Ever dreamed of building your own projects, from fixing up your car to crafting unique metal art? Welding opens up a world of possibilities, but choosing the right tools can feel like deciphering a secret code. You want the versatility to tackle different jobs, but the sheer number of MIG and stick welder combo options out there can make your head spin.
It’s frustrating when you finally decide to invest in a welder, only to get lost in a sea of technical specs and confusing jargon. You might wonder if you’re getting the best bang for your buck or if a specific machine will really handle the tasks you have in mind. This can lead to wasted money or, worse, projects that don’t turn out the way you hoped.
But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of what makes a great MIG and stick welder combo. We’ll break down the key features to look for, explain what they mean in simple terms, and help you pinpoint the perfect machine for your needs. Get ready to stop guessing and start welding with confidence.
Our Top 5 Mig And Stick Welder Combo Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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YESWELDER 135Amp MIG Welder | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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BILT HARD 135A 3-in-1 IGBT Inverter Welder | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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bestarc 145Amp MIG Welder | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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YESWELDER MIG-205DS PRO MIG Welder | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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BESTMIG 135A MIG Welder – 3-in-1 Flux Core Welder | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Mig And Stick Welder Combo Detailed Reviews
1. YESWELDER 135Amp MIG Welder
Rating: 8.6/10
The YESWELDER FLUX-135PRO is a versatile 3-in-1 welding machine that offers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s a great option for hobbyists and DIYers who need a welder that can handle different types of jobs without breaking the bank. This machine is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible even if you’re new to welding.
What We Like:
- It’s a 3-in-1 welder, meaning you can do Flux Core MIG, Stick, and even Lift TIG welding (you’ll need to buy a TIG torch separately for that). This makes it super handy for all sorts of projects.
- It can weld mild steel up to 2/5” thick, which is pretty good for a 110V welder.
- The synergetic control makes welding easier. When you change the wire speed, the voltage adjusts automatically, and you can tweak it a bit if needed.
- The large LED digital display clearly shows you what’s happening, like the current, so you can weld more accurately.
- It’s really light, only 11.4 lbs, so you can easily carry it around to different job sites or just around your workshop.
- It comes with a bonus spool of flux core wire, so you can start welding right away without needing gas.
- Safety features like automatic voltage compensation and protections against overloads keep you and the machine safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- The Lift TIG function requires you to buy a separate torch.
- While it handles up to 2/5” steel, thicker materials might require a more powerful welder.
Overall, the YESWELDER FLUX-135PRO is a fantastic, budget-friendly welder for many common tasks. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking for a flexible and portable welding solution.
2. BILT HARD 135A 3-in-1 IGBT Inverter Welder
Rating: 9.2/10
The BILT HARD 135A 3-in-1 IGBT Inverter Welder is a versatile tool that lets you tackle a variety of welding jobs. It works with Flux Core MIG, Stick welding, and even Lift TIG if you get a separate torch. This machine is designed for ease of use, making it a good option for both beginners and experienced welders.
What We Like:
- It’s a 3-in-1 welder, so you can do Flux Core MIG, Stick, and Lift TIG welding.
- The synergic control system makes it simple to get good welds by automatically setting the right voltage and wire speed.
- The LED display shows you real-time information like voltage and current, and has special settings for MIG and Stick welding.
- It comes with everything you need to start welding right away, including a helmet, gloves, and wire.
- Safety features like auto shutdown protect the machine and the user.
What Could Be Improved:
- The TIG torch is not included with the machine.
- While it’s 110V, it might not be powerful enough for very thick metal.
This BILT HARD welder offers a lot of features for its price point. It’s a solid choice for home projects and small repairs.
3. bestarc 145Amp MIG Welder
Rating: 9.1/10
The bestarc 145Amp MIG Welder is a versatile 4-in-1 welding machine that can handle MIG, TIG, and Stick welding. It’s great for both beginners and experienced welders. This machine automatically sets the right voltage and wire speed, but you can also make small adjustments yourself. It works with both 110V and 220V power, making it useful in many places. You can use it with or without shielding gas, which is handy for different jobs and locations. It’s also lightweight and easy to carry around.
