Buying Your First Welder: A Practical, Informative Guide for Do-It-Yourselfers | MillerWelds

Buying Your First Welder: A Practical, Informative Guide for Do-It-Yourselfers

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Get objective, informative and practical help and information in buying your first welder.

What welder should I buy? 

There are many welding processes to choose from — but no single process is suitable for all applications. Therefore, it is critical to consider your skills, the basic processes available, and the capabilities and advantages of each to determine which process is best for your needs and applications. From there, you can determine which welder is best for you.

Overview of welding processes

The most common processes are MIG, TIG and stick. Each has benefits and limitations for certain applications. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

  • MIG/Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) — MIG welders use a wire welding electrode on a spool fed automatically at a constant pre-selected speed. The arc, created by an electrical current between the base metal and the wire, melts the wire and joins it with the base, producing a high-strength weld with great appearance and little need for cleaning. MIG is an easy process to learn and can be used on thin or thick metals. It can also create extremely clean welds on steel, aluminum and stainless steel.

    Similar to MIG, flux-cored arc welding (FCAW)* is a wire-feed process but differs in that self-shielded FCAW does not require shielding gas. Instead, flux-cored wire shields the arc from contamination. This is a simple and efficient approach, especially when working outdoors, in windy conditions or on dirty materials. FCAW is widely used in construction because of its high speed and portability.

    Both MIG and flux-cored have the capability to join materials as thin as 26 gauge.

    *The FCAW process is offered through Miller® MIG machines.
  • TIG/Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) — This process uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce the weld. The weld area is protected from atmospheric contamination by shielding gas (usually argon) and filler metal, though some welds, known as autogenous welds, do not require it. A constant-current 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 most commonly used to join thin sections of alloy steel, stainless steel and nonferrous metals such as aluminum, magnesium and copper alloys. The process grants the operator greater control over the arc, allowing for strong, high-quality welds. TIG is comparatively more complex and difficult to master than other processes and is significantly slower.
  • Stick/Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) — Stick for many years has been the most popular method for most home-shop work. This process uses an electric current flowing from a gap between the metal and the arc-welding electrode. Stick is effective for welding most alloys or joints and can be used indoors and outdoors or in drafty areas. It’s also the most economical method and provides the ability to create a good bond on rusty or dirty metals.

    However, it is limited to metals no thinner than 18 gauge, requires frequent rod changing, emits significant spatter and requires that finished welds be cleaned. Stick is also more difficult to learn and use, particularly the ability to strike and maintain an arc. Arc welders are available in AC, DC or AC/DC, with AC being the most economical. It’s used for joining thicker metals of 1/16 inch or greater. Consequently, these machines are a good choice for farmers, hobbyists and home maintenance chores.

 

MIG Welding

  • Easiest process to learn
  • High welding speeds possible
  • Better control on thinner metals
  • Clean welds possible with no slag to clean
  • Same equipment can be used for flux-cored welding

TIG Welding

  • Provides highest quality, precise welds
  • Highly aesthetic weld beads
  • Allows adjustment of heat input while welding by use of a foot control

 Flux-Cored Welding

  • Works as well as stick on dirty or rusty material
  • Out-of-position welding
  • Deep penetration for welding thick sections
  • Increased metal deposition rate
  • More forgiving when welding on dirty or rusty material

Stick Welding

  • Better suited for windy, outdoor conditions
  • More forgiving when welding on dirty or rusty metal
  • Works well on thicker materials

What process best fits your needs?

Identify the types of projects and materials you will weld most of the time. Are you creating metal sculptures? Do you intend to restore an old muscle car in your garage? Does the motorcycle you bought years ago require some fabrication? Or maybe you need to do basic repair on farm equipment.

Possible Projects

Average Material Thickness

Auto body

3/16 inch or less

Trailer frames and fencing

1/4 inch to 5/16 inch

Farm, ranch and landscape

5/16 inch to 3/8 inch

Thick structural components

Over 3/8 inch

Bicycles, lawnmowers or tube frames

1/16 inch

Boats, cars and motorcycles

1/16 inch to 1/8 inch

Hunting stands and utility trailers

1/16 inch to 1/8 inch

General to heavy repair

3/16 inch to 1/4 inch

Taking the time upfront to identify the projects that will occupy the biggest percentage of your activity will help you determine the specific metal thickness you will likely work with most often — and ultimately help you select the most suitable equipment.

Now, it's time to get a bit more specific and take a look at what process you can use for each metal type. Keep in mind that many of these materials are also processed using varying combinations of two or more metals to reinforce strength and functionality.

Metal

Weld Process


MIG

Stick

TIG

Steel

X

X

X

Stainless Steel

X

X

X

Aluminum Alloys

X


X

Cast Iron


X


Chromoly



X

Copper



X

Brass



X

Exotic Metals (Magnesium, Titanium, etc.)



X

What factors should you consider when buying a welder?

The type of equipment you purchase should be suited for the specific functions you require as well as the projects you will work on the most. So, think about your end goal and consider opportunities to expand the usefulness of your equipment. Will you want more power or amperage in the future? Will you ever want to learn or use additional processes?

It is important to take note of the varying amperage and power requirements as well as the duty cycle necessary to achieve the most effective and economical operational results for the projects you’re looking to complete.


In addition to the cost of the welder itself, don’t forget to include costs for the accessories and supplies you’ll need to operate your new welder. This includes welding protection (helmet, gloves, jacket, etc.) as well as gas and consumables.

