What Welder Is Best For Car Repairs

Welcome to the Thomas guide to the best welders for auto body 2022. Thomas has been connecting Due north American industrial buyers and suppliers for more than 120 years. When y'all buy products through our independent recommendations, we may earn an affiliate commission.

For an auto body store to perform well, it must have a good welder around at all times. Welders for auto trunk piece of work are essential in all things auto body repair and refurbishing. They are used to brand a vehicle's frame structurally sound later collisions and can as well exist used to supersede or repair parts in auto bodies. Welders even come in handy when repairing metal from rust and corrosion over the years.

best welder for auto body — A good welder is a must in any car shop

Prototype credit: Shutterstock/YAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV

Beyond professional shops, DIYers and at-abode mechanics use these welding machines for auto body work in the garage.

Welder for Auto Torso—Buying Guide

When on the hunt for the all-time auto-torso welder, it's good to know the unlike types bachelor, equally well as their features earlier settling on the 1 for you, and nosotros have a wait at these, as well equally some general considerations, to assist you in your selection.

The Types of Welding Processes

As previously mentioned, in that location are a variety of dissimilar welders for auto trunk work. Each of these welding processes are used differently and require specific accessories. By going over each blazon of welding process, buyers volition be able to choose the right welder for auto body work and understand how it is used and what they need to use it.

Arc Welding

Arc welding utilizes electricity to form an arc. The estrus from the arc is able to fuse metals together to create welds and connect materials. Although this is the general function of all arc welders, in that location are a few different kinds of welders that are of import to differentiate betwixt when shopping for welding machines.

MIG Welding

MIG welding is a common process that stands for Metal Inert Gas Welding, just it as well goes nether the proper name Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) or Metallic Active Gas Welding (MAG). MIG welding tin can be used with both an electrode wire, that is emitted from a spool gun and shielding gas, that travels through a continued gas hose. When MIG welding is used with a shielding gas, the fabric is protected against any kind of contamination.

TIG Welding

TIG stands for Tungsten Inert Gas Welding, but it is also referred to as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). Similar to MIG welding, TIG welding uses an electrode in its welding process. The deviation is that this electrode is specifically fabricated out of tungsten. TIG welding, but like MIG welding, besides uses a shielding gas to protect the metal and the weld puddle.

Stick Welding

Stick welding, or Shielded Metallic Arc Welding (SMAW), uses a flux-coated electrode. This process, in particular, stands out because the arc used to weld is contained within the metal of the electrode, thus doubling equally a consumable and protected electrode. When the stick melts it acts as a filler material to form the weld.

Flux-Core Welding

This welding procedure utilizes a hollow continuous electrode. The electrode is and then filled with a flux to form the arc. This type of welding also can be used with shielding gas.

Welder Considerations

As nosotros have seen with the unlike types of welding processes, not all welders are the aforementioned. Therefore, not all welders are able to handle the aforementioned types of jobs. So, there are many different factors to consider before finding the perfect welder.

Fabric Type

The type of textile that a user is welding on an auto body can impact a welder's ability to successfully make a clean and potent weld. This is because specific welding processes and welding machines are fabricated to weld different types of materials better than others. Nigh welding machines volition specify what materials they are uniform with so it is very of import to pick a welder that is suited for the project at hand.

Although non all welding machines under a certain process ensure the aforementioned type of compatibility, in that location are some guidelines we can follow. For example, aluminum is commonly establish in motorcar bodies simply is very difficult to weld. This is because information technology is softer and weaker than other materials. TIG or MIG welders are recommended for welding this textile every bit both processes will prevent contamination and will piece of work faster to avoid fire-through.

Cloth Thickness

At that place are sure difficulties when it comes to welding materials of various thicknesses. With thin materials, there is the run a risk of burn-through. A welder with an adaptable frequency and pulse is more suited for thinner materials as these features work to prevent burn-through. Thinner materials are as well difficult to work with because it is hard to get a sparse enough weld dewdrop to bond the metals together. That is why we recommend using a TIG welding machine because it has more control and users don't need filler material.

Thicker metals come up with the opposite issue as it may be more difficult for sure welders to melt all the way through the material. When looking for a welder that volition exist used for thick materials, a higher output amperage is primal, as the more than power the motorcar has, the more material it will be able to heat through.

To assist shoppers in confirming that a welder is able to function with a item metallic thickness, most listings specify the maximum and minimum estimate that the motorcar is able to weld.

