Best Welders for Auto Body Work (MIG & TIG) – Reviews 2022
Disclaimer: Welderscave.com is user-supported and we may earn a small commission whenever you chose products from our Amazon product links without any additional cost to you.
Being an auto body hobbyist, I do a variety of work on my car. Getting into welding, I was trying out different products and went for a cheaper welder without doing much research.
If you are about to purchase a welder for auto body work, you don’t want to make mistakes like that! Without the perfect research, recommendations, and budget, getting the right welder won’t be possible!
Because using an imperfect welder means that you won’t be able to do any sort of repair with ease. In search of the best welder for auto body, I tested out a bunch of machines popular in the market, and in addition to it, I also looked at what people thought about different welders available.
The following list is the result of the research and practical tests. If you want to purchase quality products, this list will assist you with a bunch of recommendations and the perfect buying guide!
Comparison Table
Image | Name | Feature | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Advanced Auto-SetTM, Auto Spoolgun Detect | |||
Both HF start hand torch control & precise foot pedal | |||
Dual digital display easy to read and set AMP | |||
It has infinite voltage & wire feed speed control | |||
5-position voltage control selector |
Best Welders for Auto Body Work Reviews 2022
1. Weldpro Digital TIG 200GD ACDC 200 Amp Tig/Stick Welder
Specifications
- Weight: 53.3 Pounds
- Output Power Type: Ac/dc
- Input: 110v/240v 50/60 Hz
- Pre-flow: (S)0.1-1
- Up Slope Time Range: (S)0-10
- Down Slope Time Range: (S)0-25
- Post Flow: (S)0-15
- Pulse Peak On Time: 10-90% Adjustable
- Pulse Frequency: 0.5-200 Hz
- Ac Balance:30-70%
- Ac Frequency: 40-200hz
- Hot Start: Yes
- Hf Start Tig: Yes
- Foot Pedal: Yes
With a decent budget, your expectations are bound to be high. And to live up to your expectations, Weldpro's Digital TIG 200GD can provide you 200 amp output for doing the hardest welding tasks. Both AC/DC TIG welding will be possible, and its claim of possessing qualities that are found on highly-priced welders is true for several cases.
Features that are great for welding professionals can be found on the Weldpro 200GD. You can enjoy its start and end amps providing more control, like similar factors as upslope and downslope, which are also present on this device. Up to 40% and 60% full amp duty cycles are assured for DC and AC TIG, respectively.
Equipped with essential items, the welder is a great option for the budget. High power, AC/DC switching ability, a great deal of functional ability, and many other important factors make it a great piece that is highly recommended.
Package Includes
- Gas hose
- Flow meter
- Foot pedal
- Power adapter
- Trigger button
- CK17 superflex head Weldpro torch
- Weldpro CK 17 torch protection cover
- Electrode holder: 5AWGx15 ft. cable35-50 quick connector
- 5AWGx10 ft. cable35-50 quick connector 300A T-shape ground clamp
- 3/32’’ collect, 3/32’’ collect body, Electrode Pure Tungsten Green 3/32", Electrode 2%Thoriated Red 3/32", long back cap, Ceramic nozzle #4, 5, 6
Pros
Cons
2. Miller Electric 120/240VAC Welder
Specifications
- Dimensions: 20.5 x 11.25 x 12.5
- Material: HAWA
- Welding Processes: Flux Core, MIG
- Input Voltage: 120/240V AC
- Welded Material: Aluminum, Steel, Mild Steel
- Material Thickness 24 ga to 3/8"
- Portability: Handheld Portable
- Rated Output: 150A @ 21V DC
- Duty Cycle: 40 Percent, 60 Hz
- Output Range: 30 to 230A DC
- Wire Size: 0.023 in to 0.035 inch
Be introduced to the new, easy, and effective way of welding: the Miller Electric 120/240VAC, 1 Phase. Miller Electric is the most top rated welder in the market with high performance, lightweight design, and excellent safety. This excellent quality machine makes your work quite effortless.
Featuring adaptable and flexible welding, the machine has a user-friendly structure with carrying handles. The smart and innovative feature of advanced auto-setTM, Auto Spoolgun Detect with Smooth- StarTM, and Angled Cast- aluminum drive welder for car restoration and many more.
