Mig Welder

M etal Inert Gas (MIG) welding is the most popular welding method, as it is faster and produces less of a mess than its TIG and stick alternatives. MIG welders have gained their popularity due to their power and ability to fuse metals at a fast pace, a quality that made them the number one tool in mass production. Moreover, they are easy to use even by beginners, as they deliver great quality without requiring complicated steps to be followed.

When it comes to prices, the range is pretty broad, reflecting their power output, the length of the duty cycle or the thickness of the materials they can weld. However, there is a model for every pocket and we’ve made sure our top includes a great variety of welders, all performant and durable, so you can make a well-informed choice.

Top 14 Mig Welders Compared

Photo	Product Name	Output (amp.)	Material Thickness(in.)	Duty Cycle	Wire Range	Price
Best Overall	1. Lincoln Electric K4195-1	210	5/16, 3/16	40% at @ 100 amp.	0.030″-0.045″
	2. LOTOS BC-QJA8-561N	175	1/4	20% @175 A	0.025″- 0.030″	Check Price
Editor’s Choice	3. Hobart 500554	25-190	5/16	30% @130 A	0.030”	Check Price
Best Value	4. Hobart 500559	25-140	1/4	20% @90 A	0.030”	Check Price
	5. REBOOT MIG-175	30-170	1/8	85%	0.025″-0.030″	Check Price
	6. Eastwood MIG 135 WELDER	25-135	1/4, 3/16	20% @ 90 A	Solid: 0.023”-0.030”, Stainless: 0.023”-0.030”, Flux Cored: 0.030”-0.035”
	7. Mophorn MIG 200 Amp 220V	200	3/8	60%	N/A	Check Price
Best for Beginners	8. Lincoln Electric K2278-1	35-88	1/8	20%	0.035”
	9. Forney 261	140	1/4	30% @90 A	0.030″	Check Price
	10. Goplus MIG 130	130	N/A	15% at @150 amp.	0.030″
Budget Pick	11. SUNGOLDPOWER MIG-150	80-150	1/4	15%	0.030” – 0.035”	Check Price
	12. Display4top MIG 130 PLUS	30-120	N/A	35%	0.035”	Check Price
	13. VIVOHOME Portable MIG 130	50-120	3/5	15%	N/A	Check Price
	14. Super Deal MIG 130	130	3/8	10-35%	0.023” to 0.035”	Check Price

1. Lincoln Electric K4195-1

If you are looking for precision, power and quality results, you can never go wrong with a Lincoln. Welding has become easier than ever with this model that is not only strong and fast, ready to handle stainless steel and aluminum, but highly-versatile due to the compact structure that allows you to carry it around your garage, use it outside or transport it to another location. Not to mention that it weighs only 40 pounds, so you shouldn’t have any problem picking it up.

Top-Notch Technology

It’s hard to obtain professional results if you don’t use the proper tool, and everybody agrees that high-quality results are directly connected to power and precision. K4195-1 comes with one of the strongest motors in its class, able to produce an outstanding output of 210 amperes. Thus, it allows you to weld through stainless steel that is as thick as 5/16 inches, and 3/16-inch aluminum, so if you have a big project coming that requires working with multiple types of metals, it might be exactly what you need. Besides that, the duty cycle is 40% around 100 amperes and the wires range between 0.030” and 0.045”, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and advanced users.

Durable Structure

Apart from being compact, with a length of 29 inches, a width of 10.5 inches, and a height of only 6 inches, it comes with a strong case, designed to protect the mechanism inside. All-metal and coated in a red finish to protect it against corrosion and rust, it is resistant against bumps and scratches. Moreover, everything is included, so the job can start as soon as possible, and by this, we mean the gun, input cables, clamp, cable, gas regulator, hose, spindle adaptor, and many other useful accessories.

Intuitive Control Panel

It was designed for professionals, but keeping in mind that beginners might need it too. Therefore, the control panel is provided with push-and-turn knobs, and everything is explained through colorful charts, so you can easily figure out where everything goes and how every function should be handled. Worthy to mention as well are the dual voltage inputs that allow you to use it either with a 120-volt outlet or with a 230-volt one.

