8 best beginners welder

A beginner welder typically refers to someone who is new to welding and is looking to get started with this metalworking process. To help beginners, it's important to understand the basic components related to MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding equipment, welding equipment accessories, and related tools in the context of welding and soldering for home improvement projects.

  1. MIG Welding Equipment: MIG welding, also known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), is one of the most common and user-friendly welding processes for beginners. Key components of MIG welding equipment include:

    • MIG Welder: This is the main machine that generates the electrical current and feeds the welding wire to create the weld.
    • Welding Gun: The welding gun, often equipped with a trigger, is where the welding wire is fed through and where the actual welding takes place.
    • Gas Cylinder: MIG welding typically requires a shielding gas (e.g., argon or CO2) to protect the weld from contamination.
  2. Welding Equipment Accessories: Various accessories are essential for a smooth welding experience and can include:

    • Welding Helmet: Protects the welder's eyes and face from sparks and harmful UV/IR radiation.
    • Welding Gloves: Heat-resistant gloves provide hand protection while welding.
    • Welding Jacket: Protects the upper body and arms from sparks and heat.
    • Welding Pliers: Used for tasks like trimming and cleaning welding wire.
    • Wire Brush/Chipping Hammer: Essential for post-weld clean-up.
  3. Welding Soldering: While welding and soldering are distinct processes, both involve joining metals. Welding involves melting and fusing metals, while soldering uses a lower-temperature filler material. Beginners should be clear on the differences between the two processes.

  4. Tools Home Improvement: Welding can be a valuable skill for various home improvement projects, including:

    • Metal Fabrication: Creating or repairing metal structures, such as gates, fences, or frames.
    • Automotive Repairs: Fixing vehicle components like exhaust systems or body panels.
    • Artistic Projects: Crafting metal art or sculptures.
    • DIY Repairs: Tackling household repairs involving metal components.

When starting as a beginner welder, it's crucial to prioritize safety and seek proper training. Additionally, you should choose the right equipment and accessories based on the specific welding process (MIG, TIG, stick, etc.) and the materials you intend to weld.As you gain experience, you can explore more advanced welding techniques and projects.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best beginners welder on the market
  

Welding Machine, 110V Plug, 200Amp Power, IGBT AC DC Beginner Welder With Display LCD Use Welding Rod Equipment Tools Accessories

Based on 230 reviews Check latest price
  • 【★Easy To Weld】Arc welding machine is easy to use,beginner can also operate well.
  • 【★Energy Saving King】Whole day welding is no problem,energy-saving design,it is applicable for welding all kinds of ferrous metals such as carbon steel, medium carbon steel and alloy steel amongst others.
  • 【★Portable Design】Mini size but big power,it's not just a welding machine but a work of art.
  • 【★Satisfaction Guaranteed】We offer 3 warranty and friendly customer servies .about 65%-85%cycle
  • 【★OEM&ODM】Contact us,we have much production experience,advanced technical service,excellent raw materials.

User questions & answers

Question: What’s the best to use
Answer: We recommend the stainless rod like 316.
Question: this welder claims 200A. Is that true and also what is the duty cycle on the machine
Answer: Hi,you will need a tig torch if you want to work on lift tig mode,please check this link: https://www.amazon.com/Stick-Welder-Digital-Control-Portable/dp/B08G8H1M8Y
Question: So can we connect to
Answer: Yes,you sent good advice,yes we will adjust the information,but all of them are N6-50P,thanks very much.
Question: How much the thickness of steel can be welded
Answer: You can have a try with an aluminum rod,but we don't recommend it.

Product features

welding machine

Feature:

1 Energy-saving and stable heat dissipation :Whole day welding is no problem,energy-saving design,it is applicable for welding all kinds of ferrous metals such as carbon steel, medium carbon steel and alloy steel amongst others

2 IntuitiveFeaturing controlling knob,convenient:Portable size but big power,it's not just a welding machine but a work of art.

3 Suitable for welding stainless steel, mild steel and other metal materials. Arc welding machine is easy to use,beginner can also operate well.

4 Over-heating protection, over-voltage protection, over-current protection.The welding voltage can be continue adjusting to exactly match welding current.

