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Equipment

New to Welding? Check Out These 6 Machines

best welders for welding pipeline
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Whether you are a DIY enthusiast, a hobbyist or looking to start a new career. Welding is a valuable skill to have. However with so many different types of welding machines available. It can be overwhelming to choose the right one for you.

In this blog post, we will look at 6 of the best welding machines for beginners. Thus Making it easy for you to find the perfect fit for your needs.

List of 6 Best Welding Machines for Beginners

  1. Hobart Handler 140 MIG Welder
  2. Eastwood 200 AC/DC TIG Welder
  3. Hobart 500570 Stickmate 160i Arc Welder
  4. Weldpro MIG155Gsv Beginner MIG/Stick Arc Welder
  5. Forney Easy Weld 140FC-I Flux Core Welder For Beginners
  6. YesWelder MIG-205DS MIG/Flux Core/TIG/Stick Welder

Short Summary

If we compare all 6 welders then in my opinion the Hobart Handler 140 MIG Welder is the best option for beginners. The reason why I say because it is a versatile and reliable machine that is easy to set up and use.

It is capable of welding a wide range of materials and has a compact size and portability which makes it perfect for small projects and repairs.

It also has a variety of features such as an exclusive 3 groove drive roll, built-in contactor and generous operating parameters. which makes it an excellent choice for beginners.

Please keep in mind that this is my own opinion and may vary depending on individual experiences and usage of the product.

1- Hobart Handler 140 MIG Welder

The Hobart Handler 140 MIG Welder is a reliable and versatile machine that is perfect for beginners. It is easy to set up and use.

It is capable of welding a wide range of materials. Its compact size and portability make it ideal for small projects and repairs.

Key Features

  1. Exclusive 3-groove drive roll for easy switching between small diameter carbon steel MIG wire for exhaust work and auto body applications.
  2. Built-in contactor and self resetting thermal overload protection for added safety and convenience.
  3. Flux-Cored and MIG welding capabilities allowing for versatile use in a variety of welding applications.
  4. Generous operating parameters allowing you to weld thin gauge steel up to 1/4in. steel plate.
  5. Five position voltage control selector for a smooth stable arc at all welding thicknesses and amperage output of 25-140 Amps.

Specification Table

SpecificationDetails
Input Voltage & AmperageVolts: 115,  Amps: 25, Max. Amps: 140
Max Weld Thickness0.25 in
Duty Cycle20% at 90A
Dimension12 x 18 x 24 in
Weight66.0 lbs
Warranty12 months parts / 12 months labor

Note: The list of Pros and Cons provided are based on user reviews found on the product page and may vary depending on individual experiences and usage of the product.

2- Eastwood 200 AC/DC TIG Welder

The Eastwood 200 AC/DC TIG Welder is a high performance machine that is ideal for welding both aluminum and steel.

It is perfect for beginners who want to learn TIG welding because it is easy to use and has a wide range of adjustable settings.

Key Features

  1. Dual voltage capability allowing for operation on either 110vAC, 15-amp circuit or 220vAC, 30-amp circuit.
  2. 1/4″-thick welding capacity on 220VAC.
  3. High-frequency start for precise arc control and square-wave inverter for accurate aluminum welding.
  4. Flex Head WP-17-type torch that accepts common cups and collets with up to 1/8″ electrodes and also a Gas lens kit to greatly improve your fabrication skills
  5. Rocker Style foot pedal with machine mounted controls and flow meter gauge for improved gas flow control and quick repeatable flow adjustments.

Specification Table

SpecificationDetails
Input Voltage120vAC or 240vAC
AmperageTIG: 10-190 amps, Stick: 10-185 amps
Duty CycleTIG: 60% at 190 amps and 100% at 143 amps
Stick: 60% at 185 amps and 100% at 143 amps
Dimensions17.8” x 8.4” x 20.20”
Weight38 lbs
Warranty3 Years

3- Hobart 500570 Stickmate 160i Arc Welder

The Hobart 500570 Stickmate 160i Arc Welder is a powerful and versatile stick welding machine that is perfect for beginners. It has a wide range of adjustable settings which makes it easy to use. It is also capable of welding a variety of materials.