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2. LOTOS BC-QJA8-561N

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Welding should be fast and precise and, even more important, should hold, so if you are planning to do some quality work, a powerful welder, equipped with everything it needs to get going in only ten minutes, is always a wise choice. LOTOS BC-QJA8-561N comes with an 8-foot solid torch and a 6-foot power cable that allow you to move freely around your working space. Designed to be used with flux core, it can fuse almost any type of metal, starting from aluminum to steel and stainless steel. Plus, it has a great duty cycle of 60% around the 60A range and 20% when it works at full capacity, which is more than enough for performant welding sessions.

You will get the power of 175 amperes that can strongly melt and fuse 18 gauge – 1/4” steel ranging from mild to stainless. Moreover, it includes a 10-foot 4-inch long spool gun, 1 lb. aluminum wire with a diameter of 0.9 mm and a 4-prong end connection that can be used with 3/16” aluminum, allowing you the freedom to work with different metal types and sizes.

Apart from the wire feed spool gun, which is a great bonus, as it is usually sold separately, the package includes all the necessary accessories to ensure your protection during welding. This means a face shield, to keep sparks away, an argon regulator, gas hose, clamp cable, and 0.025”-0.030” range wires. Plus, you get a set of cleaning brushes to help you keep the torch and spool gun in great shape after every utilization, and the consumables required for first-time use, so you couldn’t dream about a more easy assembly process.

If you are just discovering the mysteries of the welding technology, this model has just the right design to assist you in every learning step. Precise and easy to maintain, and with an amperage that can vary between 35 and 175, it can be used both for small projects and extended welding works. Furthermore, it is covered by a 1-year warranty and the manufacturer offers you the possibility to return it within 30 days if you consider it is not really what you needed.

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3. Hobart 500554

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Hobart has made itself a name on the welder market due to its highly versatile and effective products, and this model surely isn’t an exception. Able to produce an output of 190 ampers, it will fuse 24 gauge to 5/16 inches thick metals ranging from aluminum to stainless steel. This makes it perfect for extended DIY projects like auto or marine repair, outdoor equipment or metal sculpture welding. The spool gun is the one that allows you to fuse aluminum and you will find it extremely practical as it plugs in directly, without requiring any additional control box. With 7 voltage selections, it puts you in control of output settings and provides increased wire speeding feed and arc performance.

The duty cycle is 30% at around 130 ampers, surpassing many models in its class and ensuring the efficiency of the welding. Furthermore, the whole machine is ready for use in just a few minutes, as instructions are easy to understand and well-explained in the manual that comes with it. It only needs a 230V wall outlet, as all the other accessories are already included and by this we mean a 10-foot MIG gun, a gas hose, gauge regulator, contact tips, 8-inch spool adapter, and many others.

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4. Hobart 500559

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Portability is what makes this product popular, along with its outstanding power and control functions, all incorporated in a compact, easy-to-install machine. It weighs only 57 pounds, considerably less than its big brother 500554 and allows you to set the output by choosing one of the 5 temperature settings. Therefore, you will get the best performance no matter if you are fusing aluminum, copper, brass, iron or titanium alloys. Moreover, it offers a broad amperage range going from 25 to 140, able to weld 24 gauge up to 1/4 inches in mild steel.

Although this model doesn’t include any safety equipment like welding helmet, gloves or a jacket, it comes with a multitude of accessories and a great set-up guide, that allow you to get it ready for welding in no more than 15 minutes. The package includes a 10-foot MIG gun, a gauge regulator, gas hose, contact tips, 0.030-inch flux-core wires, and an 8-inch spool adapter.

You will also appreciate the top-notch arc performance, which can fill craters and operate smoothly on all materials, no matter if they are thicker or thinner. The duty cycle is 20% at 90 amps which is more than enough for well-done works on variate projects such as exhaust systems, outdoor equipment, trailer frames, or auto body panels.

