The 5 Best Welder For Blacksmithing – (MIG, TIG, Stick) Reviews

Heating a metal up and then hammering it, forge welding is a pretty old technique that requires proper concentration and patient. A normal welder can’t handle this job that well. You will need a powerful welder to get that high heat. It also should allow you to weld many metal types.

However, you can’t just take any powerful welder for it but take in many other factors. Our list below contains some of the best welders for blacksmithing. Each of them has the necessary qualities and is reliable. After reading this article, hopefully, you can obtain that ideal welding machine you have been looking for.

Reviews for the Best Welder for Blacksmithing

1. S Simder Arc Welder IGBT Smart Hot Start fits

For blacksmithing, you will need powerful welding machines like the S Simder Arc Welder. The welder can perform both arc and stick welding and has a high amp of 160. So, you can go for heavy-duty and longer blacksmith projects.

The welder runs on both 110 and 220 V. So, it is not an issue whether you use it at home or a blacksmith. It has a smart hot start system for a better experience. The welder can work with electrodes of 0.098- and 0.12-inches diameter.

Blacksmithing already costs a lot. To save some money, the welder has an advanced inverter, making it highly efficient. A blacksmithing project can be pretty hard for a beginner.

This welder has LCD screens to indicate all the units that make it a perfect practicing device too. The machine has thermal overload protection. So, it is a safer option while forged metals.

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2. Hobart 500554 Handler 230V MIG Welder

The Hobart 500554 Hander 190 MIG Welder is another super powerful welder that left us in awe. The machine features a 190-amp electricity output, letting you work with some of the most intense blacksmithing works.

It is a 230V welder, meaning that it has a high duty cycle and can have more power than the 115V ones. MIG welding is one of the most popular welding methods in blacksmithing alongside Tig and stick. This welder is a top-notch MIG welding machine that leaves behind clean welds.

The machine can weld up to 24-gauge 5/16 inches, letting you weld metals with high thickness. And we know that blacksmithing mostly deals with thick metals.

Compared to this welder, the S Simder Arc Welder provides a wider voltage range. But this one has a higher amperage rating. Not to mention, this welder allows you to adjust from seven voltage settings.

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3. PrimeWeld 3-in-1 50 Amp Plasma Cutter

The more options you have in blacksmithing, the easier your projects can become. The PrimeWeld CT-520D is not only an excellent welder but also is a plasma cutter. So, you can now both join and cut thick metals in your blacksmith.

The welder provides 200 amp for both Tig and stick welding. So, it can work with high heat output. Both Tig and Stick are important welding methods in blacksmithing. Meanwhile, the plasma cutter takes 50 amp, enough for a perfect outcome.

You will also get a cutting torch, ground clamp, power plug, Tig torch, etc. All these will make your blacksmithing go smooth. The welder works on both 120 and 240V, giving you two options of outlets.

It weighs only 32 lbs. even after being a heavy-duty welding machine. Meanwhile, it is suitable for several metals like stainless steel, aluminum, cobalt, titanium, cast iron, etc.; basically every metal you can find in a blacksmith.

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4. Hobart 500570 Stickmate 160i

We have another Hobart model on our list that can meet your blacksmithing requirements. The Hobart 500570 Stickmate 160i is a less powerful version of Hobart 500554. But it has a dual-voltage system, unlike the latter one.

With a weight of under 20lbs, this is undoubtedly one of the lightest heavy-duty welders you can find for your blacksmith. Since you can work with both 120V and 240V outlets, you won’t need to move it that much either.

With the 160-amp output, the welder can perform welds for a longer time with much heating. You can weld mild steel of up to 5/32 inches with it. You will also get a work clamp with work cable, MVP adapter with power cord, electrode cable, etc.

The welder has a hot start technology and an infinite amp and heat control. Thus, you can turn your blacksmithing work much more efficient and smoother.

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5. DEKOPRO 110/220V MMA Welder

Lastly, we got the DEKOPRO MMA Welder on our list of best blacksmith welders. The machine is perfect for an arc welding session with its function of a hot start. It comes with many necessary accessories too.

Four of the most used metal in blacksmithing, weld steel, cast iron, stainless steel, and mild steel are the ideal applications for this welder. As you have control over the heat, you can get the outcome you desire.

The welder has an amperage of 160 with a voltage need of 110/220V. Meanwhile, the welder can weld iron and copper without damaging them. Thus, your blacksmithing result will turn out to be excellent.

DEKOPRO MMA Welder can perform clean and smooth arc weld, unlike the PrimeWeld CT-520D. But the latter is a high-class tig and stick welder. PrimeWeld also has a higher amp and a plasma cutting function. But DEKOPRO has a simpler control panel for beginners.

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Buying Guide of  Welding Machine for Blacksmithing

No matter how simple a product is- without enough research, you can end up getting a lost cause. Welders for forge welding should especially be excellent at quick heating up. That means that they require a high amp and other ratings. In this buying guide, we will mention the necessary aspects that determine how better a welder is.

Power and Amperage for Forge Welding

A blacksmithing project will require one to heat a metal to a high amount before hammering it for the required shape. Now, that needs a powerful welder with a high amp that can produce that much heat output. In most cases, welders with an amp over 150 can handle this type of job.

However, most welders with a high amp come with a high voltage requirement. Now, that can be an issue if you work at home. In that case, you can use an adapter or just install a compatible outlet. You can also get a welder with a low amp but use power tools to get the same type of outcome.

Portability

Portability is a necessary factor when it comes to blacksmithing. If you are welding a metal before hammering, you may need to change your location continuously. Moreover, with a short cable and everything, you may not even get the proper reach.

On the other hand, some people may need to transport the machine from home to their blacksmith workshop. Hence, you should get a welder with a lightweight body and handle to help you move it around. It is true that most heavy-duty welders will be literally heavy, but you should still prioritize a lightweight one.

High Duty Cycle

For a forge welding project, there are times when you have to constantly heat metal to a high temperature. The problem is, not every welder can work for so long. It depends on their duty cycle. A 40% duty cycle means that it can work for 4 minutes before resting for 6 minutes.

Get a welder with a high duty cycle. Most powerful welding machines have a duty cycle of over 40% anyway. Just don’t forget to check it before the purchase.

Suitable Forged Welding Metals

A good welder should let you weld at least the most used metals in the industry. Since blacksmithing deals with multiple small metal pieces to join them, there can be more than one metal application.

Make sure that your welder can weld stainless steel, cast iron, mild steel, and carbon steel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Do People Use Blacksmith Welders?

A welder for blacksmiths has many applications. You may use it to craft chains or swords. It is also used in welding railway spikes and gates. Many farming metal tools are created by forged welding.

How Do Blacksmith Welders Work?

Welders for blacksmiths work the same way as any other welders. They just need to be more powerful and capable of heating metals. You heat the metals, join different tiny pieces, and hammer them together for proper shaping.

Do I Need an Infinite Heat and Amp Setting on My Welder for Blacksmithing?

It is not mandatory. But getting a welder that allows you to set the heat and amp without restriction helps you get a high heat output. And that is an excellent trait while forged welding pieces of metals.

Final Note

After all that discussion, you should now have a proper idea of a good forged welder. Blacksmithing needs a welder that can make strong joints that do not break during the hammering process. So, an ideal one may end up costing more money than you expected.

If you really buy an expensive one, that is more reason why you should research everything properly. Prioritize popular brands as they have experience and knowledge behind their works. Don’t forget to compare different welders to find out the best one. That can also help you in your future purchases.