Best Welder For Beginners [Mig, Tig, Stick]: A Comprehensive Guide

Proficiency in welding can open so many exciting doors for you! You can use your newfound skills to carry out quick fixes around the house, start DIY projects as a hobby, and maybe even open up a little workshop once you get the hang of it. Metalworking is an exciting craft and is definitely worth getting into.

However, one aspect of this skill that discourages newbies is the steep learning curve at the start. Some people may feel discouraged at the thought of having to invest in heavy machinery or repetitive maintenance when they’re just dipping their toe in the water. That’s why I made this guide—so that welders, especially beginners, have a handy reference point that they can fall back on if they ever need a few pointers.

I would not recommend investing too much in your first welding machine because your priority as a beginner is to understand the fundamentals of these devices. If you go straight for the latest welders with complex features and the latest technologies, then you may not be able to fully comprehend how the machine works. It is also possible that these additional features will make your initial learning curve more difficult to overcome.

This guide outlines the best industry practices for welders and provides a list of the ideal machines for beginners. In addition, it can also function as a refresher course for professionals in the industry, although it is mostly geared towards newbies in welding who don’t know which welding machines they need to look out for.

I’ve been working in this industry for over a decade and I’ve had the opportunity to weld with dozens of machines that are still popular today. Here is everything that I know about welding in a comprehensive and summarized guide, so you don’t have to scour through the internet by yourself.

Best Welder for Beginners in 2024 – Comparison

The 10 Best Beginner Welders Reviewed

My top priority for this list was to ensure that each machine promised ease of use. In my opinion, this is a crucial consideration for beginners because once you understand how your machine works, the technique will naturally follow. Note that no two welders are alike; they all have their own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s up to you to assess what you really need in your workshop before you make the final purchase.

Top 3 Mig Welders at Entry Level

I’ll start to describe my way through the top 3 Mig welders first. These in my opinion are the prime choices for beginners who are thinking of purchasing their very first machine into the Mig arena.

Hobart 500559 Handler 140 MIG Welder 115V

Usually, small welding machines are designed exclusively for hobbyists and beginner welders. This is because it is difficult to pack so much power into a tiny frame. What I love about the Hobart 500559 140 is that it has risen up to this challenge. This machine can deliver a reasonable 140A, with a duty cycle of 20% at 90 amperes. These numbers indicate that it can do more than enough whenever you need to conduct some quick fixes around the house.

The Hobart 500559 140 is a hybrid welding machine. It is capable of both MIG and flux core welding. This is useful because it can work on a variety of metals. As a MIG welder, it can weld stainless steel, steel, and aluminum. However, if you must work on slightly thicker metals, then the flux core can also work in a pinch.

One aspect I appreciate about the Hobart brand in general is their comprehensive warranty. This welding machine is protected by the signature 5/3/1 year warranty, which is extremely helpful because you are reassured that the company will still continue to support you even after you made the purchase.

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When it comes to safety, there are several mechanisms built into the Hobart 500559 140. The first is the self-reset thermal overloading capacity, which automatically adjusts the device once it detects that it is overheating. The second is the motor damage protection, to safeguard the longevity of what is arguably the most important part of your machine.

Overall, this welding machine is definitely a steal. It’s a little pricey, but it’s worth it for all the additional features that’s been packed into its diminutive frame, it’s well worth it. If you plan to become a professional welder in the long run, then this is the ideal model for you and this machine is the best mig welder for beginners. I would not recommend this for heavy industrial applications, but it is more than enough to get you started.

Forney Easy Weld 261, 140 FC-i MIG Welder

Don’t let the bright green exterior fool you. The 261 140 is remarkably lightweight, clocking in at 8.6 kilograms. This means that you can just carry it around your workshop. And despite its small stature and reduced weight, the Forney 261 140 is big enough to handle two-pound and ten-pound rolls of wire.