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5. REBOOT MIG-175

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Reboot put all its craft and knowledge in this impressive machine which is able to perform a 60% duty cycle at 170 A and an 100% at 120 A. Performance is the best word to describe this welder that uses gas with 1kg and 5kg welding wires to fuse a multitude of metals like mild steel, aluminum or stainless steel with a thickness of 0.8 mm. up to 1 mm. You can also use it with 1 kg or 5 kg flux-cored wires if you wish to weld steel without using gas. Good to know, this welder went through multiple quality tests like Life Test, Welding Test, and QC Test and passed them without a problem.

Compact and weighing no more than 35.7 pounds, it offers the necessary portability required for projects that are too big to fit in your garage, being perfect for truck or marine repairs. With an output range of 30 to 170 amps, it can do some serious work and deliver long-lasting results. Furthermore, it is perfect for home use as the sound it produces is below the audio range.

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6. Eastwood MIG 135 WELDER

Perfect for auto body restoration or metal crafts, this welder is a great choice for home use, as it features a strong motor, able to produce a variable output between 25 and 135 amperes, and can easily weld mild and stainless steel up to 24 gauge. It can also accommodate solid core wires and flux core wires, so you won’t have any problem welding metals as thick as 3/16 inches and 1/4 inches respectively. Moreover, if you need to fuse aluminum, you can add the optional spool gun. Gas regulator and gauges are included for easier maneuverability and better control.

The control panel is intuitive and easy to use, featuring 2 knobs, one for voltage and the other for wire-speed adjustment. Furthermore, an on/off switch is available for safety purposes. With a duty cycle of 20% @ 90 A, it allows you to do some serious work before a break is required. The package includes an 8-foot ground cable, clamps, and a Tweco-style torch and you can use wires with the following diameters: stainless – 0.023”-0.030”, solid – 0.023”-0.030” and flux-cored – 0.030”-0.035”. Besides that, it comes at a great price and is backed by a generous 3-year warranty for parts and labor.

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7. Mophorn MIG 200 Amp 220V

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Need a welder that can handle multiple jobs without exceeding your budget? We’ve found it. Mophorn MIG 200 Amp 220V will not only provide 200 A MIG welding but MAG, ARC, and MMA, as it has these useful functions incorporated in its design. Plus, it delivers outstanding results, due to its advanced inverter technology that includes an electronic reactor circuit built to control the short electric transition and blend transition. Able to fuse metals that are 0.8 mm thick or more, it can be used both at home for metal decorations, auto and outdoor equipment repairs, or industrially for machinery manufacturing, iron processing or in the construction field.

With an output range of 40 to 200 A, it equals and even surpasses more expensive models in terms of power and efficiency. The duty cycle is 35% for MIG and 60% for MMA technology. Furthermore, although it is equipped with an 110V-shaped plug, it can be safely used with higher voltage as long as this doesn’t exceed 220V. Other important specs are the wire diameter, which goes between 0.8 and 1mm., the usable electrode length – between 1.6 and 4 mm, and the power factor of 0.93.

The accessories and protection equipment that are included in the package, namely the mask, brush, 3m 15AK torch, the electrode holder and the ground cable, are nothing but a big bonus. It also comes with a manual that explains every function and help you set it up in just a few minutes.

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8. Lincoln Electric K2278-1

Compact and lightweight, with a practical handle included, this unit will easily fit in any garage or workshop. The control panel is easy to read and use, so it will make a perfect first welding machine for a beginner, especially as it comes with the work lead, work clamp, gun, and cable already assembled. Furthermore, it plugs into a regular 115 V outlet, so no adapters are required, and includes all the necessary equipment for a safe and efficient job, namely a hand shield, a spool, flux-cored wire electrode, and a chipping hammer or brush.

The motor generates a variable output of 35 to 88 amperes, turning it into a versatile machine that can weld up to 1/8-inch mild steel. For safety purposes, a cold contractor feature is available and it is designed to keep the wire electrically cold until you press the gun trigger. Furthermore, the duty cycle is 20% @ 70 amperes, providing excellent efficiency. Worthy to mention is the 1-year warranty on parts and labor that will cover a large number of mishaps and manufacturing flaws.

