The MIG process, with or without gas, is the most common welding technique. Indeed, it is the fastest to weld manually. Moreover, the price of a ready-to-use unit remains reasonable. But which one to choose? Discover our comparison of the best MIG welding machines.
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Our selection
"The StahlWerk MIG 135 ST IGBT is a powerful and energy-saving tool. Thanks to the simplicity of the arc welding unit, even those who know…"
"Compact and light, this Costway welding machine is designed for transportation. We appreciate its safety feature that will please even the beginners."
"Take advantage of this microprocessor controlled arc welder to make welds like a pro. The Telwin Maxima 200 is portable and has the essential safety…"
"Stahlwerk offers high-performance welding machines for every budget. This Inverter model impresses with its ease of use and its weight of only 6 kg."
The StahlWerk MIG 135 ST IGBT is a powerful and energy-saving tool. Thanks to the simplicity of the arc welding unit, even those who know nothing about welding can manage.
263 £ on AmazonThe StahlWerk MIG 135 ST IGBT is an excellent welding machine for arc welding. This 3-in-1 inert gas operated equipment offers many extras such as high performance cooling protection, overheat protection and hot start safety. You will benefit from a variable voltage from 16 to 26 V to manually adjust the wire ignition and burning.
The simplicity of this arc welder makes it an excellent model for beginners and those who are not used to tinkering. In addition, the StahlWerk MIG 135 ST IGBT has a low power consumption. And you can perform MIG, MAG and MMA welding with it. The manufacturer even offers a 7-year warranty!
Compact and light, this Costway welding machine is designed for transportation. We appreciate its safety feature that will please even the beginners.
120 £ on CdiscountWith its weight of 16 kg and its carrying handle, the designer has taken into account the needs of many users, both professionals and amateurs. This device releases an inert metallic gas to prevent oxidation of the welded parts. The COSTWAY Mig welding unit is equipped with the essential protection systems against overcurrent, overheating and overvoltage.
High performance and easy to use, it is the ideal machine for learning to weld. The package includes a welding cable with electrode holder, a ground cable with ground terminal, a welding helmet with hammer and a slag with wire brush. You can choose between two colors, according to your preferences.
Take advantage of this microprocessor controlled arc welder to make welds like a pro. The Telwin Maxima 200 is portable and has the essential safety features.
468 £ on AmazonThis arc welder can perform MIG/MAG, flux-cored wire, MMA and TIG welding. You can go all out on materials like steel, stainless steel or aluminum. This multi-process welder has a quick synergistic adjustment of the welding parameters. It is easy to use, even for an inexperienced welder.
No need to worry about safety. The Telwin Maxima 200 has thermostatic protection as well as over and under voltage protection. The station is delivered with the Toledo ground clamp, the Dallas 300 electrode holder, the MT15 MIG torch and a connection kit for refillable cylinder.
Stahlwerk offers high-performance welding machines for every budget. This Inverter model impresses with its ease of use and its weight of only 6 kg.
135 £ on ManomanoAny specific needs?
The best entry-level MIG welder
Your guide :
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| TOP OF THE TOP | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
9/10 |
7/10 |
9/10 |
8/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
StahlWerk MIG 135 ST IGBT
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COSTWAY Mig 130 Soldering Station
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Telwin Maxima 200
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STAHLWERK MIG 135 M 1793
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The StahlWerk MIG 135 ST IGBT is a powerful and energy-saving tool. Thanks to the simplicity of the arc welding unit, even those who know nothing about welding can manage.
|
Compact and light, this Costway welding machine is designed for transportation. We appreciate its safety feature that will please even the beginners.
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Take advantage of this microprocessor controlled arc welder to make welds like a pro. The Telwin Maxima 200 is portable and has the essential safety features.
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Stahlwerk offers high-performance welding machines for every budget. This Inverter model impresses with its ease of use and its weight of only 6 kg.
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Dimensions
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48 x 22 x 37 cm
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36x18x35 cm
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51 x 39 x 25 cm
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34x14.5x26.5 cm
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Weight
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9 kg
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16 kg
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13.6 kg
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6 kg
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Voltage
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230 V
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220-240 V
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230 V
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230 V
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Maximum current
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135 A
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120 A
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170 A
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135 A
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Usable electrodes
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60% to 135 A
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35% to 120 A
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60% to 170 A
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40% to 135 A
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What types of materials do you plan to use your MIG welding machine on? First of all, MIG allows you to work on a wide range of materials. However, for professionals with production requirements, it is advisable to choose a MIG welding machine with a solid wire and gas. But don't let that stop you from choosing one with a fine wire for discreet and efficient point-to-point assembly.