It has a built-in gas solenoid valve and dual gauge regulator with gas hose. The thermal overload protection ensures safety with some of the risky works you might meet in your garage.
You can do any work from repair, maintenance, a welder for garage use, automotive welding to farm and ranch works. The device comes with 10ft. M-10 MIG Gun, work cable with clamp. When the device or machine overheats, it automatically detects with its thermal overload protection. Considering the features with the price, this is a steal.
Even if welding is a hobby for you, this is a must-have device for welding to make your works more efficient and swift. Get your Miler Electric today.
Pros
Cons
3. AmicoPower MTS-205 Combo Welder
Specifications
- Weight: 27 pounds
- Dimensions: 18 x 9 x 14 inches
- Style: MIG TIG Stick Arc 3-in-1
- Material: Metal
- Pattern: USA
- Power Source: AC 100-250V/50-60Hz
- Amperage Capacity: 200 Amps
- Performance: 60% Rated Duty Cycle at 205 Amp
- Certification: ETL Listed
Looking for a device to weld aluminum, cast iron, copper along with mild, weld, and stainless steel? Well, for all these, AmicoPower provides a great solution. The MTS-205 is a welder's best friend, as it has more technical qualities than all other products of the same price.
You must be looking for IGBT technology for better usability, and it is present on this device. Dual voltage of 110/230V is good but what's better is its ability to do different types of welding.
You can attach different types of cord wire to the MTS-205 for welding versatility- starting from solid and flux wire to aluminum wire. TIG torch and STICK is also present. The start and end amps are good for any professional welder. It has the ability to weld ½" metal with ease.
Many other basic but important features are also included in the MTS-205. From over/under voltage protection to amperage control, all the essential factors make sure you get a smooth welding experience.
Pros
Cons
4. PRIMEWELD Tig/Stick Welder with Flex Torch
Specifications
- Weight: 90 pounds
- Dimensions: 24 x 19 x 12 inches
- Start AMP: 10-225 with Pulse
- End AMP: 10-225 Pulse
- Frequency: .10-225/ 0.5-10 hz
- Pulse Time On: 10-90%
- Post Flow: 1-10 Ac
- Balance: 30-70% 2T/4T
- Pre-flow: 0.1-1s
- Up Slope: 0-10s
- Down Slope: 0-25s
- AC Frequency: 40-200hz
- Certification: CE, CCC, CSA and ISO-9001
Planning to start a new welding business? Well, here’s the machine just for you to begin your new profession and with great reflexes. The Primed Tig 225 has passed with flying colors from every handyman to mechanics. It has been said to be the best used $1000 with its cool and unique features.
It features the verified CK Worldwide 17 series Superflex TIG Torch, higher optimization, and simulation. It also has the additional HF start hand torch control with accurate and precise foot paddling heat control.
The machine comes with a generous list of features. The packaging is done with extra caution, leaving no extra space for the machine to move on shipment. The device itself is packed with extra clamshell, which you won’t find with another machine packaging under such a low price. Also, the hose comes as chromed and not clamped with the remark of a fantastic device.
This is overall a good and best tig welder for auto body work. Technicians highly recommend it for use. The list of features and different components makes your work easier.
Pros
Cons
5. Weldpro Multi Process Welder For Auto Body Work
Specifications
- Weight: 30.4 Pounds
- Dimensions: 17.72 X 8.66 X 14.96
- Supply Voltage: 110v/240v 50/60 Hz
- Output 115v Input: 40-120a (Mig) 40-120a (Mma) 15-120a (Tig)
- Output 220v Input: 40-200a (Mig) 40-200a (Mma) 15-200a(Tig)
- Duty Cycle @220v Input: 30% @200a, 100% @110a
The portable, light, and perfect Weldpro 200 is here to save your day. The new 2022 Weldpro, 200 Amp welder with an auto framework, is easy to carry around with its round size. The amazing amount of features the machine provides will make your work swifter and efficient.
The MiG handgun handle has a ball swivel, which makes the cable-stay straight. The handle also has an extended trigger reducing hand fatigue for extension work. The machine power controls are at the front, such as the tactile button and rotary knob.
