Best 220V MIG Welder Reviews: What You Should Know

Welding is workers’ technique to connect metals (Steel, Iron) or non-ferrous metals (Aluminum, Copper). It uses high heat to melt particles and cool and bind to each other. Several types of welding processes are commonly used today.

You will find some of the best 220V MIG welder reviews on this page.

Quick Comparison Table

Focus on MIG Welders

We are going to focus on welder machines that work with the process known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) or MIG welding, which uses a solid electrode, a shielding gas which is sourced externally, and electricity which is used to melt the wire and deposit it into the weld joint.

10 Best 220V MIG Welder Reviews and Buying Guide

1. LOTOS MIG 175 MIG Welder With Free Spool Gun

Anyone who has been in the industry for a while knows that LOTOS is the brand to go to when looking for a MIG welder. The MIG175 comes with a free spool gun, mask, a standard torch, an argon regulator, and other components.

The spool gun, designed to weld Aluminum, saves your time and effort while giving you a seamless weld. That said, Lotos 175 comes with everything you need to set up and start to weld in 10 minutes.

The whole unit also weighs only around 85 lb (38.5 Kg), which is easily portable and gets the job done faster.

Features

• MIG spool gun included
• MIG torch included
• Argon regulator
• Welding mask
• Ground clamp cable
• 100% 30-day guarantee
• 1-year warranty

Specifications

• Input voltages: 220V
• Amperage range: 30A/175A
• Duty cycle: 20% at 175A; 30% at 135A
• Recommended shielding gas: Steel: 75% Argon + 25% CO2; Aluminum: 100% Argon
• Metal thickness capacity: Steel: 18-gauge (1.02 mm) – 1/4″ (6.35 mm); Aluminum: up to 3/8″ (9.5 mm)
• Dimensions: L – 18 inch (45.7 cm); W – 10.5 inch (26.7 cm); H – 12.5 inch (31.8 cm)
• Weight: 85 lb (38.5 kg)

Applications

• Home repair
• Automotive
• General maintenance

Main Accessories

• Aluminum MIG spool gun (included)
• MIG torch MT104 (included)
• Argon regulator (included)
• Welding mask (included)

Pros

• Easy 10 minutes set up
• Spool gun and MIG torch included
• The perfect welder for Aluminum welding
• The wire feed is adjustable to any required speed
• A great tool to use for personal fabrication work
• Thermal overload protection
• Versatile – Suitable for welding Steel and Aluminum
• 7 voltage controls

Cons

• Suitable for home/personal use but not for industrial purposes
• Not the best tool to use for girder construction
• Heavier than average, so it’s not very portable

2. Hobart 210 MVP MIG Welder

Hobart is a big name in the welding business. The Handler 210 MVP is another excellent example of how big brands offer great products for Personal/DIY purposes.

It can run with Hobart’s famous SpoolRunner 100 Automatic.

The package includes a dual gauge regulator and a gas hose. Also included in the box is a 10-foot working cable for the MIG gun, a 10-foot rounding cable, a heavy-duty clamp, and an 8-inch adapter for the wire feed. The MVP 210 can be used to weld non-ferrous metals easily.

A distinctive feature of this model is that it’s set up to handle domestic power supplies and even 220V supplies, which makes it easy to switch between the two.

The Hobart Handler works with 4-inch or 8-inch reels and is a great welder for novice or light fabrication work.

Features

• 11 voltage settings – 7 (220V); 4 (115V)
• Dual-voltage power with a multi-voltage plug
• Short circuit security system
• Thermal overload protection
• Dual-process flux-core and MIG welding.
• 2-years warranty

Specifications

• Input Power: 115V/220V
• Amperage output: 90A (115V); 210A (220V)
• Duty cycle: 20% at 90A; 30% at 150A
• Material thickness: Mild Steel 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) to 3/8 inch (9.5 mm)
• Dimensions: L – 19.5 inch (49.5 cm); W – 10.5 inch (26.6 cm); H – 12.5 inch (31.7 cm)
• Weight: 79 lb (35.8 Kg)

Applications

• Automotive repairs
• Hoame renovation projects
• DIY arts
• Craft welding

Main Accessories

• Hobart spool gun (not included)
• Welding cart (not included)
• Protective cover (not included)

Find here the full review of the Hobart 210 MVP

Pros

• Easy to use, even for beginners
• Superb control on the speed of the wire feed
• None-to-low spatter on variable voltage
• The perfect tool for home use and light work on construction sites
• Dual voltage

Cons

• Some users complain about insufficient cable length
• Heavy. Therefore the displacement is not very easy, even if the reduced dimensions still allow the transport to the job site.

