What kind of Welder should I Buy for Beginners?
So you have finally decided to buy your first welder to start on the DIY projects you have been planning all year. However, you cannot figure out which is the best welding machine to start you off. Well, you shouldn’t worry too much about it as we have got you covered.
That said, what kind of welder should you buy as a beginner?
How will you be using the welder?
One welder is not like the other one, and so is their function. Consider how you’re going to use the machine, and purchase the right welder based on that. Is it metal equipment repair works or fabrication of motor vehicles? Which hobby do you have in mind?
But you will also need to think about the budget you can comfortably work with. Beginner welding machines are not too expensive.
Stick Welding
Stick welding is an obvious choice for most beginners, given the simplicity in design and use. It is also among the most popular and budget-friendly. The bond between metals is relatively strong and quite stable. And unlike some of the other welding processes, the stick welding can work its way around rust and dust.
However, you need to be careful with arc welding as it produces a lot of sparks. Make sure to have the necessary protective clothing.
The Hobart Stickmate LX welder stands out as one of the most beginner-friendly stick welders. 160 DC and 235 amp AC output goes to indicate its efficiency in welding pieces of metal. The easy-start feature is as functional as it can get. However, you may need to restrict yourself too thin sheets of metal as the machine is not very powerful. But we all start somewhere, and the stick welder is a decent unit, to begin with.
MIG welding machines
MIG welding is one of the most user-friendly, and therefore easy to learn. The machines are a favorite for many beginners, and there is a good reason for it.
Typically, the machines produce quite strong joints, are aesthetically appealing, and clean to use. But unlike the stick welding, MIG doesn’t do well in rusty and dusty metal. You may also need to be in a shelter away from the wind and other elements of weather.
A good example is the 120/ 240 volts AC Miller electric welder. The unit is quite efficient with 24 gauge to 3/8’’ steel. The welder has a dependable wire feed.
TIG welding
TIG welding machines are other clean and aesthetically appealing devices that beginners can use. It has a high level of accuracy and does not require cleaning after. Unfortunately, the melting process is quite slow. It will also take some time to master welding machine.
Furthermore, you may require to do several tries before you can hack it, and that translates to a significant amount of time.
AHP AlphaTIG is the kind of machine we are talking about here. The TIG welder is especially perfect for mild steel and aluminum. It allows for the right level of experimentation, and you can learn the ropes sooner than later.