It is a dual voltage machine running on 220 volts or 110 volts AC. It comes with a dual adapter converting 220 volts to 110 volts. The cables come attached to the clamp, and the air electrodes are of very high quality, which works exceedingly well for a very long time.
The MiG 200 is a multiprocessor; hence it is capable of running D.C tick. The tick-torch has a hand-operated gas valve, unlike any other. The temperature and thermal overload protection make it more convenient and safe. The adjustable setting lets you have full control over the machine.
It will never be a wrong decision buying this machine. It is a very beneficial machine, easy to carry anywhere. And a cheap welder for car repair compares to its features.
Package includes
- MIG torch: 10 ft. ERGOPLUS15
- Tig torch: 13 ft. WP-17
- Electrode holder: 5awgx10 ft. Cable35-50 quick connector 200a
- T-shape Earth clamp: 5awgx10 ft. Cable35-50 quick connector 300a
- Gas hose
- Power adapter
- Flow meter
- 0.8/1.0V drive roller; 0.6-0.8/0.9 V drive roller; 0.8-0.9 knurled drive roller
- Two contact tips: 0.030, 0.040 each
Pros
Cons
6. Forney Easy Weld 261 MIG Welder
Specifications
- Weight: 19 pounds
- Dimensions: 16.7 x 12 x 8.1 inches
- Size: 120V
- Color: Green
- Material: Metal
- Power Source: AC
- Cord Length: 6 Feet
- Measurement System: Metric
- Usage: Amateur, Professional
- Includs: 8' MIG gun, 8' ground clamp and 20A - 15A adapter
- Warranty: 12 month
Here we have the Forney Easy Weld, a piece of great machinery for maintenance and repair or welder for cars restoration. The FCI stands for flux corded inventor.
This machine has 140 amps allowing us to weld light steel up to ¼ with a single pass. The infinite voltage and speed wire system lets you access any control to your desired level welder.
It has a dimension of 16.75, weighing about 19 lbs, easy to carry for any DIY or maintenance work. An integrated handle with torch wrap and a 20A-15A adapter is also installed. The all-metal case has been built to take a day to day work. Big enough for handling 2 and 10 pounds of rollers of wire.
Compared to some of the expensive welders, it is much cheaper with great flexes. The machine easily gauges ½” to 3/6” plates. It does not run on gas only and is portable for flux core welding. It also has 120-volt input and 140 AMP output. This welder is very easy to set-up and will ease up your time.
This machine will give you peace of mind as it makes your work relatively smoother. Recommended by technicians to try it out!!
How To Start Work With This Welder
- Study User Manual
- Steup Wire Spool
- Set Drive Roll
- Feed Wire and Set Pressure
- Connect to Power
- Remove Consumables
- Adjust Wire Feed and Volts
- Contact Tip 1/4" from Metal
Pros
Cons
7. Hobart 500559 Handler 140 Welder
Specifications
- Weight: 57 pounds
- Dimensions: 19 x 11 x 13 inches
- Material: Steel, Stainless Steel & Aluminum
- Power Source: Corded-electric
- Installation Method: Mig-welding
- Number of Handles: 1
- AMP Range: 25-140 A; 20% duty cycle @ 90 Amps, 19V
- Wire Feed Speed Range: 40-700 IPM, 50-740 IPM at no load
- Welds 24 gauge up to 1/4 in mild steel
- Warranty: 5 year limited warranty
Introducing the Hobart 140 MiG Handler. This machine is worth the money with its easy to use functions. Hobart has a 5- position voltage controller, which gives a smooth, stable arc finishing at all welding thickness.
This 115 volt is doing wonders for you. It welds 24 gauge in a single blow giving very smooth beads. Welding amperage ranges between 25-140A with a 20 percent duty cycle. The wells are nicely tied for beginners.
The control settings let you control where to set the thickness of the metal you are working with. It can be easily hooked up to a gas cylinder to make enough clean oils. It features a 10ft big gun with heavy-duty chrome cable.
This unit includes a power cord and a dual gauge regulator with gas hose. The accessories have resistance and are worth the price. The 140 handler is extremely flexible and perfect for automotive welding. This welder is also suitable for auto body frameworks.