3. Forney 324 190A MIG/Stick/TIG Multi-Process Welder 115V/220V

This entry is one of the most versatile welders on the list. Aside from MIG, the Forney 324 is a multi-process stick/TIG welding machine and provides ease of use with changing between processes.

It features a gas hose and a regulator for MIG welding. The Forney 190 features a Synergic and a standard MIG mode.

Also, it packs a quick mode disconnect torch, an extra-long 15-foot cord, and a longer torch and gun.

One of the most portable welding rigs on this list, the Forney 324, is only 43 lb (19.5 Kg).

Another cool feature is that this model sports a power-saving inverter technology and has a digital readout so that users can read the values arc voltage and output current.

Finally, the Forney 324 includes a cast Aluminum drive system which makes the machine ultra durable.

Features

• Quick to switch from one welding process to another
• Spool gun facility for Aluminum welding (optional)
• Inverter technology (lightweight and power saving)
• Reduced spatter thanks to the synergic controls
• 5/3/1 Warranty

Specifications

• Multi process welder (MIG, TIG, and Stick)
• Input Power: 115V/220V
• Maximum amperage output: 190A
• Duty cycle: 20% at 170A; 60% at 100A; 100% at 85A
• Material thickness: MIG process – up to 1/4 inch (6 mm); Stick process – up to 5/32 inch (4 mm)
• Dimensions: L – 19 inch (48.3 cm); W – 9.5 inch (24.1 cm); H – 16.5 inch (41.9 cm)
• Weight: 43 lb (19.5 Kg)

Applications

• Automotive repair
• General maintenance & repair
• Small contractor

Main Accessories

• TIG torch (not included)
• Foot pedal (not included)

Pros

• Excellent construction allows a variety of use and is resistant to stress
• Versatile multi-process welder machine
• Ultra-durable
• Digital display
• Packed with quality features
• Dual voltage
• 5-years warranty

Cons

• Higher settings might cause power to trip
• Not a heavy duty welder

4. Hobart Handler 190 MIG Welder

Hobart pops up again, this time with one of the most popular welders in the market, which is feature-heavy, easy to use, and powerful. This model is a MIG and flux core welder with an input voltage of 230v. Weighing at around 68 pounds, it is a medium-sized unit.

The Hobart 190 can be used for a range of DIY projects with an output range of about 25A – 190A. Like the 210 models, the Hobart 190 also has a wire drive system made of industrial cast Aluminum in addition to a 10-foot long MIG gun and cable, a two gauge regulator, a 5-foot long gas hose, and seven-position voltage control. In addition to that, the Hobart 190 features a sloped control panel for ease of use and a door chart to help select the settings.

Find here the detailed comparison between the Hobart 190 and 210.

Features

• Seven position voltage control allowed easier output power adjustment for better arc performance and reduced spatter.
• Quick select drive roll: 3 grooves for rapid installation of two solid wires of different sizes and a third for flux-cored wire.
• Direct plug-in for easy installation of the SpoolRunner 100.Short circuit protection.
• Thermal overload protection of the power transformer for better reliability of the unit.
• Quickstart settings point for different wires, gases, and metal thicknesses.
• 2 years warranty

Specifications

• Flux cored and MIG welding processes
• Input power: 220V
• Amperage output: 25A to 190A
• Duty cycle: 30% at 130A
• Material thickness: Mild Steel – 24 ga. (0.8 mm) to 5/16 inch (7.9 mm)
• Dimensions: L – 19.5 inch (49.5 cm); W – 10.6 inch (26.9 cm); H – 12.4 inch (31.5 cm).
• Weight: 68 lb (30.8 Kg)

Applications

• Home repair
• General maintenance
• Auto body
• DIY
• Metal art

Main Accessories

• SpoolRunner 100 spool gun (for Hobart 190 and 210 MVP)
• Weatherproof black cover – Protective cover for Handler machines.
• Welding cart – Designed to hold Hobart welders and gas bottles (max diameter 7 inches).

