If you are new to welding and looking for a cheap arc welder, you have come to the right place. Arc welding is a fabrication process which should not be intimidating or difficult to understand.
It is among the most affordable welders and comes with all of the features necessary to perform some basic metal fabrication tasks.
We have compiled a list of the seven best cheap arc welders for new users who are looking to learn how to use them and what they need. Let’s get started the right way.
Top 3 Picks
Table could not be displayed.The 7 Best Cheap Arc Welders
1. Forney 261 Easy Arc Welder
Forney 261 Easy is a very well priced MIG machine. It has infinite voltage and wire feed speed control so you can dial in the perfect weld! Perfect entry level welder.
The table top of this unit can be adjusted to be flat or curved. Therefore, you can use it to perform metal fabrication tasks as if they were fabricating on a flat surface.
This unit is able to hold 2 and 10 pound rolls of wire which means you can use it for heavy welding projects such as welding in the cab of a car. The overall construction of this unit is made up of all metal parts including the legs, handle, and gun barrel.
2. XtremepowerUS 250 AMP Arc Welder
If you are looking for a quality and durable welder for a low price, this is it. XtremepowerUS 250 AMP Arc Welder is an excellent plug-and-play machine which allows the user to focus on their welding job. This Arc welder is designed in a way that it can be carried to any desired location and set up in minutes.
It is also very easy to maintain and clean because the unit has been designed with an ergonomic design. The arc welder weighs only 100 pounds which makes it perfect for transportation from one work site to another.
This arc welder is a perfect choice for both hobbyists and professionals because it offers maximum safety, high-end performance, incredible portability, durability, affordable prices as well as great customer service.
3. Hobart 500570 Arc Welder
Hobart 500570 is one of the cheapest Arc Welder on the market and has a very simple design as well as set up. This machine can be used for both indoor and outdoor use, and it is suitable for welding thicker sections of metal up to 5/32 inch mild steel.
Hobart 500570 is equipped with easy to control hot start technology which produces a positive and robust arc for efficient welding.
This unit also has an adjustable current which allows the user to alter their welding process according to the thickness of their work piece.
4. Lincoln Electric K2278-1 Arc Welder
Lincoln Electric K2278-1 is definitely a very affordable and portable arc welder. This unit weighs less than 10 pounds and has an adjustable foot pedal for better comfort and control.
This unit also comes equipped with built in foot pedal protection as well as grounded power connection terminals. The user can use this machine on either 110V or 230V so you can choose a location where it will be used.
The Arc welder can be carried very easily because it is quite lightweight and small. It also comes with a detachable wire feed mechanism which makes it easy to set up.
5. VEVOR MMA Arc Welder
Are you looking for a multi-process arc welder in a suitable price range? VEVOR MMA Arc Welder could be your best solution. Different tools are not required to create different welding effects. This product includes six functions in one. The arc welder can be utilized in workshops, vehicle repair shops, and farms.
It is designed for both home use and commercial use. The welding machine is equipped with a powerful welder, so you can start at 20 amps without wasting time. You can also adjust the power level for better results in every welding process.
The machine has a compact body and small enough to carry. It’s also durable because it’s made with quality materials. The manual feed arc welder is suitable for both DIY projects and large scale projects.
6. TOOLIOM 200A Arc Welder
If you looking for the best cheap Arc welder? TOOLIOM 200A Arc Welder is one of the best quality affordable arc welder on the market.
The machine comes with a built-in controller which allows the user to set the amperage and voltage according to the material being welded and also adjust it for different thicknesses. The machine can be used for both indoor and outdoor use. You can travel with this unit from job sites to the next one with ease because it weighs less than 10 pounds.
The Arc welder has a very simple design as well as set up. This machine can be used for both indoor and outdoor use, and it is suitable for welding thicker sections of metal up to 5/32 inch mild steel.
7. HZXVOGEN MMA Arc Welder
HZXVOGEN MMA Arc Welder is the ideal choice for all type of welders, from professional to hobbyist. HZXVOGEN MMA Arc Welder is easily portable and is designed to be used in smaller work shops and home projects.
