The features and specifications of low-cost MIG welders that cost $500 or less have advanced astronomically during the past ten years.Remarkably, some of the top welding brands provide feature-rich equipment for less than $500.Although testing every MIG equipment under $500 was not feasible, I made use of my prior knowledge with the machines and some assistance from other welders.
1. Yeswelder MIG205DS Multi-Process MIG Welder
• Dual voltage support: 110v/220v;
• Synergistic MIG controls: automated and manual modes;
• Digital display;
• 205A power output;
• Support for 10 lbs wire spools;
• Welds up to 3/4 in.
Overview
Considering that it costs less than $500, the YesWelder MIG-205DS is an excellent MIG welder. Despite being a low-cost machine, it outperforms its market worth. Because of this, it’s a great option for enthusiasts, particularly those who want to practice stick and TIG welding.With a maximum output of 205A at 220V, it can weld materials up to 3/4 inch thick and supports both MIG and gasless flux-cored welding. However, the YesWelder provides an output of up to 166A at 110V, as many do-it-yourself welders lack access to 220V. Since the majority of people won’t even need to use it at 220V, this is very appreciated.
Its minimum output is 30A, regardless of the input voltage. This is low enough to avoid burn-through when welding thin metal. You may weld for extended periods of time without having to wait for the machine to cool down because of the high duty cycle.With good reason, this is YesWelder’s most popular machine. We rank it as one of the finest low-cost MIG welders with multi-process capabilities because of its portability, affordability, multi-process features, and respectable arc quality. Additionally, a full metal wire feed and dual voltage support are highly valued.
2. Eastwood 180 AMP MIG Welder
· All-metal wire drive;
· dual 120/240 volt input;
· MIG and flux core processes
· 30–180 amps of power;
· 24 gauge sheet to 5/16-inch steel;
· 2T/4T trigger lock
Overview
One of my favorite do-it-yourself machines is the Eastwood MIG 180, which retails for a little over $500 but is frequently on sale for $499.99, so it’s worth mentioning.It is an updated version of Eastwood’s previous MIG 175 model. At half the price, this dual-input power machine is comparable to the Hobart 210.The Hobart is transformer-based, while the Eastwood is constructed using inverter technology. This is the primary distinction between the two machines. Although transformer-based devices typically perform better in actual filthy environments, inverter technology has advanced significantly and is now nearly as dependable. More information about transformers vs. inverters may be found here.
The Eastwood MIG 180 MIG Welder produces 180 amps of power when powered by 240 volts, which is sufficient to weld steel that is 5/16 inch thick. With either power supply, this machine can reduce power to 30 amps, which is fine enough to manage 24-gauge sheet metal. It mounts 2-pound and 10-pound spools and features an all-metal wire drive.Consumable components for the Eastwood MIG 180 MIG Welder are readily available because it employs a Tweco-compatible MIG gun. While some owners are happy with the leads, some wish they were longer. It has a regulator, a 2T/4T trigger lock, and the ability to weld aluminum if you buy the optional spool gun. Eastwood provides a discounted MIG 180 package that includes the spool gun.
3. Hobart Handler 100 Cheap MIG Welder
· The wire is electrically “cold” until it is triggered;
· it may be welded up to 3/16-inch steel;
· and it has an adjustable tension and positive feed.
· Both.030 and.035 flux core wires can be fed, and the output range is 30 to 100 amp.
· A light that indicates the temperature
· Not gas MIG capable
Overview
The Hobart Handler 100 is a gasless MIG welder with several exceptional capabilities for a low-cost entry-level model. The transformer is covered by Hobart’s 5-year warranty. This welder can only weld plates up to 3/16 inch thick, thus it is not meant for heavy work.Both 4-inch and 8-inch spools are compatible with the wire drive. The range of this small device is 30 to 100 amps. The 24-gauge sheet metal capacity would handle vehicle body metal like doors, floor pans, and rear panels, as well as garden wagons and wheelbarrows, and the 3/16-inch limit would let you to fix things like gate hinges.
With the Handler 100’s 60 percent duty cycle, that would be about 45 amps. Fixing holes in garbage can bottoms, mending rain gutters, and restoring car floor pans might all be made much easier with six uninterrupted minutes of welding time.
Note that this low-cost, low-power welder is solely a flux core wire feed welder and does not have gas MIG capabilities. The Hobart Handler 125 is same, except it can run on gas if necessary. Parts and servicing are easily accessible because the Handler 100 uses standard Hobart/Miller consumables.
4. Klutch MP140Si Multi-Process MIG Welder
· The ability to weld using MIG, DC TIG, Stick, and Flux-Cored
· In a single pass, it can weld up to 3/16-inch steel, cast iron, stainless steel, and aluminum.
· The operator can preset parameters on digital meters.
· Includes a 10-foot MIG torch.
Overview
Another good machine that costs a little more than $500 is the Klutch MP140Si, which is made by Northern Tool. Because it is a 120V-only multi-process welder, it is an excellent choice for novices who wish to experiment with DC TIG, stick, and flux-core welding in addition to mild MIG welding. Because of its small size and inverter technology, which makes it pleasant to carry at 28 lbs, it is incredibly portable.
The primary issue with the Klutch MP140Si is that the LCD only displays voltage and not amps when MIG welding. Professionals who are accustomed to it on other welders may find it annoying, but for novices, this is usually not a huge concern because you won’t require that fine control. The other issue is that, as would be expected from a 120V machine, there is insufficient amperage to run 6010/6011 stick rods correctly.
Although a spool gun is not included and needs to be purchased separately as an add-on, this welder is spool gun ready so that you may weld aluminum. This allows you to weld aluminum from a 16-gauge sheet to a plate that is 3/16 inch thick.
5. Lincoln K2278-1 MIG Welder
· It can weld up to 1/8-inch steel,
· has an output of 35–88 amps,
· and plugs into a standard 115V,
· 20 amp outlet.
· Until triggered,
· the wire is electrically “cold.”
Overview
The Lincoln K2278-1 Handy Core welder is an entry-level flux core welder for light-duty repairs, similar to the Hobart Handler 100. You can get down to 18 gauge sheet metal, which is thick but not excessive, with the current rating, which ranges from 35 to 88 amps. For example, you will be able to fix mailboxes, kid’s wagons, and shovels.
On the other extreme, 88 amps can be used to weld ⅛-inch steel plate in a single pass. That’s enough juice to fix lighter-weight box steel, like that used on garden furniture, to fix door and gate hinges, and to fix appliance brackets.
To save novice welders some hassle when setting up the machine, Lincoln comes with a gun and cable assembly, work lead, work clamp, and power cable pre-attached at the factory. The welder comes with a chipping hammer with a brush, a hand-held welding mask, and a spool of flux core wire.There is a one-year parts and labor warranty available for the K2278-1 Handy Core. This little welder is built to Lincoln’s reputation for toughness.
Conclusion
Most 240-volt MIG machines available for less than $500 are stretching the quality envelope and aren’t likely to last. Practically speaking, unless you’re truly approaching the $500 cap, you’re looking at 120-volt welders in this price range. Even so, you might be better off waiting and saving more money to get a 240 welder if it is not a well-known brand (Lincoln, Miller, Hobart, Forney, Century) or a big tool brand. Having said that, your primary output limit for 120-volt power is approximately 140 amps. That’s just a physics-imposed restriction, and until there’s a significant technological advancement, there won’t be a way around it. Don’t expect this limit to alter anytime soon, as it has existed since the 1940s.
