If you are into classic car restoration and performing small repairs on your car by yourself, you will need a welder.
A proper welding machine for auto bodywork can help you restore an old car seamlessly.
Having in mind how many different welders type there are on the market, you will need to be fully aware of the characteristics to get the best one.
The first thing to do is think about the metal you will weld.
Consider its thickness and get the welder that can work with both steel and aluminum frames.
Check my list of best welders for auto bodywork and find your top pick.
Highest Rated Best Affordable Welder for Auto Body Work (by Customer Reviews)
- 1Suncoo 130 MIG Welder Flux Core Wire Automatic Feed Welding Machine
- 2Hobart 500559 Handler 140 MIG Welder
- 3Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Handy MIG Welder
- 4Lotos MIG140 140 Amp MIG Wire Welder Flux Core Welder
1
Suncoo 130 MIG Welder Flux Core Wire Automatic Feed Welding Machine
This Suncoo MIG welder doesn’t use gas and allows you to weld in different positions.
It is portable and doesn’t take much storage space.
Therefore, you can work in small spaces, such as a home garage.
The Suncoo MIG welder has excellent results when it comes to welding thin metals, such as steel and iron.
With this welder, you get clean and precise lines with fewer dangers of oxidation on the welded area.
Moreover, the machine is easy to use and control.
It has four buttons, with a convenient rotary knob for simple adjustments.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- User has full control due to variable speed controller
- Durable
- Stainless steel construction
- Portable
- Has ergonomic handle
- Quiet performance
Cons
- Complex instructions
Michael's TakeThe Suncoo welder is one of the most inexpensive welders on the market.
It is a portable and durable welder, suitable for plenty of tasks around the car.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
2
Hobart 500559 Handler 140 MIG Welder
The Hobart welder is suitable for different kinds of metals for your auto bodywork.
It supports a variety of metals such as magnesium alloys, aluminum, copper, titanium, brass, and cast iron.
Moreover, the welder can be used for a variety of tasks.
The device has a 20% heavy-duty cycle and can be used for short-term operations.
A 5-position voltage selector ensures that you can set the welder up for the stable and smooth results.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Can weld up to 1/4 inches of steel
- Versatile
- Great duty cycle
- Industrial-grade welder
- Easy to set up
- Straightforward use
- Lightweight
- Equipped with warranty
Cons
- Pricey
- Noisy
Michael's TakeIf you want to invest in a heavy-duty welder that can help you complete a variety of repairs, this Hobart is an excellent choice.
It is a bit expensive, but the welder is durable and pays out in the long run.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
3
Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Handy MIG Welder
Lincoln Electric welder is a suitable choice for people who work with shielding gas and flux-cored wires.
It is great for auto bodywork because you can weld steel of up to 1/8 inch thick.
Further, the welder is compact and can be used as a portable welder easily.
Additionally, the wire feed speed controller can be fully adjusted to ensures you have the appropriate speed for your work.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Can be used for different projects
- Cold-contractor safety trigger
- Equipped with everything you need for auto bodywork
- Comes with a warranty
Cons
- The gauge doesn’t come with the regulator
Michael's TakeLincoln Electric is a global leader in welding tools, and this welder is one of the best devices.
It weighs just over 26 pounds, which makes it easy to use anywhere you want.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
4
Lotos MIG140 140 Amp MIG Wire Welder Flux Core Welder
The Lotus welder is suitable for mild to stainless steel, aluminum, and moderately thick materials.
The welder has transformer technology, so it is quite a durable welder.
You can use it for many years and expect seamless results after each use.
Moreover, to set this welder up, you will need only several minutes.
Additionally, the welder has a wire-speed display, which prevents the tangling of the wires.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Easy to use
- Has plenty of adjustable features
- Backed with a 1-year warranty
- Straightforward setup
- Has the thermal overload protection system
Cons
- Pricey
Michael's TakeThis welder is one of the higher-end welders.
