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If you work on projects in your garage, choosing the right MIG welder can save time, reduce frustration, and expand what you can build and repair. You want a machine that matches the metal you weld, the power available in your shop, and the level of control you need. This guide compares ten garage-friendly welders, from compact flux-core machines to full multiprocess units, so you can choose the model that fits your repairs, fabrication jobs, and learning curve.
Quick Verdict
Best overall: YESWELDER MIG-205DS Pro if you want strong garage versatility, dual voltage, and spool-gun support.
Best premium all-in-one: ARCCAPTAIN MIG205MP if you want welding plus plasma cutting in one compact machine.
Best value starter pick: YESWELDER FLUX-135PRO if you mainly need simple gasless flux-core repairs around the garage.
Best beginner-friendly balance: ARCCAPTAIN 160A MIG Welder if you want dual voltage, synergic setup help, and useful multiprocess flexibility.
Top Picks
|
Category |
Product |
Best Fit |
|---|---|---|
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💰 Best Value |
Simple flux-core repairs |
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🔌 Best Dual Voltage |
110V/220V garage use |
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🏆 Best Overall |
Most home fabricators |
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🔁 Best Multiprocess |
Frequent process switching |
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📦 Best Portable |
Light gasless jobs |
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🌱 Best Beginner |
Learning with room to grow |
|
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🏋️ Best Power |
Dual-voltage hobby work |
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🛠️ Best Garage |
Repair and fabrication mix |
|
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🧰 Best Starter Kit |
First small welder kit |
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🏅 Best Premium |
Welding plus plasma cutting |
Before You Buy A Garage MIG Welder
- Check your outlet first: A 110V welder is convenient for light repairs, while 220V gives more headroom for thicker material.
- Decide between gas and gasless MIG: Flux-core is easier outdoors and needs no gas bottle, while gas MIG usually gives cleaner indoor welds with less spatter.
- Look at process support: MIG plus stick covers many garage repairs. Lift-TIG, spool-gun support, or plasma cutting matter only if you will use them.
- Budget for consumables: Wire, tips, nozzles, clamps, shielding gas, PPE, and spare liners affect your real setup cost.
- Practice before repair work: Run test beads on scrap metal, confirm polarity, and follow the duty cycle so the unit does not overheat.
How We Picked These Welders
You care about getting the most useful machine for the money and for the kinds of jobs you do. We focused on practical factors: welding processes, power range, dual-voltage support, portability, control layout, synergic setup help, included accessories, and buyer feedback about reliability. We also considered whether each welder makes sense for common garage projects such as gates, brackets, mower decks, small frames, auto patching, farm repairs, and hobby fabrication.
YESWELDER FLUX-135PRO
If you want a compact welder for small garage fixes, this YESWELDER is a practical place to start. It is mainly suited to gasless flux-core work, which is helpful when you do not want to manage a shielding gas bottle for quick repairs. You can also use stick for rougher outdoor jobs and lift-TIG for cleaner work if you add the proper TIG setup.
It is best for brackets, gates, thin metal repairs, and learning basic welding technique. It is not the best choice if you already know you need regular gas MIG, aluminum work, or frequent welding on thicker steel.
What People Say
Users often describe this welder as approachable for homeowners and hobbyists. They like the portability, simple setup, and usefulness on thin metal, while some recommend upgrading basic clamps or consumables for frequent use.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Justa Customer
Works much easier on thin metal than my old stick welder. I liked the protection cover over the display and knobs, the manual is pretty good, and after almost a year the swing frame and fan stand welds are still holding strong.
🗣️ Dan
Good for a 110V hobby welder — consistent arc and steady wire feed. Some parts like the spool holder and clamps feel cheap but function; overall it handles flux-core and stick well for DIY work.
How You Can Use It
Use flux-core MIG for fast gasless repairs, stick for outdoor or less-clean metal, and lift-TIG when you want more bead control and have the needed TIG accessories.
Built To Last?
Owners report dependable results for routine DIY projects. A few reviewers mention that accessories and consumables may be worth upgrading if you weld often.