Don’t feel rushed into making a purchasing decision — take some time to define your needs. If you have questions or something is unclear, Miller can answer any questions you have about processes, benefits, limitations and machine operation. When you’re ready to match a specific model with the task, hobby or business — Miller can suggest the model or product that is the best for you.

Miller has provided quality welders since 1929. When you’re ready to buy, we’d be honored if your first welder was from Miller.

Get Project Ideas & Plans

Feeling inspired? Check out our project page for DIY welding projects, including step-by-step guidance, videos and downloadable plans.

CHECK IT OUT

What machine is best for you?

Now that you’re more familiar with each welding process, let’s review the recommended models Miller offers.

MIG/Flux-Cored


  • Millermatic® 141 
    All-in-one 120-volt wire welder that welds 24 gauge to 3/16-inch-thick (0.8-4.8 mm) mild steel in a single pass.
  • Millermatic 211 
    Welds material from 24 gauge to 3/8-inch thick in a single pass. Multi-voltage plug (MVP™) provides versatility to use 120- or 240-volt input power.

TIG


  • Diversion™ 180 
    Perfect for personal users, this AC/DC TIG machine upgrade has 120- and 240-volt input power capability.
  • Syncrowave® 210 
    Ideal for light-industrial applications and personal users, this AC/DC TIG and DC stick machine does not compromise power or performance for affordable inverter technology.
  • Dynasty® 210 
    Maximum flexibility and an advanced inverter with Auto-Line™ technology from this AC/DC TIG/stick power source.

Stick

  • Thunderbolt® 160 and Thunderbolt 210
    Best-of-class dependable, portable, powerful stick welders. Includes 120- and 240-volt input power capability with MVP (Thunderbolt 160 only).

Multiprocess

If you’re looking for a machine with multiple welding capabilities, consider purchasing a multiprocess welder. A multiprocess welder allows you use different processes without having to buy more than one machine. If you are interested in learning or using more than one welding process, this may be a good option for you. We recommend the 

  • Multimatic® 215
    MIG, flux-cored, DC TIG and DC stick welder that is versatile and easy to use. Connects to 120- or 240-volt input power and welds up to 3/8-inch mild steel.
  • Multimatic 220 AC/DC
    Get the freedom to weld any process including MIG, flux-cored, DC TIG and DC stick, plus the addition of AC TIG capabilities.

For a complete listing of Miller machines, visit MillerWelds.com/Equipment.

Top questions about selecting your first welder according to Miller service technicians

How much amperage do I need for welding?

Amperage measures the amount of electricity flowing and is the same as current, which is the heat. As a guideline, each .001 inch of material thickness requires 1 amp of output, so welding a base material that is .125-inch thick requires 125 amps, while welding material that is .250-inch thick (1/4 inch) would require 250 amps.

What is duty cycle in welding?

A power source’s duty cycle is the number of minutes out of a 10-minute period that it can operate continuously before it overheats. Therefore, a machine that’s rated with a 40% duty cycle can operate for four minutes and then must rest for six minutes. Duty cycle ratings are included in a machine’s product specifications and are typically based on the amps and the process being used. When welding at lower outputs, duty cycle increases and vice versa. For example, the Multimatic 220 AC/DC is rated at a 60% duty cycle when MIG or flux-cored welding at 105 amps and a 20% duty cycle when MIG or flux-cored welding at 200 amps.

How much duty cycle do I need in a welder?

The duty cycle rating you need in a power source depends on the type of work you will do most frequently. For example, in a shop or garage setting, a machine with a lower duty cycle rating will typically cover most jobs. The operator is likely using lower amperages and stopping more frequently, giving the machine a chance to cool down. Operators working in a light manufacturing or fabrication production environment are welding at higher amperages and more frequently, so they typically are using a machine with a 60% duty cycle.

What is the best welder for welding outside?

While many processes can be completed outside, some processes are easier than others when you’re outdoors. For outside jobs on the farm or ranch, for example, it’s most likely you will use stick or self-shielded flux-cored welding, since neither of these processes require a shielding gas. Choosing versatile multiprocess equipment, such as the Multimatic 215, provides the flexibility to tackle a range of jobs outdoors with either stick or flux-cored welding. Stick is good for quick jobs or repairs on dirty metal, while the wire-feed flux-cored process is more efficient when you have a larger job. Or, if you know you will mostly be stick welding outside, the Maxstar® 161 is a dependable stick/TIG welder that allows you to weld up to 3/16-inch-thick (4.8 mm) material.

If you also need power generation capabilities, consider purchasing an engine-driven welder/generator such as the Bobcat™ 260. The 9,500-watt output of the Bobcat 260 will provide enough power to allow full output with most any Millermatic or Multimatic welder. Only the Millermatic 255 and the Multimatic 255 would require a 12,000-watt welder/generator to provide full output. Find the required generator output for every plug-in welder on their product specification sheets.

What is the best welder for welding in a shop?

In choosing a machine for your shop, first consider your amperage needs and the available power. While you may not need the most powerful machine available, keep in mind that in the future you may run into projects that require more amperage or power, or you may want to work with aluminum. Multiprocess welders are a great choice for shop work because they allow you to use different processes without having to buy multiple machines, so you can easily switch between stick, TIG, MIG and flux-cored welding depending on the job at hand. The Multimatic 220 AC/DC multiprocess machine offers the freedom to use any process, including AC TIG.

But if you know you will be strictly MIG welding in the shop, the Millermatic 211 is a dependable machine that can weld up to 3/16-inch material at 120V and up to 3/8-inch material at 240V.

 

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