It is the cheapest arc welder on the market. It can provide the user with an incredible welding experience for the money you pay for it.
The Arc Welder utilizes an adjustable current control which allows the user to alter his welding process as required. The wire feed arc welder also comes with an automatic cutting system for efficient use.
Guide for Buyer’s
Power source
The power source is one of the most important factor to consider when purchasing an arc welder. There are two major power sources that are used in arc welders: 115 V and 230 V. Each has its own set of pros and cons and both are very efficient in their own way. The choice between the two will depend on your project and location where your machine will be used most often.
Duty cycle
Just like other power tools, an arc welder also has to follow a duty cycle. Duty cycle means the number of times you plug your device in per day.
Most power tools use a standard duty cycle of 10 minutes on, 20 minutes off. That is how long the average household will use it. If the job requires a longer duty cycle or you plan on using it for extended periods of time, then you have to look for an arc welder that uses a higher wattage and/or continuous duty cycle.
Amp
Follows duty cycle and voltage, the next thing you need to consider is the amp. It is important because it directly determines how much energy the arc welder will use. This figure varies from arc welder to arc welder but most of them provide a low current setting of around 20 amps.
Voltage
The voltage in your home is usually 110V whereas in most commercial projects and industrial facilities, it is 230 V.
The higher the voltage, the better your machine can function and provide you with quality results.
Size
Arc welder size is also the most important factor to consider when buying an arc welder. If you plan on carrying it from one job site to another, you need a machine that is lightweight, compact and easy to carry around. You can even use it for both indoor and outdoor projects, provided it is portable enough.
Functionality
It is not just about price. Some users like a product with features that do not cost them extra money or add functionality to the tool. The best arc welder should have all these features to provide you with the best welding experience possible at an affordable price.
Ease of use
The key to a successful welding process is an Arc welder with easy and understandable instructions. Make sure you have a user manual that explains every function of your product. It should not be difficult to assemble and operate the machine.
Durability
This is yet another important factor to consider when purchasing an arc welder. Ensure you buy a machine that is built with quality materials and will last for a long time.
Portability
Since arc welder are not handheld, the weight of the product is important if you plan on traveling with it. The only reason why you need to look at the weight of your product is if you are planning on traveling with it from job site to another.
Attention to safety
Safety is one of the most vital factors in any favorable situation in life. And with arc welding, there is always the risk of an accident. Safety should be one of the first things that you take in consideration when purchasing an arc welder because no matter how good the tool is, it cannot produce quality welding without a safe and trustworthy atmosphere.
Price
The last factor that you need to consider when purchasing an arc welder is price. If you want to buy the best quality machine for the money, you can do so by choosing a quality product within your budget.
Final Verdict
So now you have been given all the information about Arc Welders. You are now a pro in choosing the best Arc Welder for your welding project so that you get accurate results every time.
This guide helps you in choosing the right and appropriate Arc welder that has all the qualities you need so that you get quality results.
Thanks for checking out our arc welders list. If you have any question or concern regarding anything, please feel free to contact us.
Read more guides on:
- 7 Best Portable Spot Welders – A Comprehensive Guide
- 10 Best TIG Welder Under $500 – Top Picks & Reviews
- 9 Best Engine Driven Welders – Complete Guide & Reviews
- 10 Best Tig Welder for Beginners – Top Picks & Reviews
- 6 Best Welder For Automotive Sheet Metal in 2022
- 8 Best Welding Inverter Machines – Complete Guide & Reviews
- 7 Best Auto Darkening Welding Helmet Under 100 – Top Picks & Reviews
- 50 Best Welding Jobs in the USA – Find Your Right One
- 5 Best 180 Amp MIG Welder – Reviews & Comparisons
- 6 Best Welding Rod For Manganese – Top Picks
Note: ElectroWeld is reader-supported. If you click a link and buy something we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you., learn more on disclaimer.
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.