2018’s List of Top Rated Stick Welding Machines Under $200

Welding is a profession that requires understanding metals, heat, and electricity and how they all work together to "glue" weld two metallic surfaces to each other.

When starting to weld, or when using a DIY home welding machine, you do not need to invest in a professional machine that would be found in a fabrication plant. There are plenty of very versatile welding tools under $200 that will provide excellent results in the hands of an experienced welder.

We provide you with a guide of 10 great welding machines that provide perfect results (in the right hands) for under $200.

List of stick welding machines under 200:

Review

The Amico MMA Stick welder is basic, fast to operate and easy to master. It uses SMAW welding sticks and comes with a 10ft electrode and work clamp cable. This is very easy to understand and operate welding machine for all users.

Specifications

• Input Power: 115V/230V/60Hz, Input current at rated output 20Amp
• Output Range: DC: 5-160A 115V/230V
• Rated Output Current/Voltage/Duty Cycle: 160Amp/23V/60% Duty Cycle / ETL Listed
• Weight/Dimensions: 18 lbs. 12.5" x 9" x 22"

Review

This little stick inverter DC welding machine gives you a very good work performance. It comes with a 10' cable and clamp as well as a 12' power source cable. While it is only a 115A machine, it does provide a 60% duty cycle which is impressive for its size.

Specifications:

• Dimension: 19 x 11 x 6.5 in., Product Weight: 16 lbs.
• Rated Input Power: 2.3KVA & 6.9KVA
• Rated Output: 25.2V at 115V & 26.4V at 230V
• Rated Input Current: 20A at 115V & 30A at 230V
• Output Current: 20-160A
• Rated Duty Cycle: 60% at 115V/140A & 60% at 230V/160A

Review

This dual MMA and TIG welding machine is well worth every penny you spend on it. This model comes with a reinforced nylon panel and a full array of voltage protection. The plastic handle makes it easy to carry, and it only weighs 24Lbs.

Specifications:

• Weight: 24lbs
• Weight capacity of each layer: 2.2lbs
• Voltage: AC 110V/220V, 50-60H
• Rated input capacity(KVA): 9.6
• Rated input current(A): 42
• Output current range (A): 10-120/200
• Rate duty cycle: 30% @ 200A
• Output efficiency (%): ≥85%
• Power factor: 0.76
• Overall dimensions: 13.4'' x 5.1'' x 8.7''

Review

The Grele 140amp welding machine is compact and easy to use. It's a plug and play model, where you just plug it in and start to weld.

Specification s:

Review

If its simplicity and no frills, just power up and weld, then this is the one you want. This is what we call a starter arc welding machine, and it is designed for beginners and students of welding. Its also not a bad home appliance if you need one around.

This model uses a standard inverted 120V input 190Amp output conversation and has an options TIG add-on that can be bought separately.

This model handles up to 1/8″ electrode and welds 16 gauges up to 5/16″.

Features Review

TheSlashArc™ DC-160 gives great performance and control and provides a dual voltage option for a more versatile welding option. This model comes with an Amp control with LED display.

Specifications:

• Input Power: 115V at 60Hz, 230V at 60Hz with rated output 20A
• Output Range: DC: 5-160 A 115/230V
• Rated Output Current/Voltage/Duty Cycle: 160A/23V/60% ETL Listed
• Wire Feed Speed Range: 45 - 425 ipm (inches per minute)
• Weight/Dimensions (16 lbs. 12.5" x 9" x 22" (8 kg. 320mm x 230mm x 560mm)

Review

This is the Wolf MIG welder that provides exceptional finishes when used by an experienced hand. This is more than a beginner's model, but its price makes it extremely attractive to all welders. This model comes with a steel frame and plastic handle for easy carrying.

Specifications: Review

This sturdy MIG welding machine provides enough adjustable functionality to make it a contender with any other higher priced MIG welding machine. This model comes with 4 buttons for MIN/MAX,1/2 for setting the correct heating levels.

This Zeny model also includes a variable feed speed controller, a torch with full On/Off safety control and automatic thermal safety protection.

Specifications: Review

The Stanley Power 170 is a versatile yet simple welding machine that provides all the basics for a fast fix job. This is a compact unit, well suited for traveling professionals that need lightweight and versatile welding machine wherever they might be. It comes with an adjustable strap, and its 10.3 Kg weight make it easy to use and carry.

Specifications: Review

The Metal Man 80A inverter is the ultimate portable welding machine for both professionals and beginners. It is so light, weighing in at only 5Kgs and it is versatile enough to provide a good weld.

Specifications:

• 120V 20 Amp 60 Hz Input Power
• No Load Voltage 75V
• Output Range 20 to 75A DC
• 20% Duty Cycle @ 75A
• Weight = 9 lbs.

This is a perfect portable welding solution.
Conclusions

There isn't one welder that can provide a one-size-fits-all solution. You need to match your welding machine to the job that needs to be done. Having stated this, a cheap MIG welder is perfect for basic joining applications. TIG welders are more precise and give higher quality work, and there are a number of very good cheap TIG welders reviewed here.