What We Like:
- The Synergic Control makes welding easier by automatically setting the right parameters.
- It’s a 4-in-1 welder, so you can do MIG (with or without gas), TIG, and Stick welding.
- It works with both 110V and 220V power, giving you flexibility.
- You can use it with or without shielding gas for MIG welding.
- It’s lightweight (only 13.7 pounds) and comes with a shoulder strap for easy transport.
- The large LED display shows you all the important settings clearly.
- It comes with a good set of accessories to get you started.
What Could Be Improved:
- The maximum amperage is 145A, which might not be enough for very thick materials.
- While it includes some wire, you’ll likely need to buy more of your preferred types and sizes.
This bestarc welder is a fantastic option for anyone needing a flexible and user-friendly welding machine. It offers a lot of features for its price, making it a smart investment for various projects.
4. YESWELDER MIG-205DS PRO MIG Welder
Rating: 9.2/10
The YESWELDER MIG-205DS PRO is a versatile and powerful 5-in-1 welder designed to handle a wide range of welding jobs. It offers dual voltage (110V/220V) and a strong 200 Amp output, making it suitable for both home DIY projects and professional fabrication. This machine can perform Gas MIG, Flux Core MIG, Spool Gun MIG (for aluminum), Lift TIG, and Stick welding, giving you many options for different materials like steel, aluminum, and stainless steel.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 welder, so it can do many different types of welding.
- The dual voltage feature (110V/220V) makes it usable in more places.
- The 200 Amp output is strong enough for most jobs.
- It has both synergetic and manual MIG modes, which is great for beginners and experienced welders.
- The digital display makes it easy to see and control welding settings.
- Safety features like over-current and over-heating protection are built-in.
- It works well for welding thin and thick materials.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to buy separate torches for Lift TIG and the spool gun.
This welder offers a lot of features for its price and is a solid choice for anyone needing a multi-process welding machine.
5. BESTMIG 135A MIG Welder – 3-in-1 Flux Core Welder
Rating: 9.1/10
The BESTMIG 135A MIG Welder is a powerful and versatile welding machine that’s great for both beginners and experienced welders. It can handle MIG, Lift TIG, and Stick welding, making it useful for many different projects. This welder comes with everything you need to get started, including a helmet and gloves, making it a convenient all-in-one package.
What We Like:
- It’s a 3-in-1 machine, offering MIG, Lift TIG, and Stick welding for lots of different jobs.
- It comes with a complete set of accessories, like a helmet and gloves, so you can start welding right away.
- It’s designed for beginners, with easy digital controls that automatically adjust settings.
- It works with different materials like stainless steel and carbon steel, up to 1/8 inch thick.
- The digital display clearly shows welding information, and the automatic wire feeding helps create cleaner welds.
What Could Be Improved:
- It only uses 110V power, which might limit where you can use it.
- The 135A output is good for lighter jobs, but thicker materials might take longer or be harder to weld.
This BESTMIG welder is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a user-friendly and capable welding machine. It offers great value with its included accessories and versatile functions.
Your Guide to the Perfect MIG and Stick Welder Combo
So, you’re looking to buy a MIG and stick welder combo? That’s a smart move! These machines let you do both MIG welding and stick welding. This means you can tackle a wider range of projects. Let’s dive in and find the best one for you.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you’re picking out a welder, keep these things in mind.
Power and Amperage
- Amperage Range: This tells you how much power the welder has. A higher amperage means you can weld thicker metal. For most DIY projects, a range up to 150-200 amps is great. If you plan to weld really thick steel, look for more.
- Duty Cycle: This is super important. It tells you how long the welder can run at a certain amperage before it needs to cool down. A 60% duty cycle at 100 amps means it can weld for 6 minutes out of every 10. Higher duty cycles are better for longer jobs.
Welding Modes
- MIG Welding: This uses a wire that feeds out of the gun. It’s good for clean welds and works on thin to medium metals.
- Stick Welding (SMAW): This uses a coated electrode rod. It’s great for outdoor work and can handle dirtier metal and thicker materials.