Find here the full review of the Hobart Handler 190

Pros

• Easy to set up
• Great machine for beginner welders
• Great control on the speed of the wire feed
• Ideal for DIY projects
• Includes a variety of inbuilt safety features (motor power, transformer, and overload protection)

Cons

• Not suitable for industrial work
• Medium-high price range
• Non-portable
• Not easy to carry
• The short length of cables may pose a problem

5. Lincoln Electric Powermig 210 MP 115V/220V

The Lincoln 210 could be the ideal machine for welding newbies. It is versatile and easy to use, with a screen display containing simple instructions allowing you to key in your variables. It will automatically set the fire speed voltage and the amperage for you.

The lightweight (40 lb), dual voltage inputs, and portability make it possible to plug and play and carry it anywhere without the slightest bit of hassle.

This machine is essentially four different welders amalgamated into a single unit. It comprises the functions of a MIG, Stick, TIG, and Flux-cored welder.

Features

• Four welding processes
• Push-and-turn controls
• Large color display
• 3-year warranty

Specifications

• Multi process welder: MIG, Flux-Cored, DC Stick, DC TIG
• Input Power: 115V/220V
• Amperage output: 20A/140A (115V); 20A/220A (220V)
• Duty cycle: 40% at 100A (115V); 25% at 200A (220V)
• Material thickness: Mild/Stainless Steel up to 5/16 inch (7.9 mm);
• Aluminum up to 3/16 inch (4.8 mm)
• Dimensions: L – 19 inch (48.5 cm); W – 10.7 inch (27.2 cm); H – 14 inch (35.6 cm)
• Weight: 40 lb (18.1 Kg)

Applications

• DIY
• Home maintenance/repair
• Auto body
• Light industrial

Main Accessories (Not included)

• Magnum PRO 100SG Spool Gun (required for welding Aluminum)
• TIG torch and foot control
• Welding/Utility cart
• Accessory bag
• Weatherproof/Flame retardant red cover

Find here the full review of the Lincoln 210 MP

Pros

• Automatically determines accurate settings based on variables
• Dual input voltage
• Lightweight and easy to transport
• Compatible with a foot pedal for TIG
• Sturdy sheet-metal built

Cons

• Comparatively expensive for beginners
• Not the most ideal for TIG but more suitable for MIG

6. ESAB Rebel EMP215IC MIG/TIG/Stick Welder 115V/220V

The ESAB EMP215ic can be stated as the all-rounder welding device as it comes with MIG, Flux, TIG, and Stick, making it perfect for any welding process.

Offering 115V/220V compatibility, the Rebel EMP215IC is also the ideal device for novice welders due to its design and display, making it a piece of cake for beginners.

The portability (55 lb – 24.9 Kg), along with the smart technology for dual-mode, one for beginners, and one for the advanced welder, makes this device a favorite among others.

The most important peculiarity among the others is the sMIG feature. An exclusive technology that continuously adapts settings to the user and provides an optimal arc for better welding results. This unique feature helps both experienced welders and beginners, increasing productivity and reducing training time.

This high-end welder also has a TFT (thin-film transmitter) screen to show current settings and information such as the user guide, current temperature of the device, etc.