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9. Forney 261

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This is another portable model with a lightweight and compact design that can be used in many locations for different types of projects. No matter if welding is your profession or a hobby, if you are an experienced craftsman or a beginner, you will find this tool incredibly easy to use, as it already includes most of the accessories like an 8’ MIG gun, a ground clamp, a handle with torch lamp and an adapter, to get you going as soon as possible. The case is made entirely of metal and can hold 2 to 10-pound rolls of wire, offering the necessary sturdiness for daily use and transportation.

Furthermore, when it comes to power, the 140 amperes output won’t disappoint you as it allows the fusing of up to 1⁄4 steel plates. The duty cycle reaches 30% around 90A and the machinery needs only 120V to get going. Moreover, it operates with 0.30” or 0.35” flux core wires and includes wire speed and voltage control that allows you to run it using the perfect power for any kind of material or project design.

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10. Goplus MIG 130

The sturdy heavy-duty stainless steel case and the compact design make Goplus MIG 130 one of the most popular choices among beginners. The reliability is increased by the durable paint layer that covers the case to maintain it in good shape and prevent the emergence of rust spots. It features a power output of 130 amperes and can weld through thinner metals, so it would make a good choice for projects that don’t require heavy-duty welding. However, the duty cycle is 15% around 105 amperes, so you will be able to do a pretty nice job.

The package includes all the necessary accessories for setup and protection during welding. Apart from the welding machine, you will get a gun, welding wire, metal tip, ground cord, wire brush, and a mask to protect you from sparks. Moreover, safety is increased by the automatic thermal safety protection that shuts the process down every time it detects overheating. Two air vents are built-in to provide proper ventilation and lower the temperature. Plus, the torch is provided with an on/off control to reduce the risk of accidents to a minimum.

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11. SUNGOLDPOWER MIG-150

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Looking for a gasless welder that can fuse iron, steel, and other metals without overheating? Let us introduce you to SUNGOLDPOWER MIG-150, a powerful and versatile tool that allows you to do some quality projects both indoors and outdoors, as it doesn’t depend on a gas tank. Plus it requires a low power input of 110-volt, which is the average value for households, so you won’t need an adapter to run it.

When it comes to safety, this model is provided with everything it needs to avoid overheating or high bursts of heat that can provoke accidents. It features the thermal overheating protection function that shuts it down whenever it gets too hot. Moreover, you won’t be able to use it until it gets cool enough to perform safely and this is the moment when it will restart automatically. Another element that usually produces accidents is the torch, but not with this welder, as it includes an on/off switch. Plus, you can adjust the heat output by choosing a value between 80 and 150 amperes.

Weighing only 39.5 pounds, it can be transported wherever there’s a project waiting for it. And the package includes multiple accessories that will prove more than useful for your welding jobs, namely an earth clamp, torch, replacement contact tips, face mask and the 0.030”-0.035” flux-cored wires, so you can easily weld metals that are up to 1/4-inch thick.

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12. Display4top MIG 130 PLUS

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With this model, you won’t get only a high 130-amper output and a great duty cycle which hovers around 35%, but a sturdy stainless steel case, specially designed to increase lifespan and protect the whole mechanism against external factors. Plus, it is covered with quality red paint that will keep it in good shape and prevent rust and corrosion for many years to come. And, since we are talking about protection, we should mention the safety features as well, namely the overload safety protection, which monitors the temperature and shuts the whole assemble down whenever the risk of overheating reaches a critical point, and the internal cooling system, which consists of a performant fan, designed to keep heat at a safe level.

The package includes multiple accessories like a ground clamp, protection mask, cleaning brush and other small replacement parts that make it easier to operate and maintain. Moreover, it can be used outdoors for large projects, as it doesn’t require a gas tank, to weld a great variety of metals such as aluminum, carbon steel or stainless steel.

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13. VIVOHOME Portable MIG 130

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If your projects consist mostly of welding light gauge steel or thinner materials, there’s no reason to spend a fortune on a heavy-duty welder when you can do your job and get quality, long-lasting results with a less-expensive model, designed to handle lighter jobs. VIVOHOME Portable MIG 130 features an output of 50 to 120A and 4 control buttons that allow you to adjust heat and welding speed. Thus, you will be able to fuse thin steel and aluminum or go a bit heavier by using the 0.8”-0.9” flux-cored wires on thicker steel.

