Understandably, many beginners aren’t ready for premium stick welding machine prices. But cost should never stop you from pursuing your craft, which is why we’ve created these reviews to help you find the best cheap stick welder under $200.
The Best Cheap Stick Welder Under $200: Table of Contents
- 9 Reviews of the Best Cheap Stick Welders for Sale
- Budget-Friendly Stick Welding Rods & Electrodes
- Stick Welding for Beginners: Tips for Buyers
The 9 Best Cheap Stick Welder Reviews
One of the biggest problems is figuring out which cheap welders are a complete waste of money, and which ones do provide good quality for the money. That’s where the hard part comes in: sorting through the low prices to find a legitimately good cheap stick welder.For each of the cheap welders below, you’ll find everything you need to know to make sure it fits your intended projects.
Karomch ARC 200 Welder with Accessories
Best Lightweight Stick Welder for the Money
Specs:
- Processes: Arc welding, Stick welding
- Welding Amperage Range: 30-130A
- Duty Cycle: 80%@130A
- Input Voltage: 120V 50-60Hz
- Wire Feed Speed Range: N/A
- Weld Thickness: over 1/8”
- Weight: 7.75lbs
- Height: 7.5in
- Length: 9.3in
- Width: 3.9in
- Best Price: Check Current Discounts
- Warranty: 2 years
Welding Machine Parts Included
In general, everything you need comes in one convenient welder accessories kit:
- 110v DC Adapter with a 1.2m cable
- Owner’s Manual
- Stick Electrode Holder
- Arc Ground Clamp
- Hex Screw
- Strap
The one extra you’ll need to add to your shopping cart is a package of 3/32″ welding rods.
Advantages
- Stylish, attractive appearance
- Lightweight and compact for great portability
- Easy to operate
Special Considerations
- Not fit for heavy duty applications
- Cannot TIG weld
Overall Assessment
Yet again, our conclusion from the Karomch best cheap stick welder review is positive. If you’re on a budget and are a hobby welder or beginner, give the Karomch a shot. After all, it’s easy to use and powerful enough to weld over 1/8″, making it great for most small tasks.
Go Plus 110V/220V ARC Welder
Best Portable Welder for the Money
Welder Specs:
- Processes: ARC Welding, Stick Welding
- Welding Amperage Range: 90 through 250A
- Duty Cycle: 10% at 90A
- Input Voltage: 110V/220V 50-60Hz
- Wire Feed Speed Range: N/A
- Weld Thickness: over 1/4”
- Weight: 38lbs
- Height: 18in
- Length: 23.5in
- Width: 13in
- Best Price: Check Current Discounts
- Warranty: 1 year
Welder Parts Included & Sold Separately
Along with the rig itself, the welding machine parts that come in the kit are:
- Copper Electrode Holder
- Ground Clamp
- Welding Face Shield
- Wire Brush
With the exception of a wire plug, everything is included!
Advantages
- Compatible with a 7018 rod at 110v
- Powerful for the cost
- Works with both 120V and 220V outlets
- Has wheels and handles for easy transportation
Special Considerations
After examining this popular budget arc welder, there are two main concerns:
- First, the ground clamp isn’t durable. But that’s a simple part to replace.
- Second, the arc lead cables are short. (So you might want extensions.)
Overall Assessment
If you’re looking for your new best portable arc welder under $100, consider the GoPlus. With its dual voltage capability and respectable amperage range, it could be your new best home welder. Especially if you want something with wheels.
C.M.T Pitbull Ultra-Portable 100-Amp Electric Arc Welder
Best Small Arc Welder for Sale
Specs:
- Processes: ARC welding, Stick welding
- Welding Amperage Range: 40-100A
- Duty Cycle: 10%@100A
- Input Voltage: 110V
- Wire Feed Speed Range: N/A
- Weld Thickness: up to 1/4”
- Weight: 26.4lbs
- Height: 9.1in
- Length: 11.8in
- Width: 6.7in
- Best Price:Â Check Current Discounts
- Warranty: 1 year
Stick Welder Parts Included & Sold Separately
When this welder arrives at your door step, the package will contain 3 accessories. And those are:Â leads, clamp, and an electrode holder.