Features

• Multi-process unit for MIG, Flux-Cored, Stick, and Lift TIG welding (6010 Stick electrodes included)
• Unique sMIG, smart MIG technology
• TFT screen
• Unique industrial design with five-handle roller cage for easy transport
• 3-year warranty

Specifications

• Input power: 115V/220V
• Amperage output: 5A/150A (115V); 5A/240A (220V)
• Duty cycle (MIG): 20% at 130A (115V); 25% at 205A (220V)
• Maximum material thickness: up to 3/8 inch (9.5 mm)
• Dimensions: L – 23 inch (58.4 cm); W – 9 inch (22.9 cm); H – 16 inch (40.6 cm)
• Weight: 40 lb (18.1 Kg)

Applications

• Automotive bodies
• Civil construction
• Agricultural equipment
• Light fabrication
• Home repair and maintenance

Main Accessories

• TIG foot control
• Tweco spool gun 160A
• Rebel utility cart

Find here the review of four different ESAB welder models

Pros

• User-friendly
• Robust, durable steel frame design
• Dual mode facility
• Ability to multitask and has multi-language
• Lightweight and easy to carry thanks to the 5 handles
• Dual voltage

Cons

• Costly
• TIG welding cannot provide desired output without AC power

7. HITBOX 200A MIG ARC Lift-TIG Gas/Gasless 220V Welder

The Hitbox furnished with inverter technology, ARC, MIG, and LIFT TIG functions, make it another interesting device included in this list of ten welders. 

It is a gasless flux core multi-functional welder capable of welding any metal apart from Aluminum.

The average weight of 22 lb (10 kg) – the lightest one – coupled with the MIG torch, gas tube, earth clamps, and electrode make it extremely portable and compatible for all types of usage.

Although the unit lacks a TIG torch, it comprises a MIG and Stick welding; hence in the case of having to utilize this for TIG welding, you may have to purchase a big torch with the argon gas tank.

The HITBOX 200A is a compact machine with overheating protection, a 3D plastic panel, smartly designed flux-cored, and an input voltage of 220V.

Features

• MIG TIG ARC function 3 in 1 multi-process welding unit
• IGBT Inverter lightweight technology
• Digital display
• 1-year warranty

Specifications

• Input power: 220V
• Amperage output: 30A/200A
• Duty cycle (MIG): 30% at 200A
• Maximum material thickness: Steel – up to 1/4 inch (6.35 mm)
• Dimensions: L – 7.2 inch 18.2 cm); W – 13.6 inch (34.5 cm); H – 17.4 inch (44.2 cm)
• Weight: 22 lb (10 kg)

Applications

• Auto repairs
• Light construction
• Home repair and maintenance

Main Accessories

N/A

Pros

• Comprises a fan for auto cooling
• Lightweight and highly portable
• No shielding gas required
• Competitive price

Cons

• Cannot weld Aluminum

8. Lincoln Electric PRO-MIG 180 K2481-1 Welder 230V

The Lincoln MIG 180 is an ideal unit for Flux core welding or MIG welding with gas for steel, stainless steel, and Aluminum.

The simple control knobs that help you smoothly transition from thin sheet welding to thick sheet for flux-cored welding make it suitable for beginners and pros.

The 120 setting feature in this device makes it perfect for welding light steel or Aluminium (Spool Gun needed).

This portable machine (66 pounds – 29.9 Kg) is strong enough to handle heavy metals and customizable not to melt finer metals.

Top Features

• Diamond core technology allows optimal arc action and low spatter
• Heavy-duty wire drive
• Easy two-knob control
• Ready to weld aluminum (spool gun not included)
• Smooth start for minimal spatter
• 3-year warranty

Specifications

• Input power: 220V
• Amperage output: 30A/180A Duty cycle: 30% at 130A
• Welding process: MIG and flux-cored
• Maximum material thickness: MIG weld – 0.2 inch to 3/16 inch (4.8 mm); Welds Steel up to 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) using self-shielded Lincoln Electric wires Innershield (FCAW-S).
• Dimensions: L – 18.6 inch 47.2 cm); W – 18.6 inch (21.8 cm); H – 14 inch (35.6 cm)
• Weight: 66 lb (30 kg)

Applications

• Light fabrication
• Auto body
• Home repair
• Auto body
• Light construction

Main Accessories (sold separately)

• Utility Cart
• Spool gun

Pros

• Diamond core technology
• Extremely versatile
• Strong and shock resistant
• Reasonable price
• Suitable for welding thin metals
• Ability to weld aluminum without making holes

Cons

• Heavyweight, more difficult to transport than the others
• The ability to weld thicker material is lower than the other welders

9. Weldpro MIG200AGDsv Inverter Multi-Process MIG Welder 115V/220V

Weldpro MIG200 is a 3-in-1 multi-process and dual-voltage machine with IGBT inverter technology that delivers you high power in a compact and light unit. 

