Stick welding is a popular must-learn skill in the welding field. And I have realized in my journey of offering quality stick welds that a good welding machine is a must-have, whether you are a starter or an expert.
Top 3 Stick Welders
We have done all the research and experiments and have selected the seven best stick welders to ease your search. We have welded with them and seen the best overall stick welder, budget stick welder, and versatile stick welder for real-world stick welding.
At the end of the review, there's a buying guide to help you select the best stick welder for your welding plans. Here's what we found.
Best Stick Welders Reviews
Editor's Rating: 4.9/5
Five features made this welder outstanding; the pulse function, the torch &flex head, the capacity, machine safety, and technology.
The capacity allowed us to stick weld 3/8-inch mild & stainless steel, 1/4-inch aluminum, and thin metal sheet metal. The TIG torch had a flex head and a strong Superflex hose, which is what every welder needs in shielded metal arc welding.
Control while welding is everything, especially with SMAW. This machine has an HF hand torch for flexibility of the welding movement and welding torch control.
The control is part of the Pulse Width Modulation AIT (Advanced Inverter Tech) that the welder has. And for what it's worth, out of fellow 1079 global customer ratings, the welder got a mid-blowing 4.9 out of 5.
Unique Specs of PrimeWeld 225 Amp Stick Welder
Specification | Value |
|---|---|
Rating | 10-225 amps |
Power | DC/AC PULSE |
Color | Black |
Warranty | 3 years |
Dimensions | L24 H19 W12 inches |
Weight | 90 pounds |
Duty Cycle for 120V |
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Duty Cycle for 240V |
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Features
It has IEBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors) technology for automatic power regulation. I didn't experience multiple welding interruptions to regulate power.
It used both alternating and direct currents. When I had a power interruption, I didn't stop welding because my 4k-watt inverter provided AC for a good while, enough for the electrician to fix the outage.
The 220 v 50 amp plug fits well with the 12 gauge cable. It welds well in the front and at the back of the machine.
It comes with a CK17 pulse flex torch. This feature is unique and different from the lighter versions because I had to buy the torch with other brands. This also makes it a possibly best stick welder for beginners who don't want to invest in multiple machines and equipment.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Editor's Rating: 4.8/5
If you're on a budget and need a reliable and efficient stick welder, the WETOLS two-in-one Stick & TIG welder is the to-go-for machine. It is perfect for home and DIY welds using 3/32-inch to 1/8-inch stainless steel, aluminum, cast iron, and mild steel electrodes. Could be your best stick welder for beginners who aim for versatility at an affordable price.
Remarkable efficiency and top-notch IEBT technology helped offer a good weld and voltage display. While moving around, the handle made carrying the machine so easy, even if it has some weight.
Some of the best portable stick welder machines I've used leave all safety responsibility to the mobile welder, and you have to buy the protective case. But not the WETOL IEBT 2-in-1. See its corner case design in the features below. And it has a 1-year warranty.
Unique Specs
Specification | Value |
|---|---|
Weight | 11.23 pounds |
Dimensions | 15.25 by 9.5 by 8.25 inches |
Power | AC 110V/220V |
Included Components |
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Features
Auto thermal overload protection. It works well with the built-in technology regulating current and automatically shuts down when overheating.
Usage easiness because of the easy-to-read LCD. Adjusting welding parameters wasn't a hassle with this welder.
One of the best portable stick welder machines as it is lightweight and has a supplementing handle. Any starter or DIY hobbyist would find it handy for short welding operations.
The machine's safety while moving around is a guarantee. That's because the machine has a corner case protective design.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Editor's Rating: 4.7/5
For versatile welders, the 500578 Hobart Multi Handler 200 is your handy sidekick. It has the best versatile features that offer MIG, manual welding, direct current TIG, and Flux core welding.
The welder's receptacle fits 120&240 -volt receptacles with a plug fitting. I didn't need to use any tool.
Welding settings get complicated because of the welding process and position.
The holder affects the feasibility of the electrode and may cause bird nesting when welding aluminum. To manage that, other welders use additional control box tools or an adapter to place the spool. But this welder doesn't need all those because it has a ready spool gun that makes manual welding very easy.
Unique Specs
Specification | Value |
|---|---|
Weight | 38.4 lbs |
Product dimensions | 13.4 by 10.6 by 20.8 inches |
Style | Multi-Handler |
Power Source | Alternating Current |
Features
It has a ready-to-use electrode holder. It made mounting the spool gun easy, and I didn't need a control toolbox or an adapter.
The weight and carrying features make it a good option for versatile mobile welders.
This welder has a processing button, and two knobs gave me a smooth user interface. Changing and setting it up was quick and straightforward.
It has a mind-blowing 5-year warranty for its transformers, rectifiers, and stabilizers. It has a 3-year warranty on its generators, drive system, and PC boards. Finally, it has a one year for the guns.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Editor's Rating: 4.6/5
The 120v/230v in the name means it's a double-voltage machine. This feature saves welders the hassle of purchasing another welder because the device they're using doesn't offer enough voltage.