5 Convenient quick connection for the output makes it quick, safe, simple.On-off frequency is out of audio frequency,nearly abate the noise pollution

ARC WELDING MACHINE

PLEASE NOTE

1.Only qualified personnel or professionals that have relevant knowledge of welders are allowed

to operate the wire feed welder machine.

2.Electrical connection should be operated after distribution box shut down.

3.Protection class is IP21S,it is not allowed to use in rain.

VIVOHOME Portable Flux Core Wire No Gas MIG 130 Welder Machine 110V Yellow

Based on 510 reviews Check latest price
  • NO REACTION WELDER - Uses convenient flux-cored wire to self-release metal inert gas while welding, preventing oxidation of the welded part; A great choice for home repairs and hobby projects on light gauge steel
  • WELDING PROCESS - This welding machine is particularly suitable for mild steel and stainless steel; It will enable you to obtain a professional finish in welding, auto body work, and many other thin steel welding processes
  • ADJUSTABLE WELDING SPEED - Features 4 levels of current flow settings; By adjusting the 4 buttons for MIN/MAX,1/2 with the variable feed control which has 10 welding speeds, this welder makes it easy to tackle thin steel, stainless or aluminum sheet metal or thicker steel with flux-cored welding
  • PORTABLE DESIGN - Lightweight and compact design; Comes with a comfortable hand grip, making it easy for you to carry anywhere you want
  • ACCESSORIES INCLUDED - Package includes all the accessories you need to weld like a pro; 1 welding gun with on/off safety control, 1 grounding clamp, 1 welding helmet, 1 welding wire brush and several other small accessories

User questions & answers

Question: What amp outlet is required for this welder, 15 amp 20 amp? Thank you
Answer: Sí, sin ningún problema funciona bien ...
Question: Cuál es el amperaje maximo que alcansa
Answer: Hi my friend. Thanks for your asking. This electric mig welding machine N.W is about 15lb(7kgs), the welding machine come with mig welding torch, flux cored wire( 0.45kgs), and ground clamps.
Question: What kind of contact tips does this use? Where can I buy more contact tips
Answer: My friend, thanks for your question.Yes this mig Welding machine can use .030 flux core wire.
Question: How big of a spool can i use with this
Answer: Hi,my friend. Yes,2-year warranty,and we will be always stand behind our product, we are glad to offer full refund or replacement to you,if you are not satisfird with this MIG welder machine.If this 110V machine has some problems, It be replaced within 60 days.

Product features

VIVOHOME Portable MIG 130 Welder Machine Yellow

Product Specifications:

-Voltage: 110V

-Frequency: 50-60Hz

-Max Absorbed Power: 3.6KVA

-Fuse: 13A

-Current Range: 50-120A

-Max Current Output: 105@15%

-Flux Corded Welding Wire Diam: 0.8-0.9

-Insulation Class: H

-Protection Degree: IP21

Convenient Storage Space

The built-in storage space on the top of welding machine is convenient for to store some small widgets, nails, and screws.

Overheating Protection

This welding machine is equipped with two air vents that help heat dissipation and reduce operation temperature.

Free Welding Helmet

We’ve included a high-quality protective helmet to keep your face and eyes safe while working.

Wire Brush

The wire brush is used to remove debris and metal particles that are dropped during the welding process, making the surface smooth and clear when working.

DEKOPRO 110/220V MMA Welder,160A ARC Welder Machine IGBT Digital Display LCD Hot Start Welder with Electrode Holder,Work Clamp, Input Power Adapter Cable and Brush

DEKOPRO

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • ★Advanced IGBT Inverter Technology:Powerful welder capable of welding mild steel, weld steel, stainless steel and cast iron. IGBT power device with unique control mode improves the reliability of welding machine
  • ★Portable Design:This welder features a easy carrying handle,compact design, easy for translation and storage. Very convenient, can be used anywhere you need
  • ★Leading Control Mode:Closed loop feedback control,the output voltage is stable,strong adaptability for electricity network
  • ★Energy Efficient:Reduce the damage of Copper and Iron,obviously increase the welding frequency,and energy-conserving result is remarkable
  • ★Multi Use: The MMA welder is suitable for welding stainless steel, mild steel, aluminum and other metal materials