It is a flux core/MIG welder that eliminates the need to adjust the voltage and wire speed. In fact, this device automatically regulates both the above factors while allowing users to customize it as required.

Although not built by a famous brand, this welding machine can perform better than more expensive welding machines.

Being a MIG, Lift TIG and Stick welder, this unit can perform any routine work, including Aluminum (the optional spool gun in MIG mode is required).

Finally, the Weldpro MIG200 can handle just about any job with a set amperage and wire speed for repeatable welds, spool gun capability, and an easy-to-read dual digital display.

Features

• Dual digital display (allows easy amperage setting for repeatable welds)
• IGBT Inverter Technology
• Inductive settings for reduced spatter
• 2T/4T modes (pre-settable features)
• Spool gun ready
• Overload protection
• 2-year warranty

Specifications

• Dual input power: 115V/220V
• Amperage output: 40A/120A (115V); 40A/200A (220V)
• Duty cycle: 30% at 120A and 100% at 66A (115V); 30% at 200A and 100% at 110A (220V)
• Process type: MIG, Lift TIG, and Stick welding
• Material thickness: MIG – 19 gauge (0.91 mm) to 0.197 inch (5.00 mm); TIG – 25 gauge (0.45 mm) to 1/4 inch (6.35 mm); Arc Stick – 14 gauge (1.62 mm) to 0.315 inch (8.00 mm)
• Dimensions: L – 17.7 inch (44.9 cm); W – 8.7 inch (22.1 cm); H – 15 inch (38.1 cm)
• Weight: 30 lb (13.6 kg)

Applications

• Light fabrication
• Auto body panels
• Home repair

Main Accessories

• Spool gun (not included)

Pros

• Easy to read dual display
• VRD high temp and overload protection with indication

Cons

• Not ideal for heavy industry uses

10. JEGS MIG/MMA 180 Welder 220V

The JEGS 220V welder is a budget-friendly, high-performance MIG/TIG welder.

Thanks to its easy controls, it is user-friendly for even the freshman welder. Weighing 41 lb (18.6 Kg), the JEGS boasts of portability and convenience of transportation.

This welding machine makes it possible for you to easily customize the wire feed and welding voltage with just one control according to the thickness you are working on and separate control for adjusting the heat and length of the arc.

Features

• First knob for welding voltage and wire feed speed regulation
• Second knob for adjusting the arc or welding temperature, suitable for working large or smaller thickness materials
• Overheating indicator light
• Spool gun ready
• 1-year warranty

Specifications

• Input power: 220V
• Amperage output: 30A/180A
• Duty cycle: 25% at 180A
• Process type: MIG, TIG welder
• Material thickness: N/A
• Dimensions: L – 17 inch (43.2 cm); W – 8 inch (20.3 cm); H – 13 inch (33 cm)
• Weight: 28 lb (12.7 kg)

Applications

• Home repair
• DIY
• Light fabrication

Main Accessories (not included)

• MIG spool gun
• Welding cart
• Auto darkening welding helmet

Pros

• Extremely light
• Compact and portable
• Simple to use and beginner friendly
• Very cheap – best 220V MIG welder for the money

Cons

• Limited to small production

Top Welder Brands

1. Lotos

Lotos Technology products have gained acknowledgment for being a famous brand for making durable and long-lasting welding machines and accessories. 

“Cut it, Weld it, Build it” is their motto, and they have provided their services to small businesses and DIY buyers since 2007 with the latest technologies such as MOSFET and PWM.

2. Hobart

Hobart Welders is a longstanding welding company that has been in the game since 1917, hence having ample experience in providing some of the best products of high quality and easy to use. 

In 2000 they launched a full line of welding accessories from rod and wire to auto-darkening helmets with state-of-the-art graphics.