Great for beginners, it features a control panel on the back of the case that is easy to understand and intuitive. Just by looking, you will know where the wires go and how to control every single switch or knob. Plus, it comes with overheat protection and a built-in fan for a more performant use. Besides the actual welding machine, you will also find in the package a welding gun, a grounding clamp, a brush, and a helmet, plus many other small accessories. Small and rather light, it will fit in your garage, truck, car or even motorcycle. Moreover, it needs an average voltage of 110, so you can plug it in any socket, without purchasing an additional adapter.

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14. Super Deal MIG 130

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Assembly can be a hassle, but not with this model, which is ready to do some serious welding the minute you get it out of the box. Provided with an intuitive control panel, you will figure out fast where the wires go and how to use the control buttons. Furthermore, you will appreciate its portable design, which allows it to be easily transported and stored, and the sturdiness of the case, which is made entirely of treated high-class PVC.

The waveform control technology allows you to select the inductance according to different material specifications for more precise and durable welding. You can use the control panel to choose between 4 current flow settings, ranging between 35 and 120 amperes. Plus, the duty cycle is pretty good, hovering at 10% at 105 amperes and 35% at 60 amperes, values that can easily handle general repairing work. The package also includes a copper tip that prevents build-ups on the gun, a face shield mask, a wire brush, and a ground clamp.

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How to Use It

MIG welding or Metal Inert Welding is a process through which two metals are fused together using a continuous solid wire electrode, which is fed through a welding gun to create an arc of electricity. The heat produced by the electric shock combines with the inert gas released by the machine to melt the metals, thus allowing them to mix.

Many hobbyists and welding enthusiasts turn toward MIG welding because they have heard it is easy. This might be true if we compare it with other welding techniques, but there are still some steps that need to be followed in order to get the optimal results. Plus, safety is important as well, so keep reading to find out how to weld without getting yourself hurt.

Safety Measures

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary safety equipment that will be used to protect you against heat, small metal parts, electricity, and radiation:

• Welding Mask – it is designed to protect you from the radiation and bright light emitted by the electric arc;
• Gloves and Leathers – these accessories will prevent the molten metal from reaching your skin and clothes and act as barriers against radiation;
• Cotton Clothes – they are recommended instead of plastic fibers like rayon or polyester, which can easily melt if they get in contact with hot metal and burn your skin;
• Closed Toe Shoes – are essential as hot metal can drop on your feet and cause burns. Moreover, try to avoid synthetic shoes that come with mesh on top – it is the same problem as with synthetic clothes;
• Fire Extinguisher – you should keep one around in case the molten metal reaches any inflammable materials.

Prepare the Materials

Every time you need to glue something together, you first clean the surfaces, so why welding should be an exception? By removing dirt from the metals and smoothening their edges, you ensure the best conditions for a durable fusion.

Adjust the Welder

Before getting down to some serious business, check if the cables are properly connected and set the polarity to DC or DCEP. Now it’s time to set the parameters:

• Gas Flow Rate – most applications suggest a gas flow rate between 20 and 25 cu. ft.
• Tension – the right tension settings for your drive rolls or wire spool hub should be specified in the product’s manual;

Start Welding

If this is your first time using a welder, it would be wise to practice a little before getting started on your big project. You can learn how to hold and move the gun by exercising the two most-used methods:

• Forehand or Pushing Technique – keep the welding gun at an angle of 10 degrees, making sure that the wire is facing the weld’s direction. From this position, press and hold the trigger and push the gun.
• Backhand or Pulling Technique – keeping the gun in the same position, pull it back for better penetration.

Become a Master

It takes a bit of time and practice to get those perfect welds you are dreaming about, but some tricks can speed up this process. Some simple details can make a huge difference, so here’s what you can do to get better results:

• Check the length of the electrode wire – for the welding job to be successful, it is recommended to keep the wire that sticks out from the welding gun short. Otherwise, the gas may not protect the arc;
• Stabilize your grip – shaky hands produce unaesthetic welding, so practice with the gun until you get good control over it;
• Find the best position for the ground clamp – it should be placed close enough to the electric arch, or the current will try to find another path and its flow won’t be as smooth as required for high-quality welding.

