Mig welding technique is easy to learn and apply. That’s why beginners start learning welding with Mig or GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding). As a beginner you should start the welding with mig. And to do so you need to know which mig welder is best for beginners. To answer the question, I have designed this article.
You will be able to choose a best mig welder for beginning the welding journey.
List Of Best Beginners Mig Welder
- Lincoln Electric LE31MP MIG Welder– (Best Mig Welder Overall)
- Prime Weld MIG180 Mig Welder– (Best Duel Voltage Mig welder)
- YESWELDER Digital MIG-205DS MIG Welder– (Best For Value)
- LOTOS MIG Welder – (Best For Durability)
- TOOLIOM Aluminum MIG Welder– (Best For Aluminum Welding)
- Goplus® MIG 130 Welder – (Best For Price)
- SIMDER MIG 140A Welder– (Lightest Cheap Mig Welder)
Why Trust The site
I am a welder for more than a decades and have been experienced many welder in my life. I am using most of the welder mentioned here for different projects so I know how they perform. In addition, I do research online seeking for information from actual users of the machines and also read the reviews that customers give in Amazon and the company website.
1. Lincoln LE31Mp Mig Welder Review
Lincoln LE31MP MIG is a reputed Welder for outstanding welding performance. Since Lincoln provides all the essential accessories of a welding process, beginners can rely on this. This package is arranged in such a way that the new welding employees do not have to rush.
Besides, this Welder ensures an easy user interface. It is easy to set up the welder for any project. With default settings you can mig weld 24 gauge to 3/16″ steel plate as well as 1/4″ plate using self shielded Lincoln wire with single pass. You can also Tig weld 1/8″ steel plate and stick weld up to 3/16″ plate with the single machine. So you can see that the welder is multi-purpose which saves you money.
Features:
- Dimensions: 13.6 in x 8.9 in x 18.1 in
- Input power: 120v at 60hz frequency
- Output: 30-140a
- Duty Cycle: 60%@ 95a for mig welding
- Application: Shop work, Heavy-duty work, Farm, Home & Automobile welding
- Warranty: 3 Years
One of the best feature of Lincoln LE31Mp is its versatility. There are a lot of well-performed welders in the market that are suitable for respectively MIG, TIG, or Flux-Core welding. But Lincoln is suitable for versatile use, including Stick, MIG, TIG, Flux Core welding. So, this Welder is ideal for versatile welders.
Lincoln comes with an easy-to-understand control panel. The control panel is designed with some simple indicator buttons. So, the beginners can easily understand the display record.
Luckily, you will get a pre-assembled system from this Lincoln welder. So, as a beginner, you don’t have to take the hassle of settings. The stealthy motor provides a wide range of amperage. In the meantime, the drive box mechanism provides added torque to the welding system.
The welder comes up with a 10ft electrode cable, a 10ft power cord, a Magnum pro 100L gun, contact tips of 0.025 & 0.035, a weld clamp with 10ft cable and a spool of NR®-211-MP wire.
Customers in Amazon have given 4.6-4.7 start out of 5 for the welder. One customer named Moby is very much pleased with welder. He has been using it to weld sheet metal in mig setting and also he shifts to stick welding easily for heavy metals. He has praised the versatility of the welder.
Overall, the Lincoln MIG welder is ideal for Aluminum weld, Flux-Cored, MIG, STICK and TIG welding. The dimensions of , and the weight is 46 pounds.
What I Liked Most
- Essential kits and accessories are included with this Welder
- It comes with a carrying bag that makes it portable
- It allows TIG welding without a paddle
What I didn’t Like
- Lincoln Electric MIG welder is comparatively heavier
- The price of Lincoln welder is higher
You can choose this Welder because of its versatility, automatic controlling system and pre-assembly features. You won’t regret buying that as a beginner.
2. Prime Weld MIG180 Mig Welder
Prime Weld is one of the best-selling MIG welder. It performs best for welding Aluminum with regular MIG and Flux core techniques. The dual voltage system, good power amperage, multi-functions, and easy use-ability make this Prime Weld attractive to the welding professional.