One strong reason the 261 140 is on this list is its easy set-up. You can go seamlessly from unpacking it to welding in just a few minutes. A simple set-up is always a priority when it comes to beginners in welding.

Another feature that I appreciated from this welding machine is that it uses flux-cored wire. These types of wires are usually applied when welding thicker metals or jobs that require welding at difficult angles. This is because it is easier to clean up slag and other debris when using flux wires.

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When you buy this package, you don’t just get the machine. You will also receive the MIG gun, the ground clamp, a handle with the torch wrap, and an adapter that can handle 20A to 150A.

These accessories do not come with your purchase, but are still highly recommended to preserve and maintain the capabilities of your machine. These include the contact tips (#60170, #60171 and #60172), welding nozzles (#85336 and #85337), a diffuser, some flux core MIG wire, nozzle gel, and anti-spatter spray. This is practically the complete toolkit for any welder, regardless of their capacity and skill.

Finally, the Forney 261 140 is supported by a twelve-month warranty. This is a decent amount of time to get to know your welding machine and seek support in case there are certain aspects of the device that you feel needs some extra work.

If you need a welder that is relatively low-maintenance yet still ready to take on some serious work, then this mean green machine is perfect. It is more than equipped to get you started and then help you transition into some advanced metalworking in the future.

Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Handy MIG Welder

If you’re going to be welding mild steel on a regular basis, then you should consider going for the Lincoln K 2185 1. This device comes from a long line of quality machinery and its brand has been a strong presence in the welding industry for more than a hundred years.

This machine is primarily an MIG welder, but it can also switch to flux-core welding as well. It is definitely designed for small DIY projects and quick fixes around the house, as it excels in welding mild steel but begins to struggle beyond anything more than this metal.

The K 2185 1 has a one year warranty on labor and parts, which I believe is enough time to familiarize yourself with how the machine works. However, this warranty does not extend to its gun and cable. These two pieces of equipment are only warrantied for ninety days after the date of purchase.

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When it comes to performance, the K 2185 1 has a duty cycle of 20% at 70A as well as a variable amperage output of 35 to 88. This is a decent amount of power coupled with some versatility in case you want to add or decrease the output in certain welds.

This welding machine is not fussy about its source of power either. It can easily operate off of any 115V household outlet. Considering how it is meant for use around the house or for small projects, this is a reasonable feature to have. You do not need to invest in a generator just to power up the K 2185 1.

In addition to the welding machine, you will also receive the following materials: an 8-foot clamp cable, 0.035 flux core wire with three corresponding tips, and 0.025 solid MIG wire with three corresponding tips.

To conclude, this welder is a true homebody. It’s not meant for commercial or heavy industrial use; instead, it’s the perfect companion for welders who want a machine capable of fixing things up or improving small features around the home.

Best 3 Tig Welders Ideal for Beginners

The Tig welding enthusiasts should definitely consider getting any of the three machines that I’ve enlisted below. I hand-tested them and they exceeded my expectations in more than one way.

PRIMEWELD TIG225X 225 Amp IGBT AC DC Tig/Stick Welder

If you’re new to welding, I’ll still doubt that you haven’t heard about PrimeWeld and their premium customer service. The TIG225X in the TIG line has been one of the best welders I’ve ever laid my hands on. Due to its immaculate features, ease of use and a solid service overall, I’ll recommend every newcomer to have a go at this machine as it certainly offers a great value for your money!

This machine can perform stick welding to some extent, but I’ve limited my stress testing only to Tig welding for a more precise review. From the packaging to the service, this unit has stood out from many of its competitors, even the ones that are significantly pricier than this. I’ve put both the AC and DC modes as well as dual voltage settings only to find out they’ve superseded my expectation by a large margin.

During my use, the TIG225X relentlessly performed all day long without any hiccup and with no heating issue whatsoever. I work at a relatively high-heat zone and the cooling fan didn’t seem to be bothered by it and managed to cool the machine down effortlessly. The fan wasn’t too noisy and the sound is very much tolerable considering the amount of stress I’ve put it through.