Accessories

Along with the welding machine, many purchases also include dissimilar accessories and materials and so users have all they need to start welding. By understanding what is needed for each task, shoppers will be able to evaluate what they want in a welder machine set or what they need to purchase along with the automobile.

Each welding process necessitates dissimilar wires and electrodes to fuse materials together and to create an arc. Some welding machines come with a variety of different wires and electrodes so users tin can perform multiple processes with one automobile. Other machines may not include these materials or, for more specialty jobs, the electrodes that are included may not be efficient. In these cases, users will need to purchase these materials along with the machine. For example, if users want to perform some overhead welding then they may consider purchasing a special 7018 electrode that prevents dripping, over the standard electrode that is included.

Beyond just electrodes, some products include things such equally safety gear, a gas hose to connect to a shielding gas, a ground clamp, a regulator, and contact tips. Depending on the type of welding the machine performs, different accessories may be included.

Welding Condom

Although welding tin can serve as the courage to car body job repairs, information technology is important for all users, regardless of feel, to weld with caution and safety. Wearing prophylactic gear, such as an motorcar-darkening helmet, insulated gloves, earplugs, and proper attire, tin can assistance to protect users while welding. Users should also practice protection methods when it comes to their vehicles.

Many frequently wonder, tin can welding damage electronics in the vehicle? And the answer is, yes, but this type of damage is completely preventable. To protect the vehicle's electronic systems from welding harm, is it important for users to disconnect the battery and avoid welding near any wires or electronics.

Thomas' Top Picks for the Best Welder for Auto Body 2022

Welders are imperative to motorcar body repair, no thing if information technology's at a home garage or workshop, or in a professional shop. Our listing pulls together the all-time available welders for auto body that are bachelor to buy at present.

Best MIG Welder: Hobart Handler MIG Welder | Buy Now

Best TIG Welder: Forney Easy Weld Welder | Buy At present

Best Stick Welder: WETOLS Stick Welding Machine | Buy At present

Best Welder with Flux-Cored Wire: VIVOHOME MIG Welder Wire Automated Feed | Buy Now

All-time for Welding Aluminum: LOTOS MIG Welder | Buy Now

Best for Cast Iron: HEY Up Welder | Buy Now

Best for Mild Steel: Lincoln Electric Handy Core | Buy Now

Best for Welding Thin Materials: Weldpro Digital Stick/TIG Welder | Buy At present

All-time for Automotive Sheet Metallic: Goplus MIG Welder | Purchase Now

Best Inexpensive MIG Welders: Amico MIG Welder | Purchase At present

Scroll downward to see our top picks for the best welders for auto body on Amazon according to happy buyers.

*Prices listed in this article were equally shown in United states$ on Amazon.com as of February 2022

1. Best MIG Welder—Hobart Handler MIG Welder

For a make clean and professional-looking weld quality, the Hobart Handler MIG welder is designed to make all users look like professionals during machine trunk work. One thrilled buyer described their feel equally "unbelievable," and added, "Just laid down the nicest weld of my life."

This is thanks to the machine's voltage control knob that provides "very smooth" use, as another customer noted. Still another reviewer's comment reads, "All in all, if I were to recommend a MIG welder for 'the hobbyist', or more similar myself, the boilerplate user, it would exist this welder."

This production comes with a MIG gun, a gas hose, and a ground clench. All these accessories are perfect for MIG welding on aluminum or to weld frazzle pipes, which i user did; "I [welded] my 3-inch stainless steel exhaust pipe and muffler from the turbo all the manner back and it looks simply keen." For enhanced versatility, the set also contains a roll of flux-cored wire that tin can exist hooked upwardly to the machine with a wire feed speed of twoscore to 700 IPM.

Specifications

Process: MIG and flux-core

Input: 110/115/120 5

Output: 140 amps

Duty Cycle: 20%

Purchase NOW: US$599.99, Amazon

2. All-time TIG Welder—Forney Like shooting fish in a barrel Weld Welder

The Forney like shooting fish in a barrel weld lives up to its proper noun, every bit information technology makes TIG welding a breeze for beginners thanks to a user-friendly design and an like shooting fish in a barrel start. The ‎almost fourteen-pound inverter power system is extremely portable and light, assuasive users to bring automotive welding to the condolement of their own homes.

Co-ordinate to one happy client, "If you are looking for a nice portable TIG setup that volition run on any plug in your garage, this is information technology." The customer, who is highly trained and experienced in welders, went on to write, "I have to acknowledge, this welder puts downwards some nice steady chaplet."