3. Forney

Forney Industries is one of America’s longest brand operating equipment and accessory manufacturing companies based in Colorado. The company founded in 1932 now offers over 5,000 metal welding products of Abrasives, Welding, Personal Protective Equipment, and Shop Tools.

4. Lincoln Electric

Lincoln Electric is an American multinational and global manufacturer founded in 1895, offering welding products, consumables, arc welding equipment, robotic welding systems, and plasma and oxyfuel cutting equipment, with a wide network of about 160 countries.

5. ESAB Welding & Cutting

The founder of ESAB developed the world’s first coated welding electrode in 1904. He launched this company whose uncompromising standards, innovation, and customer input have produced a world leader in welding and expanded to almost every nation of the world with over 8,700 employees.

6. Hitbox

This brand is part of Shenzhen Unitweld welding and Motor Co. Ltd, one of the earliest professional welding machine manufacturers, which runs on the principle of customer first and quality life.

7. Weldpro

Weldpro is a local representative of the global brand ZhejianLinlong Welding Equipment C. It has a history of over 15 years and over 300 talented employees. Linlong is a manufacturer driven by customer needs, innovation, and specialized expertise with a mission to provide the best value in welding supplies to the North American Market.

8. JEGS

Jegs is a well-known brand that has promised value, high-quality performance, dependability, and durability since its founding in 1960.

Do I Need A Generator For My 220V MIG Welder?

​A generator is necessary if your workstation does not have a 220V network.

The generator creates power for your welder without the need to depend on the mains. You fill up the tank, and the generator provides power for your welding equipment wherever needed. Due to this high usefulness, welder generators have become quintessential for construction sites and industrial factories. Besides, you can use a welder generator as a stand-alone generator, which means that when it is not in use for powering up your welder, the generator can power lights, tools or it can serve as backup power.

With technological advances today, some companies manufacture all in one set of welders/generators. They are usually called workstation generators and come in various 2-in-1 (welder + generator), 3-in-1 (welder + generator + battery charger) or 4-in-1 (welder + generator + battery charger + compressor) settings.

Many people are concerned that the multifunctional units may cause individual components to fade in performance, but that is not so. These units are manufactured so that the generator delivers the continuous peak output to each component. As stated, the welder will provide full welding capacity. At the same time, the compressor offers maximum psi air compression, and 12V DC battery charging exists.

What Are You Welding? Why Choose A 220V Welder?

The capacity and power of your welder should depend on the purpose of your welding requirement.
If you are trying to get some DIY projects done, then a 220V welder is an excellent option to go. If you want to do some light fabrication work at home or on a personal level, a 220V welder would still prove to be the right choice.

However, suppose you want to use your welder for heavy industrial work. In that case, the welders mentioned above will not do you any good.

If your work is amateur DIY or light use, you can stick with a MIG welder as it is easiest to learn and handle. But a TIG welding is recommended to derive a high-quality clean weld that will keep the metal distortion to a minimum. Stick welding is the most effective method of binding alloys and joints, so if you’re purchasing a welder for automotive work, a MIG welder is not the best way to go.
Power output is also a factor to consider when getting yourself a welder. Welders with a higher output can work efficiently. Still, they require dedicated supply setups such as generators like those discussed above.

Choosing The Best Mig Welder: What You Should Know

As you may have noticed, choosing the best MIG welder is not easy. The most suitable model for the job to be performed may not be the one you prefer.

There are several factors to consider, such as the input power: you need to know if you will use the device as a standard device at home or need a 220V outlet.

The duty cycle is also a crucial factor when choosing a welder machine. It’s always best to go for a higher duty cycle as that means the rest period that the welder needs are low. For example, suppose your welder only has a duty cycle of 40%. In that case, it will need to rest for 6 minutes after continuously welding for 4 minutes.

Two other factors to consider when selecting a welder are ease of use and portability.

By its nature, MIG welding is easy to learn compared to other welding types. However, different models can have different functions and complications of their own. 