Key Features

  1. Dependable, reliable, and rugged design for long-lasting use.
  2. Lightweight and portable design with a weight of under 20 lbs, making it easy to carry and store.
  3. Quick and easy starts with hot start technology.
  4. High output of up to 160A for welding up to 5/32 inch mild steel.
  5. Dual voltage input power of 120V/240V for easy connection to both 120 and 240V receptacles without the need for additional tools.

Specification Table

SpecificationDescription
Input Voltage & Amperage240 Volts
Max Weld ThicknessNot specified
Duty CycleNot specified
Dimension13.38 x 7.13 x 10.5 inches
Weight15 pounds
Warranty5/3/1 Industrial Use

4- Weldpro MIG155Gsv Beginner MIG/Stick Arc Welder

The Weldpro MIG155Gsv Beginner MIG/Stick Arc Welder is a versatile machine that is perfect for beginners. It is easy to set up and use. It can be used for both MIG and stick welding. It is also capable of welding a wide range of materials.

Key Features

  1. Dual Input Power Capability: This welder has the ability to select between 120-volt input power for home and generator-driven environments or 230-volt input for shop applications with thicker materials.
  2. Complete Package: The welder comes complete as pictured, ready for use.
  3. Wide Welding Range: With a welding range of 30 to 155 amps, this welder can handle a variety of welding tasks.
  4. Versatility: This welder can handle MIG, flux-cored and stick welding, allowing for a wide range of welding capabilities.
  5. Adjustable Settings: With the ability to feed wire at 78 inches to 396 inches per minute and infinitely adjustable wire speed and heat settings, this welder offers precision and control for your welding projects.

Specification Table

SpecificationValue
Input Voltage & Amperage115V/230±15%, 30 to 155 Amp
Max Weld Thickness1/4 inch mild steel
Duty CycleNot specified
Dimension14.96 x 13.58 x 6.69 inches
Weight21.2 pounds
Warranty3 Years

5- Forney Easy Weld 140FC-I Flux Core Welder

The Forney Easy Weld 140FC-I Flux Core is a reliable flux core welding machine. It is perfect for beginners who want to learn flux core welding because it has a wide range of adjustable settings and it is capable of welding a variety of materials same as others.

Key Features

  • EASY TO USE: This machine is ideal entry-level welder with infinite voltage and wire feed speed control for perfect welds every time.
  • POWERFUL: 140 AMP output allows for welding up to 1/4″ of mild steel with protection from an all-metal case.
  • PORTABLE: Only weighs 19 lbs., it is easily portable for any DIY project, maintenance and repair job, garage and more!
  • FLUX-CORE WELDING: Uses .030″ flux-core wire and doesn’t require gas, can run on standard household power with at least a 20 AMP breaker.
  • DIMENSIONS: 16.75″ (425.45 millimeters) x 8.125″ (206.38 millimeters) x 12″ (304.8 millimeters)

Specification Table

SpecificationDetail
Input Voltage & Amperage120V
Max Weld Thickness1/4″ of mild steel
Duty Cycle30% @ 90A
Dimension16.7 x 12 x 8.1 inches
Weight19 pounds
Warranty12 month

6- YesWelder MIG-205DS MIG/Flux Core/TIG/Stick Welder

The YesWelder MIG-205DS MIG/Flux Core/TIG/Stick Welder is a versatile and powerful machine which is perfect for beginners.

It is capable of welding a wide range of materials and can be used for MIG, flux core, TIG and stick welding. It also has a wide range of adjustable settings which makes it easy to use for beginners

Key Features

  1. MIG Function: Synergic Controlled on MIG function for very easy and simple operation.
  2. 4 in 1 Functionality: Four functions in 1 of Gas MIG /Gasless MIG / Lift TIG / Stick
  3. Wire Compatibility: Takes up to 0.9mm(.035″) MIG solid wire(Gas MIG) and 0.9mm(.035″) MIG Flux wire(Gasless MIG)
  4. MIG Roll Compatibility: Apply to D100/D200 rolls (<10lbs) of MIG wire
  5. Amp Rating: 200 Amp Gas/Gasless MIG welder with a 50 Amp plug(220V) and 160 Amp Gas/Gasless MIG welder with a 35 Amp plug(110V).

