Best Welder For Beginners – Top 5 Rated

If you’re a MIG welding novice just looking to get your feet wet for the first time, there’s no doubt that the right tool can give you an enormous boost. 

Regardless of your skill level or experience, the best welding machines will help you produce neater, more solid jobs. The best welding machine does not necessarily have to be the most expensive, or the one with the most features. 

The top machine is the one that perfectly compliments your skill and experience level. As you know, this can be a lot trickier to find.

Luckily, we’ve put in the hard work for you and come up with this list of the best welder for beginners. We’ve also included the lowdown on welders, to help guide your decision-making when you’re ready to explore the options yourself. 

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Forney Easy Weld 140 MP

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The Forney Industry is known for excellent and reliable products and they’ve delivered the goods once again with this welder.

The Forney Easy Weld 140 MP Welder is noticeably on the lower end of the price spectrum, yet this appears to have no distinguishable negative impact on the quality of this machine. 

Sporting a remarkable light green color, which is the hallmark of all Forney products, one thing that immediately strikes you about the Forney Easy Weld 140 MP is the quality of its design.

At the price it’s offered, you’d expect a flimsy, lightweight affair. Well, you’d be wrong.

While it is undeniably lightweight, it is one of the most solid, durable, and compact products available, and it generally gives off certain vibes of being able to survive rough usage.

This sturdy but lightweight design also ensures that the Forney Easy Weld 140 MP can function absolutely anywhere, a feature that’s enhanced by its generator compatibility. 

Versatility is one of the strong points of this multi-process machine.

Ostensibly, it’s been designed for novice hobbyists to play around with, yet semi-professionals can also deliver quality work with this beginner welder.

Whether you’re looking to perform MIG welding, TIG welding, or even stick welding process, this welding machine boasts features that allow you to deliver almost flawless results every time. 

For MIG welding, this option offers both flux core and gas shielded welding.

With this, you can easily and comfortably weld up to ¼ of an inch on a single pass. TIG welding is only possible in DC mode, which may make welding aluminum a bit tough.

Nevertheless, its lift arc start is a great feature, even though you’d have to purchase the TIG gear separately. 

The stick welder comes together with the stick holder and ground clamp, supporting electrodes of up to ⅛ inches and making the stick welding process a breeze with this model. 

The Forney Easy Weld 140 MP is powered by 120 volts, making it suitable for most homes and garages.

The real surprise served up by this machine is that it delivers 140 amps. With that kind of power, some of the tougher tasks can be quite easily performed, irrespective of the thickness of the material you want to weld.

The fact that most multi-process welders do not offer anything remotely close to this level of power makes the Forney Easy Weld 140 MP more remarkable. 

For beginner welders, this is one of the most perfect welders to learn the ropes with.

It comes with a detailed manual, is practically plug and play, and a single switch is provided for switching between the processes.

Perhaps the most amazing thing about this MIG weld machine is that it is very moderately priced, in spite of the wonderful features that it brings to the table.

It offers excellent value for money, making it perfect for both beginners and more experienced welders, which is why the Forney Easy Weld 140 MP tops our list as the best welder for beginners.

Pros

• Versatile multi-process machine
• Excellent value for money
• Compact and lightweight
• Suitable for both beginners and professionals
• Easy to use

Cons

• TIG weld accessories not included
• Lots of spatter

YESWELDER Digital MIG-205DS Beginner MIG Welder

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YESWELDER made their first foray into the production of these machines with this product, yet it’s safe to say that they’ve delivered a wonderful product with almost accomplished ease.

The YESWELDER MIG-205DS offers all the features you’d expect from a standard option. The most amazing thing about it though, is that this model is almost unbelievably low-priced. 

If you’re expecting an appreciable drop-off in quality to make up for the price disparity, you’ll be pleased to find that this one is nothing like what you’re expecting.

It is sturdy yet lightweight, with an ergonomic design that fits comfortably where it finds itself.

It also doesn’t hurt that this beginner welder is quite easy on the eyes.

Remarkably, this model boasts a full metal MIG wire feed system, which surprised us more as it’s not something you’d expect to find in a machine offered at the price this device goes for.

Seriously, we looked for loopholes in its design and quality that could make up for its cheapness and we’re pleased to say that we couldn’t spot any. 

For very first-time DIYers or hobbyists, you may need to check out the internet for help using this model for the first time as the user’s manual is rather sparse and does not offer much information at all.

That said, it offers a fully backlit LCD display, along with intuitive controls. Beginners will also appreciate the synergic control settings which considerably makes it easier to get down to work once you’ve gotten a handle on the basics.

The controls are not so many that they get confusing, and they are strategically placed on the front panel, where they can be easily reached. If you’d prefer to fine-tune your settings, it also offers the freedom to adjust the attributes individually.

All things considered, it’s not that difficult to get the hang of this machine. 

Quite remarkably, this beginner welder supplies 200 amps of power along with a duty cycle of 60%.

This is a premium feature, certainly not what you’d expect from a budget welder machine. Yet this model pulls it off without any hiccups.