When considering portability, some of the welding units mentioned above have masses of around 30 lb, while others weigh about 85 lb. If you need to move your welder around frequently, it’s best to go for a low-weight option. Still, if you need a heavyweight welder, you can always get a cart to rest it on.

Types Of MIG Welders

MIG welding can be classified further for the types of transfer used in the welder and the nature of the welding process. When listing according to the types of transfer, we can define MIG welders as:

• Short circuit transfer
• Globular transfer
• Spray transfer
• Pulsed spray transfer.

All of these differ in the way the welding material behaves.

For example, the welding wire touches the metal in the short circuit transfer. When electricity pulses through the gun, it creates a short circuit, and the welding wire is melted and drops onto one surface. The puddle formed here binds the two surfaces together.

In the globular transfer method, the wire melts but stagnates at the tip of the gun. It only drips down a few times per second.

In spray transfer, the wire melts down to a very thin surface area, almost like a mist, and this is sprayed onto the joints that are to be welded.

Pulsed spray transfer is the process in which the power source switches between a high and low current or voltage.

MIG Welding Basics: How Does A MIG Welder Work?

MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding is an arc welding process. An electrode runs through a gun to the weld pool throughout this process, which joins the two materials together. A shielding gas also flows through the welding gun to protect the weld pool from contamination.

Video: MIG Welding Basics

Why Use MIG Welding?

MIG welding is very efficient and has a low cost compared to other welding processes. It can usually weld all kinds of metals and alloys that are commonly available. MIG welding can be done in virtually any position with the right equipment, and it’s great for newbies and personal users because it gets the job done with minimal hassle.

Mig And Tig Welding: The Difference

MIG and TIG welding processes use an electric arc to make the joint.

The main difference is that MIG is a process that uses a continuously feeding wire. In contrast, the TIG uses long welding rods.

These two types of welding mainly differ based on their technique, difficulty level, the thickness of materials, cost, and speed.
That said, if your purpose is to weld thick and big pieces of metal, MIG welding is for you.

MIG welding is continuous, so the chance of a defect occurring is reduced. This type of welding is useful because of its triggers that allow one hand to hold and position the materials in specific ways. They are also easier to manage than TIG welders, thus making them great for longer production runs. Therefore, MIG welding is suitable for bigger projects because of its ease of handling and capacity to do longer welds.

On the other hand, TIG welding is suitable for projects with thin or small metals that require precise welding with great finishing and little to no post-welding cleaning.

Advantages Of MIG Welding

There are several reasons why MIG welding is the most popular type of welding today.
MIG welding gives high welding speeds, and it almost always results in great-looking welds. MIG welding is clean and very efficient, which results in the minimal post-welding cleanup.

Versatility is a huge driving factor in the increasing demand for MIG welders. Since MIG welders can work with virtually any commercially available metal, they can be used for various uses while operating in different ways, such as semi-automatic and automatic. You can use MIG welding for home and personal use and industrial purposes. It can also be used to weld iron, unlike TIG welding.

Disadvantages Of MIG Welding

The main disadvantage when considering MIG welding is the cost. MIG welding units have an expensive setup cost due to all the extra equipment and the complex nature of the machine.

They’re also limited in portability due to some welding units being heavy. In addition to the unit itself, extra equipment such as shielding gas, electrodes, tips, and nozzles for the welding gun and masks can add up to the already high cost.

Another major disadvantage of this type of welding is the limited availability of positions. The fluid nature of the welding puddle makes it unsuitable for vertical and overhead welding.

MIG welders inherently have low duty cycles, which can cause a problem of inefficiency when used in situations that require high duty cycles.

Equipment For Your Welder

Unless you have an all-in-one welding unit, you need several equipment and accessories in addition to your welder to start welding. You will need a MIG gun, a gas cylinder and regulator, a wire feeder, and ground clamps and hoses.

There are several types of wire feeders; Add wire feeders, spool feed guns, and suitcase wire feeders. These can be chosen based on convenience, but most professional welders prefer suitcase wire feeders to the other types.

When moving on to the topic of MIG guns, you have three options; standard MIG guns, Push-Pull MIG guns, and spool feed MIG guns. Spool feed guns are special because they do the job of a wire feeder and a MIG gun simultaneously.