Why It Helps
- Compact 3-in-1 setup for flux-core MIG, stick, and lift-TIG
- Good fit for small garage repairs and learning projects
- Digital display helps you monitor settings more easily
- Simple gasless welding setup for outdoor or quick repair work
Check Product Details on Amazon
YESWELDER YWM-160
If you want one machine that covers common garage jobs without taking over your workspace, the YESWELDER YWM-160 is a strong middle-ground pick. It supports gasless flux-core for outdoor or quick work, gas MIG for cleaner indoor beads, stick for rougher repairs, and lift-TIG when you want more control with the proper torch.
The dual-voltage design gives you more flexibility than a basic 110V-only welder. Use 110V for light repairs and 220V when you need more output. The synergic mode helps beginners get close to usable settings faster, while manual control gives you room to fine-tune as your skills improve.
What People Say
People like that it feels approachable for hobbyists while still offering real multiprocess flexibility. Several users also note that better wire and a 220V setup can improve performance on heavier work.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Rick
MIG runs great in program mode and manually set; arc does just fine as well. Used it as a hobby rig and haven’t had issues beyond my own skill — would gladly buy it again.
🗣️ DMORGAN72
First impressions were good but performance jumped when I used better wire. Swapped to a 5lb Hobart spool, ran it on 220V, and it handled 1/4″ steel with no problem.
How You Can Use It
Use flux-core for outdoor repairs, gas MIG for cleaner shop welds, stick for rough metal, and lift-TIG for more controlled bead work when you have the needed accessories.
Built To Last?
The core unit earns positive feedback for routine DIY use. As with many budget-friendly welders, plan to inspect included accessories and upgrade consumables if you use it often.
Why It Helps
- Supports flux-core MIG, gas MIG, stick, and lift-TIG in one machine
- Dual 110V/220V operation for light home use or stronger shop output
- Synergic mode helps reduce setup guesswork for beginners
- Manual controls give experienced users more tuning control
- Good fit for home repairs, brackets, mower repairs, and weekend projects
Check Product Details on Amazon
YESWELDER MIG-205DS Pro
If you want one machine that can cover most garage welding needs, the YESWELDER MIG-205DS Pro is one of the strongest all-around choices here. It gives you gas MIG for cleaner indoor welds, flux-core for gasless repairs, stick for outdoor or rougher metal, and lift-TIG for finer control with the right accessories.
The key advantage is headroom. Dual voltage helps you start on a regular outlet for lighter jobs and move to 220V when you need more output. Spool-gun readiness also makes it more useful if aluminum welding is part of your plan, though you should confirm the required spool gun and shielding gas setup before buying.
What People Say
Users praise the machine for covering multiple processes in one box, being easy to set up, and working well on 220V. Many also like the spool-gun readiness and responsive support when problems are reported.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Ryan
The YESWELDER MIG-205DS PRO is super easy to use and perfect for anyone from a beginner to a weekend fabricator. I love that it runs on both 110 V and 220 V, so I can use it anywhere — from the garage to the shop. Switching between MIG and stick welding is quick and straightforward, and the controls are very user-friendly. It’s also spool-gun ready, which means I can weld aluminum without needing a separate machine. This single unit really does it all — MIG, stick, steel, aluminum — all in one compact setup.
🗣️ ERIC
I’ve been putting together a metal building with this welder. It was easy to set up and handled heavy work on 220V; I ran a lot of wire through it and it performed well. When a wire-feed fault happened they were responsive and sent a replacement, and the unit otherwise did everything I asked of it. For a hobbyist or small shop this one covers a lot of ground and held up to diverse, real-world use.
How You Can Use It
Use gas MIG for clean shop work, flux-core for quick outdoor fixes, stick for rougher jobs, lift-TIG for more controlled welds, and spool-gun MIG if you plan to weld aluminum with the proper accessories.
Built To Last?
Owners report good performance for routine and heavier hobby projects. Frequent users may still want to upgrade clamps, wire, tips, or connectors depending on their workload.
