What is the best welder for sheet metal? It’s a question with many answers. First of all, what type of work do you want to use your new welder for? There are multi-purpose welders made specifically for different types of materials; this includes electric or stick welders and flux-cored arc welders.
The latter is the type of welder that most people think of for an all-around welder, but there are still many people find themselves in the market for a stick or flux-welder.
When buying a new welder, what’s most important is knowing what you’ll be using it for. Which one will weld faster and easier to use?
We’ve listed 10 best-rated welders for sheet metal, along with the type of metal they’re best for. So make sure you read the reviews and that you choose one that’s right for your needs.
Our Top 3 Picks is
The 10 Best Welders For Sheet Metal
1. Weldpro Digital 200 Amp Tig Welder
Now with a full 3 year warranty, the Weldpro brand of welders is considered one of the best by many welding experts. This 200-amp model is also a digital TIG welder and features function found on models much higher priced.
It’s a common complaint when researching the best welders for sheet metal that they can be difficult to use. This model features a full function of TIG welding found on models priced higher, including automatic DC tracking.
The unit is designed with 100 percent (40% Amp for DC, 60% duty cycle for AC) duty cycle so it will weld continuously to fill those large orders or just do some casual welding in your garage. Weldpro 200 isn’t just for welding sheet metal, it also provides a stick function that’s great for auto body work and other projects.
Extremely lightweight at only 20 lbs, this welder is portable and travel worthy. When you first pick it up you’ll be surprised by how light it is. It comes with a 1-year warranty and is easy to setup right out of the box.
Learn more for 7 best wire welder for home Use.
2. YESWELDER TIG-205DS HF Welder
The YESWELDER TIG-205DS HF Welder is a commonly sold, reliable and high quality machine. With up to 205 more amps, this is the ideal choice for welding most types of thicknesses. The outstanding 60% duty cycle ensures energetic welding and long-time welding.
You’ll get two TIG function modes, HF TIG (non-contact) and Stick welding, both with digital settings and variable amperage settings for all types of workpiece thicknesses, including stainless steel. When you’re ready to have a nice shiny new stainless steel, this unit will be able to weld it up in no time.
The unit is also capable of stick welding on aluminum, copper and other non-ferrous metals. The handle is lightweight and portable, but still sturdy and strong. It’s portable through most welding jobs and convenient to use when you need it.
3. PrimeWeld 3-in-1 50 Amp Plasma Cutter Welder
The PrimeWeld 3-in-1 50 Amp Plasma Cutter Welder is the best of both worlds and all types of welding. This welder does brake function, cutting up to 1/2″ thick for many types of metal. This includes cast iron, mild steel, copper, and more.
You’ll also get two TIG functions— one for DC TIG and the other for stick welding on all types of metal except for stainless steel which is only done with the 200A stick welder. You get one welder that’s ready to weld any metal with 200 amps of power that runs 50 Hz/60 Hz input power.
The stick welder has a duty cycle of 60% at maximum amps, and the 50A plasma cutter has a duty cycle of 60% at maximum amps. The dual voltage allows the unit to be used in most areas without worry of voltage levels.
It also easily switches between TIG welder and stick welder with one-button design so you can choose depending on what you need done. This is considered one of the best welders for sheet metal because it’s versatile, easy to use and reliable.
Read more: 10 Best Stick Welder For The Money.
4. Lincoln Electric Powermig Multi-Process Welder
This is the ideal choice for welding any metal with 210 amps of power. The dual voltage means there is no worry about voltage levels, so you can use it in most areas without worrying.
The “Lincoln Electric Powermig 210 Mp #K3963-1” is a multi-function and high performance welder that can perform various welding tasks. It contains dual voltage inputs, which means it can easily be connected to almost any power source.
This welder has advanced options and settings that makes it easy to access all of your welding needs. It also functions with ease when used with the push-and-turn digital controls, or with the large color display guiding you through the setup process. From cutting cast iron, mild steel and stainless steel up to 1/2″ thick with its plasma cutter function, to stick welding on most metals except for stainless steel, this powermig welder will do the job for you!