If you decide on the CMT Pitbull, remember that welding sticks are not included.
Advantages
- Notably, the CMT Pitbull is even cheaper than the first budget welders on this list!
- Since it weighs about 26lbs, this is a nice lightweight little bugger to transport.
- Also, this rig has the honorable label of “Amazon’s Choice,” with nearly 300 positive reviews to support it.
Special Considerations
- As you can see, this isn’t a feature-packed piece of equipment. So if you like bells and whistles, there are better options for you in this list of reviews.
- It’s also important to note that the labeling on the machine itself is lacking.
Overall Assessment
If your dream is to have your cake and eat it too, say hello to the CMT Pitbull Electric Arc Welder. Although it isn’t the best stick welder for sale, the C.M.T. Pitbull is perfect if you’re in a financial crunch.
Blue Demon BLUEARC-90STI 90-Amp Inverter Style Stick and Tig Welding MachineÂ
Best 100v Arc Welder for the Money
Specs:
- Processes: Arc Welding, Stick Welding, TIG Welding
- Welding Amperage Range: 20-90A
- Duty Cycle: 20%@80A
- Input Voltage: 120V 60Hz
- Wire Feed Speed Range: N/A
- Weld Thickness: up to 1/4”
- Weight: 10lbs
- Height: 9in
- Length:12in
- Width: 5in
- Best Price: Check Current Discounts
- Warranty: 1 year
Welding Machine Parts Included:
Alongside the Blue Demon inverter stick welder, the following parts are included:
- Shoulder strap
- Electrode holder cable (10ft)
- Ground clamp cable (6.5ft)
- General power cord (5ft)
If you plan on TIG welding, make sure to add the separate TIG torch.
Advantages
- Like so many other welders in this review, the Blue Demon is lightweight, portable, and inexpensive.
- Additionally, it facilitates seamless TIG welding with the optional torch add-on.
- Finally, the cherry on top is the long electrode holder cable.
Special Considerations
- One issue is a slightly weak duty cycle.
- Also, the Blue Demon inverter welder is too cold for 7018 1/8 and 3/32” rods
Overall Assessment
Overall, this is a good cheap welder. Probably the best point is the great TIG torch add on that gives you more options. It’s also a comfortable, lightweight, portable welder with a great electrode cable. For penny pinchers, this just could be the best 100v arc welder for the money!
SIMDER Arc Welder 110V 200Amp Welding MachineÂ
Best Small Stick Welder for the Money
Specs:
- Processes: Arc welding
- Welding Amperage Range: 4.5-23A
- Duty Cycle: 20%@23A
- Input Voltage: 110V/60Hz
- Wire Feed Speed Range: n/a
- Weld Thickness: up to 3/16”
- Weight: 7.7lbs
- Height: 7.5in
- Length: 9.3in
- Width: 3.9in
- Best Price: Check Current Discounts
- Warranty: 3 year warranty
Parts Included:
In addition to the rig itself, the following welding machine parts and accessories are included: 110V DC adapter with 1.2m cable, operation manual, stick welding rod electrode holder, and an arc welding ground clamp.
Parts Sold Separately: Welding rods
Advantages of this best cheap stick welder for sale:
- Small and extremely lightweight
- Ideal for beginners and small repairs
- Thermal overload and anti-stick protection
Special Considerations
- Not powerful enough for heavier applications
- Does not come with welding rods, so remember to add them to your shopping cart.
Overall Assessment
For welding on the go and around the home, you can’t go wrong with the best small arc welder available on the market. At just under 8lbs, this welder is great for making small repairs and other everyday uses. And it’s incredibly low priced. This is an ideal welder for beginners and small lightweight jobs for those who need the best small stick welder out there.
Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder 100ST, 120-Volt, 90-Amp
Best Welder for Beginners
In this particular Forney welder review, we’re looking at the Forney Easy Weld 298.Below, you’ll find a review comprised of video, pictures, specs, and more.
