Welding is a pretty straightforward task, and for most craftsmen, it opens up a lot of possibilities for their projects.
Joining two separate pieces of metal together into a solid piece can have a variety of applications for most do-it-yourself creations and would be a useful addition to your workshop.
But not all metals are the same, so it’s important to take that into account when picking the best 120-volt welder for your needs.
What other things should you consider when welder shopping? What brands should I look for?
We’ve prepared a shortlist of some of the better options available on the market. Let’s go over some of the advantages and disadvantages of each unit so that you can make an informed decision when you purchase one for your workshop.
Comparison Overview
| Brand | Pros | Cons |
| Forney Easy Weld 261, 140 FC-i Welder, 120V | PortablePowerful | Gasless or flux-core welding only |
| Hobart 500553 Handler 210 MVP Mig Welder | PortableHas 220V input optionSafety trigger feature | heavy |
| ARCRAFT Hobby80 Mini DC Arc Welder, | PortableAdjustable settingsEnergy efficient | Not as powerful as its counterparts |
A Note on Welder Voltage
A welder is an electronically powered device that makes use of electricity and bursts of high heat to fuse metal pieces together. In order for your welder to get better penetration or when working with thicker material, you will need a certain level of heat. To get that, your welder should have enough voltage to generate the necessary heat. Simply put, the thicker the metal you are working with, the more voltage you will need to produce the heat necessary.
Since the standard wall outlet usually operates on 110/120 volts, most 120 volt welders can be plugged into them along with your other power tools with minimal issues. Higher voltage (usually 220) welders may not perform as well as they will be operating on only half the required voltage; this may even damage certain parts if you’re not careful.
Keep these in mind along with the other things we will discuss below when picking out your welder.
Things to Consider Before Buying a 120 Volt Welder
Price and Budget
Perhaps the most first thing one needs to consider is if purchasing a welder is actually within one’s financial capability. Like pretty much every tool in a workshop, a welder machine is an investment and you would definitely want to get your money’s worth. Purchasing one should not leave you bankrupt in the process.
Material and Weld Process
As mentioned earlier, it is important to know what kind of metals you’ll be working with and the kind of welding process you intend to apply. Different welders have different functions and welding processes so it’s important to look up if what you plan to work on is compatible with the type of welder you plan on getting.
Size and Weight
Most power tools can take up a lot of space in your workshop and a welder will be no different. Consider the size, shape, and weight of your welder in order to plan for storage and transport. If you find that you might need to move your welder around in your workspace, you might want to opt for a portable one. Smaller size, of course, can possibly mean a tradeoff in performance or output so keep those things in mind as well.
The Best 120 V Welders
Forney Easy Weld 261, 140 FC-i Welder
The Forney Easy Weld 261 is a powerful lightweight machine that can handle a number of project types. At around 19 pounds, it makes it easy to carry and move around making it a really good portable option. It’s easy to use with intuitive controls for the wire feed speed and voltage, making it easier for even entry-level welders to achieve that perfect weld.
The Forney Easy Weld 261 can handle up to a 140amp output, making it a powerful tool to use with mild steel that’s up to 1/4” thick. The equipment is kept inside a metal case designed for regular use and is able to handle wire rolls ranging from two to ten pounds. It comes with an 8’ MIG gun, a handle with a torch wrap, an 8’ ground clamp, and an adapter that ranges from 20 to 15A. The Forney Easy Weld 261, however, can only be used for gasless or flux-core welding only.
Hobart – 500553 Handler 210 MVP MIG Welder
The Hobart 500553 Handler 210 MVP Mig Welder is a bit on the heavy side at 79 lbs but with that size comes a lot of power. It can switch between 110/120-volt input to 220/240 volts as needed and has enough power to weld ⅜ inch mild steel. Despite the weight, it’s pretty compact at 10.62”x19.5”x12.37”, making this model great for both space-saving and easy transport.
The Hobart 500553 Handler 210 MVP MIG Welder comes with a safety feature that keeps the wire “cold” until the trigger is pulled, allowing for ease of use. You also have a lot of control options for the output that allows for fine-tuning and improved arc performance.
ARCRAFT Hobby80 Mini DC Arc Welder
The ARCRAFT Hobby80 Mini DC Arc Welder combines multiple features that make it a great viable option for both hobbyists and serious welders. This model boasts a 75 Amp output that can weld material up to ⅛ inch in thickness, and this output is supplemented with inverter technology that allows it to perform at less power, considering its 20% Duty Cycle at maximum output.
While it might not be as powerful as other welders in its size, it makes up for efficient power usage. You can also adjust the output to anywhere between 20 to 75 amp depending on your project needs, making the ARCRAFT Hobby80 Mini DC Arc Welder a very versatile machine. The inverter system allows for smoother, continuous arc welds and has adequate protective measures against thermal overload. It comes in a lightweight case with adjustable straps for optimal portability.
Conclusion
Almost anyone can add welding tasks to their workshop after acquiring the necessary equipment. But one should note that, as with all tools, each item in their toolshed has a specific use.
Forcing a task on a tool it was not designed for can lead to damage to both the tool, its surroundings, and its user.
With that said, the welders listed above are some of the best on the market that can cater to most if not all your welding needs.
