Top 5 Best Cheap Stick Welder in 2020 (Review)

Welding is truly an art. This makes life easy especially for the construction workers. Construction workers or not the only ones to take the benefit of the welding. The welding is used at construction sites, at the farmhouses, at mining sites, and at the multiple places for repairing and construction. These days the welding is also used as a fabricated art. Multiple types of welding machines are available in the market. The welding machines can be used to make a joint between different metals. In this article, we will discuss the stick welding machines Shielded metal arc is the actual terminology that is commonly known by the name of stick welder. An electrode is used for welding in these types of machines. Generally, these machines can weld most of the metals.

Mechanism of the stick welding

The principle of plastic welding is the same as all types of welding. This is to raise the temperature of the metal at such a level that it changes its physical form. The metal changes from the solid form to the liquid form. At high temperature, A third substance is added in the metals which need to be joint. Once cool the joint becomes permanent.

In stick welding, the current is traveled through the electrode to the surface of the metal. The current produces a higher temperature. This temperature is so high that it melts the metals and even the electrode itself. Once cool this becomes a permanent joint.  Usability of the stick welder Not every project can be completed in the workshops. The reason is sometimes you need to prepare the heavy equipment. This heavy equipment cannot be moved to the workshops. This is not suitable to move the heavy machinery or fixture to the spot.

For example, if there is a leakage in the main gas pipeline or the water supply line. This will not be possible to pick the water supply line and bring it to the workshop.  Thanks to the stick welders. These are light in weight. This is the reason that these are highly portable. This makes them the best choice for construction welding and the best choice for the repairing work. Especially where repairing of the heaviest structure is involved. Another advantage of the stick welders is that the electrode penetrates deep into the Mattel. This penetration creates a strong bond.

Everything in this universe comes with advantages and disadvantages. Some have more advantages and some have more disadvantages. But nobody in this universe is without advantages and disadvantages.  Here we will discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of the stick welders. So that our readers can get the best picture.

Advantages of the stick welder

Portability

Due to its lightweight, it is a highly portable product. It doesn’t require a gas connection. What you need to do is to just pick some electrode electric wire from the unit itself and reach the spot. You are ready to do the welding. Just find the electric supply and put the plug into it. The stage is set for You to tp play so start welding.

Initial cost

In comparison with the other welding techniques like MIG welding and TIG welding, stick welding is relatively cheap. Even it is cheaper than most of the multipurpose welding units.  The consumable electric roads are easily affordable.

Indoor or outdoor

The stick welder can be used in any condition. You can use it as per your own ease indoor as well as outdoor. The only condition is that the winding passage should be there. The flow of the wind is necessary. You may say that ventilation is necessary. In the indoor situations there must be ventilation this is not only the condition of stick welding but whenever you weld something with whatever method is used. There must be proper ventilation for safety purposes. 

In wet conditions

Some welding units cannot perform well in rainy or wet conditions. The stick welding units do not have these limitations. 

External gas is not required

The operation with stick welding is not at all expensive. It requires no external gas for welding. The welding operation is performed with the help of electricity and a stick electrode. The equipment needed for stick welding is not at all expensive. So in totality, this is not an expensive choice.

Less cleaning is required

Due to the less sensitivity of the stick welding with the dirt. Your precious time will be safe as you do not need to clean the surface.

Easily adjustable

Different metals require different rods. This is really very simple to change the rod.

Disadvantages

Slow

In comparison to the welding machines that are based on other methods, this is really slow. High-level expertise Stick welding requires professional expertise. This is not a task to do for beginners.

Thinner metals

The welding of the thinner metals are really very difficult with stick welding

Welding slag

The building slag is needed to be cleaned again and again in the process of stick welding.

Welding rod replacement

The welding rods are needed to be replaced on a regular basis.

Criteria to choose a stick welder

For the benefits of our readers. We have decided to reveal the criteria. on the basis of which we have chosen these extraordinary high-performing stick welders.  Have a look and it will definitely benefit you.

Power requirements

This is advisable to check the input power requirements for the welding machine. Maybe your welder machine will require more power than the regular household supply. If it is so then your welding unit will not be able to work on the regular electric supply. This will decrease its chances to operate on all the points. This will also affect its ability as a portable tool.

Installation

Check for the installation instructions of the welding unit. This should be easy and should not be time-consuming too. The hectic installation will not only consume more time but this will be a permanent problem for you.

AC or DC option

The DC stick welding units are considered to be more useful than AC units. In some conditions, an AC welder is the best option. In this situation, the good thing to do is simply take the welding unit which has both the options.

Duty cycle

Depending on the price of the welding unit. The available welding machines are 10% duty cycle to 80% duty cycle. The trick is to attain equilibrium between the price and the duty cycle depending on your budget and your requirement.

Portability

This is another important issue to be considered. If your working requirements are that you need a portable welding unit. You should check back if the welding unit is portable or not. The two important factors that determine the portability of the machine. One is the weight of the welding unit. The second is the dimensions of the welding unit. 

Safety aspects

The next important feature to be considered is safety. Welding is to play with the fire. 

Cost of the machine

It depends on your budget. Usually, the concept is the more expensive the product is the more quality it has. This is not always true. With careful market searches, you can find a reasonable product at a low price.   