Gas regulators and ground clamps are easy to come by and do not have a lot of variety; just make sure that they fit your purpose and project.

220V Welding Extension Cord

Welding extension cords are handy when working on projects that require a big surface area.

Many YouTube videos display how you can create your DIY extension cords. Still, these products rarely meet industrial safety standards and can pose severe hazards to your home or place of work.

This is why you should always buy certified products from trusted manufacturers. A quick search on the web will find you some great extension cords for affordable prices, such as the Southwire 19178806 8/3 Heavy-Duty 25-foot ford or even the Yellow Jacket 2991 10/3 Extra-Heavy-Duty 50-foot cord.

Using these cords is recommended for use with heavy-duty equipment and tools such as generators. They are weather-resistant and robust, which gives you the peace of mind to weld away to your heart’s content.

Safety

The most important part of the article, as it always should be. You need to acquire some basic safety equipment before getting down to MIG welding. They are:

A welding helmet preferably with a lens of shade 10 or 11, safety glasses to protect your eyes from sparks, gloves to insulate you from the current that is running along with the welder and the heat, long pants and long-sleeved jackets, and leather boots to protect your feet from molten metal and sparks.

In addition to the above, you should work in a well-ventilated area with minimal wind speed so that the shielding gases are not drawn away from the weld area. It’s advisable to keep a CO2 fire extinguisher on hand to immediately put off any fires that may occur.

You need to be well aware of your surroundings because you may not see any fires that start due to the dark shade of your visors. You also need to be very careful with the wire feeder; when you stop welding, the wire may have a drop or two of molten metal, which can easily pierce through your welding gloves and onto your hand.

Be mindful of shocks that can occur when changing the tips of the MIG gun or when the trigger is accidentally pressed.

FAQs

What is MIG welding? 

MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding is an arc welding process. An electrode is fed through a gun to the weld pool throughout this process, which joins the two materials together. Shielding gas is also sent through the welding gun to protect the weld pool from contamination. This gas protects the welding process from various contaminants present in the air. This can be an automatic or semi-automatic process. 

What is a 220V welding transformer? 

A transformer converts moderate current electricity and voltages into high current low voltage supplies. This allows the user to select the output current, which can be adjusted based on the material to be joined or welded together. 

What is thermal overload protection? 

Thermal overload protection is a function that is activated by a thermal overload relay, which protects the welder from being overloaded with electricity and overheating.

What is the duty cycle? 

A duty cycle, simply put, is how long a welder can continuously work for before being put down to rest. For example, suppose a welder has a duty cycle of 60% in 10 minutes. In that case, the welder can continuously work for six minutes before being put down for a rest period of four minutes. The higher the duty cycle, the longer that a welder can work. 

Can you weld in the rain? 

This is a big no-no. Even though it’s not illegal, welding in the rain can be a very dangerous activity. You run a significant risk of permanently damaging your equipment. If that wasn’t enough, there’s a very high probability that you will electrocute yourself. Welding must be done in dry conditions because water and electricity do not play well together, and welding machines carry a high voltage.

Conclusion & Best Offer

It is hard to pick a winner when going through the top 10 welders we presented above, but the Forney 324 seems to have the best features.

It is a great welder for personal users at a great price. It is comparatively light, weighing only at around 43 lb (19.5 Kg).

This unit gives you an excellent bang for the buck, and it also has a digital readout meter. The cast Aluminum drive system makes the machine extra durable.

Even though it is not meant for professional use, this is an excellent piece of machinery to use on your next DIY project.

The Alternative

The best alternative to the Forney 324 would be the LOTOS MIG175. It is one of the best brands in the market, and the package comes with a free spool gun, a mask, and the works. Lotos 175 is perfect for aluminum welding and is an excellent tool for fabrication work.

LOTOS MIG175 MIG Welder with Free Spool Gun

It also has a feature to release the shielding gas before using the arc. The 85-pound weight means it’s portable on a wheeled cart, and it gives brands that are more expensive a run for their money.

Stay safe and Happy Welding!