If you’re in the market for a small mig welder, you may be wondering which one is the best. There are a number of factors to consider, including price, performance, and portability.
A mig welder is a gas shielded metal arc welding process for fusing metal pieces together. It’s not just for welders though. This humble machine can do much more than just make neat little beads of metal over the metal you want to weld!
This guide will explore the best small mig welders for professionals, hobbyists, as well as individuals with a small workshop setup.
Top3 Picks of the best portable small MIG welders
Table could not be displayed.The 8 Best Small MIG Welders
1. Hobart – 500553 Handler 210 MVP Small MIG Welder
The Hobart Handler 210 MVP is rated at 70 amps and 220 volts. With a 3-year warranty, this machine comes with features that justify the price tag. Power
It has a lower output than the TIG and stick welder but it is a sturdy weld function that can handle some occasional repairs. It is perfect for home use and light industrial applications. The 210 MVP has some unique features that set it apart from other bigger welders. The fact that it can be operated stand-alone is a bonus. This allows you to continue welding after you have run out of gas and had to cut the current flow. It’s also portable enough to be transported, even though you may need help because of its weight.
The price, considering what it offers, is a great deal. It also comes with some nice features that make handling easier, such as a gas regulator that enables you to control the flow of gas. The shielding gas is also electronically balanced to give you better operation and results.
If you looking for the best MIG welder in small size then the Hobart Handler 210 MVP is perfect for you.
Read more: 5 Best MIG welder under $500 – Top Picks & Overview
2. Lincoln Electric LE31MP Small MIG Welder
The Lincoln Electric LE31MP is a pretty popular MIG welder which has the capacity to do basic repairs and make small metal artworks. It’s a little on the heavy side so it’s not exactly portable, but with a 80-140 amp output, this thing can weld through thick metal.
The result of using this device depends greatly on the gas purity you are using. If used in an area with dirty air, you may notice that your welds come out looking like Swiss cheese or have holes in them. It’s not the best choice if you are looking for a professional-grade unit.
LE31MP is also not the fastest welder on the market and you may find yourself staring at the arc you are trying to form while it slowly works its way down to the metal, but that is to be expected from a MIG welder this affordable.
This unit is a great deal for home repairs and light tinkering, but you may want to look into something a bit more professional if you plan on doing some heavy-duty jobs.
The unit is not the most attractive welder but the price tag makes it worth it. If you are looking for something that can get the job done but won’t require a second mortgage to afford, this is a great choice.
Read next: Best Budget 220V MIG Welders
3. YESWELDER Digital MIG-205DS Small MIG Welder
YESWELDER Digital MIG-205DS is a moderately priced machine that delivers the goods in terms of durability, safety and usability. The price tag is on the lower side, which makes it an excellent machine for both hobbyists and beginners.
MIG-205DS has a 1:4 output ratio which means that it can handle larger pieces of metal for up to half as much power. It also has a TIG mode which allows you to use this welder for welding thicker and tougher metals. It can weld through 2mm of mild steel and 1.5 inches of steel.
It is also equipped with a titanium flux-capable welder which ensures that the welding process is not compromised by the presence of impurities in the air. The best thing about this welder is that it’s affordable and will perform to expectations, even though it may not last as long as some other machines on this list.
Read more similar Best Dual Voltage MIG Welders.
4. Forney Easy Weld 261, Small MIG Welder
Forney Easy Weld is a MIG welder that is designed for hobbyists, mechanics and anyone else who needs a welder with some serious power. It can weld through 1/8 inch of steel and at a high amperage output of 150 amps.
The price tag will put off many hobbyists, but you get what you pay for with this thing. It’s the kind of machine that will last you years of constant use without skipping a beat. The same goes for the accessories that come with the unit, including a leather-lined hard case and an extra gas regulator.
If you are looking for a welder that’s small enough to haul around, but has high enough output to do some serious metalwork onsite, this is the best MIG welder option.
5. LOTOS MIG175 175AMP Mig Welder
LOTOS MIG175 175AMP is a cheap MIG Welder with a lot of power for professional use. It’s rated at 175 amperes which is enough power for pretty much any job you can throw at it.
MIG175 is also capable of going through multiple types of metal, including steel, stainless steel, aluminium and even nickel-chrome. It’s not quite as fast as some other welders on this list, but you will be able to keep up with the speed of the machine if you have any experience using MIG welders.
The MIG175 comes with a remote control for added convenience. If you are looking for a welder that can get the job done, then this is a great option and the price tag makes it pretty affordable.
6. PrimeWeld MIG180 Small Mig Welder
PrimeWeld MIG180 is one of the most popular welders on the market and with a price tag that’s in the middle of the pack, it also satisfies both professional and hobbyist users. It can switch between MIG, TIG and arc welding modes for added versatility. The 180 amp motor is pretty powerful and should be able to handle most jobs you throw at it.
MIG180 gives you three different welding processes to choose from. Arc welding is one of the best ways to get precise welds, but it requires a lot of training in order to be able to execute them correctly. MIG welding is the best compromise between speed and fit, but it may not be as precise as arc welding. TIG welding is usually reserved for metals that are harder than mild steel and can handle high temperatures. It’s great for making tough welds on tough metals. TIG welding also requires a lot of training to learn.
This welder is specially designed to be durable and last, which is great for those who are looking for a long-lasting unit that can withstand the test of time. It’s not the most attractive on this list, but it certainly gets the job done. The construction is sound and there isn’t much to worry about in terms of quality control.
7. TOOLIOM 135A Flux Core Small MIG Welder
Toolioom 135A Flux Core MIG Welder is a pretty good option for a welder that’s under the $200 price point. It has an impressive output of 135 amps which means it can take on some pretty heavy duty jobs, even though it does not have the versatility of a TIG welder or a remote control.
The welding style is pretty much as it sounds: flux core. It’s effective, but it doesn’t have the precision of a MIG welder. If you’re looking for something heavy-duty to take care of some heavy-duty jobs then this is another good choice. The price tag won’t burn a hole in your wallet either.
8. HITBOX HBM1200 Small MIG Welder
HITBOX HBM1200 is a reasonably priced option that packs in a lot of power. It’s also one of the fastest welders on this list, with an amperage output of up to 200 amps and a voltage range that can go as low as 110 volts and as high as 220 volts.
It has some neat features like the RCD reverse current device which puts the welder into protection mode if anything goes wrong. This is a good thing because the last thing you need is a fire or shock. The torch is also very durable and should withstand the test of time.
It doesn’t have a remote control and there aren’t any alternative welding processes, but for those who are looking for a unit that will get the job done without breaking the bank, it’s a decent choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I hope this guide helped you choose the right small welding machine for your needs. There are a lot of factors to consider, but the most important ones are welding power, amperage, duty cycle, and portability. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. But if you keep these factors in mind, you should be able to find the perfect welder for your needs. If you’re new to welding or don’t have much experience, it wouldn’t hurt to start with something cheap and basic. This will let you get used to the whole process and figure out what you need before spending big money on a better model.
Most people who are into welding will probably tell you that there’s no substitute for an arc welder. But sometimes those machines just aren’t practical for your needs. If you need something small and lightweight, a mig welder might be a good fit for your situation.
But just remember that they can’t do everything. For instance, if you need to weld thin metal sheets together, then this kind of machine is probably not the best option. If you have any further questions about welding or the equipment on this list, please drop me a line at contact box.
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Walton M. Edwards was born in 1994 in a coal mining town, he has worked as a welder, a hardware salesman, and as a pipe fitter and has been employed as a laborer for about fifty years. Walton is a native of Wabash County in Indiana, but he now resides in Bloomington, Indiana.