Features
- Dimension:18.4 x 9.7 x 14.2 inches
- Weight:30lbs
- Input:110v & 120v
- Output: 80-120amp
- Duty Cycle: 30%
- Warranty: 3 Years
PrimeWeld is designed as a wire feed welder that is more convenient than another. Even the user can get a better experience in difficult welding.
We know that aluminum welding needs a special spool gun for welding. PrimeWeld comes with its spool gun. Also it contains a 10ft mig gun, 220v-110v adapter, a 12″ ground clamp, a gas hose regulator, a 10ft electrode holder, 2lb of mig wire, 0.023-0.035″ v-groove drive roll and extra contact tips.
This welder also contains 2T/4T torch trigger lock functionality. This feature basically let you weld for a long time without hurting your fingers. The arc weld will strike while you press 2T or 2 touch trigger and stops when you put off your finger. And the arc will strike while you touch the trigger in case of 4T or 4 touch trigger. Only touching and untouched would be enough to let the arc strike.
About 303 people have given 4.8 star review in company website. See what a customer says about the product bellow.
What I Liked
- It is compatible with multiple welding process
- Nice customer support for product-related issues
- It comes as a ready-to-use box
- Includes Built-in Shielding Gas solenoid
What I Didn’t Like
- PrimeWeld is a heavier welding machine
Watch the following video for better understanding the prime weld.
The PrimeWeld MiG180 is a winner for its ease of use and outstanding performance.
3. YESWELDER Digital MIG-205DS Welder
Yeswelder MIG welder is one of the most attractive welders nowadays. It is designed with a multi-function process, easy settings, dual voltage and versatile welding facilities.
Moreover, this machine exists with automatic synergic Control and IGBT inverter technology to ensure better performance. Despite having these excellent features, Yeswelder is not so expensive.
Features
- Dimensions: 21.2 x 13.9 x 13.2 inches
- Weight: 44.6 pounds
- Process: Mig, Flux Core, Tig & Stick Welding
- Duty Cycle: 60%@ 180a
- Input: 1101v & 220v
- Warranty: 1.5 years
This machine operates in synergic method, will have an automatic wire feed according to voltage and amperage. Good to know that a pre-set welding machine provides finer tune-in welding.
With the default setting, the machine can mig weld aluminum, stainless steel, mild steel easily. You should use 100% Co2 shielding gas to mig weld steel, 25% Co2 and 75% argon to mig weld carbon steel and 2% Co2 and 98% argon to mig weld stainless steel & 100% argon for aluminum.
With 0.030″ & 0.035″ wire you can weld all the steel. To mig weld aluminum you can use 0.035″ & 0.045″ wire.
The arc quality of YESWELDER is impressive. The users only require a little expertise to minimize the spatter in welding. Arch quality allows the pressure to be hard or soft according to the requirements.
One user of yeswelder says, the welder adds good value for home projects. About 2167 customers have rated the welder 4.5 out of 5 in amazon.
The wire feed system is made of metal. This welder machine ensures welding quality by using metal-made wire feeding.
What I Liked
- It is compatible with dual-voltage power supply options
- Great for respectively MIG, stick, and flux core welding
- Lightweight, compacted size and included carrying bag make it portable
- It comes with a dust cover that protects the machine
What I Didn’t Like
- The Inverter technology may create some longevity issues
- Its internal fan is continuously running and reduces the power
Lotos Mig is one of the versatile and technologically improved welders. It is designed with special transformer technology. The transformer technology makes it a durable and reliable welder for versatile use. Lotos has an aluminum wire feeder compatible with mild steel, aluminum and stainless-steel welding.
Features
- Dimension: 21 x 18 x 14.25 inches
- Weight: 38.6 pounds
- Weldable Metal: Stainless Steel, Mild Steel, Aluminum
- Input Voltage: 200-240v
- Duty Cycle: 20% @175a and 30% @135a
- Warranty: 3 Years
For durability, LOTOS Mig stands out as the most reliable Welder among another contemporary Welder. Especially the transformer technology makes it more reliable.
