Ever looked at a project and thought, “I wish I could just stick this metal together perfectly?” Maybe you’ve seen amazing metal creations and wondered how they were made. That’s where a Small MIG Welder comes in! These handy tools let you join metal pieces with a clean, strong weld, turning your ideas into reality.
But let’s be honest, picking the right one can feel like trying to solve a puzzle. There are so many brands, features, and prices! It’s easy to get confused and worry about spending your hard-earned money on something that won’t do the job. You want a welder that’s easy to use, reliable, and perfect for the projects you have in mind, whether it’s fixing a bike or building a cool garden sculpture.
That’s why we’re diving deep into the world of Small MIG Welders. By the end of this post, you’ll understand what makes a good Small MIG Welder, what features really matter, and how to choose the one that’s just right for you. Get ready to say goodbye to welding confusion and hello to confident metalworking!
Our Top 5 Small Mig Welder Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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YESWELDER 135Amp MIG Welder | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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AZZUNO MIG Welder | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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H HZXVOGEN 145A MIG Welder | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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FEMEROL MIG Welder | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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Hand Held MIG Welder Machine 110V | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Small Mig Welder Detailed Reviews
1. YESWELDER 135Amp MIG Welder
Rating: 9.5/10
The YESWELDER FLUX-135PRO is a versatile and affordable 3-in-1 welding machine. It handles Flux Core MIG, Stick, and even Lift TIG welding (with an optional torch). This makes it a great choice for many different welding jobs, whether you’re a beginner or have some experience.
What We Like:
- It’s a 3-in-1 welder, so you can do MIG, Stick, and Lift TIG welding.
- It can weld mild steel up to 2/5” thick.
- The wire speed adjusts automatically, and you can fine-tune the voltage.
- The digital display shows you the welding current in real-time.
- It’s very light at only 11.4 lbs, making it easy to carry around.
- It comes with a spool of flux core wire, so you can start welding right away without needing gas.
- It has safety features like protection against over-current and overheating.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to buy a separate torch for Lift TIG welding.
This welder is a solid option for anyone looking for a multi-process machine that’s easy to use and transport. It’s ready to go for many projects right out of the box.
2. AZZUNO MIG Welder
Rating: 9.4/10
The AZZUNO MIG Welder is a gasless flux core welder that’s perfect for home projects and DIY enthusiasts. It’s designed to be easy to use, even for beginners, and it’s powerful enough to handle most small welding jobs. This welder is also very portable, making it easy to take with you wherever you need to go.
What We Like:
- It’s super easy to use! The knobs for voltage and wire speed make it simple to adjust. Plus, the synergic control automatically changes settings for you. Beginners will love this.
- It’s powerful and safe. It can weld metal up to 3.0mm thick. It also has safety features like overload and overheating protection, so you can weld with confidence.
- It’s really portable. It only weighs 8.6 lbs and has a comfy handle. You can easily carry it around your workshop or to different job sites.
- It works on lots of different metals and alloys. This makes it great for all sorts of home projects, crafts, and for people just starting out in welding.
- The package includes everything you need to get started: the welder, a MIG torch, ground clamp, brush/hammer, a pound of flux cored wire, and extra contact tips.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for lighter work, it might not be the best choice for very heavy-duty welding jobs.
- The included 1lb spool of wire is good for starting, but you’ll likely need to buy larger spools for bigger projects.
This AZZUNO MIG welder is a fantastic option for anyone looking for an affordable and user-friendly welding machine for home use. It makes learning to weld accessible and enjoyable.
3. H HZXVOGEN 145A MIG Welder
Rating: 9.2/10
The H HZXVOGEN 145A MIG Welder is a handy tool for anyone who loves to build things or fix stuff around the house. It’s a gasless welder, which means you don’t need to mess with gas tanks. This makes it super easy to use for light projects, home improvements, and quick repairs.
What We Like:
- It’s a dual-voltage welder, so you can use it with both 110V and 220V power.
- You don’t need any extra gas, making it simpler and cheaper to use.
- It’s really easy for beginners to use. Just turn the knob to control the power, and it automatically sets the voltage for a good weld.
- The wire feeding system is smooth. It automatically matches the wire speed to the current and voltage, so you get a steady weld without fiddling with settings.
