Top rated wire feed welders in 2018
If you are scouring the net trying to find the best wire feed welder for the money, we can help. To make this task effortless for you, we have taken the time to do the legwork on your behalf by examining what the specialists and previous buyers had to say about specific products. Consequently, we have concluded that the Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Welder is the model that you should consider purchasing. This item can be used to weld up to 1/8″ mild steel, and it comes supplied with all the accessories you might need. As a plus, this device was built to be portable and highly durable. According to the seller, this option can also be used by novices that have to complete various tasks. If this model is out of stock, feel free to take a look at the Hobart Handler 210 MVP as you might also like it.
Comparison Table
Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Welder
If you have little to no experience using a welder, you should consider investing in this choice. It features no less than four voltage settings that you can choose from and a special wire adjusting system that minimizes the effort that you have to put in.
Some of the current users of the item have noted that, although it has a sturdy construction it is not fit to be used for heavy welding.
The model can be used for fast welding applications and other similar tasks. Also, it comes provided with many accessories that you are likely to enjoy using.
Hobart Handler 210 MVP
This device might also interest you as it comes supplied with a special MVP plug that is easy to connect. Additionally, this choice has seven voltage settings that you can choose from if you are interested in precise welding. The drive roll system is easy to change.
There have been buyers that noted that the ground wire that it uses is a bit stiff, which is a reason why it can be difficult to operate.
This machine has a smooth arc, and it delivers excellent penetration. The item allows the user to make specific changes and it is very powerful.
Forney Easy Weld 29901
If you like DIYs and you need a welder, this starter kit can be of help. The item includes plenty of useful accessories, and it does not have a lot of setting adjustments that can confuse you. The unit is safe as it is not as powerful as other similar devices currently available.
It seems like some buyers received defective products. However, this is not a recurrent issue with the model according to users.
This product is very easy to operate, and it is said to be rather quiet. This option has a very accessible price that most of its previous buyers seem to appreciate.
What wire feed welder to choose – Pro buying advice
Wire feed welders are tools that feed a thin wire electrode through a plastic gun down a hollow cable. While we cannot tell who makes the best wire feed welder on the market, we can tell you what are the best features to look for in a welder.
The welders are available based on the specific use. Professional models operate on a 220-volt current but models that are intended for home usage operate can operate at 110 volts. The type of machine you purchase is dictated by the kind of outlets you have in your home. 220-volt outlets are large circular plugs whereas 110-volt outlets are the regular outlets where you plug your television in. The higher the voltage, the more powerful the welder can be. If you plan on welding thick material, you will want to have a high-powered welder. The top ten wire feed welders that homeowners use run between 140- to 160- amps. Of course, if you do not have an outlet to accommodate the welder, you may want to hire an electrician to install an outlet to accommodate the plug.
The best rated wire feed welders use a shielding gas that will flow out of the gun. This feature is popular among mechanics who build customized vehicles, but it is not always a necessity. You can find many welders that work without the gas. These types of welders work because the polarity was changed from a positive to a negative and a flux-core wire was installed instead of a solid core wire. This new wire acts as a shield and protects the weld puddle.
If you are going to be welding for any length of time, you will want a machine that clearly lists the duty cycle either on the machine or in the handbook. As a rule, the higher the power setting, the short the duty cycle. This is important to know because it limits the length of time the trigger can be pulled. This time limit will prevent from the machine to overheat and become dangerous to use. An example of a duty cycle is a 10-minute cycle, which means you can run the machine for six minutes and the machine will stop working until 4 minutes has passed and it is cool again. You should not worry about what is the best duty cycle to work with if you are going to do mostly spot welding or working on small projects.
When you are choosing among the highest rated welder, you want to look for a device that can handle a range of wire sizes. These different wires require different levels of power to use and you do not want to use a wire that is so thick, you will run the risk of warping or burning through the metal. Many welders come with a chart that clearly defines how many amps are required to work with a particular wire size.
Wire feed welders are good tools to have on hand if you work with metal, as it will prevent you from having to take your project to a professional to be welded. With these tips, we are confident that you will be able to choose the best welder for your projects.
Things to consider:
- Make sure you have an outlet that can accommodate your welder. High-powered welders require a 220-volt outlet whereas smaller welders can run off 110-volt outlets.
- You will have to choose between a shielding gas welder and a flux core welder. The benefit of welding without gas is that you have the option to weld outdoors and even in windy conditions, whereas the gas welders do not do well at all in windy conditions.
- Look for a welder that clearly explains the duty cycles for the welder. This will let you know how long you can safely use the device before it needs to be turned off to cool down.
Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Welder
I could really say that this wire feed welder is best at what it’s doing. It is easy to use which is perfect for people with little or no experience in welding at all. When I was using this wire feed welder, it could really get the job done perfectly. There were no major problems that I’ve encountered while using this wire feed welder. This wire feed welder is really famous for its easy to use functionality that it is present on almost all best wire feed welder reviews.