I did some delicate work with 1/8″ aluminum and thought I might have overshot myself, but no! It performed brilliantly! Also, I needed some familiarization with the dial knob and the on off button, the instruction manual that PrimeWeld provided with the machine has been very helpful in this regard. From placing the order to having it set up in my workshop took only a couple of days and I’ll call it really swift from my previous experience!

I’ll definitely recommend beginners who are interested in Tig welding to invest into this PrimeWeld machine. It’s highly cost-efficient, has a good duty cycle and a great customer support and overall an intuitive machine which isn’t demanding in the learning curve. I’m sure you’ll receive the similarly satisfying outcome like I have with this machine and save a couple hundred bucks by investing in it.

S7 Tig Welder, HF TIG/Stick/Arc TIG Welder

I never really expect a beginner welder to be duty-ready for heavy tasks and this S7 Tig welder sits at the perfect spot between price to performance. I’m not going to lie, I was a little skeptical at first considering the price range. But as soon as I put it to the test, it really did surprise me with the quality of work and the efficiency of the machine. Let me elaborate it further.

Basically, it’s a very lightweight Tig welder which can somewhat perform stick welding as well but I wouldn’t count on that. As an amateur, you’ll find appeal in spot welding like I did as it did a splendid job making my exhaust work look like a professional outcome. I’ll still advise you to use it for small jobs only because this is where it excels beyond other welders of such stature.

There are a few things I feel obligated to mention about the S7 welder. Out of the box, arc welding generates perfect outcomes and leaves no room for questioning its capability. However, this isn’t a plug ‘n play Tig welder because I needed to make a separate purchase for Argon cylinder, regulator and hose since these aren’t included with the package. All of it cost me not more than a couple hundred bucks.

It works both on 110 and 230 without any hiccup, but the conversation was basically a relay and a switch as this is a place the company cut down on the production cost. The duty cycle is advertised to be 85% but in my opinion it’s more like 75% – still a great value for money. Due to its size and weight, I could easily carry it around my truck and store it at the corner of my garage with ease.

I tested it out for a couple of months before writing my review and found out a few shortcomings that you might face as well. The 7018 rods required replacement on my end and it’s not really an AC/DC welder like the company states, rather it’s a really great DC welder. I generally went with the 1/16” TIG Filler rod for the level of outcome I’ve received and I’ll ask you to do the same.

If you’re interested in 48 amp operations, you can follow in my footsteps. What I did was just dial in the gas flow and the amperage and it worked like a charm! Low-amperage mode needed a little bit of tweaking but once I was comfortable with it, the results were splendid!

Overall, I’ll ask you to go for it if you’re on a budget and looking for an entrance into Tig welding. Keep in mind that you’ll still need to buy the Argon parts separately and tweak the machine here and there to match with your workflow. If you can manage all these, then you’ll probably be contended with this welder and from my use I can surely say, it’s a durable machine as a whole.

2018 AHP AlphaTIG 200X 200 Amp IGBT AC DC Tig/Stick Welder

The AHP 200X is primarily a TIG welder, with some stick welding capabilities. This machine can run on dual voltage, which is an advantage for beginners—you can either run it on 110V or 220V. As a result, you do not need to invest in generators and you can also freely move this machine from one area to another without having to worry about its source of power.

In my experience, I did not find any difference in performance when it came to switching between the different voltages. It still performed at a duty cycle of 60% at 200A as a TIG welder, and 35% at 155A as a stick welder. That’s a fair amount of time and work that you can get done before the machine overheats.

A word of caution to beginners: the control panel of this model may be a bit overwhelming at first, because there are a lot of options that you need to set before you can start your work. It will definitely require a bit more intensive studying and tweaking until you are satisfied with the output of the machine.

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One challenge to the AHP 200X is that it is not lightweight. It is 31 kilograms and you will likely need to invest in a cart to quickly transport it from one place to another.