This product is able to weld materials ranging in thicknesses from 16 gauges to a 5/16-inch, according to one user who was able to weld "over ¼ -inch steel with ease." Although this particular product does non include a TIG torch, it is perfectly compatible with rods up to an ⅛-inch.

Specifications

Process: TIG and stick

Input: 120 5

Output: 90 amps

Duty Cycle: 30%

Buy At present: Us$209.99 (Was United states$219.99), Amazon

iii. Best Stick Welders—WETOLS Stick Welding Auto

What makes the WETOLS stick welding machine ane of the best stick welders on the market is its all-around impressive quality, performance, usability, and versatility. The welder'due south cooling fan and auto shut-off feature are able to prevent overheating, both protecting users and ensuring the longevity of the welder. This production also features an adaptable voltage to create a "proficient, piece of cake to control arc," as one user constitute.

Many reviews were impressed by how easy welding projects became with this machine. A shopper stated, "The LCD display is easy to read, and this arc welder is and then like shooting fish in a barrel to utilize that it can be used by novices for practicing and for minor welding operations to get a principal welder."

With a dual ability supply, this welder is extremely versatile equally information technology tin be used anywhere. It also welds many different materials that could exist found in an car torso repair, as ane buyer who used it on their old car noted, "With being able to accommodate the amps, I was able to fix and repair all of the torso work I needed to."

Specifications

Process: Stick

Input: 110/220 Five

Output: 160 amps

Duty Bike: 60%

BUY Now: Us$119.99 (Was US$126.99), Amazon

4. Best Welder with Flux-Cored Wire—VIVOHOME MIG Welder Flux-Core Wire Automatic Feed

For any auto body piece of work, the VIVOHOME MIG welder comes with everything that a user needs to do some flux-cored welding, all at a groovy value. The gear up includes a welding gun, clamp, a wire brush, and fifty-fifty an motorcar-darkening helmet.

One reviewer noted, "information technology's pretty amazing how much you go here for the money." This car is perfect for whatever auto body repairs as it tin easily weld steel, automotive sheet metal, and other thin metals.

For command and efficiency, the machine's pattern integrates an adaptable wire feed speed and current flow. The welding wire releases metallic inert gas to resist whatever oxidation on the steel for a stronger and polished weld. A few reviewers recommended purchasing extra wire forth with this welder.

Specifications

Process: MIG and flux-core

Input: 110 Five

Output: 120 amps

Duty Cycle: xv%

Buy NOW: Us$169.99, Amazon

5. All-time Welder for Welding Aluminum—LOTOS MIG Welder

Aluminum is a very difficult textile to weld, that is why information technology is important to go auto trunk welders, such equally the LOTOS MIG welder, that is able to easily piece of work with sensitive cloth. The MIG welding automobile comes with a MIG spool gun that is specifically designed to weld aluminum at a iii/xv-inch or even thinner.

I user confirmed this and wrote, "I weld my tow truck aluminum bed with it and information technology has not failed me even so." Not only does this welder work nicely with aluminum just it tin even weld mild steel and stainless steel that are at an 18-estimate to a ¼ -inch in thickness. This product is also compatible with flux-core and solid wire for other projects.

All in all, this dandy-value kit comes with a MIG gun, a clench, a gas hose, an aluminum spool gun, wire, a mask, and contact tips, and prompted ane reviewer to write, "I couldn't find another machine with these capabilities at this toll bespeak."

Specifications

Process: MIG and flux-core

Input: 220/240 V

Output: 175 amps

Duty Cycle: 20%

BUY At present: Us$514.27, Amazon

6. Best Welder for Cast Iron—HEY Upward Welder

Most restriction rotors are fabricated of cast iron, and non all welding machines are able to repair this fabric in automobile body piece of work. The HEY UP welder is a great choice for professional person welders or hobbyists doing car torso repair with cast iron. This welding motorcar is able to weld from 2mm to 10mm of cast iron or carbon steel.

It likewise maintains an exact current and has a low splash for a clean weld. One impressed customer wrote, "Does its job quite well. I was surprised information technology was smaller than I imagined it would be. Merely don't allow that fool you lot." With a duty cycle of 80%, users tin can continue welding for longer with this car versus a standard welding machine, without having to worry that the welder will overheat.

On top of that, users commented on the impressive power that this small welder holds, equally one customer wrote that the product has "unbelievable penetration and you lot are really welding, not just metal gluing."