Why It Helps
- Broad process support for gas MIG, flux-core, spool-gun aluminum MIG, lift-TIG, and stick
- Dual-voltage design gives you more room to grow
- Good fit for home repairs, small shop work, and weekend fabrication
- Spool-gun support adds aluminum potential when paired with the right setup
- Digital display and built-in protections support safer, more consistent setup
Check Product Details on Amazon
ARCCAPTAIN MIG 200A
This ARCCAPTAIN is a good fit if you want more than a basic MIG machine but do not want to jump straight to a premium all-in-one unit. It covers gas MIG, flux-core, stick, lift-TIG, spot welding, and spool-gun-ready work, so it gives you a lot of flexibility for repair and fabrication.
The large LED display, synergic mode, preset memory, and burn-back controls help reduce setup guesswork. It is especially appealing if you switch between thin sheet metal, brackets, auto work, and thicker garage projects where 220V power is available.
What People Say
Users often praise the process flexibility, fine-tuning options, clean beads after setup, and useful features like SYN mode and preset memory.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Joshua
I’ve used many different brand MIG welders and this one competes with industrial names. You can fine tune it to your preference and the bead quality it produces is impressive — great for serious DIY or starting a small welding business.
🗣️ Andrew Simpson
I welded 14 ga up to 3/8” plate without it struggling. The SYN mode automatically matched wire speed to voltage, threading the wire shuts the gas off to avoid waste, and the unit handled overheads and awkward spots once I dialed settings in.
How You Can Use It
Use gas MIG for cleaner indoor work, flux-core for outdoor fixes, stick for less-clean material, lift-TIG for more delicate jobs, and spot or spool-gun functions when your project calls for them.
Built To Last?
Most owners describe solid build quality for hobby and heavier garage use. A few mention that consumables, torch parts, or cables may be worth upgrading, so inspect the unit and accessories when it arrives.
Why It Helps
- Multi-process capability for a wide range of garage repairs
- Dual 110V/220V operation for home outlets or stronger shop power
- Synergic control helps match settings faster
- Preset memory, burn-back, and crater adjustments help with repeat jobs
- Good fit for serious DIY users who want room to grow
Check Product Details on Amazon
ARCCAPTAIN MIG 135A
If portability matters more than maximum power, this ARCCAPTAIN 135A is easy to like. It is aimed at gasless flux-core welding, which keeps the setup simple for outdoor repairs, small brackets, light frames, and quick maintenance jobs.
The large LED display and synergy presets make it less intimidating for newer welders. Because it is a compact 110V-style machine, it is better for lighter garage projects than for regular thick-plate fabrication.
What People Say
Users like the clean beads after setup, the helpful SYN mode, and the surprising usefulness for a small machine. The main buyer takeaway is that it works best when expectations match its compact size.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Joshua
I’ve used many different MIG welders and this one competes with industrial names. You can fine tune it to your preference and the bead quality it produces is impressive, which makes it great for serious DIY or starting a small welding business.
🗣️ Andrew Simpson
I welded 14 ga up to 3/8″ plate without it struggling. The SYN mode automatically matched wire speed to voltage, threading the wire shuts the gas off to avoid waste, and the unit handled overheads and awkward spots once I dialed the settings in.
How You Can Use It
Use it for gasless flux-core repairs, basic stick welding, and lift-TIG work with the right torch. It is a good grab-and-go choice for light maintenance, fence work, brackets, and practice beads.
Built To Last?
Most owners report solid construction for hobby use. As with many compact welders, inspect the unit on arrival and consider upgrading consumables if you weld often.
Why It Helps
- Portable gasless setup for quick repairs
- Synergy presets and large LED display help beginners get started
- Compact design is easy to move around the garage or yard
- Manual adjustment gives you more control as skills improve
- Built-in protections help support safer operation
Check Product Details on Amazon
ARCCAPTAIN 160A MIG Welder
If you want a welder that is still portable but gives you more flexibility than a tiny flux-core-only unit, this ARCCAPTAIN 160A is a practical option. It supports gas and gasless MIG, stick, and lift-TIG with the right accessories, making it useful for garage repairs, garden tools, light frames, and small fabrication jobs.