User questions & answers

Question: Any stick welder can be a tig rig, but has anyone tried aluminium, is this a HF welder
Answer: The power of this machine generator is more than 17 watts. It works best.And this machine is 220V, the generator also needs 220v.
Question: Does this work with 2.5 inch steel/stainless exhaust for cars
Answer: Yes, we offer the power cable and plug with US stardard .
Question: Can I plug this right into the outlet for my dryer? 220V? or does it have to run on
Answer: Yes, the wire speed can be controlled by the A button on the board.
Question: Is this really a DC welder? It doesn't say anywhere in the description or specs
Answer: Hi,I think you can try 135 for wire speed and 16V for welding.

Product features

STURDY DESIGN

High-intensity body has structural strength and durable characteristics, with multiple solid frame of the solid handle, easy to get and store, suitable for daily and professional work and other scenes.

HIGH EFFICIENCY FAN

High-performance fully mute fan motor with instant cooling function, promote body heat dissipation, The synchronous control system provides protection mechanisms.

STABLE CURRENT

Voltage accurately matches and adjusts the current to ensure a stable current output, prevents overload conditions, and the multiple processing protection mechanism improves welding efficiency and ensures your safety.

MULTIPLE PURPOSES

The machine is equipped with high-efficiency and low-cost cutting technology, can be widely used in automobile manufacturing, plumbing work, metal processing ,strict construction work, site work, high-quality welding and thin material precision welding.

DEKO MACHINE FITTINGS :

  • Electrode Holder with strong clamping force, good conductivity and easy operation.
  • Work Clamp is used to clamp and manipulate the electrode.
  • Input Power Adapter is used to convert current.
  • Brush is used to remove the debris.

DEKO MACHINE FITTINGS :

  • Electrode Holder with strong clamping force, good conductivity and easy operation.
  • Work Clamp is used to clamp and manipulate the electrode.
  • Input Power Adapter is used to convert current.
  • Brush is used to remove the debris.

DEKO MACHINE FITTINGS :

  • Electrode Holder with strong clamping force, good conductivity and easy operation.
  • Work Clamp is used to clamp and manipulate the electrode.
  • Input Power Adapter is used to convert current.
  • Brush is used to remove the debris.

DEKO MACHINE FITTINGS :

  • Electrode Holder with strong clamping force, good conductivity and easy operation.
  • Work Clamp is used to clamp and manipulate the electrode.
  • Input Power Adapter is used to convert current.
  • Brush is used to remove the debris.

MIG155GSV 155 AMP INVERTER MIG/STICK ARC WELDER WITH DUAL VOLTAGE 220V/110V welding machine 3 Year Warranty

Based on 339 reviews Check latest price

Product description

MIG155Gsv is both MIG and self-shielded flux cored welding machine, which is equipped with unique electronic reactor circuit, which can precisely control the short-circuiting transfer and mixed transfer resulted in better performance than other machines. Compared with silicon controlled welding machine and tapped welding, our products have the following advantages: stable wire feed rate, portable, energy-saving, electromagnetic noise free. Besides, our products spatter less, easier arc starting, deep welding pool, high duty cycle etc.

  • Compact – portable – very capable quality welder that can run on either 110/115 or 220/230 volts which makes this a true workhorse with a completely portable footprint. Comes complete as pictured; ready for you to start welding. AND 3 YEAR WARRANTY!
  • Working voltage: 115V/230±15%; 30 to 155 Amp welding range; In MMA mode, this welder can be used as a very nice scratch arc TIG welder with optional accessories.
  • Comfortably welds up to 1/4 in. mild steel that is properly prepared using 220 volt input, in both MIG, flux-cored and stick welding. Feeds wire at 78 in. to 472 in. per minute and has infinitely adjustable wire speed and heat settings. This welder does not use tapped controls that are found in cheaper machines!
  • This model uses an advanced compact IGBT inverter design with automatic overheat and over current welding protection.
  • The model 155 incorporates 2T/4T modes. 4T is useful if you have a long weld to do, as it saves you having to hold the trigger down the whole time. Great feature for out of position welding.