- It’s designed to stay cool with a built-in fan, and it has safety features to protect against too much power or heat.
- This welder is small and light, weighing only about 9 pounds. It’s easy to carry and store, fitting in small spaces.
What Could Be Improved:
- It only works with flux core wire, so you can’t use solid wire with gas.
- The 145A output might not be enough for very thick metal.
- It’s best for smaller jobs, not for heavy-duty professional welding.
This HZXVOGEN MIG welder is a fantastic choice for DIYers and home mechanics. Its portability and ease of use make it a great starter welder for many projects.
4. FEMEROL MIG Welder
Rating: 8.7/10
Unleash your inner maker with the FEMEROL MIG Welder. This 2-in-1 machine is a gasless MIG and stick welder, perfect for a variety of projects. Its 130 Amp power and 110V operation make it ideal for home users, DIY enthusiasts, and outdoor repairs. Work on rusty metal, farm equipment, or create something new with this versatile welder.
What We Like:
- It’s a 2-in-1 welder, offering both Flux Core Gasless MIG and MMA (stick) welding.
- The synergic control automatically matches voltage and wire speed, making it super easy for beginners.
- Experienced welders can still manually adjust settings for their preferred style.
- It can weld mild steel up to 4.0mm thick and accepts 2.2-pound wire rolls.
- Safety features like overload and overheating protection are built-in.
- The package includes almost everything you need to start welding right away, like a mask, gloves, and wire.
- It’s incredibly portable, weighing only 9 lbs with a comfortable grip.
- FEMEROL offers a two-year guarantee for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for beginners, the automatic settings might limit advanced customization for highly experienced users compared to professional machines.
- The 110V power limits its ability to weld very thick materials compared to higher voltage welders.
This FEMEROL welder is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a user-friendly and portable welding solution. It empowers you to tackle a wide range of projects with confidence.
5. Hand Held MIG Welder Machine 110V
Rating: 9.0/10
The HIZONE 100A Flux Core Portable Welding Machine is a 110V handheld MIG welder designed for easy use and portability. This gasless inverter wire feed welding equipment makes welding projects simpler for home users and DIY enthusiasts.
What We Like:
- It has a compact and ergonomic design, making it comfortable to hold and easy to carry.
- The welder is very lightweight, weighing only 5.5 lbs, which adds to its portability.
- It offers gasless MIG welding, which simplifies setup and is great for outdoor work.
- The machine can weld up to 1/8″ (3.2mm) mild steel and works with stainless steel, mild steel, and iron.
- It includes important safety features like overheating, overcurrent, and overloading protections.
- The package comes with everything you need to get started, including wire, contact tips, and a brush/hammer.
What Could Be Improved:
- This welder is not suitable for welding aluminum.
- It is designed for flux core wires, so if you need to use shielding gas, this model won’t work.
This HIZONE welder is a fantastic tool for anyone starting out in welding or needing a portable solution for small projects. Its user-friendly features and included accessories make it a convenient choice for various DIY tasks.
Choosing Your First Small MIG Welder: A Beginner’s Guide
So, you want to start welding? That’s awesome! MIG welding is a great way to join metal, and a small MIG welder is perfect for home projects and hobbyists. This guide will help you pick the right one.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a small MIG welder, keep these important things in mind.
A. Amperage Output
- What it is: Amperage is like the power that melts the metal. More amperage means you can weld thicker metal.
- What to look for: For most home projects, a welder with 100-150 amps is plenty. This lets you weld metal from about 18 gauge up to 1/4 inch thick.
B. Wire Feed Speed Control
- What it is: This knob controls how fast the welding wire comes out of the gun.
- Why it matters: You need to match the wire speed to the amperage. Good control makes welding smoother.
C. Voltage Control (or Power Settings)
- What it is: Some welders have simple “low” and “high” power settings. Others let you adjust the voltage more precisely.
- Why it matters: Voltage affects how hot the arc is. Adjusting it helps you get the right melt on different metal thicknesses.
D. Duty Cycle
- What it is: This tells you how long the welder can run before it needs to cool down. It’s usually shown as a percentage over 10 minutes.