Specs:
- Processes: Arc Welding; Stick welding
- Welding Amperage Range: 90A
- Duty Cycle: 20%@80A
- Input Voltage: 120V
- Wire Feed Speed Range: N/A
- Weld Thickness: 16ga up to 5/16”
- Weight: 7.5lbs
- Height: 11.5in
- Length: 15in
- Width: 7in
- Best Price: Check Current Discounts
- Warranty: 6 month warranty
Forney Welding Machine Parts: Watch the Unboxing Unfold
Advantages
- extremely lightweight
- excellent portability
- perfect for beginners
Special Considerations
- First, the welding sticks aren’t the easiest to get going in this machine. Although this can be annoying, you’ll get better with time.
- If you want to TIG weld, remember that the TIG torch is sold separately.
Overall Assessment
If you are a welding novice looking for a great first welding machine, the Forney Easy Weld 100 ST is said to be the best welder for beginners out there. At a mere 7.5 pounds this welder is extremely portable and is compatible with most home outlets. It’s powerful enough to weld 16 gauge steel at 5/16” thick, which is great for light applications around the house or in the shop. You may need a more powerful machine for heavier applications however. So if you’re looking for a great stick welder to take along for simple welds anywhere and everywhere, this welder is right for the job.
Amico 160 Amp Digital Display LCD Stick ARC WelderÂ
Best Inverter Stick Welder: Amico Welder Reviews
Welder Specs:
- Processes: ARC Welding, Stick Welding
- Welding Amperage Range: 20-160A
- Duty Cycle: 60%@130A (115V), 60%@160A (230V)
- Input Voltage: 115V/230V 60Hz
- Wire Feed Speed Range: N/A
- Weld Thickness: over 1/8”
- Weight: 16lbs
- Height: 12in
- Length: 17in
- Width: 8in
- Best Price: Check Current Discounts
- Warranty: 2 years
Amico Welder Parts Included:
In addition to the rig itself, the following parts are included:
- 10 feet electrode holder cable
- 10 feet work clamp cable
- 115V & 230V power adapter
- 2 pieces of 2.5mm welding electrode
- 2 pieces of 3.2mm welding electrode
- Owner’s Manual
Parts Sold Separately: Basically, the only other welding accessories to consider are welding rods.
Advantages of this Best Cheap Stick Welder Under $200:
- Lightweight and easy to carry around
- Generous power output
- Comes with everything you need to start welding
- High level of control w/ LED display and knobs
- Dual voltage
- Long leads and clamp
- Excellent duty cycle
Special Considerations
- Since there’s only DC capabilities, this isn’t ideal for aluminum arc welding.
- Secondly, the electrode holder is of sub-par quality. However, this is a common complaint for cheap stick welders under $200.
Overall Assessment
If you need a great inverter stick welder that’s portable and easy to use, the Amico 160A Stick ARC welder might be for you. Despite its size, it really packs a punch featuring a power output of 160A with a generous duty cycle. The package comes with everything you need to start welding right away making this a great welder for beginners. And at just 16lbs this welder is comfortable to carry around which really makes a difference when you need to use it for long periods of time. It’s compatible with both 115V and 220V power sources making it very versatile, and it features infinite amperage control for precise welds. Add that to it’s extremely low price and you’ve possibly got the best inverter stick welder out there.
SUNGOLDPOWER 200A ARC Welding MachineÂ
Best Used Welder for Sale Online
Welder Specs:
- Processes: Arc Welding, Stick Welding
- Welding Amperage Range: 20-200A
- Duty Cycle: 60%@200A
- Input Voltage: 110V/220V 50-60Hz
- Wire Feed Speed Range: N/A
- Weld Thickness: over 1/4”
- Weight: 15lbs
- Height: 10.4in
- Length: 13.6in
- Width: 5.5in
- Best Price: Check Current Discounts
- Warranty: 1 year
Parts Included: 1 MMA 200A Welding Machine, User Manual, 2 Cable Joints, Inner Hexagon Spanner, AC Cable Wire, 1.2m ground clamp and cable, 1.8m electrode holder and cable
Parts Sold Separately: One part to purchase seperately is the conversion plug for use with 220V power source.
Advantages to this Good Cheap Stick Welder for Sale
- High quality, durable build
- Excellent user control
- Hot start technology
- Small size, lightweight and portable
- Everything you need to start welding in the box
Special Considerations
- Not the smoothest welder, splatters a bit more
- Not suitable for heavier jobs
- Ground clamp may wear out after frequent use.
