders that we have. If you want to know more about them, better read the next section. If you want to check their current market prices, just click on their corresponding links.
The Hobart 500559 Handler 140 is among the finest choices that you can get for an MIG welder. This system is a complete package. There is no need for you to purchase additional kits. It is easy to transport, thanks to its portable system. Therefore, you can weld whenever and wherever necessary. This one provides a superb arc performance that only a few MIG welders can match.
This particular welder has the versatility that you can use in different applications. You can use it to weld automotive bodies and other types of house repairs. You can also even use this on projects that require an unyielding welding force. Specifically, this device has an operating power of 115 volts. Because of this, you need to have a 20-amp circuit with you.
There is a voltage controller that you can locate on this device. This particular feature allows you to adjust its arc, depending on the arc thickness that you want. On the other hand, it is notable that the Hobart 500559 Handler 140 has an industrial-grade construction. Specifically, its drive system comes with heavy-duty cast aluminium. It comes with a rugged working clamp, too.
Pros
- It is a versatile choice
- Easy to setup and use
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Clean welding output
- Dominant performance
Cons
- Its gauge is for CO2/ argon mixture only (this compound is quite expensive)
Another exceptional MIG welder that you should try is this tool from Miller Electric. It has a durable construction and rugged performance, which makes it an ideal choice for heavy-duty applications. It has a lot of features to boast. Of course, many professional and DIY welders would certainly like what this tool has to offer.
It has a patented Advanced Auto-Set technology that allows this welder to adjust its force depending on the thickness of the material that it is working. The said feature also provides five gas and wire combinations for maximum versatility. Meanwhile, the smart Fan-On-Demand cooling system of this device will let you save a lot of power. Specifically, it will only operate when it is needed. It reduces the noise production, too.
The Miller Electric MIG Welder, 120/240VAC is powered by a cast-aluminum drive system. It has been calibrated with a specialised tension knob to ensure continuous feeding. The drive also enables quick setup for various MIG guns. Moreover, its Quick Select button also smoothens the configuration process of this tool.
Pros
- Durable and rugged
- Ideal for professional applications
- Easy to setup
- Smooth and energy-efficient operation
- It has an automatic detection system for the MIG gun connection
Cons
- It is an expensive choice
The AHP AlphaTIG 200X 200 AMP Welder is a TIG welder that offers great performance for an affordable price. It is an ideal choice when you want to work with thin materials. Specifically, it can weld 1/4-inch aluminium and 3/8-inch mild steel with ease. Such capability is impressive already, as some of its counterparts can replicate such performance. Of course, if you are a beginner, you will benefit from such kind of feature. It allows you to experiment with your work, which is necessary for learning.
Moreover, this under $1000 TIG welder is also compatible with a direct and alternate current. Some people would ignore such capability. But for us, it is essential. It just enhances the versatility of this device on the field. Since the AHP AlphaTIG 200X works with 220V and 110V power sources, we can say that it has a universal compatibility.
Another excellent feature of the AHP AlphaTIG 200X is its lightness. The compact and lightweight design can give you the easy installation and setup you need for this tool. The portability of this welder will allow you to work wherever you want. Aside from these, the AHP AlphaTIG 200X 200 also features various cleaning and adjustment options.
Pros
- Portable and compact design
- Affordable choice
- IGBT Technology provides with sufficient and long-lasting power source
- Clean and aesthetically appealing output
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- The rubber on its torch is quite susceptible to burning
- Packaging problems
We can say that the ESAB MiniArc Welder is a good choice for beginners. Aside from its affordability, this tool is extremely lightweight and portable. Transporting it is not a problem, even if you will just hand-carry it. When it comes to power, we have to admit that it is not the best in the class. However, for home applications and practice purposes, this tool is more than enough already.
This DC-operated welder is the ideal option for working with small and sensitive materials. It might not be ideal for large-scale applications. However, when it comes to delicate finishes, you should trust this welder. The ESAB MiniArc is compatible with 115-volt and 230-volt power sources. Therefore, it is still a versatile model.
But for us, the best-selling feature of this tool is its Fixed Hot Start technology. The latter allows the user to work with an arc while preventing the electrode from sticking. For amateurs, this feature is certainly usable. You can just start to strike the arc with confidence that you can still get a clean and quality weld.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Durable construction
- Price is reasonableWorks with 230-volt and 115-volt inputs
- No plate contamination
Cons
- Not for large scale projects
If you are looking for beginner arc welder for stick welding, better check the Miller MIL907134 Maxstar. This particular arc welder has a simple interface, which makes it less troublesome for novices. In the market today, we deem that this tool is the most portable arc welder. Therefore, you don't have to bother with its weight during transport. You can easily hand-carry this tool because it is already a complete system. Take note that it comes with a shoulder strap.
The Miller MIL907134 Maxstar features a Multi Voltage Plug system. This particular feature allows you to connect it with 230-volt and 115-volt receptacles with the need for extra tools. You just have to select the plug that suits the box and then attach it to the power cord.
This welder also has an Adaptive Hot Start that instantly improves the overall amperage during the beginning of your weld. This same feature also hampers the electrode from sticking to your material. When it comes to its construction, we can say that this device does not lack anything. It is durable and rugged enough to withstand harsh environments.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Portable and compact design
- Compatible with 230-volt and 115-volt receptacles
- Prevents the electrode from sticking
- No voltage drops and spikes
Cons
- It is expensive
- Requires a little familiarity (since it is an arc welder)
Final Verdict
Having a reliable welder will give you advantage, especially if you are working with metals and other related projects. They are vital in construction, repairs, and home renovations. They are also usable for automotive applications, as well. As long as you know how to use them, you can easily work with various tasks that you want to accomplish.
But for amateurs, we have to recommend the Hobart 500559 Handler 140 Wire Welder. It is the best welder for beginners because of it is an MIG device. It has an excellent portable design that allows you to carry it anywhere. Moreover, it is compatible with various power inputs, too. This tool can work on different applications without burdening its user. Therefore, a novice welder should invest on this device from the get go!
However, we still recommend that you should try all the other options that we listed here. In this way, you will get the right welder for intended usage and needs.
If you have any questions, comments, and suggestions, just drop them in the box below! We will be waiting!
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