Specification Table

SpecificationValue
Input Voltage & Amperage110V/220V 50/60 Hz
Max Weld ThicknessNot specified
Duty Cycle@110V, 60%@160A, 100%@123A @220V, 60%@205A, 100%@158A
Dimension18.11″*8.07″*14.17″
Weight23lb
WarrantyNot specified

Conclusion

Selecting the right welding machine can be a daunting task for beginners but with the right information and research it can be a smooth process.

These six above mentioned machines are some of the best options available in the market . They are reliable, easy to use and versatile machines that can cater to a wide range of welding applications.

We hope this blog post has helped you in your search for the perfect welding machine. Happy welding.

Informational

Millermatic 251 Complete Buying Guide: Used vs New? [Solved]

Millermatic 251
MillerWelds.com

The Millermatic 251 is a tool that almost all welders are thinking about getting or are already using at work. In the welding community, however, there are a lot of misunderstandings and questions about the Millermatic 251.

In this article, I’ll talk in-depth about the specs of the Millermatic 251, and we’ll also talk about whether you should buy a new or used machine.

Millermatic 251 is a Great Machine in the Right Hands

The Miller company is known for making great welders, and the Millermatic 251 is one of their successful products. It will only work best for you only if you know how to use it.

With 250 Amps at 28 VDC, the Millermatic 251 Mig Welder has the highest output rating in its class.

Digital timers and a big digital control panel on the front of the welder let you change settings like voltage and wire feed speed.

In a single pass, the Millermatic 251 is able to weld materials with thicknesses ranging from 22 gauge all the way up to 1/2 inch.

The Active Arc Stabilizer technology provides excellent starts, and the line voltage compensation provides constant output despite fluctuations in the amount of input power.

The “Auto Gun Detect” function of the machine makes it possible to pull the trigger on the MIG gun, spool gun, or push-pull gun.

If the gun has a timer, the welder will pick it up right away, along with the voltage and the speed of the wire feed.

The Millermatic 251 Mig Welder has a unique flip-down chamber that holds the welder’s parameter chart and other consumables. This lets customers get it right the first time they use it.

Things You Will Get Along with the New Millermatic 251

If you have decidee to buy a new Millermatic 251 then these are a few of the things that you will get along with it for free.

  1. The power cord and plug (only for the 200/230 V model)
  2. M-25 MIG gun with a range of 12 feet (3.7 meters) and a capacity of 250 amps for.030/.035-inch wire
  3. Cable and clamp for working.
  4. Argon mixture regulator and flow gauge, along with a hose
  5. Extra contact tips
  6. reversible drive rolls with running gear and cylinder rack installed from the factory at.030/.035 in.

What Year was the Millermatic 251 Made?

The Millermatic 251 was made in 2005, according to the user manual included with the machine. Miller Industries, on the other hand, does not reveal the machine’s exact production date.

How Many Amps is Millermatic 251?

Millermatic 251 has an Amperage range of 30 – 300 Amps. This machine has a duty cycle of 60p% when it is operated at 200 amperes. And if you use it at 250 amps, the duty cycle will be 40%.

[table id= 17/]

How Many Watts is the Millermatic 251?

When working with 28 VDC, the power of the Millermatic 251 ranges from 5600 to 7000 watts. Both 200 amps and 250 amps can be used with this machine.

You can easily figure out how many watts a Millermatic 251 has by multiplying the amps by VDC.

Millermatic 251’s Amps = 200 – 250 Amps

Millermatic 251’s Volts = 28 VDC

Watt Power = Amps X Volts

Watt Power of Millermatic 251 = 200 x 28 = 5600 watts or 250 x 28 = 7000 watts.

Can a Millermatic 251 Weld Aluminum?

Millermatic 251 can be used to weld aluminum, but a Spool gun module is required. The 251 Vintage Millermatic spool gun module employs both flux core (FCAW) and MIG (GMAW) welding.

The following spool guns are compatible with Millermatic 251:

  1. Spoolmatic 15A
  2. Spoolmatic 30A

Millermatic 251 Specifications Chart

[table id= 18/]

Millermatic 251 weighs about 98 kg and has dimensions of 32 x 19 x 39 in. It supports solid steel, stainless steel, and flux-cored wires with a wire diameter range of 0.6 to 1.2 mm. It can also work at either a 40% or 60% duty cycle.

Specification image from manual

What is the Duty Cycle of Millermatic 251?

Duty Cycle:  The duty cycle is the proportion of 10 minutes that the device can weld at full power without overheating. If the equipment overheats, the thermostat(s) opens, the output stops, and the cooling fan operates. Allow fifteen minutes for the device to cool.

Millermatic 250 60 duty cycle flow chart

The Millermatic 251 is able to function at a duty cycle of either 60% or 40%. This indicates that the machine can weld for 6 minutes at a current of 200 amperes before needing to rest for four minutes.

whereas at a current of 250 amperes it works for 4 minutes before needing to rest for six seconds.

Millermatic 250 40 duty cycle flow chart

If the Millermatic 251 begins to overheat, one of two things must happen: either the user must wait fifteen minutes for the machine to cool down, or the user must reduce the duty cycle before restarting the welding process.

Pros of Millermatic 251

  • The highest-rated output of all the welders (250 Amps)
  • Large digital control panel
  • Built-in digital timers
  • The voltage compensation feature keeps the power supply constant
  • Starts can be smooth with an adjustable run-in period.
  • No additional module is needed to connect a Spoolmatic 30A or 15A gun.
  • If the welding tip becomes shorted to the work surface, the “Tip Saver” feature will cut power to the welding machine.
  • If no arc is detected within three seconds of pulling the gun’s trigger, the weld output will be cut off.
  • Automatically adjusting digital thermometers with a fan function
  • Heavy-duty, aluminum-casting, dual-gear industrial drive system

Cons of Millermatic 251

  • No negative feedback from users, apart from price issues

Is it Worth Buying a Used Millermatic 251?

If you are just starting out in the welding industry and are a novice, you should get a used Millermatic 251 since it will save you money that you can use towards other necessary instruments. However, if you have a successful company and earn a lot of money, you should invest in a modern Millermatic 251, which will save you money on energy and increase the quality of your welds.

Old vs New Millermatic 251: Price Comparison

At the time of writing, a brand-new Millermatic 250 could be purchased on Amazon for $4800. If you wish to purchase a used one, the price might range from $1500 to $2200, depending on the machine’s condition.

[table id= 16/]

Checklist for Buying a used Millermatic 251

When buying a used welder, there are a few things you should look at more closely. You don’t want to add a broken welder to your collection of tools.

  • Does it make beads of the same size?
  • When the wire is being fed, does it move smoothly or does it slip and jerk?
  • Make sure the gas cup is in the right place, the tip is not bent, and there is no slag blocking the wire feed.
  • Make sure the size and tension of the wire are right for the driving wheels.

Miller 251 Alternatives

? Millermatic 250 Review

? Millermatic 252 Review

? Download Millermatic 251 Official User Manual

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Equipment

8 Best Welding Helmets for Beginners: Top Picks & Reviews

welding helmet protecting from arc and uv
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Welding is a highly skilled profession that requires the use of specialized equipment to protect the welder from harmful rays and sparks.

One essential piece of equipment for any welder is a welding helmet. A welding helmet not only protects the welder’s face and eyes from the intense light and heat generated during welding but it also helps to improve visibility of the work area.

When it comes to welding helmets there are a wide variety of options available on the market. Each with its own unique features and capabilities.

For beginners it can be overwhelming trying to navigate through all of the options and find the right helmet for their needs.

In this article, we will take a look at some of the best welding helmets for beginners including top picks and reviews to help make the decision-making process a little easier.

Summary

1: YesWelder LYG M800H

2: Lincoln Electric Viking 3350

3: Dekopro MZ-236

4: Weldcote Metals Ultraview

5: Miller Electric Digital Elite

6: Lincoln Electric K3282-3

7: Tacklife PAH03D

8: Lincoln Electric K3034-4

? = Good ? = Moderate ? = Bad or  N/A

Sr.lens area(sqr in.)shade rangesensorslens kitsolar or batteryweight(lb)warranty
1? 14.38N/A? 4 ? Yes? Both? 2.2? No
2? 12.5? 5-13? 4? Yes? Both? 3? 3 years
3? 5.9? N/A? N/A? No? Solar? 1.61? No
4? 9.22? 9-13? 2? Yes? Solar? 2? No
5? 9.22? 9-13? 2? Yes? Solar? 2? 2 years
6? 9.22? 9-13? 2? Yes? Solar? 2? 3 years
7? 6.3 ? 9-13? 2? Yes? Solar? 1.1?
8? 9.22? 9-13? 2? Yes? Solar? 2? 3 years

1- YesWelder LYG M800H

YesWelder LYG M800H features an auto darkening filter for added safety and convenience as well as a large viewing area measuring 3.93 inches by 3.66 inches.

It also has sensitivity and delay controls making it compatible with a variety of welding modes including weld, cut and grind.With a long battery life of 3000 hours and 4 premium arc sensors it is both durable and reliable.

Additionally, it has adjustable shade range, replaceable lens and also have the option of being solar-powered or battery-powered. Its dimensions are 12.5 x 7.9 x 9.75 inches and weight is 2.2 pounds.

FeatureDescription
Auto-darkening filterYes
Viewing area3.93″X3.66″
Sensitivity and delay controlYes
Welding mode compatibilityWeld, Cut, Grind
Battery life3000 hours
Adjustable shade rangeYes
Number of arc sensors4 Premium Sensors
Replaceable lensYes
Solar-powered or battery-poweredBoth
Dimensions12.5 x 7.9 x 9.75 inches
Weight2.2 pounds

2- Lincoln Electric Viking 3350

Lincoln Electric Viking 3350 features an auto-darkening filter, allowing for easy transition between light and dark states while welding. It has a large viewing area of 12.5 square inches and sensitivity and delay control for added convenience.

It is compatible with welding, cutting, and grinding modes and has an adjustable shade range of 5-13. The helmet also has 4 arc sensors and a replaceable lens, and is both solar and battery-powered with a 3-year warranty.

FeatureDescription
Auto-darkening filterYes
Viewing area12.5 square inches
Sensitivity and delay controlYes
Welding mode compatibilityWeld, Cut, Grind
Battery lifeN/A
Adjustable shade range5-13
Number of arc sensors4
Replaceable lensYes
Solar-powered or battery-poweredBoth
DimensionsN/A
Weight3 Pounds
Warranty3 years

3- Dekopro MZ-236

Dekopro MZ-236 also comes with an auto-darkening filter for safety and convenience while welding. The viewing area measures 3.62 inches by 1.65 inches.

Sensitivity and delay control allows for quick adjustments with a reaction time of less than 1/25000 seconds. It is compatible with welding, arc gouging, and plasma cutting modes.

Additionally, it has a long battery life of up to 5000 hours and an adjustable shade range for various welding conditions.

FeatureDescription
Auto-darkening filterYes
Viewing area3.62’’×1.65’’
Sensitivity and delay controlYes (≤1/25000 Seconds)
Welding mode compatibilityWeld, Arc Gouging & Plasma Cutting
Battery lifeUp to 5000hrs
Adjustable shade rangeYes
Number of arc sensorsN/A
Replaceable lensN/A
Solar-powered or battery-poweredSolar-assisted
DimensionsN/A
Weight1.61 pounds

4- Weldcote Metals Ultraview

Now introductin Weldcote welding helmet, featuring an auto-darkening filter and a 39% larger viewing area than similar models.

The helmet also has a digital display for sensitivity and delay control adjustments, and can switch between weld, cut, and grind modes.

It is solar-powered with increased battery life and comes with a 3 year warranty for the replaceable lens. With 4 arc sensors and compact dimensions of 12 x 10 x 10 inches, and weight of 2.08 pounds, this helmet is perfect for all your welding needs.

FeatureDescription
Auto-darkening filterYes
Viewing area39% larger than similar models.
Sensitivity/Delay controlDigital display for adjustments
Welding modeWeld, Cut, Grind
Battery lifeSolar-powered with increased battery life
Shade rangeN/A
Arc sensors4
Replaceable lens3 year warranty
Power sourceSolar-powered
Dimensions12 x 10 x 10 inches
Weight2.08 pounds

5- Blue Demon Trueview 6700 

The Blue Demon TrueView 6700 is a fully automatic welding helmet that features a large viewing area of 100 x 67mm. It is suitable for welding, cutting, and grinding mode and has a shade range of DIN 5-9/9-13. It is powered by a Lithium battery and has 4 arc sensors. The helmet is lightweight and easy to carry with 2.79 pounds weight.

FeatureDescription
Auto-darkening filterFully Automatic
Viewing area100 x 67mm
Sensitivity/Delay controlN/A
Welding modeWeld, Cut, Grind
Battery lifeN/A
Shade rangeDIN 5-9/9-13
Arc sensors4
Replaceable lensN/A
Power sourceBattery-powered with Lithium battery
DimensionsN/A
Weight2.79 pounds

6- Miller 287803 Classic

This auto-darkening welding helmet features a fully automatic filter, adjustable sensitivity and delay control, and compatibility with welding, cutting, and grinding modes.

The viewing area is 100 x 67mm and it has a variable weld shade range of 8-13 and cut shades range of 5-8. The helmet is equipped with 4 arc sensors and has a replaceable lens.

The weight of the helmet is 2 pounds and its dimension is 11 x 10.5 x 9.3 inches but the battery life and whether its solar-powered or battery-powered is not specified.

FeatureDescription
Auto-darkening filterFully Automatic
Viewing area100 x 67mm
Sensitivity and delay controlAdjustable Sensitivity, Auto-On/Off
Welding mode compatibilityWeld, cut, grind
Battery lifeNot specified
Adjustable shade rangeVariable weld shade 8-13, cut shades 5-8
Number of arc sensors4
Replaceable lensYes
Solar-powered or battery-poweredNot specified
Dimensions11 x 10.5 x 9.3 inches
Weight2 pounds

7- Miller 289807 Digital

This helmet also features an auto-darkening filter and a viewing area that is not specified. It has sensitivity and delay control options including AutoSense and Digital controls, making it compatible with weld, cut, and grind modes.

It has an adjustable shade range with half-shade settings for precise lens adjustment, 3 arc sensors, and a replaceable lens with an accessory kit. The helmet is not specified whether it is solar-powered or battery-powered, and has dimensions of 12 x 12 x 10 inches and a warranty of 4 years.

FeatureDescription
Auto-darkening filterYes
Viewing areaN/A
Sensitivity and delay controlAutoSense and Digital controls
Welding mode compatibilityWeld, cut, and grind modes
Battery lifeNot specified
Adjustable shade rangeHalf-shade settings for precise lens adjustment
Number of arc sensors3
Replaceable lensYes, with accessory kit
Solar-powered or battery-poweredNot specified
Dimensions12 x 12 x 10 inches
WeightNot specified
Warranty4 years

8- Antra True Color Top Optical

This helmet is designed for multi-purpose welding and features an efficient battery life. It has a large viewing area of 3.86×2.50 inches and sensitivity control for optimal use.

The helmet also has a delay control and is equipped with 4 arc sensors for added safety. It also has a replaceable lens and a shade range of 5-14.

And it is powered by solar and has a dimension of 13x9x7 inches and weight of 1.1 lbs.

FeaturesDescription
ADFYes
Viewing Area3.86X2.50″
Sensitivity ControlYes
Delay ControlYes
Welding Mode Compat.Multi-purpose
Battery LifeEfficient
Shade Range5-14
Arc Sensors4
Replaceable LensYes
Power SourceSolar
Dimensions13x9x7 inches
Weight1.1 lbs

Conclusion

When it comes to welding helmets for beginners there are many options available on the internet. The 8 helmets reviewed above are some of the best choices for those just starting out in the welding industry.

From entry level options to more advanced models these helmets offer a range of features and capabilities to suit different needs and preferences.

Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly option or a helmet with more advanced features, there’s sure to be a helmet on this list that will meet your needs.

It is important to do your research and compare different models to find the best option for you, and to always prioritize safety above all else.

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