Pros
Manufactured in the United States of America, the ne
w wire feed welder from Lincoln Electric, the K2185-1 Handy MIG is perfect for people that need to weld wire in various areas around the house
This portable and compact feed welder incorporates 4 voltage settings and unique wire feed speed adjustment system which ensures quick results, with limited effort
Features a sleek gun trigger which can be locked in order to perform fast welding applications, making it possible for people to weld mild steel from 24 gauges
Backed by 1 year manufacturer warranty this powerful wire feed welder includes flux cored wire and contact tips, needed to weld fast and without running into problems
Cons
The user manual should’ve in
cluded more information on welding techniques
Does not come with a support needed to place the device when not in use
“I bought the Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Welder 5 years ago and this product is the one I am using for those years. I never experience any complications with this product because it is really reliable. This product is exciting to use. I don’t have to worry on anything with this. I am happy with the product.” James Godfrey
Buy from Amazon.com for ($309.24)
Hobart Handler 210 MVP
This model sold by Hobart Handler is worthy of your attention as it is one of the only welding machines that can run 210A of power in a compact and portable case. The seller of the device considers that it can be used for small repair jobs around the household.
The item features a practical infinite wire feed speed control that enables the owner to have complete control over this machine. Also, this control guarantees less of a spatter. This model was designed to be versatile, and it allows the user to outfit it with two separate input voltage receptacles.
Pros
This model can be powered using a wall voltage. Moreover, it supplies the user with no less than seven voltage positions that he/she can choose between.
This model can be powered using a wall voltage. Moreover, it supplies the user with no less than seven voltage positions that he/she can choose between.
This device has a very compact design that makes it easy to store in between uses. Hence, it can make a great addition to your box of tools.
Many of its buyers were happy with the price of the model and with the warranty policy that covers it.
Cons
Some previous buyers were not happy that this welder was manufactured in China as they considered that this meant that it was not durable.
Other owners were prone to note that the power on/off button that has to be pressed in order to operate this model is not easy to use as it is not smooth.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($849.99)
Forney Easy Weld 29901
Another choice that might catch your attention is the Forney Easy Weld 29901. This option is well liked by previous buyers as it comes packed with all the accessories a novice welder needs to have.
Besides, it is worth noting that this model can deliver a 20-percent of duty cycle. Also, it can be used to weld heavy metals without it getting overheated. Its lightweight design makes it easy to transport and to store it when not using it to repair stuff around your household. Lastly, you can safely plug this model in any of the outlets in your home.
Pros
When shipped, this practical kit includes a welding machine, a special protective helmet, and additional gloves that can keep your hands safe.
Given that this item has a low weigh, you should not have issues when it comes to transporting it.
This welder is also covered by a warranty policy that you can utilize in case of an issue.
Because the model was constructed to be used around the house, it can be connected to any outlet.
Cons
This product was built to be used for small projects. Because of this, it might not suit your needs if you intend to utilize it for extensive repair jobs.
There have been a few buyers that have received faulty products where the wire feed system of the model did not work. However, this is not a major drawback of the item as such issues are somewhat rare.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($312.02)
Goplus MIG 130
This welding machine manufactured by Goplus should also make it to your shortlist. Although this model is not particularly powerful, it can get the job done effortlessly. Still, because it has a maximum output of 105 amps, you cannot use it to fuse thick metals together. If you intend to use it to mend your car, you should not have any issues with it as it can efficiently weld sheet steel.
What is more, this device is very light weight, and it can be transported easily. As the specialists point out, this unit can be used in small workshops and garages where space is of utmost importance.
Pros
The main plus of the device is its size. As one of the lightest and most compact products on the market, it can be used by hobbyists that do not have a lot of space available.
Because this is a MIG welder, it is safe to assume that it is very strong and sturdy. Consequently, you can use it without any fear that will break easily.
The model is suitable for novices and hobbyist users. Because of this, it is not very powerful, and it does not feature a lot of setting options.
You can use both single-pass and multi-pass wires with this product. For the best results, you should try .030 or .035.
Cons
One drawback of the item is that it is covered by a limited warranty policy of only six months. Still, if you send a faulty item back within 30 days, you will receive a replacement.
The hammer/brush combo that the Goplus MIG 130 features might not last long as they are made from materials that aren’t so sturdy.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($109.99)
Campbell Hausfeld WS0970 Welder
With the company that brought you various high quality products, they had released another innovative wire feed welder that is surely welding an excellent result. The solid and tough build of this wire feed welder makes it very durable that it could last for a long time even when being used consistently. I liked the smoothness of the welds that it creates which saves me time in working by removing the task of eliminating the rough edges of the welds with a sand paper.
Pros
As the most popular product from Campbell Hausfeld, the WS0970 70 amp wire feed welder can be used to easily weld stainless or mild steel, iron and aluminum, which make projects easier to manage
Designed to handle materials from 18-gauge to 1/8 inch thick, this powerful electrical machine is optimal for wrought iron, boat trailers, vehicles or fences, transforming complex tasks into easier ones
Features a dual heat setting and thermal overload protection this wire feed welder will automatically stop when the duty cycle is over
This cheap product is powered by 115 volt current and easily generates 70 amps of welding performance, helping users accomplish tasks faster
Cons
Comes with a quick start guide that doesn’t come with information on welding techniques
“The Campbell Hausfeld WS0970 Welder is a very high quality product which I love the most. The product is what I am expecting. The product is too much of what I am expecting. You don’t have to worry with this product as this is used by many people.” Amy Morales
Buy from Amazon.com for: See The Price!