For a beginning hobbyist or basic home shop, the only thing you really need from a welder is that it works well enough to get the job done. There are many inexpensive hobby-type MIG welders on the market that do an excellent job when used within their limitations. It doesn’t make much sense to buy a very expensive industrial machine just yet if all you’re going to be doing with it is welding up some old metal lawn furniture you have in your backyard.
Your needs will increase as your knowledge and skill level increase, so if you can afford it, start out with something mid-range in terms of price and performance. If you decide later you want to upgrade, there’s nothing with having bought a lower model first. It’s a very circular relationship as your needs increase, so don’t limit yourself at the onset with some really low models.
In terms of MIG machines, expect to spend somewhere between $300 and $500 for a decent hobby-range unit that will come equipped with enough features to allow you a great deal of freedom in what you can do. By contrast, if you’re going to be doing auto bodywork or building steel sculptures by the seashore every day, then step up to something more powerful – but more expensive – like a Millermatic. In fact, I’d recommend getting an AC/DC rig rather than DC only for those kinds of working conditions.
Contents
FAQS
What is a tig welder?
A tig welder is a specialized machine that uses electricity to heat metal pieces until they become molten. A filler rod made of the same kind of material as what you’re welding is then run between the now-hot pieces to create a strong, permanent bond.
Depending on the application, the type of tig welding equipment varies widely in terms of power output and its intended purpose. Some welders are so small and light, they might be considered portable units powered by an internal battery supply. However, this usually means lower amperage than typical MIG or stick welders available for purchase at your local hardware store. At any rate, it will probably still need to be plugged into some sort of conventional wall outlet if only because it usually won’t have enough battery power to last for long.
For small scale DIY projects, these are ideal, but for any kind of commercial work, you’ll need something with a little more power behind it. If your plans involve working on cars or anything else that might be considered heavy-duty labor, then get yourself the biggest tig welder you can afford.
The most common types of tig welders fall into four categories: inverter based AC/DC machines, pure DC machines (often referred to as conventional), non-stick surfaces (no clean), and dual shield (dual-panel). Each type has its own set of pros and cons in terms of how they weld metal together.
How much does it cost?
The one drawback to the tig welder is that it’s a bit on the expensive side – more so than a MIG machine – especially if you want something with a lot of power. Expect to pay upwards of $2,000 for a decent unit capable of producing professional-quality work. But don’t be discouraged before you even try to look around. There are many good tig welders available for less than $1,500 these days. Do some research online and see what people are saying about various brands and models before making up your mind about which way you’re going to go.
Welding companies commonly use MIG and TIG. Both welding methods can use either a gas or gasless electrode to produce the weld.
What is MIG welding?
Mig welding uses direct current (DC) electricity fed through a very hot heating element called an arc to fuse metal pieces together. It can be used on both AC and DC power sources, though most professionals prefer to use an inverter-based machine if only because it’s very portable. Mig welders are also capable of handling a wide variety of materials, so they’re ideal for hobbyists who like to experiment with different types of material in their work.
If you’re planning to do any kind of construction work involving steel or aluminum beams, then MIG welding is definitely the way to go. It’s fast (especially when using advanced digital controls), powerful enough for commercial applications but still relatively lightweight and easy enough for even beginners to learn how to use.
Mig machines come in three basic types: standard, stainless steel, and flux core wire. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.
How much does it cost?
A good MIG welder capable of high-quality work will run you about $300-$500 on average, but don’t think for a moment that you cannot get your hands on such equipment without spending at least twice as much. You might find some deals if you look around. Many smaller suppliers sell their machines for far less than some larger distributors because they’re willing to sacrifice the customer service after the sale in favor of immediate cash flow. If you’re not comfortable buying online from someone with whom you’ve never done business and prefer that someone give the new machine a test drive before you take it home, then buying locally is best.
Choosing a TIG welder can be a little more complicated than deciding on a MIG unit. Some of the most popular brands include Miller, Hobart, and Everlast. The average price for a conventional AC/DC TIG machine runs in the neighborhood of $500-$1,000. Inverter based DC only units obviously cost less, but they’re also somewhat limited in what they can do. A non-stick surface set-up will run you around $400-$800 while dual shields have been known to sell for as much as $2,000 in some cases.
Why should you get one?
People commonly use TIG welding when working with titanium, stainless steel, and other exotic alloys. The process will also work on aluminum but it’s not advised because the equipment is only designed to do one thing (and if you try to force it to do something else, you’re asking for trouble). If there’s any lesson to be learned from this article, let it be this: don’t buy a machine that can only perform half of what you need it to do.
TIG welders are well-suited for fine work like jewelry making and model building. They’re less useful in construction or repair work simply because they don’t produce enough heat output for significant metal joining applications. Another drawback lies in the fact that these machines aren’t nearly as portable as MIG units.
On the upside, TIG welding doesn’t require a shielding gas to produce clean, strong welds, so if you’re working in a confined space or with hazardous fumes in the air, this might be a better option. Again, do your research and talk to people who have experience before making a final decision about which machine is best for you.
Where can I find the best deal on one?
There are a number of places you can purchase welding equipment, including your local hardware stores, small engine repair shops, and garden supply outlets. Big box retailers like Home Depot also carry a range of products at competitive prices — but if you’re looking for the best deals online, check out Amazon .com or eBay where discounted merchandise goes for knock-down prices on a regular basis.
I hope this article has been helpful. If you have any other questions about MIG welders or TIG units in general feel free to post a comment below and I’ll do my best to answer them within 24 hours.
A good MIG welder capable of high-quality work will run you about $300-$500 on average, but don’t think for a moment that you cannot get your hands on such equipment without spending at least twice as much. You might find some deals if you look around. Many smaller suppliers sell their machines for far less than some larger distributors because they’re willing to sacrifice the customer service after the sale in favor of immediate cash flow. If you’re not comfortable buying online from someone with whom you’ve never done business and prefer that someone give the new machine a test drive before you take it home, then buying locally is best.