User questions & answers

Question: Would the predator 9000 generator with 7250 continues run this and your larger inverter welders
Answer: The Hobart IronMan 230 is made in the U.S.A. and backed by Hobart's industry-leading 5-3-1 industrial warranty. You get a 5-year warranty on transformers, stabilizers, reactors, rectifiers, rotors, stators and brushes; a 3-year warranty on drive systems, PC boards, solenoid valves, switches and controls; and 1-year warranty on plasma torches, MIG guns, relays, contactor, triggers, regulator, accessories, spoolguns, battery, field options and running gear. (90-day limited warranty for industrial use). Normal wear items such as drive rolls, contact tips, nozzles, gas diffusers, plasma torch tips, electrodes and weld cables are not covered under this warranty.
Question: Where can I get a new welding torch that’s longer than the one supplied with this welder will the US pro welding 15 footer fit on this welder
Answer: My welder only came with .030 tubular 0.035 solid wheel. I recall that being an order able accessory. Not 100% sure but I thought it was suppose to have a #2 roll of FC. Overall, it’s been a damn good welder and I’d recommend it.
Question: Can use 10 pound spool wire
Answer: We ship this item at no charge. Thank you
Question: When using 110V, can you effectively weld 1/4”? If not, what’s the maximum capacity when using 110V
Answer: I think what you are asking is what the duty cycle is. It all depends on the heat setting you are using at the time. The duty cycle at about 140 amps is close to 100%, and drops to about 30% at 250 amps. I don't know what you will be welding, but even on pretty heavy iron (3/8" or so) using .035 solid wire and co2/ argon gas, I seldom ever use more than 125, to 140 amps, so I never exceed the 100% duty cycle. But I also very seldom have long enough welds at a time to matter. The welder I had before I bought the Ironman 230, was just a 150 amp with about a 30% duty cycle at 120 amps, and it was still going after nearly 30 years, and I used it for some pretty big projects.

RILAND MIG Welder 110v, MIG Welding Machine, Automatic Wire Feed Welder, Flux Cored Welder with DIY Home Portable Welder Accessories 110/115/120V-MIG 100E…

Based on 13 reviews Check latest price
  • 【Gasless Flux Cored Welding Machine & IGBT Inverter Tech】Riland advanced IGBT inverter MIG 100E welding machine equipped with unique electronic reactor circuit, which has the great welding performance than other MIG machine. More stable wire feed rate, energy-saving, and little spatter, easier arc starting, deep welding pool, high duty cycle etc.
  • 【One-Knob Synergic Adjustment & Wide Voltage】 Built-in expert welding parameters and infinite voltage, only control the knob with 10 levels output adjustment, the welders will automatically match the voltage and feeding speed, which make welding easier. Moreover, the input voltage ranges from 90v to 140v, the max output can reach to 120A, suitable for various welding thickness.
  • 【Wide Application & Various Material】The Portable MIG Welder is capable of welding sheet metal as thin as 22 gauge and steel plate up to 1/4 in thick, easy to use and will serve you well for a wide variety of projects, weld mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, Also compatible with 2lb.(3.94in.) wire spool. making it the perfect tool for your hobby shop.
  • 【Great Gift for DIY Users】 The Mig welding machine comes with MIG torch, earth clamp and UL proved power cord, 2 pounds of flux core weir and a welding helmet, a cleaning brush. Easy to setup and gets most fabricators started right away out of the box. Perfect choice for family usage and need of different metal or techniques demand.
  • 【Only 12.12lbs & Environment Protection】ONLY 12.12lbs with carry belt, super portable and lightweight. Maintenance and repair and metal fabrication. energy conservation and environment protection to compare with transformer portable mig welder 110v.

User questions & answers

Question: What kind of wire type does the machine use for
Answer: No it will not take 10 pd spool
Question: How does this machine work
Answer: I went to Orscheln’s they helped me fine the one I needed
Question: I would like to fix my fence, how much thickness steel I can weld
Answer: Only arcs when you pull trigger and contact piece you are welding
Question: How do I adjust amperage with one knob on the panel
Answer: Neither one. The knob is to set the thickness of the material you are welding. The machine automatically sets the amperage and the wire feed speed. Makes it easy !