5. Hobart 500559 Handler 140 MIG Welder
The Hobart Handler 140 MIG Welder is a powerful, affordable range of MIG welders. It features an easy-to-use 5-position voltage control selector which adds a smooth, stable arc at all welding thicknesses. The welds can be done with the use of a variety of metals such as mild steel, stainless steel and aluminum.
The Handler 140 is capable of welding 24-gauge up to 1/4-inch mild steel and has the option to weld several types of metals without difficulty. The welding process can be done using MIG (gas metal arc welding) or Flux Cored (Flux Core Arc Welding) technology, dependent on the materials and setting used.
The Handler 140 works off of 115V standard household current and has an operating wire feed speed range which is 40-700 inches per minute, 50-740 at no load. The welder’s amperage range is 25 to 140 amps with a 20 percent duty cycle at 90 amps. This unit also comes with a variety of accessories that you will need for your MIG welding projects.
Read next: 7 Best Welding For Exhaust Pipe.
6. S7 Tig Welder
The S7 Tig Welder is a portable and lightweight welder that includes features like dual voltage, changing between TIG and ARC welding with one push of a button, automatic voltage compensation for fluctuation and more. With the welder’s Automatic Overload Protection, this powerful machine is reliable as well.
You’ll also receive a TIG torch, an earth clamp, and a welding tong to make your job easier. The unit uses inverter frequency up to 100 kHz with dual voltage input and is equipped with automatic voltage compensation for fluctuation, which allows you to switch from one weld function to another seamlessly.
S7 Tig Welder is an excellent option for welding aluminum and other metals like brass, copper and stainless steel at less than half the cost of similar machines in this price category.
Read more: 10 Best TIG Welder Under $500.
7. Stark Professional Portable Electric 240 Volt Spot Welder
The Stark Professional Portable Electric 240 Volt Spot Welder is a versatile and powerful welder for your welding needs. With the simple welding mechanism, you can quickly insert the materials and press to weld. This spot welder comes with some tips that are suitable for many types of materials and can be easily adjusted.
You also get a handle to hold the unit and transport it from place to place, which makes it easy to bring with you to different jobsites. For welding applications, simply apply pressure and press down on the red lever knob at the end of the handle.
The welder is straightforward in its design, light weight and easily portable so you have no problem bringing it with you wherever you go. This is an excellent option for both hobbyists and professionals who need a reliable spot welder for all of their welding needs.
Read more: 11 Best Cheap Welder For Beginners.
8. Goplus MIG 130 Welder
The Goplus MIG 130 Welder is a compact, easy-to-transport, and powerful welder that offers durability and quality at an affordable price.
With 4 current flow settings, accompanying with 10 levels of wire feeding speeds for you to choose from, this welder is perfect for all types of welding projects. The gun on the unit has a full-on/off safety control which prevents accidental contact with the arc.
There are two air vents on the top of the machine that help to dissipate heat along with standard American triangle ground cord and automatic thermal safety protection. This comes with an American power cable as well as a reel of 0.9mm wire, a mask and brush/chipping hammer too! The MIG 130 is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a cost-effective welder that gets the job done.
Learn more: 6 Best Welder For Automotive Sheet Metal.
9. LOTOS MIG175 175AMP Mig Welder
This welder can weld aluminum, steel, and other materials due to its high-quality aluminum wire feeder and transformer technology. The MIG 175 is an affordable and powerful option for welding your projects.
Its transformer technology has been proven to be reliable and durable and can weld several types of metals without difficulty. The welds can be done using MIG (gas metal arc welding) or Flux Cored (Flux Core Arc Welding) technology, dependent on the materials and setting used. They also come with a spool gun for aluminum welding, 10 feet long with four prong end connection, 1 pound aluminum wire with diameter of 0.9 millimeter provided.
The MIG 175 works off of 220-240V AC and the amperage range is 175 amps with a 20 percent duty cycle at 90 amps. This welder also comes with a variety of accessories that you will need for your projects including included wire range and spool gun.
10. Forney Easy Weld 261, 140 FC-i Welder
The Easy Weld 261 is a MIG Welder that has the capability of welding mild steel up to 1/4 inch plate. It features an infinite voltage and wire feed speed control for dialing in the perfect weld, making it the perfect entry level welder.
