Welcome to this Buyer’s Guide for Welders Online, which answers FAQs like “What kind of welder do I need?”

If your head’s spinning from trying to figure out what welder to buy, you aren’t alone. With all the different types of welding processes out there, it can be confusing to narrow down your choices. Fortunately, we’re here to walk you through the process.

In the following post, you’ll find how to choose the best welder for you, depending on your needs. We’ve also included links to specific welder reviews, a list of the best welder brands, and helpful videos, like How to Pick Your First Welder.

Different Types of Welding Machines for Sale
Deciding what welder to buy can be tough. Fortunately, we’re here to walk you through the process.

Table of Contents: What Kind of Welder Do I Need?

  • Overview: What Kind of Welder Do I Need?
  • What are the Different Types of Welding Methods?
  • The Different Types of Welding Machines & When to Use Them
  • Best Plasma Cutter Reviews
  • Buyer’s Guide: Things to Look for When Buying a New Welder
  • Video: How to Pick Your First Welder
  • Different Types of Welding Machine Parts
  • Best Welder Brands
  • The Welder Reviews Every Beginner Needs to Read

Overview
What Kind of Welder Do I Need?

Before figuring out what welder to buy, we’ll take a brief look at the different types of welding processes. Then, we’ll look at the what types of welding machines are best for each process.

  • Constant Current vs Constant Voltage Welding Machines: Some welders change output voltage to maintain a constant current. The other types of welding machines change the output current to keep the voltage steady.
  • Transformers vs Inverters: Some types of welding machines use transformers to change the high voltage current into a lower voltage current that works better for that welding project. Other, new types of welding machines use an inverter-based power source. Inverter welders can be advantageous because they’re smaller, more compact, and they use less energy. And since inverter welders are electronic, you have greater control over settings.
  • Alternators & Generators: The types of welding machines that rely on alternators or generators are called engine driven welders, and they use an engine to change the electrical energy to mechanical energy.*
What Kind of Welder Do I Need
Inverter welding machine: Inverter welders can be advantageous because they’re smaller, more compact, and they use less energy. And since inverter welders are electronic, you have greater control over settings.

What are the Different Types of Welding?

In reality, there are seemingly endless types of welding. However, there are 6 main overarching types of welding processes:

The Different Types of Welding Machines & When to Use Them

MIG Welding Machines/Best Wire Feed Welders

To sum it up, MIG welding machines are useful for both MIG welding and Flux Core welding. These types of welders are automatic and use a spool gun to continuously feed a wire welding electrode between the base metals and the machine itself.

You Should Buy a MIG Welder If…


Here’s a quick checklist of reasons to buy a MIG welder. You should buy this type of welding machine if you:

  • Want the best welder for aluminum and steel, and you don’t plan on using other types of metals.
  • Plan on Flux Core Welding, which involves deep penetration with dirty materials
  • Want optimal control on thin materials
  • Want the highest welding speeds possible
Here are some further Flux Core &  MIG welder reviews to help you find the best wire feed welders:

Shielded Metal Arc/Stick Welding Machines

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), also known simply as Arc Welding or Stick Welding, is one of the most popular types of welding. To summarize, this is a manual welding process that uses a flux-covered electrode to produce a weld. (See Stick Welding Tips for Beginners for more details.)

Arc welding machines, also known as Stick Welding Machines, are the most popular welders for home use. Stick This is a great welding method because it works both indoors and outdoors. Additionally, it’s budget-friendly and allows you to work with rusty or painted materials.

You Should Buy a Stick Welder If…

Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide if a stick welding machine is best for you. You should buy this type of welding machine if you:

  • Will be using materials thicker than 1/16″ or more
  • Have mostly farm/home projects & chores
  • You’ll be working outdoors or in windy conditions
  • Will need to work with rusty or dirty materials
  • Plan on primarily working with these three metals: steel, stainless steel, and cast iron
Here are some further best welder reviews to help you find the best Stick welders for sale:

GTAW/Tungsten Inert Gas Welding (TIG) Welding Machines

Like Stick Welding, TIG welding is a type of arc welding. In Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, or TIG Welding, a non-consumable electrode is used. (Unlike Stick welding, which uses consumable stick welder rods.)

In order to protect the welds from atmospheric contamination, a filler metal and shielding gas (such as argon) are used. As Miller Welds describes it, “A constant-current welding power supply produces energy that is conducted across the arc through a column of highly ionized gas and metal vapors known as plasma.”