Now to the strongest selling point of this device—which, ironically, is also one of its greatest challenges. This welding machine has a number of options that you can use to work on difficult types of welds, such as the pulse frequency and the 2T/4T switch for when you need to weld out of position with a foot pedal. This is the instrument for welding veterans who want to get straight to work on out of position welds and other slightly complex metalworking activities. The AHP 200X will be capable of seeing you through the job while simultaneously mitigating your exposure to risk. I feel that this is the strongest selling point of the AHP 200X; that it is capable of performing difficult or inconvenient welds while remaining relatively user-friendly for beginners.

Do you see yourself as the kind of welder who will be working on a variety of jobs? Consider taking on the AHP 200X. This is a robust and dependable model that can work on complicated welds in the long run.

Top 3 Beginner-Friendly Stick Welders

These are my top two picks for stick welders that beginners should take a look into as in my opinion they serve the best despite prior knowledge about such tasks and operations.

LINCOLN ELECTRIC CO K1170 AC225, 60Hz Arc Welder

You’re looking at one of Lincoln Electric’s most established bestsellers. The AC 225 model has been a mainstay of the brand for more than forty years now and it has been a staple when it comes to professional welding.

This welding machine has a broad amperage range of 40A to 225A. This is an important consideration that you need to think about because the minimum and maximum amperage figures give you a glimpse of the kinds of metal that your machine can work on. Amperage is the measurement of a machine’s capacity to generate heat and power, which can differ according to the weld you want and the metal you are working on.

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In addition to the welding machine, the AC 225 is also bundled with the ground and electrode clamps. I would recommend buying an extra set of electrodes while you are making this purchase so that you are well-equipped when you get to work.

I appreciated how easy it was to set up this welding machine. Right after I got it out of the box, all I needed to do was attach the ground clamp and stingers to the cable ends. I figured out that there are distinctive markings that you can use to guide you into which wire goes where, as one of the challenges I faced initially was that they did not mention which cable connects to where in the instruction manual.

Suppose you’re the kind of welder who prefers a classic, tried and tested machine to get you started. The Lincoln Electric AC 225 is the product you’ve been looking for. It has been around the longest and it is still a crowd favorite.

YESWELDER ARC Welder IGBT Stick MMA Welder

This YesWelder machine is the second in my list of the best welders for beginners for certain reasons. It’s not heavy at all and very lightweight so carrying it around hasn’t been an issue on my account. I deem it a prime choice for beginners because it is one of those welders that I could use right out of the box without having to put much effort in preparing it up.

I wasn’t really certain if it’s going to deliver the amount of performance the company promised so I ended up testing it out with three different rods: 6013 (Forney), 7018 (Forney) and 7018 (ESAB) – all at 220v just to see the difference. I adjusted the dial at 100A with 220v and put it to work and realized both the 7018 rods have performed in the most impressive ways.

I pulled out my DC clamp meter to check how much the current flow varies from the actual setting. It turned out to be around 25%-30% in variable scenarios but never more than that. Which means, if you set your amp settings at 100A, you’ll get an actual output of around 75A which has been at times 70% for a few people I know. It’s not a lot and for the price it’s certainly not too bad.

What I noticed from my few weeks experience with the machine is that it took some time to heat up the 6013 1/4″ rods at 100A, so I prefer working at 145A to see it work well in different types of joint runs. So my recommendation for you would be not to take it someplace cold as it has the potential to slow down by taking a longer than usual time to heat up.

All the cables, electrodes and clamps that this YesWelder machine came with felt up to the mark except for the AC source that seemed like it was made of plastic. If you’re a newbie I’d ask you to be a little cautious while working around it. The gator jaws held the electrodes at every angle I wanted so that’s a big plus for such a machine.

So long story short, it’s a great budget Stick welder for ones who are new to welding and different amp settings make it even more interesting. Since it’s very easy to get used to, the learning curve won’t be very difficult for most of the consumers. Only downside is that it doesn’t work well with every type of electrode, so a few trials and errors are needed to set yourself up on the right path.

