Performance is the primary reason for purchasing any electrical equipment and when coupled with portability then the machine easily becomes your companion because you will not have to struggle with storage. A portable welding machine is very handy especially if it is versatile enough to handle different kinds of projects like MIG, TIG and Stick welding, versatility also applies when dealing with different levels of thickness.
In case you did not know most portable welders are also fairly priced, which makes acquiring one quite easy. We will, therefore, compile a list with some of the best portable welding machines that can be adopted for use by enthusiasts, the novice welders and the experts in the welding field.
Comparison Table
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Hobart Handler 140 MIG Welder 115V (500559)
At only 65 pounds of weight, the Hobart handler is able to handle projects that need welds of 24 gauge and up to ¼ inch in mild steel. The machine is, therefore, best suited to handle auto body operations, repairs and heavy farm projects.
Specs
- Wire Feed Speed Range 40 – 700 IPM
- Wire Feed Speed Range at no load 50 – 740 IPM
- Amperage output: 25–140
- 20% duty cycle @ 90 Amps
And apart from being portable, you can use your Hobart handler with a standard household receptacle of 115v. Ease of use is facilitated by the 5 position voltage controller, which will ensure that you achieve a smooth and stable arc for the different thickness levels. The wire drive system has been made with durable aluminum metal that offers its users industrial performance.
Setting up the machine does not involve a steep learning curve and you can have it up and working in very few minutes. Pricewise, you might have to dig a bit deeper into your pockets but fret not because performance and durability are what Hobart thrives on.
Pros
- Versatile enough to handle different processes
- Works perfectly on a 115v home receptacle
- Easy to set up once out the box
- Features 5 position voltage control selector
Cons
- Problem with the wire feeder motor
- The fan makes a lot of noise
Verdict
The Horbat handler 140 MIG welder runs a lot of processes and given that it is portable, you can use it from anywhere; what’s more, is that you don’t need a high voltage receptacle but rather the normal household power socket and you are good to weld.
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PrimeWeld Ct520d 50 Amps Plasma Cutter
The Primeweld Ct520d plasma cutter takes the cup for portability at least for now. At only 35.7 pounds weight the welder has the ability to combine the arc welding function, TIG or Stick welding and Plasma cutting all in one welding machine.
Specs
Comes with a 3-year warranty
Machine dimensions are 23.6 x 16.8 x 12.8 inches
Can cut up to ½ inch
Hand carry weight is 32lbs
As determined above, the Primeweld welding machine is a multiprocessor that gives users the option of switching between processes quickly and easily. For example, a beginner can switch from the DC TIG welder to the DC Stick welder. And the three-year warranty is enough proof that the manufacturer has faith in the machine, so you can be sure that it is going to give you a long service.
Power consumption is also minimal given that efficiency is set at 85%.
Pros
- The welder can handle a variety of processes
- Users can switch between processes fast
- Lightweight thus portable
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
Cons
- Problem with set up
- Must check for loose nuts on the inside before powering
Verdict
The prime weld plasma cutter comes at reasonable prices and is also light in weight thus portable for use at different locations. The variety of processes that it can handle makes it usable by both the professionals and beginners.
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HITBOX ARC Welder DC 220V Welding Machine
The dimensions of the Hitbox arch welder combined with the 7.72-pound weight makes it portable and easy to store. Portability ensures that users are able to use it on different project locations, and the machine will also surprise you by welding up to 8mm depth with a service of up to half an hour.
Specs
Machine dimensions 11 x 11.4 x 7.1 inches
Duty cycle (40C
Rated input current: 32.2A
Electrode Diameter: (4mm)
Starting the machine is not a head-scratcher and while using it, you can enjoy minimal spatter. The machine has also incorporated the IGBT DC inverter feature, the above is a switch that is used to regulate power flow, therefore when the machine is in the On-state the component allows power to flow, but when it is in the OFF-State then it restricts power flow.
The above feature is especially necessary as it will obliterate any chances of incurring hefty power bills. With regard to your specialization, the machine can be used for indoor projects as well as in the high activity working areas. And with a 60% duty cycle welders can achieve the perfect weld with little chance of damaging the welding machine.
However, when compared to the above-reviewed welding machines the HITBOX arc welder comes with a 1-year warranty and an after-sales service, to ensure that you get to work on your projects without much delay.
Pros
- Features a portable design
- Comes incorporated with quality accessories to use with the welder
- Incorporated the power saving IGBT inverter
- Easy to start can thus be used by beginners
Cons
- Ensure to use the right rod diameter
Verdict
The HITBOX arc welder is super light in weight and it would be best if you used it on simple home projects as it may not hold up well when conducting big welding projects.
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Amico ARC-160D 160 Amp Welding Soldering
A sneak peek into the functions of the Amico Arc welder shows that users will be able to benefit from the IGBT inverter technology, will enjoy a seamless amperage control, achieve a stable arc and use whichever type of generator they can land their hands on.
Specs
DC Inverter Stick/Arc 160 Amp
Machine dimensions 16.6 x 7.5 x 11.8 inches
Output Current: 20-160A
90% Power Factor
So at only 16 pounds of weight, the Amico ARC is going to give you a long term service because it has incorporated voltage protection capabilities, the first one being over and under-voltage protection, overload protection and over current protection. If you have been welding, then you are familiar with the overheating problem and all of a sudden your welder stops working until it has probably cooled off.
Now the above problem is not common with the Amico ARC welder because the machine has been equipped with an intelligent fan control system that starts operating immediately you begin to weld. The feature, therefore, cools the components inside the welder and in the long run help in the reduction of contaminants that could be pulled into the machine via the power source.