There's no need to invest in a high-end welding station if you only use it infrequently. Be aware that there are models designed for occasional or regular home use. There are also MIG welders made specifically for professionals and experts.
For occasional home use, a power rating of over 40 amps is already sufficient to roast electrodes up to 3.2 mm. You can go up to 130 A to perfect your technique at home. On the other hand, a professional welder will look for a power higher than 130 A to do big jobs.
The duty cycle is equivalent to a percentage value on a given amperage. It indicates the amount of welding and cooling time required at a specific amperage. For example, 70% duty cycle at 100 amps means that for 10 minutes of operation, 7 minutes of welding and 3 minutes of cooling are required.
Certainly, the quality of the weld is greatly influenced by the skill and talent of the welder. Nevertheless, there are other factors that can come into play to provide quality work. These include the case of the performance of the machine itself, the quality of the electrodes and wires as well as a good weld set-up.
The principle of arc welding is based on the rise in temperature at the melting point by using an electric arc. This rise in temperature is due to the heating caused by the resistivity of the metals through which the electricity flows.
The MIG or Metal Inert Gas welding machine allows to realize aluminium welds by using the electric arc to reach the melting temperature of the metal (1 500 °C for steel) and to realize autogenous welds. It is equipped with a system of unwinding the wire to be welded, more precisely with an unwinding wire under protection of an inert gas such as argon or helium.
The injection of argon or argon and CO2 protects the melt from the oxidizing effects of the ambient air. It also improves the penetration of the weld because it prevents the material and the parts to be welded from heating up. A good autonomy is guaranteed thanks to the continuous supply by a wire reel.
A MIG welding machine consists of the frame of the welding machine which is an electrical transformer, the reel of the copper coil, the single-cord cable carrying the gas, the welding wire and an electrical pole, the welding torch, and the gas cylinder with its regulator and flow meter.
In general, MIG welding uses a continuous welding wire rather than a welding electrode because the torch not only carries the electrode but also directs the gas. This is why a MIG welding machine most often has a continuous welding wire feeder. The gas is stored in a cylinder connected to the torch by a solenoid valve for flow control and a pressure regulator for pressure control.
Under inert atmosphere, the MIG process can be used for stainless steel, copper alloys and light alloys.
The MIG or Metal Inert Gas welder uses a neutral gas (helium, argon, carbon dioxide) that does not react with the molten metal during the fusion of two metals. Its main function is to create a short circuit between an electrode wire of the MIG welding machine and the workpiece to form an electric arc. The wires used during a MIG weld vary from 0.6 to 2.4 mm in diameter.
The MIG welder allows for fast, high quality welding. Moreover, it is very easy to use. It produces very little smoke during the process. This makes the work of the welder easier. On the other hand, it should be understood that this type of welding machine does not tolerate contact with air currents, which requires you to work in a well-enclosed area. The MIG welding machine is more suitable for indoor operations than outdoor ones.
The MMA or Manual Metal Arc welder uses the principle of electric welding to join metals. It generates heat through an electric arc and easily melts a workpiece with an electrode to create a molten pool. Versatile, it can weld metals of different thickness. The current intensity to be used as well as the electrode diameter to be used with this type of welding depends on the metal to be welded.
The advantage of the MMA welding machine is that it is easy to transport and works even when it is windy or rainy. In addition, it is very resistant to paint, corrosion and dirt. But the major drawback is that you need to have experience in arc welding to use it. In addition, using an MMA welder can produce more waste than other types of welders.
The choice between these two types of welding machines depends on your skill in handling the machine and your welding needs. Choose an MMA welding machine if you want to join metals without the need to clean them. Choose the MIG welding machine for an optimal welding result.
For all welding jobs
The MIG welding machine allows you to weld all metal materials, even steel. All you have to do is choose the right shielding gas and welding rod to get a perfect result. You also need to set your welding station to the power required for your work. It is a versatile and ultra-efficient welding poster provided you have the right accessories that allow you to do the welding job.
To be productive
The MIG welding machine is a semi-automatic device and is equipped with a coil of metal wire. This coil allows it to provide you with a continuous weld. Thus, it takes less time to complete a job with a MIG welder than with another type of machine. At the same time, it also allows you to handle a large volume of work.