ARC Reboot 135

The last, but definitely not the least to be featured on this list is the ARC Reboot 135. I appreciated how easy it was to comprehend the controls and the setup of this welder. This welding machine is advertised to be capable of working on all kinds of ferrous metals, and in my experience this claim holds true. I’ve put it to the test on carbon steel, alloy steel, and other types of metal. It has consistently resulted in strong and clean welds.

The ARC Reboot 135 runs on a 60% duty cycle for 3.2mm rods. This is more than enough power for an entire day of welding, which is an advantage for beginners who want to dive straight into welding.

This welding machine is compatible with both 110V and 220V—still an advantage for beginners because they can go straight from using it in their homes to plugging it into workshops. In my experience, I did not observe any fluctuations in quality between the different sources of power.

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If you ever decide on buying the ARC Reboot 135, you will also get a five-foot electrode holder and a five-foot earth clamp. These are two essential items to the welding process, and it’s good to know that you don’t need to think of any additional costs in this respect when you’re out buying your machine.

This machine weighs only 5.6 kilograms. This makes it the most lightweight machine on this list. In fact, it’s so easy to carry that you can even haul it along with just one hand. It may seem like it takes up a lot more space than other welding machine models, but this is only to accommodate the amount of ventilation needed for quality performance inside the machine.

To conclude, this is one of the best welders on the market! It is incredibly lightweight, flexible, and consistent in its work. If you are a beginner who wants to get busy straightaway or who wants to specialize in stick welding, then this is the model that you have been looking for.

Beginner’s Multi-Process Welders: 2 Prime Picks

Ones who are looking for one welding machine that can do everything without difficulty of the setup procedure, then two of my choices would be the ones that I’ve reviewed in this section.

WeldPro 200 3 in 1 Multi Process Welder

Looking for a well-rounded and versatile welding machine? Look no further than the WeldPro 200. This mid-range machine is capable of several functions, which we will quickly go over below.

Apart from Flux core and MIG welding, this model can also perform stick welding, aluminum welding, and TIG welding. In my experience, I found it easy to switch between different modes so that I could work on different types of metal. I enjoyed working on different pieces with just one machine by my side.

One clear advantage for beginners in this welding machine has over the others would be its display. The dual digital display takes care of tracking your machine’s status. With this support, you can devote more time paying attention to your weld.

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Finally, one small but important feature I would like to highlight in this welder model would be how all the controls you need to know about are highlighted. When you’re in the middle of work and you need to switch from one setting to another, then all you should do is look for the familiar yellow highlights to make the necessary adjustments. When you are a beginner and you need to think on your toes, this feature goes a long way in ensuring seamless welds.

Two years is a reasonable amount of time to understand how your machine works and what you must do to keep it well-maintained. This welding machine has a two-year warranty, so you know that you are supported even after your purchase.

Overall, this multifunctional welder is a worthwhile addition to any toolkit. It’s a solid model to start with if you want to try your hand at multiple welding methods instead of just sticking to one. While it is not one of the cheapest models available, it is definitely one of the most worthwhile investments to make—especially when you consider everything that this device is capable of doing.

Forney Easy Weld 140 MP, Multi-Process Welder

Forney is one of those brands that excels at providing consumers with quality welding goods, and their multi-process Easy Weld machine is certainly something that delivers right out of the box. From the initial looks it might not look like the most deluxe welder on the market, but after using it for a sufficient amount of time I’ve made my mind that looks don’t matter, only outcomes do.

I tested out 1/4″, 1/8″ and 1/16” electrodes on this machine just to see how it stands against different tasks and I must say, it has performed significantly well considering the price range. I’ve made some of my ugliest beads but those have been sturdy and had my car’s welding job done without seeking refuge in my premium welders that I frequently use.