Product features

Flux Core Wire

Flux Core Wire: 0.03in,0.035in, 2lb

Flux-Cored wire without gas welding carbon steel and stainless steel

Heat Resistant Gloves

Made of a high grade leather and soft cotton liner which is designed to withstand and protect against high temperatures.

Overload Protection

The welder includes a cooling fan and built-in thermal overload protection to protect and help heat dissipation.

Forney Easy Weld 29801 100ST Welder Start-Up Kit, Welding Starter Kit

Forney

Based on 45 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Everything you need to start welding, right out of the box! Ideal for do-it-yourselfers, maintenance and repair and welding hobbyists.

  • KIT INCLUDES: a Forney Easy Weld 100 ST Welder, auto-darkening welding helmet, 3/32” steel electrodes, 4-1/2” Type 27 metal/steel grinding wheel, wire brush, driver gloves and a pair of welding gloves
  • PERFECT FOR BEGINNERS: This kit is portable, and user friendly making it ideal for novice and beginning welders. All Forney Easy Weld machines come with a quick start guide to get you welding right away.
  • POWERFUL: The Forney Easy Weld 100 ST is small but mighty as it is able to weld up to 1/4" of mild steel. Also features 120-volt input and 90 AMP output.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT: The machine only weights 9. 65 lbs. , allowing you to take your machine to your project rather than hauling your project to your machine! This reduces the risk of damaging whatever it is you're working on.
  • CLICK ON THE (BY FORNEY) name above in blue under the title to view our full catalog of Welders, Abrasives, Chain/Wire Rope, Tools and more!

User questions & answers

Question: Can the 100st handle aluminum and steel? i doubt i'll be welding anything thicker than 2mm
Answer: 0.03" or 0.035" flux core wire, compatible with 2 LBS spool roller.
Question: Can i use this welder to fabricate a shock mount
Answer: I tried to weld a piece of thin plate, about 1/25". Surprisingly, it still made a stable performance, didn't burn through. Amazing!
Question: Where is this made at
Answer: The welding thickness is from 19 gauge to 12 gauge(1/25" to 1/10"),it's a good choice for Hobby and Home work.
Question: Do you need 220 wall outlet for this
Answer: There are 1-10 level adjustment, the corresponding output amperage can refer to the Welding Guidance on the side panel, very easy to start out.

Mini Spot Welder,Welding Pen Portable DIY Mini Spot Welder Machine with Nickel Sheet 18650 Battery Spot Welder Kit 5 Gears Adjustable with A Charging Cable - for Craftsman and Beginner

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Material: hard aluminum alloy

Weight: 480g

Color: black shell, brass welding ratio

Features: automatic trigger, detachable soldering pen, TYPEC charging, short circuit protection

Design: solid appearance, splash proof, firm connection, diffusion brazing pen, long service life

The package includes:

Integrated welding machine*1

With soft silicone brass welding pen*2

Groot*1

Nickel sheet*1

Black TYPEC charging cable*1

  • [Thermal Optimization]: This product uses two ultra-high rate model airplane lithium batteries, the discharge peak value can reach 630A+, all high-current circuit layouts, use infrared thermal imaging to optimize the design, and better share the discharge current.
  • [Low Power Consumption Function]: long press to turn on/off, short press to cycle to switch 5 gears, all operations can be quickly and conveniently performed, when it is off, it can be standby for up to one year due to low power efficiency.
  • [Product Function]: The welding machine uses a single chip to precisely control the output current of the MOS tube, and generates a high temperature of more than 2000 degrees at the welding point to make the nickel sheet weld firmly. The welding machine itself has overcurrent protection, low voltage protection, overvoltage protection, and overtemperature protection. And other functions. Intelligent output current. Can guarantee safe use.
  • [Lithium battery protection]: charging to 4.2V can prevent battery expansion.
  • [Low-voltage protection]: When the power lithium battery is working, the protection strategy of the lithium battery lower than 3.2V 5.5AH is adopted to give low-voltage space and security.