The synergy presets are helpful when you are learning because they reduce the amount of setup guesswork. Dual voltage also gives you a path from light household work to stronger shop output when your projects grow.
What People Say
People say it punches above its weight: easy to set up, surprisingly clean once dialed in, and useful for routine repairs and DIY metalwork.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Angela Nugent
Great little welder, especially for flux core. Works great on 110. I’ve used a Lincoln FC90 for years and the weld quality here seems to be the same. For the price, this thing is an excellent choice. I would buy it again.
🗣️ Jamie
This welder is great & built better than the Harbor Freight welder I had. Comparable to a Lincoln but smaller. It didn’t trip my breaker like the other unit and handled trellis, fence and gate work without issues. Lightweight and portable — I even used it on a scaffold.
How You Can Use It
Switch between gasless flux-core for quick outdoor repairs, gas MIG for neater shop joints, stick when conditions are windy or the metal is dirty, and lift-TIG when you need more control.
Built To Last?
Most owners report dependable performance for hobby and light-to-moderate garage work. Stock accessories may not satisfy heavy users, so inspect clamps, tips, and leads before serious use.
Why It Helps
- Four-process capability for common garage jobs
- Synergic control helps newer welders choose workable settings
- Portable body works well around the garage, yard, or jobsite
- Dual-voltage support gives you more long-term flexibility
- Built-in protections support safer use
Check Product Details on Amazon
ARCCAPTAIN 165A MIG Welder
If you want a compact welder with a bit more flexibility and headroom, the ARCCAPTAIN 165A is a useful garage option. It supports gas MIG, gasless flux-core, stick, and lift-TIG, so it can handle a range of repairs without forcing you into a much larger machine.
The large LED display and synergy presets help when you want to get welding quickly. It fits home repairs, Jeep or auto projects, bracket fabrication, and moderate DIY work, especially when you can use 220V for more demanding jobs.
What People Say
Owners say it is easy to set up, versatile for auto and home repair, and capable once settings are dialed in. Some also note that included consumables are basic.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Joshua
Competes with industrial brands; you can fine tune the machine to your preferences and it lays down a very high quality bead. Recommended for DIYers and those starting a professional welding business.
🗣️ Andrew Simpson
Handled 14 gauge up to 3/8 inch plate without struggle. The SYN mode auto-adjusts wire speed to match voltage and the wire threading feature shuts gas off to avoid waste. A journeyman welder found it capable for garage and automotive work.
How You Can Use It
Use gasless flux-core for outdoor repairs, gas MIG for neater shop joints, stick for rough or rusty work, and lift-TIG for more precise jobs with the proper accessories.
Built To Last?
Most users report steady performance for routine garage work. Inspect the torch, nozzle, cord, and accessories on arrival and upgrade parts if your workload demands it.
Why It Helps
- Four welding modes in a compact unit
- Synergy presets and LED display reduce setup time
- Dual-voltage operation supports light and heavier garage work
- Portable enough for a cart, yard, or small jobsite
- Built-in protections add peace of mind during use
Check Product Details on Amazon
YESWELDER MIG-165DS PRO
The YESWELDER MIG-165DS PRO is a strong fit if your garage work changes from week to week. You can use gasless flux-core for quick repairs, gas MIG for cleaner welds, stick for rougher metal, and lift-TIG when you want more control with the proper torch.
The detachable torch and dual-voltage setup make it more flexible than many basic starter welders. It is a practical choice for fence repairs, small car projects, brackets, and light fabrication where you want a compact machine that still gives you manual control.
What People Say
Owners say it runs smoothly, makes thin-metal work easier than older machines, and feels useful for auto work, home repairs, and hobby fabrication.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Wayne Smith
A welder-owner who uses it heavily at work said it runs super smooth and has plenty of power for long sessions — no bird-nesting with .030 wire, handled hours of rail welding and even a 3-ton hoist build. He did note the euro-style gun connector is less rugged than American-style connectors.
🗣️ michaelt
Another user praised the synergic MIG mode for making thin metal welding much easier than older machines they used. They found it welds through paint and contaminants better than expected, lays a solid bead on heavier steel, and performs well in both thin and thicker applications; they did mention the wire-loading position and the stock ground clamp could be improved.
