From Novice to Pro: Choose the Best Cheap Stick Welder for Your Welding Journey

Welding is an invaluable skill for auto restoration, sculpture, home projects, and more. While a quality welder often comes with a hefty price tag, there are affordable options suitable for everyone from hobbyists to professionals. Here we review the top budget-friendly stick welders and detail their specifications and capabilities to help you select the model that aligns with your needs and budget.

Top 3 Cheap Stick Welders

Key Features

Pros and Cons

Forney Easy Weld 298

Pros:

• Very affordable price point
• Lightweight and portable
• Simple controls
• Decent duty cycle
• Good for small projects

Cons:

• Lower amperage capacity
• Not suitable for heavy duty welding
• Prone to overheating
• Shorter cords

AHP AlphaTIG 200X

Pros:

• Dual voltage flexibility
• DC capabilities for stick welding
• Wide amperage range
• Stable arc
• Smooth starts
• Overload protection

Cons:

• Foot pedal sold separately
• More expensive than basic welders
• Requires more skill to operate

Lotos CT520D

Pros:

• Dual voltage flexibility
• 200 amp max output
• Includes foot pedal
• Easy arc starts
• Overheat protection

Cons:

• Heavier than other options
• More expensive
• Fan is loud

Comparisons

When choosing between these top affordable stick welders, consider your needs in terms of portability, power, and capabilities.

The Forney Easy Weld 298 is the most portable and affordable option. At just 19 lbs, it can be easily transported and is ideal for small home/hobby projects. However, it has less power than the others, so isn’t suitable for heavy duty welding.

For more versatility, the AHP AlphaTIG 200X offers DC stick welding and a wider 10-200 amp range. The dual voltage makes it convenient for using anywhere, and it provides a very stable arc. The higher price tag reflects the more advanced features.

The Lotos CT520D provides up to 200 amps of output for thicker metals. The included foot pedal makes it a good choice for basic TIG welding too. It’s the heaviest model though, so not as portable as the Forney.

Overall, the Forney 298 is best for beginners and light duty welding, while the AHP 200X and Lotos 520D are better for experienced welders needing more power and capabilities.

FAQs

Q: What thickness of metal can these welders handle?
A: The Forney 298 can weld up to 1/4 inch steel while the AHP 200X and Lotos 520D can both weld up to 3/8 inch steel. For thicker metals, more amperage is required.
Q: What electrodes work with these welders?
A: All three models are compatible with 6010 and 7018 electrodes, which are common for stick welding. The Forney is limited to 1/8 inch rods while the others can handle up to 3/16 inch.
Q: Can these welders use a generator for power?
A: Yes, they can run off a generator as long as it provides clean power and the appropriate voltage/amperage. A 5000W generator is ideal for these welders.
Q: How long is the warranty period?
A: The Forney 298 has a 90 day warranty, while the AHP 200X and Lotos 520D have a 1 year warranty. Always register your welder upon receipt.
Q: Are these welders suitable for auto body work?
A: The Forney 298 would work for very thin sheet metal while the AHP 200X and Lotos 520D have the capabilities for basic auto body work like door skins and patches up to 1/4 inch thickness. An auto-darkening helmet is recommended.

Conclusion

Finding an affordable stick welder with decent power and performance is possible thanks to brands like Forney, AHP, and Lotos. Consider how you plan to use the welder and on what thickness of metal before deciding between a basic model like the Forney 298, or a more capable welder like the AlphaTIG 200X or CT520D.

While you may sacrifice some duty cycle and power with cheaper welders, features like dual voltage inputs and thermal overload protection make them useful and safe. Additional accessories like auto-darkening helmets, quality electrodes, and protective gear are worthwhile investments for any welder.

Learning on an entry-level stick welder allows you to hone technique without breaking the bank. But those seeking advanced capabilities for TIG, heavier welds, or commercial use would benefit from spending more on a professional model. If you’re new to stick welding, start with an affordable model to gain experience before upgrading.

With practice and patience, an inexpensive welder can help tackle repairs, projects, artwork, and more. Compare ratings and reviews to find the top value pick within your budget.