Also, for a low-budget model, the YESWELDER MIG-250DS scores top marks for versatility. This machine is multi-process, offering a MIG welding machine, a Stick welder (also known as an arc welder), and Flux core welding, and with a little patience and nuance, TIG welding.

You’d need to purchase the gear for TIG welding separately, although you can easily get them from YESWELDER.

Nevertheless, you may run into pronounced difficulty trying to weld aluminum with this machine, even though it’s possible on paper. 

Planning to use this one at home, in an office space, or on the go? No problem. With dual voltage settings of 110V and 220V, this option is good to go wherever it finds itself.

It is packed with several wonderful features that make its price scarcely believable.

Offering amazing quality and performance, the YESWELDER MIG-250DS is ideal for hobbyists and also for professionals who need a budget backup device. 

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Versatile
• Easy to use MIG gun
• 2T and 4T MIG welding
• Durable and compact

Cons

• Inadequate user’s manual
• The fan remains on constantly

Lotos CT520D 50 AMP Air Plasma Cutter

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If you’re looking for a plasma cutter that also doubles as a welding machine, you can definitely do a lot worse than give the Lotos CT520D some consideration.

This machine offers convenience, quality, and versatility in full measure. It’s also on the low end of the price spectrum, in spite of its high-end features. Due to the low price, it’s offered at, it would have been easy to be skeptical about this machine.

However, it’s by Lotos, a company with a proven pedigree when it comes to the production of plasma cutters. 

The Lotos CT520D sports a steel finish, which does a lot for its durability and beauty.

It’s also very compact and lightweight, but do not be taken in by this, as this machine is extremely powerful.

This plasma cutter and welder combo are very easy to set up and use, making it suitable for both DIYers with limited skill and more experienced workmen.

Its lightweight quality also ensures that this machine can be used in a variety of spaces, saving you time and effort. Plus, the ability to switch from cutting to creating a solid weld, just by flipping a switch, is a real advantage. 

If precision and accuracy are features that are important to you in a plasma cutter, then you’ll absolutely appreciate the Lotos CT520D.

Whether you’re looking to cut through aluminum, mild alloy, copper, and stainless steel, the plasma torch of this machine delivers sterling results every time.

Its TIG welder and Stick welder can also weld stainless steel and other ferrous materials quite easily.

It’s also very safe and easy to use. The TIG welder boasts features such as HF arc welding start torch control and foot clutch heat control. However, it’s not very adept at joining aluminum. 

The highly versatile Lotos CT520D plasma cutter features dual voltage capacities, meaning that the machine is able to function with both 110V and 220V power inputs, with the aid of a pigtail, which is sold separately.

Another standout feature of this machine is its remarkably long duty cycles which lasts 60% at 50A and 100% at 40A.

On the flip side though, this machine does not include a pilot arc, which leads to high levels of power consumption.

As a last consequence of this, this plasma cutter also plows through consumables pretty quickly, so you should prepare for this by stocking up on consumables.

Alternatively, turning up the air pressure and ensuring that the electrode and tip are straight can prolong the life of the consumables. 

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, we’ll just have to state again that this machine is a fabulous purchase at its price. It does what it’s supposed to do really well and even offers some features you’d ordinarily expect to find in many higher-priced machines.

All things considered, this plasma cutter is great and quite handy to have among your other tools. 

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Lightweight and compact
• Well-mechanized TIG welder
• Versatile
• Great precision and accuracy

Cons

• Very short ground cable
• Pigtail is not included

Jacazooy No Shielding Gas MIG Welder 110/220V

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Jacazooy doesn’t have such a high profile, at least compared to other companies in the same niche.

However, the relative obscurity of the manufacturing company is not a major issue, especially if the product itself functions as well as it should.

When it comes to functionality, we have no complaints. It doesn’t boast features that can set the world alight, but the ones it does have are impressive enough, particularly when you consider that it’s one of the cheapest machines in the market. 

Weighing just 16.3 lbs, this no gas MIG welder is exceptionally lightweight, compact, and portable.

It sports an ergonomic design, along with a convenient handle that makes it easy to carry it wherever you want to. It is also pretty easy to set up and operate, even though you might find it tough going at first, due to the fact that the user’s manual is poorly written and contains scant information.

Once you’ve been able to figure out the gist of what it’s saying though, it’s all smooth sailing from there. 

Performance-wise, this flux core welder performs just as well as you might expect. It’s pretty efficient, and its IGBT inverter technology ensures that it performs better than some MMA, ARC, and Stick welders.

It also effectively fixes the problem of frequent replacement of electrodes. You can set the currents to your requirements with this machine’s adjustable welding wire feed speed, while its Automatic Thermal Safety Protection feature automatically turns the machine off when it begins to get too hot.

Its internal fan-cooling system also serves to prevent it from overheating. 

The Jacazooy also boasts a MAG/MIG welder that is perfect for a wide range of materials including iron, steel plates, stainless steel, galvanized pipes, etc.