How You Can Use It
Use it for windy outdoor repairs with flux-core, cleaner shop welds with gas MIG, stick work on rough metal, and lift-TIG for finer control when you add the needed torch.
Built To Last?
Most users report dependable performance for routine garage and small-shop work. Some included accessories may not feel premium, so upgrading the clamp or consumables can make sense.
Why It Helps
- Four-process flexibility in a compact machine
- Synergic mode and digital display make setup faster
- Dual-voltage support helps with light and heavier projects
- Detachable torch can simplify maintenance
- Useful for repair work, auto projects, and general fabrication
Check Product Details on Amazon
FEMEROL MIG140R
The FEMEROL MIG140R makes sense if you want a small starter-friendly setup for light repairs and practice. It is mainly a flux-core MIG machine with lift-TIG and stick capability, so it is useful for simple garage tasks without a large shop setup.
The included accessories make it more approachable, but treat them as basic starter gear. If you plan to weld regularly, expect to upgrade PPE, clamps, wire, and other consumables as your skills improve.
What People Say
Users often describe it as a handy compact machine for learning and completing small repairs. It is best for lighter brackets, auto patches, and hobby projects after you dial in the settings.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Kenneth Wilson
Nice little welder — gets the small jobs done. Seems well built and is easy to weld with.
🗣️ Amazon Customer
Works great for small welding jobs. I welded some brackets for a motorcycle project and the welds seem sturdy enough.
How You Can Use It
Use flux-core for quick outdoor jobs, lift-TIG for finer control with the right accessories, and stick when the metal is less clean. It is best for light home-garage repairs rather than production-level work.
Built To Last?
Most owners report steady use for routine garage tasks. The helmet and accessories are basic, so consider better PPE and upgraded clamps if you plan to weld often.
Why It Helps
- Starter-friendly 3-in-1 setup for light repair work
- Synergic and manual control help you learn settings
- LED display makes adjustments easier
- Portable size works well in small garages
- Included accessories reduce first-day setup friction
Check Product Details on Amazon
ARCCAPTAIN MIG205MP
If you want to keep your garage tool lineup compact, the ARCCAPTAIN MIG205MP is the premium pick because it combines multiple welding modes with a built-in plasma cutter. It is more machine than most beginners need, but it can make sense if you regularly switch between welding, cutting, auto patching, farm repairs, metal art, and fabrication projects.
The app controls, large display, preset memory, and dual voltage make it attractive for users who want convenience and repeatable settings. The main caution is complexity: if you only need simple flux-core repairs, a smaller welder will be easier and more affordable.
What People Say
Owners praise the broad process support, app controls, dual voltage, and built-in plasma cutter. Buyers especially like having welding and cutting capability in one footprint.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Vincent Minsrush7
This welder supports a wide range of welding methods including MIG, pulsed MIG, flux core, spool gun, DC HF/lift TIG, clean TIG, and stick welding — basically everything I need for various projects. The iControl APP lets me adjust welding settings from my phone and the built-in plasma cutter cuts metal sheets cleanly. The dual voltage design (120/240V) and compact portability make it useful both at home and on the job site.
🗣️ Leo William
I’ve used this multiprocess machine on home and garage projects, farm equipment and outdoor repairs. The 9-in-1 functions performed well across tasks, welding smoothly and cutting surprisingly clean. The app is useful for saving setups, and the large LED display plus automatic parameter matching made switching materials quick and less guesswork.
How You Can Use It
Use gas MIG for clean indoor work, flux-core for outdoor repairs, DC TIG for more precise joints, stick for rougher material, spool-gun support for aluminum setups, and the plasma cutter for trimming sheet metal.
Built To Last?
Most users report reliable performance during regular garage and field use. Because it is a feature-rich machine, read the manual carefully when switching voltage, processes, torches, or cutting modes.
Why It Helps
- Covers welding and cutting in one garage footprint
- Useful for users who switch between materials and processes often
- App control and preset memory help with repeatable setup
- Dual voltage makes it useful at home or in a better-equipped shop
- Premium choice for serious DIY, repair, and fabrication work
Check Product Details on Amazon
FAQ
What Should You Prioritize When Choosing A MIG Welder For Your Home Garage?