- What to look for: A 20% duty cycle at 100 amps means you can weld for 2 minutes and then let it rest for 8 minutes. For home use, 20-30% is usually fine.
E. Gas or No-Gas (Flux-Cored) Capability
- What it is: Some welders can use shielding gas (like CO2 or Argon mix). Others can use flux-cored wire, which has its own shielding.
- Why it matters: Gas welding gives cleaner welds. No-gas welding is easier to set up and good for outdoor work where wind can blow gas away. Many small welders can do both.
2. Important Materials to Consider
What can you weld with a small MIG welder?
- Mild Steel: This is the most common metal for DIY projects. Small MIG welders handle mild steel really well. Think car parts, frames, and general fabrication.
- Stainless Steel: You can weld stainless steel, but it can be trickier. You’ll likely need a gas mixture and good technique.
- Aluminum: Welding aluminum with a small MIG is possible, but it’s harder. You’ll need special spool guns for thin aluminum wire and the right gas. Many beginner welders focus on steel first.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a welder great, and what can cause problems?
A. Build Quality
- Good: A sturdy metal casing and reliable internal components mean your welder will last. Look for welders from well-known brands.
- Bad: Cheap plastic parts or flimsy construction can break easily. This leads to repairs and frustration.
B. Ease of Setup and Use
- Good: Simple controls and clear instructions make it easy to start welding. A good manual is a lifesaver.
- Bad: Confusing settings or a manual written in confusing language make learning much harder.
C. Arc Stability
- Good: A stable arc means the weld pool is smooth and easy to control. This results in strong, clean welds.
- Bad: A sputtering or erratic arc makes it hard to get a good weld. It can lead to weak spots or messy looking beads.
D. Accessories Included
- Good: A welder that comes with a helmet, gloves, and some wire saves you money and gets you welding faster.
- Bad: A bare-bones package might mean you have to buy essential safety gear separately, adding to the cost.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Who uses small MIG welders and what do they do with them?
A. Hobbyists and DIYers
- What they do: Build custom furniture, repair garden tools, create metal art, work on go-karts or bicycles.
- Why it’s good: Small MIG welders are portable and easy to learn. They let you fix things around the house and build cool projects.
B. Auto Repair and Restoration
- What they do: Fix rusted car panels, repair exhaust systems, build custom brackets for car parts.
- Why it’s good: They can handle the common metal thicknesses found on vehicles. They are great for quick repairs.
C. Small Fabrication Shops
- What they do: Make small metal parts, prototypes, or repair equipment.
- Why it’s good: They are a cost-effective way to add welding capability without a huge investment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the easiest type of welding for a beginner?
A: MIG welding is often considered the easiest for beginners. It’s like using a hot glue gun for metal.
Q: Do I need a welding helmet and gloves?
A: Yes, absolutely! Safety is number one. You need a helmet to protect your eyes from the bright light and gloves to protect your hands from heat and sparks.
Q: Can I weld outside with a MIG welder?
A: If you use flux-cored wire (no gas), yes. If you use shielding gas, wind can blow the gas away, which ruins the weld. It’s best to weld inside or in a sheltered area when using gas.
Q: How thick of metal can a small MIG welder handle?
A: Most small MIG welders can weld metal from thin sheet metal (about 18 gauge) up to about 1/4 inch thick steel.
Q: What is “spatter” in welding?
A: Spatter is small drops of molten metal that fly out from the weld. Too much spatter can mean your settings are off or your technique needs work.
Q: Do I need to clean the metal before welding?
A: Yes. Rust, paint, oil, or dirt on the metal can cause bad welds. Always clean the metal first.
Q: What is the difference between MIG and TIG welding?
A: MIG welding uses a wire that feeds automatically, making it faster and easier. TIG welding uses a separate rod and a torch, giving more control but taking more practice.
Q: How much does a good small MIG welder cost?
A: You can find decent small MIG welders for home use starting around $300 to $600.
Q: Can I weld different types of metal with the same MIG welder?
A: You can weld mild steel and stainless steel. Welding aluminum usually requires special equipment like a spool gun.
Q: What is the most important safety gear for MIG welding?
A: A welding helmet with the correct shade, welding gloves, and flame-resistant clothing are the most important safety items.
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.