TIG welding is great for things like race car fabrication and jewelry making, as well as getting the most precise welds in any situation.

You Should Buy a TIG Welder If…


A welder with TIG capabilities is ideal if you want to have the most control over your welds and create the most aesthetically pleasing welds. It’s also a good idea to get a Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Machine if you’re a beginner who plans on becoming a certified welder.

Most multi process welding machines with TIG capabilities allow you to perform Stick, MIG, and Flux Cored Welding. Once you master the easiest types of welding methods, you can move on to TIG.

Probably the best welding machine in the world like this is the Esab Rebel Emp 215ic, which has both “Beginner” and “Advanced” modes.

You should buy a TIG welding machine if you plan to work with a huge variety of materials, such as:

  • Exotic Metals
  • Brass
  • Copper
  • Steel & Stainless Steel
  • Aluminum
  • Chromoly
Here are some further best welder reviews to help you find the best TIG welders for sale:

Best Plasma Cutter Reviews

Last but not least, plasma cutters are also important types of machines for sale. Okay, so they’re the exact opposite of welding. Of course, plasma cutters divide materials rather then join them. But they’re equally as useful. And that’s why we love multi purpose welders with plasma cutting abilities so much.

Here are some good Plasma Cutter Reviews to check out:

 

Buyer’s Guide:
Things to Look for When Buying Your First Welder

Depending on your needs, there are certain things to consider when getting ready to buy your first starter welder.

Combination of Welding Processes: Consider a Multi Purpose Welder

If you want to give yourself more options, think about getting a multi process welder.

Many multifunction welders have MIG in their mix. But the most common combination is MIG, TIG and Stick welding. A good multi-welder should be able to handle alloy, steel, aluminum and stainless steel. Other popular combinations are TIG/PLASMA/STICK and MIG/TIG/CUTTER.

Amperage Range

The capacity of this unit always depend on the type of your project. Now, amperage range is the most important specification to take into account. It’s essential to consider the thickness of metals you will be using.

Ideally, an amperage range between 150 Amp to 230 Amp can weld a quarter inch aluminum to 24 gauge steel, while a machine with 200-300 Amp is enough for regular repairs at home or any project.

AC vs DC Welding

A multi process welder that has capacity to use both AC and DC output provides maximum versatility. When you’re working with a sturdy metal, like steel, you’ll need a DC capability. But when it comes to self-oxidizing metal such as magnesium or aluminum, you’ll need AC capability.

Weight

Some welding processes will demand you moving and adjusting the machine in order to have a better position to work. A lightweight welder will offer you greater portability and flexibility to move or transport easily.

However, you can always purchase handy welder carts to help in this process.

Check out TFC’s Best Portable Welder Reviews for the most lightweight & portable welders on the market.

Simple and User Friendly

Most welders, especially beginners, want to avoid hours studying manuals on how to operate or setup some ridiculously complicated machine. That’s why you should choose models you can easily operate, setup and adjust to fit a particular task. Simply put, look for that welder that possesses user-friendly interface and control panel.

Video: How to Pick Your First Welder

Best Welder Brands

When shopping for different types of welding machines, it helps to know the best welder brands to choose from. Here’s a list of the premium welding machine brand names:

  • Esab
  • Lotos
  • Miller
  • Lincoln
  • Hobart
  • Everlast
  • Forney
  • SUA
  • Tweco

Different Types of Welding Machine Parts List

Depending on the types of welding machines you need, the welding machine parts you use will be slightly different. However, here’s a list of the most common welding machine parts:

  • Ground Cable & Clamp
  • Gas Regulator
  • Electrode Holder
  • Gas Hose
  • Torch/Spool Gun for MIG or TIG
  • Carry Handle
  • Current Setting Gauge
  • Internal cooling fan
  • Power Source

Recommended Welder Reviews for Beginners
Understanding the Types of Welding Machines

Now that you have an idea of the best welder brands, welding machine parts, and the different types of welding processes, make sure to check out these final articles to round out your knowledge. By doing so, you can make the most informed purchasing decision.

Make sure your hard-earned money goes to the right welding machine!

Different Types of Welding Machines: Sources
*Parts of a Welding Machine by Baker’s Gas
Buying Your First Welder: A Practical, Informative Guide for Do-It-Your-Selfers by Miller
What is An Inverter Welder? by Everlast

Related posts:

How to Find the Best Cheap Stick Welder Under $200 (Reviews)
Hobart Handler 190 Review: Best Welder for Beginners?
Esab Welder for Sale: Esab Rebel Emp 215ic Review

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