User questions & answers

Question: Can I weld aluminum
Answer: I don't know the specific numbers of the various tips but anything I need will fit the torch head. I am a mechanic.
Question: stas soldadora necesita gaso trabajas Sin ganas
Answer: No it doesnt
Question: What is the difference between this one and Pro Core
Answer: Victor 250 Series rosebud.
Question: What is the maximum amperage output
Answer: This kit includes cutting tip size 0, so 1/2". Tips are available to cut from 1/8" to 5". Match the tip size and gas pressures to be safe and get the best results. Look up the Victor tip chart for series 3 type 101 to find the correct sizes.

Product features

Lincoln Electric K2278-1 Handy Core

The Handy Core wire feeder welder from Lincoln Electric is a tremendous asset when home repair or hobby projects are in your game plan. It's a great pick for welding 18 gauge to 1/8" mild steel and comes with everything you need to get started fast. This package sports a gun and cable assembly, work lead, work clamp and input power cable – all attached at the factory to save you time. A spool of self-shielded, flux-cored wire electrode, welding handshield, and chipping hammer/brush round out the line up. So, don't delay – add the Handy Core to your tool shed or garage today!

  • 35-88 amps output.
  • Welds up to 1/8 in. mild steel.
  • Plugs into household 115V, 20 amp outlet.
  • Cold contactor safety feature keeps welding wire electrically “cold” until gun trigger is pressed.
  • Compact, portable, lightweight and easy to use.

Mig Welder Flux Core,FM135 ARC/MMA/LIFT TIG/MIG Welding Machine IGBT Inverter AC to DC 110/220V Gas/Gasless Digital Display for Beginner

Based on 15 reviews Check latest price
  • [Welding Wire] Supports 2lb only flux core wire and perfectly to do the steel welding without gas. Meanwhile,welding with gas with 2lb solid welding wires .030"-.035"(0.8/1.0 mm )to weld over .030"(0.8mm) thickness workpiece.
  • [Multipurpose Welder] mig/lift tig/stick/mma multipurpose welding machine,gas/gasless all are available ,mma welding(3.2mm rod) 7018 1/8″ very well, also 6013 and 7018 3/32″Mig/lift tig/stick/mma multipurpose welding machine,gas/gasless all are available ,mma welding(3.2mm rod) 7018 1/8″ very well, also 6013 and 7018 3/32″
  • [Lift Tig] Lift tig mode(not HF tig) is optional,please refer the picture to connect the tig mode(This product does not have a TIG gun)
  • [Flux Core Welding] You will need the co2 or mixed composition welding solid wire,however,no gas required welding with flux core, portable design 18lbs, and easy to weld with high effect instead of stick welder.
  • [Warranty Assurance] We are a manufactory with over 10 years' experience of professionals producing the plasma cutter machines,3 year's warranty.Please add to cart and take it without hesitation

User questions & answers

Question: Where can i find the tig torch for this welder
Answer: Yes. Having never welded before, I was able to weld a rocker panel back together that had to be cut apart in order to pull out some crash damage. This welder is powerful enough that I had to turn the power down to prevent burn-through.
Question: Can you use hard wire
Answer: Not sure but I got 20
Question: Will this welder be able to a tack weld 1/4 inch steel plate
Answer: Yes. And yes
Question: Does this include a Tig torch
Answer: You can run a #12g cord 100ft and it should work if it is on 20amp breaker, if you go more you need a 10g cord.

Product features

Setting the Gas Flow

  1. Turn on the welder.
  2. Turn the wire speed as low as it will go.
  3. Turn the voltage as low as it will go.
  4. Pull the trigger on the torch in order to start the gas flow. Make sure that the wire that comes out of the torch doesn’t touch anything.
  5. Release the trigger.
  6. Cut the wire so it sticks out 1/4" to 3/8" from the gas nozzle.

MIG MODE (GAS)

Gas Welder:

Plug the ground to (-),conversion plug to (+)

MIG MODE (GASLESS)

Gasless Welder(flux core):

Plug the ground to (+),conversion plug to (-)

LIFT TIG MODE

Lift Tig:

Plug the ground to (+),plut the tig torch to (-).

Note:tig torch not included in the package.

STICK MODE

Stik/MMA:

Plug the electrode holder to (+),ground to (-),leave the torch along.

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