120-Volt MIG and Flux-Core Welders

A 120-volt MIG or flux-core welder runs from the kind of circuit most garages already have, which is why it's the usual first machine. Household power caps output, so these are ordered by the maker's top amperage, highest first: the first picks reach the thickest steel in one pass.

By Miller's rule of thumb (1 amp per 0.001 inch of steel), 125 to 140 amps covers steel up to about 1/8 to 9/64 inch in a single pass. Makers often claim more with flux-core wire or multiple passes; each note quotes the claim. Many 120-volt machines want a 20-amp circuit; the manual says.

Every machine here needs eye protection of at least OSHA's minimum shade, gloves and flame-resistant clothing, and combustibles kept 35 feet away or shielded, per OSHA 1910.252.

#1 · Up to 250 A

VEVOR MIG-250 MIG Welder

The VEVOR MIG-250 MIG Welder puts out up to 250 amps by its maker's rating on 120-volt input. By Miller's 1 amp per 0.001 inch rule that's about 1/4 in of steel in one pass. Processes: MIG, gas MIG, MMA. Pulse: pulse welding. It suits clean steel welds indoors and steel to about 1/4 in per pass. Where it gives ground: duty cycle not stated with amps; 120 V caps output.

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#2 · Up to 211 A

Lincoln Electric K6080-1 Flux-Core Welder

The Lincoln Electric K6080-1 Flux-Core Welder puts out up to 211 amps by its maker's rating on 230-volt input. By Miller's 1 amp per 0.001 inch rule that's about 0.211 in of steel in one pass. The maker's thickness claim: "up to 3/8 in". Wire: 0.025-0.045 in. It suits outdoor and gasless repairs and steel to about 0.211 in per pass. Where it gives ground: duty cycle not stated with amps; needs a 240 V circuit.

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#3 · Up to 210 A

Hobart Handler 210MVP MIG Welder

The Hobart Handler 210MVP MIG Welder puts out up to 210 amps by its maker's rating on 115 or 230-volt input. By Miller's 1 amp per 0.001 inch rule that's about 0.210 in of steel in one pass. Processes: MIG & flux core. It suits clean steel welds indoors and steel to about 0.210 in per pass. Where it gives ground: duty cycle not stated with amps. Warranty: 3 year limited warranty.

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#4 · Up to 200 A

VEVOR MIG-200AU MIG Welder

The VEVOR MIG-200AU MIG Welder puts out up to 200 amps by its maker's rating on 110 or 220-volt input. By Miller's 1 amp per 0.001 inch rule that's about 0.200 in of steel in one pass. Processes: MIG, gas MIG, MMA. Pulse: pulse welding. It suits clean steel welds indoors and steel to about 0.200 in per pass. Where it gives ground: duty cycle not stated with amps. 120 V vs 240 V explains what household power limits.

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#5 · Up to 200 A

YESWELDER MIG-205DS SOLID MIG Welder

The YESWELDER MIG-205DS SOLID MIG Welder puts out up to 200 amps by its maker's rating on 110 or 220-volt input. By Miller's 1 amp per 0.001 inch rule that's about 0.200 in of steel in one pass. Processes: Gas MIG, Gasless Flux Core, Lift TIG, Stick. Pulse: pulse. It suits clean steel welds indoors and steel to about 0.200 in per pass. Where it gives ground: duty cycle not stated with amps.

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#6 · Up to 200 A

YESWELDER SP200 MIG Welder

The YESWELDER SP200 MIG Welder puts out up to 200 amps by its maker's rating on 110 or 220-volt input. By Miller's 1 amp per 0.001 inch rule that's about 0.200 in of steel in one pass. Processes: MIG/Flux Core/Spool Gun. Pulse: Pulsed MIG. It suits clean steel welds indoors and steel to about 0.200 in per pass. Where it gives ground: duty cycle not stated with amps. Avoid long, thin extension cords; the manual states the minimum gauge.

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#7 · Up to 200 A

YESWELDER YWM-200 MIG Welder

The YESWELDER YWM-200 MIG Welder puts out up to 200 amps by its maker's rating on 110 or 220-volt input. By Miller's 1 amp per 0.001 inch rule that's about 0.200 in of steel in one pass. It suits clean steel welds indoors and steel to about 0.200 in per pass. Where it gives ground: duty cycle not stated with amps. 120 V vs 240 V explains what household power limits.

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#8 · Up to 200 A

YESWELDER YWM-211P MIG Welder

The YESWELDER YWM-211P MIG Welder puts out up to 200 amps by its maker's rating on 110 or 220-volt input. By Miller's 1 amp per 0.001 inch rule that's about 0.200 in of steel in one pass. Processes: MIG/ Lift TIG. Pulse: Pulse MIG. It suits clean steel welds indoors and steel to about 0.200 in per pass. Where it gives ground: duty cycle not stated with amps. Check the duty cycle at your amps with the duty cycle calculator.

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The list, rating by rating

Picking between them

Start from the thickest steel you'll weld often and the power you have: Miller's 1 amp per 0.001 inch rule gives the current, and 120-volt circuits cap most machines around 140 amps. Then check duty cycle at that current, not at the peak.

Gas MIG gives cleaner welds indoors; flux-core works outdoors without a bottle. Check the wire sizes the drive rolls take and whether a spool gun is supported if you'll weld aluminium.

When another list fits better

For 3/16 to 1/4-inch steel in one pass, look at 240-volt machines in the MIG table.

Questions welders ask

Our editors choose and order the picks from the makers' own ratings; every pick meets the rule printed above. How we read a welder · Affiliate disclosure