If you are a beginner, Hobart will be a perfect set-up that will make your work more precise with its versatility. The portable machine will change and improve your work skill magnificently.
Package Includes
- 10ft HR-100 MIG gun
- 10ft work cable with clamp
- Power Cord
- Dual-gauge regulator with gas hose
- .030 in. contact tips
- Quick Select drive roll
- Sample spool of flux-cored wire and Material thickness gauge
Pros
Cons
Related post: Welding machine for motorcycle frame.
Things to Consider When Buying Welding Machine For Auto Body
If you are making preparations to transform your old classic rusted car into its initial gorgeous body, then obviously you will search for a welder. And for helping you in your search of finding the perfect welder for car restoration, these following instructions are designed so that you can purchase the best one from the market.
Amperage
While determining the power of your welder, checking for the amperage is a vital step. This feature works on the following instructions.
- If your car has a thick body or consists of steel materials that are as thick as more than 1.5 inches, then selecting the welder that produces 180 amps will be the best choice.
- If you intend to work on thin layers with up to 3/16th of thinness, then look for the amperage of 100 amps to 130 amps.
These selective choices will allow you to make the best possible results for your car.
Ability to deal with the heat
If you are an experienced welder or know the basic physics, then you must know about the heating element. It is usually produced when the voltage is reduced to increase the current supply. Normally the voltage would be pulled down to 120 Volts to pass more current. This will eventually lead to huge amounts of heat production and may damage the circuit system.
Budget
This is a big thought which needs to be implemented while you look for welders. If you have more money but intend to spend fewer, then for sure you will regret later on. A low-priced welder has a short lifespan, which is why these can be used for temporary welding or may not properly the whole time of your welding of the car.
That is why keeping the long lifetime in mind of the welders, invest more to experience better. This is where people tend to suffer after purchasing a low rate of welders. As you necessitate it for auto bodywork, then of course, you don’t want to buy 2-3 low-priced welders in a year. So act smart and aim for high-quality welders for efficient and effective working.
Extra Features
It must have installed ways to reduce or displace the heat. This is usually done by inputting a high duty cycle. The higher the cycle is, the more time you can use your welder without putting it away for the heat to reduce. Purchase welder, which provides multipurpose tasking and also has an installed automotive welding switch.
Welding Methods
There are various welding types you should keep in mind. To start with, there is MIG, which is quite popular for this job. If you are a medium skilled welder, then this process will be effective for you. A master of welding should implement the TIG welding process for excellent results as these can be used in hard-to-reach areas.
Well, if you have read the whole thing, then be sure to surpass all troubles successfully and purchase the best welder for your job.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of welder for auto body work?
When looking to buy a welder, especially for auto bodywork, keep these main points in mind- versatility, uses, and features. Acknowledge about the type of metal you are going to work on, and purchase the proper kind of welder to make your work with the metal more comfortable and efficient.
What type of welder is used for body panels?
For quick instant or auto body repairs, MiG or “Metal Inert Gas” is what you should be looking for. This is best for working on many types of metal. MiG welders can handle a greater range of thickness, considering the type of metal. They are easy to be adopted with.
What is the best way to weld auto body panels?
Buckle up your equipment bag with a MIG welder, welding wires, and a hand grinder. Sort out the size of your old panel and architect the new one accordingly. Use clamps to hold the new one up and start welding after checking the current. Weld it up using the stitch welding method. Spot the machine and slowly, one at a time, weld through the stitch lap.
Final Note
From this well-researched list, the best overall repairing welding tool would be the welder from Miller Electric. It is well-balanced for all sorts of tasks and can also be highly effective when you are using it for farm and ranch works.
If you want something lightweight for DIY tasks, going for the Forney Easy Weld 140 FCI is a great choice! Welding does require the essential skills; however, the Forney Easy Weld takes it to a minimum amount so that you can easily do your DIY tasks. And on top of that, it is provided at a small price tag.
Whether you are a hobbyist or professional, the list above can assist you in picking the right item. Make sure to make your purchase according to the buying guide. By spending a good amount of time researching products, you can save yourself from the mistakes I made and be happy with a long lasting welder.
Last Updated on 1 year by Richard Boyer