To get a quality weld
The MIG welder uses an inert gas that does not react with the metal you are melting. It ensures the stability of the arc. You get a weld that looks good and is protected against corrosion.
For high intensity work
The MIG welding machine is very popular for its ability to perform various jobs on stainless steel or steel. Indeed, it is able to provide a temperature that can reach 3600°C. It is therefore the ideal device for professionals in the field, and is also a valuable aid for small DIYers.
To reduce the amount of smoke
Welding processes produce fumes due to the high temperature. These fumes are potentially harmful. The MIG welding machine reduces the danger, because it produces very little smoke. Using a MIG welder is also a good way to protect the environment.
In our opinion, the best brands of MIG welding machines in 2022 are :
As a well-known manufacturer of welding machines and plasma cutters, Shenzhen Stahlwerk Welding Technology Co., Ltd. has been recognized as a high-tech enterprise specializing in the manufacture and sale of inverter welding equipment since 2008 in Shenzhen. The brand is beginning to gain global recognition.
Costway is a popular company known for selling quality products at affordable prices. In 2009, Costway began selling its items on third-party platforms such as Amazon and only started its own online website in 2015.
For over 55 years, Telwin has been a global leader in manufacturing welding machines, cutting systems, and battery chargers and starters. Telwin is present on 5 continents, in more than 120 markets with a product range that, by its variety and richness, is unmatched in any market. Products suitable for all areas of production, from automotive to industrial, from construction to shipyards, from all professional divisions to DIY, this is what the Telwin brand is all about.
SAF-FRO designs, produces and markets welding and cutting products, solutions and services for professional users. This leading international brand is owned by Lincoln Electric. SAF-FRO is committed to creating value for its customers worldwide by bringing innovative welding and cutting technologies, products and services.
Miller® is about building things that matter. It leads the welding industry in manufacturing advanced, solution-oriented products and addressing critical welding safety and health needs. This brand is interesting as it is quite well known all over the world. With good quality and flawless reliability, the brand is among the best.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
The best MIG welding machine is a safe machine.
Always remember that welding, when not done properly, can be dangerous. Electrical shocks, fumes and gases, arc rays, hot parts, noise and a host of other possible hazards accompany welding work. It is essential to wear a welding helmet, gloves, closed toe shoes and clothing that fully covers the skin. Be sure to wear natural flame retardant fibers such as denim and leather, and avoid synthetic materials that melt when touched by splashes, which can cause burns. Also, avoid wearing pants with cuffs or shirts with pockets, as they can act as a receptacle for debris and cause injury.
Practice on scrap metal if you are not yet familiar with welding stations.
Practice
on scrap metal of different thicknesses to get used to the performance of your MIG welder. It will be easier for you to make consistent welds if you first practice drawing small letters like u and e on the surface of a piece of scrap metal.
Always weld on bare metal.
Use
a grinder, wire brush, or emery cloth to clean surfaces, and always weld on bare metal. Avoid metal cleaners or household solvents. These can leave a residue that could react badly with the flux or gas used in the welding process.
Make sure all your connections are in good condition before you start.
Before you
start your weld, make sure all your connections are tight - from the front of the MIG gun to the power pin that attaches it to the power source. Also, make sure there is no spatter buildup on your consumables and that you have a grounding wire as close to the work area as possible.
Select the correct feed roller and tension setting to feed the thread efficiently.
Inappropriate feed roller selection and tension settings can result in poor thread feeding. Consider the size and type of thread you are using and match it to the appropriate drive roller.
Yes, this type of welding machine is recommended for beginners. MIG welding is one of the easiest types of welding equipment to handle, thanks in part to the use of a consumable electrode that does not require an external power supply. This is the difference with welding machines such as MMA or tungsten welding machines.
MIG welding requires the use of a neutral gas composed of argon or argon+helium. This gas does not react with the molten metal. This process is used on stainless steel, light alloys or copper metals. MAG welding takes place in an active atmosphere using a mixture of argon, carbon dioxide and oxygen. This process is used on alloyed or low alloyed steels.
Both welding processes use an inert gas. The difference lies in the electrode. If MIG welding machines have revolutionized arc welding by using flux-cored wire instead of the MMA rod, this is not the case with TIG, where this accessory is making a comeback. However, the rod used in TIG is made with a tungsten infusible electrode.
To weld safely with a MIG welding machine, a mask with tinted lenses must be used. There are several categories of glasses. The clearest one should be preferred. The type of mask is more or less dark according to the luminosity. Generally speaking, basic masks are not suitable for this type of welding.
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