- Flux-Cored Welding: Some combos can also do flux-cored welding. This is like MIG but uses a wire with a flux coating inside. It doesn’t need a gas bottle, which is handy.
Portability and Size
- Weight: Do you need to move it around a lot? Lighter welders are easier to carry.
- Size: A smaller unit fits better in a crowded garage.
Ease of Use
- Simple Controls: Look for clear knobs and settings. You want to spend more time welding and less time figuring things out.
- Digital Display: This helps you see your settings clearly.
What’s it Made Of? Important Materials
The quality of the parts inside the welder matters.
- Copper Transformer or Inverter: Better welders use good quality copper for their transformers. Inverter-based welders are usually lighter and more efficient.
- Durable Casing: The outside should be tough metal that can handle bumps and scrapes in a workshop.
What Makes it Great (or Not So Great)? Quality Factors
Several things make a welder good or bad.
- Brand Reputation: Stick with well-known brands. They usually have better quality and customer support.
- Build Quality: Does it feel solid and well-made? Check reviews for comments on how long they last.
- Included Accessories: Does it come with a good MIG gun, stick holder, ground clamp, and maybe some starter wire or rods? Good accessories save you money and hassle.
- Thermal Overload Protection: This is a safety feature that stops the welder from overheating. It’s a must-have.
- Power Input: Make sure it works with your home’s electrical outlets. Some need 220V, which is a bigger plug. Others work on 110V.
Using Your Welder: User Experience and Use Cases
These combo welders are awesome for lots of things.
- Home Repairs: Fixing fences, gates, or trailers.
- DIY Projects: Building shelves, metal art, or custom furniture.
- Automotive Work: Working on car frames or exhaust systems.
- Hobbyists: Anyone who likes to build and fix things with metal.
MIG welding is great for projects where you want smooth, clean welds on thinner materials like sheet metal. Stick welding is your go-to for thicker metal, outdoor jobs, and when the metal might not be perfectly clean. A combo lets you switch between them easily.
Frequently Asked Questions: Your Combo Welder Answers
Here are some common questions people have about MIG and stick welder combos.
Q: What is the main difference between MIG and stick welding?
A: MIG welding uses a wire that feeds automatically, and it’s good for clean welds on thinner metal. Stick welding uses a rod and is better for thicker metal, dirtier surfaces, and outdoors.
Q: Can I weld aluminum with a MIG and stick welder combo?
A: Many combos can weld aluminum using the MIG function, but you might need a special spool gun for best results. Stick welding aluminum is not common.
Q: How much power do I need for welding thicker metal?
A: For thicker metal, you need more amperage. Look for welders with at least 150 amps or more and a good duty cycle.
Q: Do I need a gas bottle for MIG welding?
A: Yes, for standard MIG welding, you need a gas bottle (like C25 gas) to protect the weld puddle. Some machines can do flux-cored welding without gas.
Q: What kind of safety gear do I need?
A: You absolutely need a welding helmet with a dark lens, welding gloves, a welding jacket or apron, and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Safety glasses are also important when you’re not welding.
Q: Can these combo welders run on a generator?
A: Some can, but you need a generator with enough power output (wattage) and a clean power sine wave. Check the welder’s manual.
Q: How do I maintain my welder?
A: Keep it clean and dry. Regularly check the MIG gun consumables (tip, nozzle) and clean the stick welding connections. Store it properly.
Q: What thickness of metal can I weld with a typical 150-amp combo welder?
A: You can usually weld steel up to about 3/16 inch thick with MIG and a bit thicker with stick welding, depending on the settings.
Q: Are MIG and stick welder combos good for beginners?
A: Yes, many are designed to be user-friendly. MIG is often considered easier for beginners to learn, while stick welding has a steeper learning curve but is very versatile.
Q: Where can I find replacement parts for my welder?
A: You can usually find parts like MIG gun tips, nozzles, and stick holders on the manufacturer’s website or at welding supply stores.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m Darrell Julian, the founder, lead writer, and hands-on welding enthusiast behind ArcWeldingPro.com. With more than 15 years of real-world welding experience, I created this platform to share what I’ve learned in the field, in the shop, and in the heat of the arc.
