The large variety of equipment available on the market may initially seem mind-boggling if you’re new to welding.
There are a number of significant welder manufacturers, similar to Ford, Toyota, and Mercedes Benz in the vehicle sector. The major giants include ESAB, Lincoln, Miller, and Hobart, which Miller currently controls.
Similar to manufacturers that produce sedans, trucks, sports coupes, and SUVs, there are several “models” of welding equipment, each of which has a distinct function and caters to a certain customer base.
Choosing the best one for you doesn’t have to be difficult. The details provided here might aid in directing you through the procedure.
So, how to choose the best multipurpose welder?
If you’re looking for a multipurpose welder, you’re in luck. There are several models to choose from, including the ESAB Rebel 215ic, YesWelder MIG-205DS, Goplus’ S7 TIG, and the Forney 200. Each of these models offers unique features, so be sure to read the product reviews to find out which one is right for you.
Types Of Welders
The most often used welders are:
- gas inert to metal (MIG)
- Inert gas from tungsten (TIG)
- (SMAW or Stick) shielded metal arc welding
- Welders that use oxy-acetylene (“gas” or “oxyfuel”)
There are also multi-process machines that are flexible and more expensive that can weld using multiple welding processes. Additionally, there are welders that are engine-driven (fuel-powered) for use when working off the grid. These more intricate welders will be discussed in other posts.
We will concentrate on the fundamental MIG, TIG, and stick welders in this introduction. Before continuing here, if you’re not familiar with the various welding techniques, look through the primary welding processes handbook.
A novice or prospective welder has to master the fundamental procedures. If you are aware with the qualities and advantages offered by the various types of welders, your work opportunities will significantly improve.
For instance, understanding which filler rod, wire, or stick electrode best complies with code requirements and which model works best for a certain assignment qualifies you for job as a supervisor, project assistant, weld technician, or buyer at your organization.
Beginning with the fundamentals of selecting a machine, this article. Then, I’ll demonstrate how to interpret the “specs” included in the product sales material and teach you how to contrast important aspects.
Determine The Type Of Metal You Will Be Welding
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel pipe or sheet metal is used in most welds. Carbon steel, often known as regular steel, is very heat resistant. This metal is therefore quite forgiving when a beginner welder applies too much heat, in contrast to the other metals described below.
The majority of welding techniques work with carbon steel. Additionally, you don’t need many capabilities on the machine to create a weld that looks beautiful.
Stainless Steel
The handling of heat is more difficult for stainless steel (“SS”). This alloy, which is made of steel, chromium, and nickel, is used by manufacturers to make food and beverage containers as well as many other goods, mostly due to its resistance to corrosion.
Usually, MIG or TIG welding equipment is used by employees. To compensate for the metal’s reduced thermal conductivity, stainless steel welds use less current than carbon steel welds. Additionally, to get your arc and/or puddle perfect with most SS welds, you need a welder with good controls.
Aluminum
Aluminum originates from a different planet for welders.
Aluminum transmits heat so strongly that you need to keep adding more of it to maintain your puddle molten since it is a non-ferrous metal. In addition, if the workpiece gets too hot, it is susceptible to distortion. As a result, aluminum typically requires more sophisticated machinery to do the task.
Aluminum may be welded with MIG welders, particularly those that include a pulse welding option. The aluminum filler wire is still difficult to feed through many wire-feed systems. As a result, a spool gun, a separate add-on, must be purchased.
An AC power out option (sometimes known as “AC-TIG”) should be available on TIG welders made for aluminum. Inverter-based electronics, square wave technology, balancing management, and a pulse option are other useful features. Naturally, the price of a TIG welder will increase due to these extra capabilities.
Aluminum may also be welded with a stick welding equipment, albeit it’s not the recommended method. The base metal must be thick enough to resist the high heat, just as stainless steel.
Titanium
Welders must take into account the unique heat sensitivity difficulties presented by exotic metals such as Chromoly (used in motorbikes and vehicles), titanium (used in custom bicycles and airplanes), and others.
Since these metals are so valuable, you don’t want to weld them incorrectly. They thus need a highly developed TIG machine with plenty of control, tons of setup and fitting, and an experienced veteran at the controls.
Related – Choosing a Miller Welder Machine
ESAB Rebel 215ic
The ESAB Rebel 215ic multipurpose welding machine comes with advanced features that will make your welding jobs a lot easier. This model is equipped with sMIG technology, a unique welding process that is constantly learning and improving. This feature helps you produce repeatable and superior welds with high consistency. It also comes with a 4.3-inch TFT screen with high pixel density for clear viewing. Its on-demand user manual and parts list are also available for easy maintenance and repair.
Designed for multiple welding applications, the ESAB Rebel 215ic is equipped with advanced welding technology and a 120/230-V power supply. It also comes with an electrode holder, Tweco Fusion 180A MIG gun, and an earth clamp and leads. It is backed by a 3-year warranty. The Rebel 215ic includes a Tweco Fusion 180A MIG gun, electrode holder, and an electrode for MIG welding.
The ESAB Rebel 215ic multipurpose welding machine can weld various metals, including steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. It has a durable design and arc quality that are unmatched in the industry. While the price of this tool is relatively high, it is worth every penny for the features it offers.
The Rebel 215ic multipurpose welder has a warranty of three years and a color screen with multi-language user interface. It also comes with a Tweco Fusion 180A MIG gun with a ten-foot cable and spare parts kit. The unit also comes with a 200-amp electrode holder and 13-foot cable. The ESAB Rebel 215ic is a lightweight model compared to its counterpart, the Rebel 235ic. The two models have similar features, but the 235ic has greater power and weighs more. In addition, the 235ic is equipped with a dual-gas inlet valve.