Specifications

Process: Stick

Input: 110/220 V

Output: 120 amps

Duty Cycle: 80%

BUY At present: US$71.99, Amazon

vii. Best Welder for Mild Steel—Lincoln Electrical Handy Core

Mild steel is a swell fabric for any metal fabrication on auto bodies, and with a welder that is fabricated to handle this blazon of carbon steel, the chore is even easier and will produce a professional cease. The Lincoln Electric handy core is 1 of the best welders for mild steel equally information technology can weld a sheet that is anywhere from eighteen gauges to a ⅛-inch.

One rather impressed client found that the machine "does cracking welding up to ⅛-inch steel and fifty-fifty does pretty good with thicker steel." Many other users found that this welder is good for any motorcar torso work that needs to be washed at home due to the motorcar's portability and ability to hook up to a 115V outlet that can be found in most homes and garages.

Reviewers also pointed out that the machine was rather easy to use. "I've used a lot of other welders in my life simply this welder right hither it'southward really like shooting fish in a barrel to employ," wrote a buyer. Some other user explained that they welded the tailpipe to their car, calculation that information technology was "one of the all-time experiences with a welder that I've had."

Specifications

Process: MIG and flux-core

Input: 115 V

Output: 88 amps

Duty Wheel: xx%

BUY NOW: US$389.99, Amazon

8. Best Welder for Welding Thin Materials—Weldpro Digital Stick/TIG Welder

It tin can be fairly tricky to weld thin metals due to the take chances of burn-through and the need for more precise welds, only with good TIG welding machines similar the Weldpro stick/TIG welder, working with thinner metals isn't a trouble, thanks to the fully adaptable features that allow precise control over pulse and frequency.

I happy heir-apparent, who used this TIG welding automobile on auto body work, described the adjustability as "an absolute dream." They besides added that the "pulse DC works fantastic for sparse textile." The best part well-nigh TIG welders is that they practice non need to be used with filler metal, taking away the struggle of trying to get a small enough bead on thin metal.

This welder is also very versatile as it doubles as an Ac TIG and a DC TIG machine, assuasive for use on all kinds of different materials beyond just thin metallic. The car tin can also be used as a stick welder and, as one user plant, "stick welding even thin material was non hard."

Specifications

Process: TIG and stick

Input: 220/110 V

Output: 200 amps

Duty Cycle: 60%

Purchase NOW: US$920 (Was U.s.$998), Amazon

9. All-time Welder for Automotive Sheet Metal—Goplus MIG Welder

For an automobile body welder that is designed for working with sheet metal, the Goplus MIG welder is the way to go. This welder comes with a roll of flux-cored wire that "was swell for sheet metal work," according to ane client's review.

Another user added that the automobile "Welded sheet metallic and heavier metals." With a 10-level wire feed speed and adaptable current flow, users are able to have more command over their welding leaving them with a meliorate finish.

The automobile itself is very durable beingness constructed with stainless steel. This durability, forth with the dual-fan feature to forbid overheating, ensures shoppers a long-lasting and reliable purchase.

Specifications

Process: MIG and flux-core

Input: 110 V

Output: 105 amps

Duty Bicycle: 15%

BUY NOW: United states$149.99 (Was The states$162.98), Amazon

10. All-time Inexpensive MIG Welders—Amico MIG Welder

Purchasing a car for MIG welding can be quite an investment, with many popular models in the welding manufacture ranging from Us$500 to over United states of america$i,000. But the Amico MIG welder is a skilful welder for machine body work that won't interruption the bank.

One client described this production as a "great welder, particularly for the price." Non but does this welder have an economical price tag simply it also has impressive results, thanks to the design's welding arc stability.

This welder is too perfect for flux-core welding methods as it can be used with 0.030-inch and 0.035-inch flux-cored wires. Another user wrote, "The efficiency and proficient arc characteristics come from the inverter applied science, and the microprocessor automatically sets some of the parameters to match the wire speed."

Specifications

Procedure: MIG and flux-core

Input: 115/230 Five

Output: 130 amps

Duty Cycle: 80%

Buy Now: U.s.a.$149, Amazon

The Best Welders for Auto Body—Summary

If you are looking for a welding auto that is extremely versatile and can exist used on all different kinds of materials then Weldpro digital welder (US$920, Amazon) is a bang-up choice for professional use. A good runner-upwards, with the same kind of versatility at a lower price betoken, is the LOTOS MIG welder (US$514.27, Amazon).

We promise our review of the best welders for car body has been helpful. For more suppliers of related products, including propane torches, arc welders, tungsten electrodes, and steel consult our additional guides, or visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform.