Template page for Hermes

You are looking for a good Stick welding machine for your garage and work around the yard, or people told you that if you want to learn to weld properly, you need to start with “Stick first.”

But… The budget is limited and there is not much and room for an error…

With that in mind, you should pick the best stick welder you can find. Not easy, I know…

featured image for best stick welder article

The solution: Take a little time before you spend your money on reading some reviews and comparing some stats and features (don’t worry, SMAW welders are more or less simple inverter welding machines, it won’t be a hustle) and pick the best one for your needs…

1. YesWelder MIG-205DS-Pro Multi-Process MIG Aluminum Welder

What makes the YesWelder MIG-205DS one of the best welders under $500 and one of the top picks is the fact that it is both multi-functional and great for newbies.

The machine is durable and compact, making it easy to use and carry and considering the price a great budget mig welder. It can be used for MIG welding, Stick-welding, and Gas-less Flux Core welding.

Also, with the additional TIG-torch, that you can attach optionally, you have the capacity of doing Lift Arc welding with it.

Probably the prime feature of the MIG-MIG-205DS welder is its Synergy technology.

With these settings you can just enter the thickness of the materials and both the welding voltage and the amperage will be automatically set. You don’t have to input voltage as it does everything for you. This makes the machine perfect for beginners as you really don’t need a high skill level to operate it.

A very affordable machine that is perfect for welding tasks like home use, DIY projects, hobbyists, small repairs and some lightweight work.

Read more about this YesWelder value machine. (Old version)

Check Price on YesWelder

Get 10% Off With Coupon: “-10% WELDPROS”

Pros & Cons Summarized

Pros

Easy to use setting options and Easy to set up
Lightweight, easy to carry with a compact design which saves storage space
Synergic Controlled on MIG function, very easy and simple operation.
4 Functions in 1 of Gas MIG /Gasless MIG (flux cored welding) / Lift-TIG / Stick
Can take up to .035″ MIG solid wire (Gas MIG) and .035″ MIG FLux wire (Gasless MIG)
Low Price
Dual voltage inputs
2t 4t switch
Detailed instruction manual
1-year warranty
Metal wire drive system (feed drive)
Wire feed speed control
Best MIG welder under 500

Cons

Not made in US
Not made by a famous manufacturer

Specifications

Processes: MIG (GMAW), Flux Core(FC), Stick (SMAW), (GTAW)
Weld Thickness Range: Welds 24 ga up to 3/4 in mild steel
Weldable Metals: Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Cast iron
Input Voltage: 110/220 V dual voltage, 60 Hz.
Input Phase: 1-Phase.
Current Type: DC
Rated Output: 60% Duty Cycle 160 A
Amperage Range: 200 Amp Gas/Gasless MIG welder with a 50 Amp plug(220V), 160 Amp Gas/Gasless MIG welder with a 35 Amp plug(110V)
Weight: 33 lbs

2. Hobart 500572 Handler 100 Flux Core Welder

The Hobart brand is known for making durable and practical equipment. The Hobart 500572 Handler 100 is not a fancy piece of equipment but is more than capable of getting the job done as perfectly as possible.

Particularly if we consider the price to quality ratio, the Hobart Handler 100 is a really good machine for the price you are going to pay for it.

It even comes with a cold contactor safety feature and overload protection.

This wire feeder machine is not really capable of doing any heavy-duty work but is still capable of welding 3/16 in. (4.8 mm) using flux core wire but its more powerful version Handler 140 is.

It can run on 115v power output and also comes with four output voltage settings on a voltage control selector. This means that you can adjust the arc depending on the type of metals you work on.

It comes with a spool hub and allows you to use both small or large spools in order to accommodate your welding needs for your home repairs welding project.

Check Price on Amazon

Pros & Cons Summarized

Pros