Forney 200
The Forney 200 Multi-Process Welder is a versatile tool with a wide range of applications. Its unique features include an All-Metal Drive System, Auto Torch Detection, and dual-voltage input power. The machine also has a convenient foot control for quick adjustment. It weighs twenty-four pounds. However, it offers less welding power than some of its competitors.
This welder is great for hobbyists and do-it-yourself projects. Its two-process technology allows you to quickly switch between welding processes, even with the same torch. In addition, you can use different gasses for each process. This makes it an ideal choice for light-duty home projects, but not for heavy-duty steel construction.
The build quality of the Forney 200 Multipurpose Welder is impressive. But it lacks some features, such as hooks for cable management. In addition, its power button is on the back of the machine. Overall, the welder is priced in the mid-price range and is much less expensive than some high-end models. It is slightly cheaper than the Multimatic 220 Multiprocess Welder and the Lincoln Power MIG 210 MP, but more expensive than the YesWelder MIG205DS.
A more budget-friendly option is the Forney Easy Weld. With a 200A maximum output, it can weld mild steel up to 1/4 inch. It runs on either 110 or 220-volt power and includes a MIG and TIG torches. It also features a dual-digital display, which is an important feature to have in a multipurpose welder.
Another multipurpose welder on the market is the Forney 200ACDC, which is a great all-around budget machine. It is capable of welding a wide range of materials, including aluminum and PVC. It is easy to use and comes with a good warranty. But it is not as powerful as some other top-end MIG welders.
YesWelder’s MIG-205DS
The YesWelder MIG-205DS multipurpose weld weighs 33 pounds and comes with a carrying handle on top. It runs on 110V outlets but can also be used on 220V if necessary. The unit comes with a plug adapter for both 110 and 220 volt outlets.
One of the features of YesWelder’s MIG-305DS multipurpose welder is its adjustable arc. This enables the user to adjust the inductance setting in order to create a smoother or rougher arc. A second feature is the wire feed system, which is made of metal.
The MIG-205DS is a versatile multipurpose welder designed to perform TIG welding and MIG/MAG welding. Its power source weighs 22.0 pounds, making it easy to cart around. It also offers a flux core gasless MIG welding option, which eliminates the need to carry around a shielding gas bottle. Despite its multipurpose capability, the YesWelder MIG-205DS does have a few flaws, however. The user manual is not very clear, which can lead to confusion.
Although the MIG-205DS offers some great features, it is not as impressive as other models. Its build quality is solid, and its design is easy to use. It comes with an ergonomic handle and a full metal wire feed system. It is also affordable and offers a lot of versatility, including a few presets.
YesWelder MIG-205DS is a compact MIG-welder. Its compact size is a result of its inverter technology, which allows it to provide 200A of output power. Its power output is adjustable by a 60% duty cycle.
Related – The Best Cheap Tig Welder
Goplus’ S7 TIG welder
The Goplus’ S7 TIG weldr is a low-priced option for a beginner in the welding industry. It comes with a starter kit that includes wire, a brush, and a mask, making it ideal for those just starting out in the craft. This welding machine has four adjustable speeds and is lightweight, weighing in at about 35 pounds. It features Waves form control technology to ensure that the arc is as smooth as possible. It has two air vents to keep the internal temperature of the machine at the desired level.
Another great feature is the 10 wire feed speeds on the Goplus welder. It also comes with a long cord, which makes it easier to maneuver into unusual angles and over a wider area. Many shoppers found the cord long enough to be flexible, so they could easily hook up an extension cord. While it is not a professional-level welder, it is ideal for smaller jobs.
This welder is built to last, and its solid design and four levels of protection make it ideal for a wide range of welding applications. It also features an auto thermal safety feature to prevent burns and ensure safe operation. In addition, it uses a flux-cored wire, which helps to reduce the oxidation of parts as they are being welded.
The S7 TIG welder is a great option for beginners who want a high-quality machine without breaking the bank. It is lightweight and sturdy, with a steel body that supports two different input voltages. This makes it easy to carry around and use, yet still offers a high level of performance.
Eastwood Elite MP200i
Eastwood’s Elite series multipurpose welders are ideal for a variety of welding applications. They feature pro-grade torches for stick, TIG, and MIG welding. They also feature wire-free flux core welding. With these features, you’ll have more options than ever before.
The Elite MP200i multipurpose welder offers good build quality, cool features, and a three-year guarantee. It also comes with an option to extend its warranty for an additional two years. Another excellent multipurpose welder is the Hobart Multi Handler 200, which boasts a five-year warranty and an extensive nationwide dealer network.
This multipurpose welder offers 200A of maximum output at 20% duty cycle. Its other drawback is the lack of advanced features such as a smooth start or dual gas feeds. However, this welder has a better price-to-quality ratio than other multiprocess welders. Despite its limitations, it provides excellent arc quality and a solid build. This machine is a good choice for light professional and hobbyist users alike.
The Eastwood Elite MP200i is not a powerful industrial welder, but it’s an affordable multiprocess welder for small and medium-sized jobs. It’s dual-voltage and dual-process welder with a spool gun. It’s also lightweight, making it easy to store and transport. You can also choose a larger model like the Eastwood Elite MP250i to handle more projects at one time.
Elite MP200i’s dual-digital display helps you keep track of multiple settings easily. It includes a 90-day return policy for a refund if you find that it’s not right for you. It’s great for DIY projects and automotive restorations. It features 110V/220V input and can weld steel, aluminum, and stainless steel.