Mastering the welding art will allow you to work on a huge range of projects. You will be able to repair things around the house, work on cars, build objects from metal or take your art to the next level. It’s easy. All you need to do is find a MIG welder that suits your needs and your experience.

Conclusion

To summarize, there’s a MIG welder for every craftsman, equipped with great functions and many accessories that extend its action to a multitude of metals. Moreover, the prices are variate and reflect the power and efficiency of every model, so you can choose exactly what you need for your projects.
Not sure what to choose yet? Here are some products that deserve a second look:

Best Overall: Lincoln Electric K4195-1

Although considerably more expensive than its competitors, Lincoln Electric K4195-1 deserves its money as it brings premium quality and is extremely versatile. It is equipped with a strong motor that can deliver a maximum of 210 amperes, allowing you to easily weld through 5/16 inches thick steel. Furthermore, it comes with a spool gun that allows you to fuse 3/16 inches thick aluminum.

Besides the top-notch welding technology, it features a user-friendly control panel. It is provided with push-and-turn knobs that ease adjustment operations and everything is carefully explained in the colored charts that accompany the machine.

Best for Beginners: Lincoln Electric K2278-1

If this will be your first time working with a MIG welder, you will probably need a model with an intuitive design and this is exactly what Lincoln Electric K2278-1 has to offer. It comes with a user-friendly control panel that includes an on/off switch, a knob for wire speed control, a low/high heat range switch, and a fine heat adjustment switch, all properly marked and explained in the owner’s manual.

Additionally, it is lightweight and compact and comes with a handle so you can easily carry it from one place to another. The built-in fan prevents it from overheating, thus prolonging its life. Plus, it comes with protection equipment which is always necessary.

Best Value: Hobart 500559

If you are looking for the perfect report between price and performance, we have found it for you. This model can weld a wide range of metals, including cast iron, brass, copper, titanium, aluminum, and magnesium alloys. The amperage output varies between 25 and 140, while the duty cycle reaches 20% around 90A.

The price is under $500 and it includes an 8-inch spool for aluminum welding, a gas hose, a gauge regulator, flux-core wires, and contact tips. Furthermore, the machine is covered by a 5-year warranty for parts and labor.

Best for Aluminum: Hobart 500554

Highly effective, it can fuse 24 ga. to 5/16 inches steel in a single pass. With a duty cycle of 30% around 130 amperes and 7 voltage selections, it is both powerful and adjustable, allowing you to easily control the welding process.

Besides that, when it comes to welding aluminum, it proves to be one of the best options, with a spool gun circuitry already built-in that solves the problems associated with aluminum wires. Thus, you will be able to extend its use to auto body or household repairs that require extra power and welding into different types of metals.

Best for Auto Body Repairs: LOTOS BC-QJA8-561N

Versatility is the key point when it comes to car body repairs or restoration and this is the best LOTOS BC-QJA8-561N has to offer. Not only that it allows you to adjust the amperage and wire speed, but it can easily fuse steel, whether it is mild or stainless steel, and aluminum. Furthermore, it features a built-in overload protection that kicks in every time the motor is overcharged and stops it, thus prolonging its life.

This is a reliable model, built only of highly-qualitative materials, with a welding capacity of 1/4” into steel and 3/16” into aluminum. And it comes with the spool gun, so you won’t have to invest in other accessories or kits to fuse aluminum.

Budget Pick: SUNGOLDPOWER MIG-150

One of the cheapest welders on the market, MIG-150 is perfect for home use. It is lightweight and compact and can be easily stored. Plus, it is pretty efficient, with an amperage that can be adjusted between 80 and 150 with the help of a knob. Moreover, you can operate heat settings or control wire speed, getting it ready to work in less than 10 minutes due to the user-friendly control panel.

It comes with thermal overheating protection that shuts it down every time it gets too hot and doesn’t allow you to restart it until it gets cool enough to operate again. Plus, the package includes a protective mask to keep you safe while working.