LOTOS is made with a durable aluminum wire feeder that can give you a better welding experience with mild steel, regular steel and aluminums wire. You can weld 18 gauge- 1/4″ mild steel and stainless steel, 3/16″ or thinner aluminum with the welder easily. This Welder includes a spool gun for aluminum welding. The spool gun is longer, about 10’-4″ to weld on a 3/16″ aluminum base.
All required components for aluminums welding are included in this package. These components are a MIG torch, ground clamp cable, gas hose, argon regulator, steel wire and aluminum spool gun.
Customers are very much happy with the welder as a part of their playing tools. About 525 customers have reviewed the product in amazon and given 4.6 star out of 5. A customer named The point says the welder is best for money. With this money, the welder is providing best value which is unmatchable.
What I Liked
- A re-settable protection system to meet overload
- It comes with 30 days of refund and a 3-year warranty
- The manufacturer provides excellent warranty and customer support
What I Didn’t Like
- The optimum speed is not predictable for a particular project
- Some customers complaint they get damaged welder. So check the package and the welder when it is shipped to you. If find any damage return within 7 days.
The consumer should consider purchasing this welder machine due to its excellent transformer technology, versatility, and durability.
5. TOOLIOM TL-200M MIG Welder
Tooliom is the name of reliability in the world e of MIG welders. It is designed for both novice and expert weld operators. The three-in-one function makes this welding machine flexible and versatile. Additionally, the dual voltage input design makes Tooliom more appealing to customers.
Features:
- Dimension: 21 x 18 x 14.25 inches
- Weight: 34.95lbs
- Input Voltage: 110v & 220v
You can rely on Tooliom welder for welding with advanced technologies and multi-tasking functions. You can do mig welding, flux core welding, Stick and tig welding with this single welder. The MIG synergistic setting allows the professional to set the parameter automatically. The manual setting, on the other hand, is designed for beginners.
Another notable feature of Tooliom is its compatibility with multiple welding wires. So, you can use this for welding with GMAW wire, metal-cored wire, aluminum and FCAW wire.
It comes with a 9.8″ hose, one adapter, a 10″ ground clamp, a Mig torch with 10″ cable, a 10″ electrode holder, a wire brush & a knurled groove. The welder can weld up to 5/32″ mild steel using 0.030″ solid wire and up to 1/8″ plate with 0.035 mig wire.
Customers are happy with the welder. About 2270 customers reviewed the product and given 4.5* in amazon. One of the customer David commented about the welder that it is very good welder at the price. He is not a professional welder but found this welder easy to operate which is great for a beginner.
What I Liked
- The synergistic and manual setting makes it convenient for newbie
- It is compatible to use for various welding wire
- Tooliom is suitable for gas mig, flux mig and lift Tig
- It is designed with a MIG manual setting system for beginners.
- A dual voltage input system ensures the power of this Welder
What I Didn’t Like
- The enclosure part is made from low-grade plastic
- The price is a bit overhyped according to other welders
Its multi-tasking functions and compatibility with novice and expert users are the two core reasons to consider this Welder.
If you face any problem while welding with the machine or find any error in the machine contact the Tooliom customer support at: support@tooliom.com
6. Goplus 130 Mig Welder
Goplus MIG 130 is considered the best entry-level Welder for beginners because of easy accessibility, affordability and portability. It is a welder with an automatic feeding system that ensures precise welding in the home and profession.
Especially, Goplus MIG is an excellent choice for making sculptures or decorations. In the meantime, note that it is made from stainless steel. Let’s know the key features that can hook you with this Welder.
Features
- Dimension: 14 x 8 x 12 inches
- Weight: 35 pounds
- Input Voltage: 120V
- Duty Cycle: 100%@40.5a, 66%@50a, 45.9%@60a, 33.8%@70a, 25.8%@80a, 20.4%@90a & 16.5%@100a
- Warranty: 1 Year
Goplus offers a moderate 12-inch longer handle. Having a longer handle can make your welding process luxurious and effective. A longer weld handle can reduce the welding stress and the user’s tiredness.
Another great feature of Goplus MIG is its excellent voltage. It is designed with 100-volt features that help to measure the potential difference. Besides, well voltage measures the produced heat while welding.
It is very important to have a moderately longer cord with the Welder. A longer cord helps to connect the Welder from the main power to the lower source. Luckily, you are getting a 12.5-inch longer cord with Goplus that makes the welding easier.
This welder machine has all required welding accessories, including a welding gun, welding wire, wire brush, metal tip and ground Cord. Therefore, a welding operator does not have to search for anything separately.
An excellent feature of Goplus of its built-in circuit breaker to prevent excess current inside the welding machine. The circuit breaker is support for device safety.
What I Liked
- The long cord and long handle design make it easier to access
- Portable size ensures easy storage and transportation
- The affordable price makes it convenient to purchase for all
- Safety circuit breaker and good voltage range
- Included all needed accessories
What I Didn’t Like
- Some customers have complained about the lacking of inert gas.
The core three reasons for purchasing a Goplus welder are low cost, easy accessibility and four output voltage settings.
7. SIMDER MIG 140A Welder Machine
SIMDER comes with outstanding performance in arc and MIG welding. If you are looking for two in one feature, then SIMDER would be best. It comes as a complete welding kit package to make welding easier. Besides, this Welder is compatible with versatile use on different applications. The IGBT & Inverter technology and Synergic mode are also designed for beginners.
Features
- Dimensions: 14.1 x 11.3 x 8.6 inches
- Weight: 13.77 pounds
- Input Voltage: 110v/220v
- Output: 20-130Amp
- Duty Cycle: 35%
- Warranty: 1 Year
It is designed with a mechanism to support both MIG and arc welding. So, you can cover two types of welding with one device.
It is designed in such a way that newbies can learn it easily. Especially in synergic mode voltage, amperage is all set. So, newbies don’t have to worry about the amount of voltage and amperage when wire feeding.
It has come with IGBT & Inverter technology to make this device efficient for beginners. SIMDER MIG Welder is compatible with .030″ (0.8mm) and .035″ (1.0mm) wire. Besides, it is compatible with multiple welding rods including E7018. Overall, SIMDER is ideal for a wide range of welding.
What I Liked
- This Welder is ultralight in weight
- Versatile using iron, carbon, steel
- Compatible for household and DIY projects
- Included all required components
What i Didn’t Like
- It is not so powerful to use in industrial projects
These welders have been made keeping in mind the utmost comfort of beginners. Therefore, beginners should choose this for doing easy welding.
Why You Should Choose Best Mig Welder For Beginners
You should find and choose best welder to mig weld if you are beginner. The reasons are as follow-
1. Ease of Use
Beginners often find MIG welders easier to use compared to other welding processes like TIG or Stick welding. The simple setup and user-friendly controls make it accessible for those new to welding. Look for a MIG welder with a straightforward interface, adjustable settings, and clear instructions.
2. Versatility
The best MIG welders offer versatility in terms of the materials they can weld. For instance, a MIG welder that can handle various thicknesses of metals like steel and aluminum provides beginners with the flexibility to work on a range of projects, from automotive repairs to DIY home projects.
3. Speed and Efficiency
MIG welding is known for its speed and efficiency. The continuous wire feed allows for faster welding compared to some other processes. This can be especially beneficial for beginners who may not want to spend excessive time on a project. Look for a MIG welder with a high duty cycle and adjustable wire speed for optimal efficiency.
4. Clean Welds and Minimal Cleanup
MIG welding produces clean and neat welds with minimal splatter when compared to other methods. For beginners, this means less time spent on post-weld cleanup. Choosing a MIG welder with good shielding gas supply and wire options contributes to cleaner welds, reducing the need for extensive grinding or smoothing after welding.
5. Cost-Effectiveness
MIG welding is often considered cost-effective for beginners. The machine and equipment’s for mig welding is cheaper than other welding process like Tig welding. The ease of use and efficiency can save money in the long run. Look for a MIG welder that offers a good balance between price and features. Beginners must get value for their investment without compromising on essential capabilities.
6. Safety
Safety is paramount when engaging in MIG welding to ensure a secure working environment. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), a welding helmet with a proper shade to shield eye, gloves and closed-toe shoes to safeguard against potential burns. Additionally, don flame-resistant clothing, gloves, and closed-toe shoes to safeguard against sparks and potential burns.
Things to Consider When Buying a Welder for Beginners
Welding is a sensitive task for beginners. Adequate knowledge of the welding process is essential to get good output. But first of all, it is important to purchase an ideal welder. Let’s know what to consider When Buying a Welder for Beginners. These factors will surely help you to get a best mig welder for early use.
# Quick and easy set-up
Welder that has quick set-up and usability are essential for beginners. In this case, you can purchase a welder with an automatic synergic system. The synergic system included Welder comes with all pre-sets functions. This way, you don’t have to set anything as new, which makes the welding process easier.
# Metal Thickness and types
There are different welder machines in the market with individual features. Those welders are designed for different metals and thicknesses. For starters, it’s better to know in advance about the types and thickness of the welding metal your Welder will support.
# Controls Display
It is important to choose a welder with a digital control display. Having a digital screen with easy user interface is important for beginners. So, choose a welder with a control display to read and adjust your required welding parameters.
# Required power of the Welder
Consider the power of your chosen Welder. As a beginner, you should know the performance of different individual-powered machines. Using a welder with 5,000 and 15,000 watts for general welding is recommended.
# Portability
A portable device is convenient for both experts and beginners. A portable welding machine you can take anywhere you want. Besides, a portable welder is easy to store in small place. Additionally, your device is easy to move while using.
# What Duty Cycle
Welder duty cycle means the required amperage before getting cool. Try to use a welder with a 40%-60% duty cycle is good for medium-duty welding. On the other hand, 50%-85% duty cycle is good for the heavy-duty welding. As you are a beginner so you don’t require heavy duty cycle.
# Welder Price and Budget
Budget is important as welders are available from low to very high prices.
However, welders designed for beginners are available at very reasonable prices. We suggest making a budget and adjusting the budget to your Welder’s requirements.
Should you buy a Cheap or Expensive Welder as a beginner?
You can start your welding with a cheap welder. Remember, cheap Welder means more in quality. On the other hand, an expensive one doesn’t always mean a higher performer. Just make sure to check the basic required features in your chosen Welder.
Generally, beginner’s Welder is available at an affordable price. Most entry-level welders are designed with the required features and convenience. So, don’t worry about the price.
On the other hand, a welder with advanced features is known as an expensive welder. Therefore, the price does not matter. You have to focus on the Welder with easy accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How many amps should a welding machine have for beginners?
The recommended welding process for beginners is MIG or stick. It is good to adjust the amperage level according to the metal thickness. So, one ampere for every thousandth of an inch thickness. So, you can use 75 to 80 amps for 2mm thickness.
2. Should a beginner start with a multi-process welder?
Yes, a beginner can start their welding with a multi-process welder. Multi-process welders come with a few features priced within a reasonable budget. On the other hand, the individually featured welders are quite extensive and do not require a beginner.
3. Are mig welders good for beginner welders?
Yes, MIG welder is good for beginner’s Welder. MIG is good for them because there is no need to fill the Welder continuously. Besides, MIG is the fastest and semi-automatic process that is easy to learn.
4. What size MIG welder should I buy as a beginner?
It would help if you bought a 120-volt MIG welder, and good to use on sheet metal. The primary sheet welding may apply to motorcycle frames and car body panels. However, you must use a powerful MIG welder to weld on 3/8″ mild steel metal.
Final Words
Here is the end of our review guide on “best Mig welder for beginners.” We have reviewed 7 different Mig welders for Beginners in this guide. You may choose any of them to mig weld perfectly. I recommend you start with a good quality welder like Lincoln and Prime mig welder as you need safety as well as good quality weld to make you confident.