The welder is a great product for both do-it-yourself, maintenance, repair, metal fabrication and hobbyist projects. It is light and compact with a weight of 19 pounds. The dimensions of this product are 20 x 3 x 15 inches which are great for portability. This unit features a square steel case and is built to take the day to day wear that can occur while working with it.
The Easy Weld 261 Welder comes with a roll of wire, which makes it easy to work on your projects. Along with the welder you will receive a 10 foot grounding clamp, 8 foot gun and other accessories to get you started right away with your projects. The welder itself has an 8 inch diameter that fits large rolls of wire.
There are several things to keep in mind when selecting the best MIG Welder for your projects. First, you will want to consider what you will be using the welder for and what material thickness you will be working with. If you are interested in going into larger projects and maybe even heavy-duty welding, you may need to select a larger machine.
Another factor to keep in mind is the intended use of the machine. If it is just occasional use or hobbyist purposes, there is no reason to spend extra money on a larger or more expensive piece of equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q
What type of welder is best for sheet metal?
For sheet metal, if you want to use a MIG welder then “Goplus MIG 130 Welder” is best model for sheet metal. A MIG welder uses a continuous wire feed and uses shielding gas to protect the weld area. MIG welders are the best fit for sheet metal welding due to the arc in a continuous feed, which helps avoid underside issues like undercut and distortion.
As alternative of TIG welder, MIG welders are best because of high efficiency, cost-effective and suitable for long term use.
TIG welders for sheet metal welding consist of a torch that heats the steel to the proper temperature and controlled by a lead wire that feeds the molten steel into the arc forming process.
TIG welders for sheet metal manufacturing are one of the most efficient welding processes that are available.
Q
What type of material is most suited for flux core welder?
Flux core welders are commonly used to weld aluminum, steel and cast iron. However, flux core welding is not recommended for welding stainless steel or nickel alloy. Some types of flux core are more suited than others depending on the type of job that you will be completing.
Q
Which welder is best for thin metal?
“Weldpro Digital TIG Welder” should be good for most thin metals. This is because the MIG uses a continuous wire feed and does not have frequent changing of waveforms. It a great choice for thin metals because it is not necessary to use a filler rod in order to get a good weld.
Q
Which welder is best for heavy duty metal?
It depends on the type of weld that you are trying to execute. If you are going for a heavy-duty aluminum weld, then you will want to use an MIG or stick welder. These two welding processes can be used to weld aluminum and stainless steel just as easily.
Q
Which welder is best for aluminum?
The best type of welder will depend on the project that you are working on. If you are welding aluminum, you should use a flux core welders as it does not corrode the metal. The gas shielding is also easy to remove and prevents clogging in the weld joint.
Q
Which welder is best for thinner metal?
If you are working with thinner metal, you will want to look at a “Hobart 500559 Handler 140 MIG Welder“. The MIG uses a continuous wire feed, meaning that the wire has to be fed into the gun, but there is not frequent changing of waveforms. That means less time having to fix your welds.
Q
What welder is best for auto body?
For auto body work, you will want to use a MIG welder. It will allow you to use a more consistent bead and is designed for auto body repair.
Q
Is MIG or TIG better for body work?
They are both great for body work, but TIG is better for thinner metal. MIG is better for thicker metals.
Final verdict
Now that you have a better idea of what the best welder for sheet metal for your projects might be, it is time to get out there and start welding. Whether it is a small repair on your car or you are adding a new panel to your vehicle, all of these companies offer something for you.
While many of the welder choices above will allow you to get started right away, others will be more suited if you are looking to work with thicker metals. If you are looking for a welding machine that is more suited to thicker metals, you will want to consider the Hobart Handler 140. The Hobart Handler 140 is a heavy duty welder that is great for more heavy-duty welding jobs including thicker metals.
At the end of the day, it really does not matter which welder you choose. It will all depend on what your projects require and what you desire from your work. If durability is important to you, then an MIG or TIG unit may be your best bet. Good luck.
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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.