The dual voltage of this machine means it comes with a 120v/230 input voltage adapter to operate dual 120 and 230 volts efficiently. Therefore, dynamic welds of 1/2 inch mild, requiring 90 input and 23- volts output, are easy to weld.
This welder was generator friendly. It produced a stable welding arc using a 4k-watt inverter while we moved with it easily because it is light.
Unique Specs
Specification | Value |
|---|---|
Weight | 21 pounds |
Product dimensions | 11 by 6.31 by 14.13 inches |
Best generator wattage | 8000 watts |
Amperage range | 10-90 amps for 120v & 10 -180 amps for 230 volts |
Features
It has a smooth starting technology that eliminates fruitless electrode strikes during welding. It made the electrode filler stick easily with direct current Stick welding and TIG.
It came with a rugged design of a rigid metallic casing. I knew I didn't have to worry about the inevitable wear and tear.
The welder comes with an integrated cable wrap & handle, which makes storing the machine effortless. It also comes with several accessories. So, being storage-friendly and light is a plus for this machine.
This welder features a lift start capability. While performing a typical lift-TIG, you need a foot pedal to regulate the power. But the lift start does that automatically.Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Editor's Rating: 4.5/5
TOOLIOM 200A stick welder has a non-contact electric arc welding initiation. That reduces material consumption while increasing effectiveness.
It's a 2-in-1 welding machine that welds TIG and Sticks, especially thicker material welding outdoors. We found it precise during mild steel and stainless steel welding. The atmosphere didn't influence the final weld.
It works with the typical 110-120 volt circuits, and the 230v circuit also worked well because of its dual voltage inbuilt features.
Unique Specs
Specification | Value |
|---|---|
Weight | (6.1KG) 13.42LB |
Voltage range | 110-120v, output 220A |
Duty Cycle | 60% |
Features
Easy-to-use user interphase. It has a smart-digital display and power and thermal indicators. It also has a power switch, a gas flow, and a manual metal arc welding/Tungsten Inert Gas switch. Small fabricators, hobbyists, and technicians will find this welder handy.
It fits the 230v and 120v circuits. I could use it anywhere because its light stand can work on any circuit.
ETL safety certification includes thermal overload protection, over-current, and over-voltage safety. These features are automatic, so when the machine detects any overload, it shuts off automatically.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Editor's Rating: 4.5/5
The YESWELDER 205 arc welder is a splendid stick welder that welds 6013 and 7018 electrodes. That's because it's more rugged than its predecessor going up to 205 amps.
I loved its technology in safety because it comes with multiple weld safeties, including auto-voltage fluctuation compensation, thermal overload safety, and control. These safeties safeguard the outcome of the final weld.
I noticed ease while starting the welder. That's because of the current booster that ensures reliable arc start-ups. And last but not least, it's among the best portable stick welder units ideal for welders who work off-shop because of the lightweight and compact size that's easy to move around and store away.
Unique Specs
Specification | Value |
|---|---|
Weight | 13.86 pounds |
Dimensions | 15.31 by 13.15 by 7.72 inches |
Current | 205 amps |
Features
It has an automatic Hot Starting tech providing sufficient arc strength. Thus, this machine makes the welder ready for welding standard wire rods like 6011, 6010, and 6013. It can handle 205 amps.
It comes with an automatic adaptive arc force. It helped me reduce the electrode sticking in the weld puddle while not compromising the electric arc's stability or increasing the spatter.
It's a light design weighing 4kilograms, enabling portability and ease of storage. This machine is the second lightest stick welder model we've seen.
It comes with standard leads and fittings that are customizable. I prefer long ones and realized the ones it came with were standard. I bought extra ones and customized them.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Editor's Rating: 4.4/5
This inverter makes it to our top-7 inverter list for its features and price. It features the IGBT technology for controls, enhancing reliability.
Like the YesWelder 205 amp, this welder also has arc force, providing smoother and deeper penetration. While welding, it kept the welding arc stability and consistency while I was using less current. It's safe, stable, and reliable.
Unique Specs
Specification | Value |
|---|---|
Size | 10-140A (220V)/10-120A (110V) |
Color | Red |
Wattage | 4.29 KW |
Product dimensions | 9 by 3.9 by 5.6 inches |
Item Weight | 9.58 pounds |
Features
It has Hot-start technology. It's ideal for welding series rods like the E6013, E7018, and E6011with a diameter of 1/16 and 1/8 inches. I tried the E6010 cellulose rod, and it worked well.
The anti-stick mechanism enabled me to remove the electrodes from the workpiece and loop feedback. That's because it gives control over the closed-loop feedback.
It is a digital display. It's easy to spot any trouble and the actual welding current while the process continues. A novice welder and a master welder alike will like this welder.