Best cheap stick welder Comparison Table

Image Product Details   Price
Lotos Plasma Non-Touch Stick 3 in 1 Welding Machine LTPDC2000D Amperage – 200 Amps
Voltage – 110 V / 220 V
Dimensions – 17 x 8 x 12.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 42.3 pounds
Check Price
Dual Voltage EVERLAST Stick Welder IGBT Weight – 24.8 Pounds
Dimensions – 20 x 12.5 x 13.5 Inches
Material – Metal
Color – Green
Voltage – 240 Volt
Amperage – 140 A
Check Price
Amico Stick Welding DC Welder Weight – 16 Pounds
Dimensions – 16.6 x 7.5 x 11.8 inches
Material – Metal & Plastic ABS
Amperage – 160 Ampers
Voltage – AC 115 V & 230 V
Check Price
Hobart Stickmate 210i Weight – 15.5 Pounds
Dimensions – 13.4 x 7.1 x 10.5 inches
Material – Metal
Voltage – 240 Volts
Wattage – 7000 watts
Check Price

1. Lotos Plasma Non-Touch Stick 3 in 1 Welding Machine LTPDC2000D

Editor’s Pick

Lotos Plasma Non-Touch Stick 3 in 1 Welding Machine LTPDC2000D

5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating

Salient Features

  • Versatile 3-in-1 welding machine
  • Non-touch plasma cutting feature

Product Description and Features

Multi-purpose

This is a 3 in 1 machine. This can be used on different surfaces. You can enjoy the functionality of the machine as per the requirement.

Power input

This machine can run on multiple power inputs. 110 volts and 220 volts. This increases the portability of the machine.

Accessories

This is a fully loaded product. You will get multiple accessories with the machine.

Portable

Due to the less weight of the product. This product is really portable. The exact weight of the product is 43 pounds.

Peace of mind

This is a quality product. This is the reason that the manufacturer has no issue in giving warranties. First, you will get a 30 days money-back guarantee. Secondly, it comes with a 1-year warranty but remembers this warranty is limited.  

Pros
  • Dual input voltage option Affordable price Lightweight Can be used for different purposes Limited warranty of 12 months
Cons
  • The length of the electrode clamp is 6 feet only.

2. Dual Voltage EVERLAST Stick Welder IGBT

Editor’s Pick

Dual Voltage EVERLAST Stick Welder IGBT

5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating

Salient Features

  • Dual voltage capability for flexibility
  • Advanced IGBT technology for efficient welding

Product Description and Features

Carry case

The product comes with a carry case. This is truly Handy. This will help you to easily carry the machine from one place to another. This will also protect the machine.

Multifunction

This welding machine can also be used as a TIG welding unit.

Product quality

This product is made of such a good quality that the manufacturer has no issue in giving the 5 years warranty. Ease of use The functionality of the welding unit is really very easy to understand. Truly this is an easy machine to use.

Autostart

This welding machine comes with the option of auto start. This autostart feature is adaptive hot. Hobbyist choice This super-light machine is the best choice for a hobbyist.   

Pros
  • Dual voltage operation The price of the product is very low Perfect dimensions for storage and carriage This machine comes with 5 years warranty
Cons
  • 10 to 140 amperes is the output range

3. Amico Stick Welding DC Welder

Editor’s Pick

Amico Stick Welding DC Welder

5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating

Salient Features

  • Reliable stick welding performance
  • Compact and portable design

Product Features and Description

Safety features

The product comes with the safety features. This has multiple protection features like the voltage protection current protection etc. 

Flawless welding

This welding machine really provides flawless welding.

Beginners choice

This machine is the best place for beginners.  

Pros
  • This machine works on multiple voltages Really an economical item Electric lamp lead is 10 inches long This product comes with a warranty of 1 year
Cons
  • The overall quality of the product is low You cannot find the multipurpose functionality in this machine The minimum output constraint is 20 and the maximum is 160 amperes

4. Hobart Stickmate 210i

Editor’s Pick

Hobart Stickmate 210i

5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating

Salient Features

  • Powerful and versatile stick welding machine
  • Easy to use and ideal for DIY projects

Product Description and Features

Reliable product

This product is not reliable but dependable too

Portability

The weight of the product is only 20 lbs. You can easily carry it whenever you want. The storage of the product is also really very easy. 

Voltage input

The input voltage of the product is 240 V.

Output

The product exerts 210 amperes as output

5 years warranty

This product comes with a warranty of 60 months. This really shows the high quality of the product.

Long lead

This product comes with an all long power lead of 10 feet. This will increase your  ability to do the work  

Pros
  • The product is really very lightweight Adequate output range Really suitable dimensions This product comes with six months warranty Overall the product is of high quality
Cons
  • The product belongs to the medium price group This product which is the multifunctionality The power voltage input is 220 / 240 volts

Conclusion

No matter what type of welding machine you are using. This is the man behind the machine which matters the most. If you want to use the welding machine then think about its safety features first. This is to play with the fire. Use appropriate safety gadgets while using welding units. Otherwise, this may result in the form of an accident. If you do not have the necessary skills to do welding. Then it is advisable to seek the assistance of a professional.

The professional can tell you how to weld. With professional advice, you will not only be able to do the welding better. But you will also be able to save yourself against the unwanted outcomes of the welding.  Be safe informed and be creative these are the three basic qualities of any craft made. The welding is also a type of craft. If you are new then welcome to the club. The stick welding machines are not for the beginners. These are not the words carved on the stone. Only with a little professional advice, the beginners can easily use these machines too.

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