Overall Assessment
The Sun Gold Power 200A ARC Welder is an amazing value. For under $200 the Sun Gold packs quite a punch with a max power output of 200A. This makes it great for light to moderate welding work around the house or farm. Users like how it is easy to set up and use, and it comes with everything you need to start welding in the box. It’s small size and weight makes it very portable. At such a great price you can’t go wrong with this rig if you need powerful, easy-to-use welder without breaking the bank.
Metal Man 80 Amp Inverter DC Stick Welder
Best Inverter Stick Welder
Specs:
- Processes: Stick, TIG
- Welding Amperage Range: 20AÂ through 75A
- Duty Cycle: 20% at 75A
- Input Voltage: 120V (110-120V)
- Wire Feed Speed Range: N/A
- Weld Thickness: up to 1/4”
- Weight: 13.18lbs
- Height: 9in
- Length: 12in
- Width: 5in
- Best Price: Check Current Discounts
- Warranty: 1 year parts and labor
Parts Included: Shoulder-strap
Parts Sold Separately: ACTT1 TIG Torch for welding metal and stainless steel
Advantages to this Best Cheap Stick Welder Under $200
- great design and features
- portable at just under 14lbs
- perfect for do-it-yourself projects
- amazing customer support
Special Considerations
- Not powerful enough for industrial use
- Specs are not commercial
- Torch for welding metal and stainless steel sold separately
Overall Assessment
As one of the best inverter stick welders out there, this machine perfect for the do-it-yourselfer. If you need a portable and feature packed inverter stick welder to keep hand in the shop or to use for fixer-uppers around the house, this is an excellent machine. Though it’s not powerful enough for more industrial uses, it’s excellent portability and low cost more than make up for that, and it also comes world-class customer support.
 SlashArc DC 160 A IGBT Stick Welder Package
Best Budget Inverter Welder
Welding Machine Specs:
- Welding Amperage Range: 5-160A
- Duty Cycle:Â Rated Output Current/Voltage/Duty Cycle: 160A/23V/60%
- Input Voltage: 120V/220V
- Wire Feed Speed Range: 45 – 425 ipm
- Weld Thickness: over 1/8”
- Weight: 20.6lbs
- Height: 12.5in
- Length: 22in
- Width: 9in
- Best Price: Check Current Discounts
- Warranty: 1 Year
Welding Machine Parts Included & Sold Separately
As shown in the picture, this is a fairly complete stick welder package. With the exception of electrodes, you don’t need to add anything else to your cart.
Advantages
Basically, the strengths of this best cheap arc welder fall into three categories:
- First, it has beginner-friendly features. For example, an LED reader facilitates better arc control.
- Second, this cheap arc welder receives consistently high reviews from verified owners.
- Also, it’s got some great arc voltage, considering the low price.
- Finally, there’s the great portability factor. For one, it hardly weighs anything. Also, the dual voltage enables you to use it at home or out with a generator.
Special Considerations
While it’s always good to dig for flaws, it’s especially important when you’re getting such a good cheap welder for the money.
Overall, there are two things to keep in mind:
- Without a doubt, this doesn’t “pack enough punch” for heavy duty jobs like industrial welding.
- Second, the parts don’t have as good of quality as more expensive stick welders for sale. For example, the electrode holder is flimsy, so be prepared to replace small parts like that.
Overall Assessment
If you’re looking for a cheap 160 amp stick welder that’s portable and great for light welding work, consider the SlashArc Inverter Stick Welder.
Cheap Stick Welder Rods & Electrodes
Naturally, every good cheap stick welder requires quality rods and electrodes. For detailed reviews, see Best Stick Welder Rods of 2018: Reviews.
Stick Welding for Beginners: Video Series
Of course we recommend getting your certification from welding school first, but it’s always nice to brush up on basic stick welding tips.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjYPJ-CxxW4
Finding the Best Cheap Stick Welder Under $200: Your Turn
After taking in all these good cheap stick welders, it’s time to make that final leap. If you make sure the abilities of the welder line up with your needs, you’ll have what you need in no time. It’s important to remember that such cheap welders can’t offer the same quality as more expensive welders, but they’re good for welders on a budget.
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