Start with the work you actually plan to do. If you mainly repair gates, brackets, mower decks, or light frames, a compact flux-core or 160A-class welder may be enough. If you plan to weld thicker steel, use gas MIG often, or grow into aluminum work, look for dual voltage, stronger output, and spool-gun support.
Also check duty cycle, outlet requirements, wire size compatibility, torch type, included accessories, and support. A cheaper machine can still be a smart buy, but weak clamps, poor wire feed, or limited voltage can slow you down.
Is Flux-Core MIG Good Enough For Garage Repairs?
Yes, flux-core is often a good choice for outdoor repairs and quick jobs because it does not need a shielding gas bottle. It is useful for fences, brackets, rougher metal, and basic repairs. The tradeoff is more spatter and cleanup compared with gas MIG, so gas MIG is usually better when you want cleaner indoor welds.
Can You Weld Aluminum With These Machines?
Some machines can support aluminum work, but aluminum usually needs the right spool gun or push-pull setup plus 100% argon shielding gas. Do not assume every multiprocess welder can handle aluminum out of the box. Check spool-gun compatibility, wire size, gas requirements, and the manufacturer’s setup guidance before buying.
What Causes Tripped Breakers Or Wire Feed Problems?
Tripped breakers often come from running too much output on an undersized circuit, using a light-duty extension cord, or pushing the welder beyond what the outlet can support. Wire feed problems can come from wrong drive roller size, poor spool tension, worn tips, cheap wire, a dirty liner, or incorrect polarity. Use the right circuit, heavy-gauge cords, clean consumables, and test beads on scrap before starting the real repair.
Do You Need A Multiprocess Welder?
You need one only if you will use the extra processes. MIG and flux-core cover many garage jobs. Stick helps outdoors and on dirtier metal. Lift-TIG helps with finer control but usually needs extra accessories. Plasma cutting is useful if you cut metal often, but it adds cost and complexity if you only need basic repairs.
Customer Favorites
When choosing between the YESWELDER FLUX-135PRO, YWM-160, and MIG-205DS Pro, your decision comes down to power, process support, and how much room you want to grow. Choose the FLUX-135PRO for simple gasless repairs, the YWM-160 for a balanced dual-voltage machine, and the MIG-205DS Pro if you want stronger multiprocess capability and spool-gun readiness. For premium all-in-one use, the ARCCAPTAIN MIG205MP stands out because it combines welding and plasma cutting in one setup.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right welder can turn repair headaches into quick wins and help you take on better garage projects. If you want the strongest all-around pick, start with the YESWELDER MIG-205DS Pro. If you want beginner-friendly dual-voltage flexibility, look closely at the ARCCAPTAIN 160A or YESWELDER YWM-160. If portability and low setup effort matter most, the compact YESWELDER and ARCCAPTAIN 135A models make sense for lighter gasless jobs.
Match the welder to your metal thickness, outlet setup, process needs, and budget for consumables. That will lead you to a machine you can actually use with confidence instead of one that looks good on paper but does not fit your garage.
| Product | Image | Best For | Voltage Options | Welding Processes | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YESWELDER 135Amp MIG Welder |
 |
Compact gasless repairs | 110V |
|
19.27 lbs |
| YESWELDER Gas 160A 4 in 1 MIG Welder |
 |
Balanced dual-voltage garage use | 110V/220V |
|
26.4 lbs |
| YESWELDER MIG-205DS PRO |
 |
Best overall multiprocess value | 110V/220V |
|
35.9 lbs |
| ARCCAPTAIN MIG Welder, 200Amp |
 |
Frequent process switching | 110V/220V |
|
28.2 lbs |
| ARCCAPTAIN 135A MIG Welder |
 |
Portable gasless welding | 110V |
|
10 lbs |
| ARCCAPTAIN 160A MIG Welder |
 |
Beginner-friendly dual-voltage use | 110V/220V |
|
10 lbs |