The Amico ARC welding machine is very light in weight but that shouldn’t be the parameters with which you use to determine its functionality and performance. The components used in the manufacture of the welder are quite strong and durable, and you can thus rely on it for your professional or personal welding projects.
Another advantage is that you can expect high productivity, if you decide to invest in this welder, the reason being that you will most likely achieve a flawless weld, which then means that there is no need for a post-weld cleanup. So work can be done fast with minimal electricity consumption given the power saving IGBT inverter.
Pros
- Features IGBT technology that helps conserve power
- Included voltage protection features
- The machine is featherweight making it portable
- Can be used by both professionals and beginners
Cons
- Works best with 220v receptacles
- Needs to be handled with a lot of care
Verdict
The Amico ARC welding machine is one of the best performing welders that feature many protective features including ones that help conserve power. However, be keen not to use it for heavy industrial work, but if for repairs at home and on the farm then you are sorted.
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Goplus MIG 130 Welding Machine
We all like gifts, well the Goplus MIG 130 welder comes with a free mask, something that will cost you a few dollars, so why not grab it while you can. Some of the reasons that will make you want to invest in the Goplus MIG 130 welding machine is that it comes equipped with up to four adjustable welding speeds features, meaning that you can achieve a perfect weld with different types of metals, all you need to do is adjust the welding speed.
What’s more, is that you also get up to 4 current flow settings and you can, therefore, tackle different density plates. And when it comes to the wire feeding speed, you will use the adjust rotary knob, a feature that makes it easy for beginners to weld, at the speed that they are comfortable with. So where does the Goplus welding machine perfectly apply?
Even in the professional workshop, there are those light welding jobs that can be tackled with the Goplus MIG 130, however, you will need a higher power welder for industrial applications. But for the simple home repairs, fixing your farm work tools, the welder will not disappoint and you can expect to achieve a professional weld.
Protective features abound in the Goplus MIG 130 welding machine, the latter features two air vents that are meant to help with heat dissipation, and the welding machine has also incorporated a full-on and off safety control feature and an automatic thermal control safety protection option. The machine has a small storage space at the top part of the machine where a user is free to store small pieces of accessories like the electrode wires.
In the beginning, we did indicate the possibility of getting a mask gift upon purchase of the Goplus welding machine, well that’s not all, as you will be able to get a 0.9mm reel, a brush or a chipping hammer and a 0.5 lbs welding wire.
Pros
- The machine comes incorporated with an overheat protective unit
- Features a multifunctional control panel
- The welder has a small storage space at the top
- The welder is lightweight thus easy to move around
Cons
- Mask needs to be assembled
- The welder is not very effective on thick plates
Verdict
The Goplus is a welding machine that has strived to incorporate all the necessary features relevant during welding. The machine’s performance is good and with the protective features, you can expect a long service.
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SUNGOLDPOWER 50A Air Plasma Cutter Inverter
If it were a beauty contest then the SUNGOLDPOWER 50A Air Plasma Cutter Inverter would have taken the cup home, what’s more, is that it features a very simple intuitive design making it desirable by the beginner welders. So why invest in the SungoldPower Plasma cutter inverter, let’s find out below.
Specs
Rated input current: 27Av
Power frequency: 50-60Hz
Output current range: 10-50A
Machine dimensions 16.9 x 16.8 x 9.7 inches
Since we have already established that the Sungoldpower 50A Air Plasma Cutter features an attractive design, we also need to know if it can perform the job it was designed for. We will, therefore, begin with the protective features and here a user will be able to access over 5 inbuilt heat protection features, one is that there wouldn’t be any compressed air, and your machine will be protected from under-voltage, over-voltage and overheating.
The above goes to say that this good looking welding machine will not only decorate your shelf but also give you a long service. Other features are a waterproof protective feature, a shield from electrical shock and a continuous current regulation.
And when it comes to functionality, the plasma cutter will offer you high cutting speed performance complete with smooth cuts, and while using this option a user can adjust the cutting current to be able to handle different levels of plate thickness and cutting materials. Users will also get an update of the operating conditions of their units via the air pressure light and over current indicators.
The metals that can work best with the Sungoldpower 50A plasma cutter are such as carbon steel, aluminum, alloy steel, copper, and stainless steel. Important to note is that if you want to use the plasma cutter on rough rusty, rough or painted surfaces then be sure that you will get a clean and smooth cut with very little slag.
And what accessories do you get upon purchase of the SUNGOLDPOWER 50A Air Plasma Cutter Inverter
? The first one is a 13ft plasma cutting torch, 2 sets cutter consumables, an air regulator, a hose clamp, and a 10ft ground clamp among others.
Pros
- Features an automatic dual voltage
- Incorporated LCD display for easy access to operation readings
- The welder has been built with many safety features
- The machine is light in weight and compact thus easy storage
Cons
- Not effective for cutting thick metals
Verdict
The SUNGOLDPOWER 50A Air Plasma Cutter Inverter as it turns out is not only a symbol of beauty but has incorporated high-performance features. The machine is highly functional with protective features, an easy to use design and comes equipped with relevant accessories, so you don’t have to dig deeper into your pocket to purchase the equipment for use.
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Conclusion
Industrial welding machines are made of very heavy components and that is why transporting them to a job site is costly. Welder manufacturers, therefore, strived to close the gap and thus developed the portable welding machines. Therefore, repairs can be done with ease at different sites, without incurring a lot of charges.
People who live in the countryside were the most disadvantaged but thanks to the portable and highly functional welders they can now purchase one to use in the home, to repair their farm tools and to carry out their yard projects. The portability of a welder is not the only reason that will make you take one home but rather its performances.
The above-reviewed welders, therefore, have been uniquely built to cater to different users, they are very functional and some have even incorporated protective features so that they can serve you for a longer period. What’s more is that the machines can be used by both the professional and novice users.