My Mig duties have been slowed down though using the Forney welder for obvious reasons since it’s an entry level beginner welder with certain limitations. But it gets the job done and I reckon it’s great for ones who are new to it and have the intention to learn unexplored welding territories.

Another downside I should state is that, although Forney states it can run at 140v but in actuality it’s 120v so you better keep that in mind. Other than that, I never reached its duty cycle despite using it on long days, no breakage of circuit and no other hampers whatsoever. One major upside to this small welding machine is that it can easily run on generators so I was able to work outside without facing any major issues.

Both Tig and Arch duties have been over-par with this welder but you should consider the price range before you compare it with specialized and pricey devices from prominent brands. I’d say it’s an overall fine product with above average outcome on every field, and is a great learners’ machine to get a taste of every welding mode – all in one machine.

Factors To Consider To Find Your Best Starter Welder

What do you think your first purchase will look like? There are tons of machines out there for you to consider, and the industry is constantly developing new ways to enhance your craft as a welder. Since this is most likely your first time shopping for a welding machine, it might get a bit overwhelming—especially when you have to think of accessories, maintenance requirements, and the like. To help you with your work, here are some crucial considerations that you should make before you splurge.

Welding Tips for Beginners

I’ll put out a few tips that new welding enthusiasts must follow in order to avoid safety hazards, increase the machine’s durability and generate fine results overall.

Safety-First

What you must consider during your welding sessions despite being a beginner or a veteran is that your safety comes before anything else. Wear welding gloves, certified welding helmet, fire resistant jacket, keep a fire extinguisher around and the circuit breaker at arm’s reach if there’s an emergency situation. Pick an open space to allow the fumes to fall without interacting with anything and keep any inflammable objects away from the site.

Check the Cables

You must ensure that all the cables are firmly connected and the gas lines are in perfect shape with no leakage. I do this before each of my operations and doing it for years has minimized my chances of causing unprecedented incidents and increased functionality.

Clean Regularly

Since you’re new to the welding sector, make sure that the surface you’re welding on is clean. Because any sort of dirt, residue or grease left on the surface can decrease the quality of your welding and generate results that are undesirable and non-durable.

Familiarization with the Machine

You must know where certain buttons or switches are on the interface and how specific things function. Having a sound knowledge about the machine pays up in the long run and allows you to diffuse emergency situations in the fastest possible time.

Grow Confidence

The longer you spend in welding, the more confidence you’ll gain each day. Confidence is of high essence during any type of welding and you won’t have it from day one. Over time you’ll see that your confidence is guiding you to try out new types of welding and perfect your craft to be rendered as a professional welder producing top-notch results.

Maintain Regularly

Maintaining your welding machine and its accessories must be a part of your daily routine. It keeps your things in good condition and increases durability. Remember, an unmaintained machine can betray you at any time, but a well-maintained one is nothing short of a best friend in the shape of a welding machine.

Working With Your Welder

I hope you enjoyed this article on the best welders for beginners! It’s always inspiring to see people take up this craft and learn to construct things on their own. This industry has been growing dramatically in the past few years and I look forward to seeing all the new developments that are coming down the pipeline.

I hope that this guide, at the very least, has managed to clarify some of your biggest doubts and has pointed you in the right direction. It’s a tough job and there is definitely a steep learning curve at first, but there are tons of opportunities that you can pursue once you understand how to work with your welder.

The most important thing that you need to remember is that you shouldn’t rush when it comes to picking your first welder. Try allocating as much time as possible to figuring out the kind of model that you need before you decide on buying one. Your first welding machines is going to be your partner in crime for a while, so you gotta be sure that the first purchase is your the best purchase. Think of what you want to get out of your machine in the long run, and whether you plan to go any further into the welding industry as well. Maybe you just want to invest in a simple machine for your household needs, or you’re looking for a device that can effectively grow with you in your career. Regardless of what the answer is, rest assured that there is a corresponding welder in this list.

Here’s to taking that first big step!