It has robust support and portability handle plus compactness. It has a bundle that makes carrying it very easy. The compact design and lightweight make moving and handling it easy. It gets the overall best, lightest stick arc welder. In case of a setback, the company offers fast-responding customer support.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Best Stick Welders Buying Guide
When looking for the best stick, welders look at the following features.
- A hot start feature
- How many welding electrodes can it work on?
- Is it AC or DC
- The DIG Factor
- Amperage
- Duty cycle
The Hot-Start Feature
While doing manual welding, the electrode filler metal has problems with sticking. It becomes hard to remove the electrode from the starting point of the weld. That's because when starting the welding arc, the temperature drops when the electrode touches the base metal.
The Hot-start feature helps with preventing the rods from sticking. It starts the stick arc and then automatically turns off. It creates a smooth weld, freeing the rod and giving you a smoother weld. So look out for the welding machines with the hot-start feature.
How Many Welding Electrodes Can the Welder Work On?
Conventional SMAW welders work with one type of rod. The ones we've seen work with different welding rods. If an inverter has a limited gun, you can always buy a new contact tip that will fit the rod you want to use.
The Stick Welders' Dig Factor
Some tick welders can adjust the electric arc force to increase the dig. By dig, I mean the penetration. The ones that can adjust the arc will make sticking disappear from your stick welds. Some rods, like the 7018, run better with increased electric arc force.
Some rods stick-weld better with less arc force and neutral arc force. Such rods are like the 6011 & the 6013. So look at the rods you mostly use and notice the arc force adjustability.
Is it AC or DC?
Sticking is the single worst drawback in stick welding. The direct current creates positive arc starts. Therefore, the DC flow of current created better arc starts, making the Stick welding rod less prone to sticking when starting the welding process. Checking the welding power supply needs is critical because a stick welding machine works better with DC than AC. Going for a DC arc welder or one that supports both AC and DC is a plus for selecting proper stick welders.
Amperage
Ideal stick welders should have a 120+amp rating. It's more flexible than the ones with 110v and lower welding voltage. The welders above range between 120 and 240. They are dual voltage options that offer more welding power flexibility. Lesser than 110 volts means limitation to thinner welds.
Duty Cycle
Stick welding machines' duty cycle is its duration of continuous running without rest. It comes in a percentage for every ten minutes. So if a welder has a 60% duty cycle, that means for six minutes, you can weld it with no breaks.
A typical stick arc welding machine duty cycle should be 30% and above. Again, our welders, above all, have over 30% duty cycles.
Versatility & Portability
Stick welding machines should weld other electric arc welding processes. For instance, some of the the welders above can weld MIG and TIG. The ones that can weld all four welding processes (including flux cored) are the best options.
Also, the weight of the welding machine and storage features contribute to portability. An efficient, lightweight welder is a good fit if you are a mobile welder.
What Is the Best Portable Stick Arc Welder to Buy?
The best portable stick arc welder is HONE Stick 110V/220V Welder Actual 140Amp. It's the lightest yet most effective welder with an adjustable hot-start feature.
Is Stick Welding the Strongest Weld?
Stick welding produces some of the strongest welds. The joint strength of stick welding only compares to flux core welding.
Stick welding produces deeper penetration of thicker materials. So for heavier welds, stick welding is outstandingly stronger than MIG or TIG.
What Is the Best Arc Welder for General Use?
The best arc welder for general use is the Primeweld PRIMEWELD TIG 225X 225 Amp Stick Welder. It's ideal for in-garage uses to weld TIG, MIG, FCAW, and Stick welding. This welder is outstanding for general-purpose welding because of its pulse function, torch &flex head, capacity, machine safety, and technology.
What Is a Good Stick Welder for Beginners?
The TOOLIOM 200A TIG/Stick Welder High-Frequency Dual Voltage 110V/220V is the best stick welder for beginners. It has a beginner-friendly user interphase. The best general-use welder, Primeweld, is also good for beginners. But for the compact option and mobility, TOOLIM will work well for a starter.
FAQs
What Is the Trick to Stick Welding?
The trick with stick welding is maintaining the welding angle. Another trick is using DC instead of AC, so select the welder well. And finally, select the rod you'll use well. When you get these right, stick welding shouldn't be a problem.
What Should You Not Do When Stick Welding?
You shouldn't use dirty metal while stick welding. You can, but for cleaner welds, clean the metal. Second, don't weld off-balance. And finally, don't weld without the safety gear.
What Is the Easiest Rod for Welding?
The most straightforward rod to weld is the E6010. This rod is mild steel that can weld in all positions. It's common for repairs, maintenance, pipe welds, and construction. It has quick starting features and a steady & penetrating arc.
What Brand of Welder Is Best?
The best brand for welders is PRIMEWELD welders. The second arc welder runner-up is YesWelder arc welders. WeTols, Hobart, Forney, and Hone are good arc welder brands.