However, adjustable features, longevity, versatility, and ease of use make it a great investment.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
Best Affordable Welder for Auto Body Work Buying Guide
There are several types of welders that people use for auto body work.
Let’s have a quick overview of welders commonly used for this purpose.
TIG Welding Machines
The TIG welder uses tungsten electrodes and shielding gas to make sure that the metal doesn’t get contaminated.
Therefore, TIG welders are great for auto body work because they allow you to weld in various positions.
Moreover, a TIG welder gives you full control and precision needed for auto body work.
Also, TIG welders don’t cause the metal to spatter.
People who are into car restoration often prefer TIG welder because they are easy to use and control by hand or foot controller.
Therefore, welders have enough control, which allows them to get impressive results every time.
Moreover, you can use TIG welders for various metals, including steel and aluminum.
When you use TIG welder, you can expect minimal distortion.
The disadvantages of TIG welders include slow operation and a longer learning curve.
Therefore, beginners might need time to get used to TIG welders.
Besides, TIG welders are pricey.
Stick/ARC Welding Machines
ARC welders use flux-coated electrodes.
Therefore, you need to use the metal material you weld.
For example, if you need to weld cast iron, you will need cast iron.
ARC welders commonly have more sputter, especially when welding overhead.
Besides, you can use it in all positions.
Because it doesn’t need a gas coating, the ARC welders are not affected by weather conditions.
Therefore, you can work outside in a windy environment or humid conditions, and still get great results will less effort.
Arc welders usually perform better with thicker metals.
If you need to weld thin metal, you might need to take an additional step to get the desired results.
MIG Welding Machines
Many welders prefer MIG Welders for doing auto body work.
It is the best choice for beginners because it is so easy to use.
Some people say that they learn how to use a MIG welding machine in less than one hour.
MIG welders are known for their versatility and flexibility because these can be used for a variety of metals.
Those include stainless steel and aluminum.
A MIG welder can work with metal as thin as 1/4 thin.
Additionally, these can be used for different positions, and don’t have issues when used for overhead welding.
MIG welders are also known for their fast operation and great results every time.
Therefore, a MIG welder is a suitable choice if you have a lot of work to complete.
Short Guide
If you have gone through the list, and you are still unsure which model to get, keep reading to get more insights.
Great Value – The Suncoo Mig Welder provides you with best from the both worlds – excellent price and top-notch quality.
It can have seamless results similar to other, more expensive models.
Commercial Quality – If you are looking for something with industrial quality and suitable for professional use, you can get the Hobart MIG welder.
Additionally, if you know that you will be working with different metals, the Hobart welder is for you.
Best for DIY projects – Those who use welders for small home repairs, and DIY projects can get Lincoln Electric welders.
Also, the welder is suitable for work on more delicate metals.
Long-lasting welder – For those who know that they will be using the welder for many years, I recommend Lotos MIG welder.
It is the most durable welder you can get in this price range and beyond.
Things to Have in Mind when Buying the Welder for Auto Body Work
Let’s have a quick overview of the most important aspects you should consider when getting a new welder.
Amperage
The amperage ratings show you how powerful the welder is.
Materials up to 3/16 inches of thinness, need to be weld with at least 100 amps of power, and even 130 amps.
Thicker steel and metals up to 1.4 inches work with 180 amps.
Heat Transfer System
The power supply lowers the voltage input usually to 220V, and sometimes 120 V.
On the other hand, the unit produces more heat, which can affect the circuitry.
Your welder should come with the deal with potential power supply failure caused by displacing the head.
What it means is that you should opt for a welder with a higher duty cycle.
The higher the duty cycle is, the longer you can work with the welder without having to let it rest to prevent overheating.
Features
Features determine the price tag on the welder.
There is a set of useful features that can ease the work and help you achieve better results with less effort.
Always check reviews and warranty to make sure that you are getting the best for your money.
Conclusion
What kind of welder do you prefer for your projects?
All products from my list are top quality and can help you with the best results.
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