It also boasts a duty cycle of 60%, which is nothing if not impressive. Also impressive is the fact that Jacazooy offers a 2-year warranty (subject to change), along with a 100% money-back guarantee with the product.

With all the features that this model offers, and at such a great price to boot, it’s unarguably one of the best on offer at its level and price range. 

Forney Easy Weld 29801 100ST Start-up Kit

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Of all the welders on this list, the Forney Easy Weld 29801 100ST is the most suitable for novice hobbyists and DIYers.

It’s impressively easy to set up and use and comes with a quick-start guide that can help you get your machine up and running in no time at all.

So, if you’re interested in exploring the pleasures of welding for the first time, this option might just be the perfect place to start from. This start-up kit is just another quality product from Forney. 

Weighing just 9.65 lbs, this device is perfectly lightweight and compact, allowing you to move it around as you would like, without the risk of straining or tiring yourself out.

Beginners and novices can set it up in no time at all, while the start-up kit is comprehensive enough.

However, it is not meant for any sort of high-grade tasks, so it doesn’t offer some of the more sophisticated features.

That said, it is extremely powerful for its size, fully capable of welding up to ¼” of mild steel. Its 120-volt input and output of 90 amps are also par for the course. 

Included in this starter kit are a single Forney Easy Weld 100 ST, auto-darkening helmet, 3/32″ steel electrodes, 4 ½ “, type 27 metal/ steel grinding wheel, wire brush, driver gloves, and gloves. Everything you need to make a success of your welding endeavor. 

The 120 volts power of this welder makes it ideally suited for home use, even though it’ll also work perfectly in several other spaces.

When it comes to welders, a general rule of thumb is you get what you pay for. However, this portable welder turns that rule on its head, offering impressively quality products at a very affordable price.

Forney also offers a 12-month warranty (subject to change). If you’re a beginner hobbyist looking for the perfect welder to start your journey with, we cannot recommend this model enough. 

Pros

• Compact and lightweight
• Budget-friendly
• Easy to set up and use
• 12-month warranty
• Beginner-friendly

Cons

• Customers complained of missing parts
• Not suitable for serious welding

What To Look Out For Before Purchasing A Welder

As a beginner hobbyist looking to do some basic welding, you don’t need to buy a welder that’s packed with the latest and greatest high-end features.

Keep in mind that some of those features may be above your skill level and may take away your enjoyment.

There can be a multitude of factors to consider such as:

• Which shielding gas?
• What is your welding skill level?
• What duty cycles should you for?
• Which welding process is best for which type of weld?
• Which spool gun options to consider?
• What sort of welding project will you embark on first?
• Do you need a transformer or inverter welder?
• If Flux Cored welding, what sort of flux core will you need?

The trick is to go for the basics at first and then scale up as your skill and experience improve. 

Before deciding on a welder, here are some things you need to consider first:

Your Experience and Skill

It’s best to match your skill to a welding process and go for one that offers that process when you enter the market.

Three of the most popular welding processes are MIG (metal inert gas welder), Stick or Arc welding, and TIG welding, and knowing the one that you’re most comfortable with can help you make the right decision. 

A MIG welder is most suited to beginners.

They are the easiest to learn, as some of their processes are semi-automatic or even completely automatic. If your skills are at the intermediate level, you should check out Stick welders.

They are suitable for various types of metals, even though they’re quite tricky to get comfortable with.

TIG welders are almost completely manual, requiring all your concentration. That’s why a TIG welding machine is the one that requires accomplished welding skills. 

What Material Will You Be Welding?

You’ll also need to put into consideration what material you’ll most likely be working on.

Some welders work best with certain materials and may deliver poor results, or not even work at all with certain other materials.

Make sure you conduct due diligence before settling on any welder, to avoid ending up with an expensive dud. 

Weight Of The Machine

If you’re going to be moving your welder around a lot, it may be better and easier to get a portable one.

On the other hand, if the welder will do a lot of sitting around in a workshop, consider buying more solid or heavy machinery. 

Duty Cycle Of The Machine

Ideally, look for a welding machine that offers a 35% duty cycle.

This will enable you to weld for longer intervals. Additionally, keep a watchful eye on its power levels. 

Your Budget And Cost Of Accessories

Yes, it’s important to monitor your budget, and even more importantly, have a budget before you head out.

As soon as you’ve identified the ideal welder, draw up a budget and make a commitment not to exceed it. 

You should also not overlook the fact that there are several accessories attached to each process, such as consumables and gas. You’d need to budget for them also. 

Final Words

The best welders are certainly not cheap; they do require a significant outlay.

That’s why it’s important to cover all bases before deciding on one, particularly if you’re a beginner. 

However, by figuring out which type of welder is the best for you, you can cut out a lot of the guesswork, save some money, and end up with a device that you’ll enjoy for a long time. 

We’ve offered tips on how to do just that in this article. We also brought to you five of the best welders for beginners available, after spending hours reviewing these welders ourselves.

Check them out, if you’re looking for a bit of guidance, or to help with your decision-making.