5 Top Rated Aluminum Welders

Last Updated on May 2022

Are you looking to buy a new welder for your aluminum welding projects? With so many options available in the market, you might be confused regarding which one to buy.

Have you decided to check the reviews of each welder before purchasing one for yourself? This is always good to do before buying a product. If that’s the case, you have landed in the right place to help you with your purchasing decision.

In this article, we are going to review a few of the best aluminum welders that are available on the market. After the reviews, you will be presented with a buyer’s guide to making the best decision as per your requirements.

Top 5 Best Welders for Aluminum Reviewed

AHP AlphaTIG 200X 200 Amp IGBT AC DC TIG/Stick Welder

Specifications

  • Capable of welding 1/4 inch aluminum, as well as 3/8 mild steel
  • Requires 110/220V
  • 60 percent duty cycle at 200 amps
  • Offers perfect welding aluminum and thinner gauge materials
  • Advanced inverter technology with pulse width modulation
AHP AlphaTIG 200X 200

The AlphaTIG can easily handle high-end aluminum welding jobs. The flexibility of the voltage requirement allows it to handle different kinds of jobs. The machine uses the latest technology, including advanced inverter technology, IGBT technology, and pulse width modification.

IGBT technology enables this machine to work for longer durations without any issues. The low voltage requirement of 110V allows using it anywhere without any trouble. To make it easy to use, the manufacturer has included a high-quality foot pedal to control the machine.

The 200-amp aluminum welding machine has enough power to use it for professional work. At the same time, this machine is suitable for hobby welders. In this price range, this is definitely one of the best welder machines available in the market.

The machine can be used to weld various metals, including aluminum as well as stainless and mild steel. One of the most essential features of this TIG welding machine is that it works perfectly on thin materials. Most machines don’t work smoothly on thin materials.

Pros

  • 3-year product warranty
  • User-friendly
  • Weld aluminum and different metals
  • Versatile
  • Flow metal regulator

Cons

  • Foot pedal could slip away

Hobart Handler 210 MVP MIG Welder

Specifications

  • Dual Voltage (115 to 230 Volts)
  • Capable of welding 24 ga to 3/8 inch steel
  • Seven Voltage setups
  • 20 percent duty cycle at 90 amp and 30 percent at 150 amp
  • MVP plug
  • Item weight is 87.5 lbs.
Hobart Handler 210 MVP MIG Welder

The Hobart Handler 210 MVP provides you the ease of use through the multi-voltage plug. It allows you to fix voltage input either at 115V or 230V, depending on your requirement. The plug is straightforward to change with no tools required at all.

The machine allows you to weld 3/8-inch thick steel in a single pass. This aluminium welder is perfect for hobby welders and household work at low voltage. If you want to use it for a large project, you can change the voltage settings. It gives you seven different output voltage settings to adjust according to your requirements.

The machine box contains almost everything you need to start working on your project. The package includes a MIG welding gun, handler 210MVP, gas hose, dual gauge regulator, cable with clamp, welding wire, wire spool adapter, and multi-voltage plus. It also includes a manual to guide you on how to assemble the machine and welding equipment and get started.

The machine is best to use for welding trailer frames, mower decks, lawn equipment, tool carts, exhaust systems, fences, aluminum welding, metal racks, and farm equipment. As far as the quality concern, the build is very smooth and high quality. The product comes with an official warranty of three years to give you the ease of mind.

Pros

  • 3-year official warranty
  • Dual voltage
  • Seven voltage output
  • Compact design and portable

Cons

  • Spool holder gets loosened easily

LOTOS TIG200ACDC 200A AC/DC Aluminum TIG Welder

Specifications

  • Capable of welding 3/8 inches
  • 80 percent duty cycle at 200 amps
  • Automatic dual voltage input (110/120V and 220/240V)
  • PAPST advanced cooling system
  • Item weight is 58 lbs.
  • 10 to 200 amp output
Lotos TIG200ACDC 200A

LOTOS TIG200ACDC 200A AC/DC Aluminum TIG Welder is a smooth build welding machine that can help you finish your dream project as soon as possible. This tool allows you to weld aluminum, steel, and stainless. It offers an 80 percent power efficiency and allows you weld thinner gauge materials effectively.

The PAPST advanced cooling technology used in this machine keeps the plasma cutter stable, giving you the best outcome. It comes with a foot pedal, which helps you maintain your focus on the work while welding aluminum. The automatic dual voltage gives your freedom over changing the voltage plugs via using tools.

To ensure accurate aluminum welding, the machine features TIG200’s square wave inverter. The capacity of this machine is 3/8 inches when welding aluminum, stainless, and steel. This is a perfect machine for a full-timer or hobby welder who is looking for industrial welder features in an affordable welder.

The box includes TIG torch, foot pedal, 220/110 converter pigtail, stick clamp, consumable set, ground clamp, argon regulator, and power supply. Along with the box, you will also be provided with an instruction manual to assemble it easily.

Pros

  • Welds thinner gauge precisely
  • Automatic dual voltage
  • Portable
  • Low weight
  • User-friendly

Cons

  • Not for industrial use

Hobart 500551 EZ-TIG 165i AC/DC TIG Welder 230V

Specifications

  • Capacity to weld 22-ga. to 3/16 inches
  • Infinite amperage control
  • Item weight is 50 lbs.
  • Auto-post flow
  • Automatic high-temperature shutdown
  • 20 percent duty cycle at 165 amp
Hobart 500551 EZ-TIG

Another welder on the list by Hobart! The machine offers most of the features you see in an industrial-quality aluminum welder. It can weld up to 3/16 inches aluminum at both AC and DC. Thanks to Hobart, you can weld thin materials precisely without blowing them up. All you need to do is to set the voltage accordingly.

The best thing about this product is that it doesn’t require any time to set it up. All you need is to power it up, get a gas supply, and you are ready to weld. This is an excellent machine for beginners who don’t know much about welding aluminum or welding in general.

The inverter-based power source ensures less power usage without compromising on the weld. The welder gives you complete control over the fan. You can turn it on when required or keep it turn off to avoid debris pulled into the unit. It provides a DC output for stainless steel and AC output for aluminum welding.

What’s included in the package? It includes foot-operated control using the RFCS-RJ45 Remote Foot Control, an inverter-based power source with cord, cable with clamp, Legacy 17 Weldcraft TIG torch, and gas regulator. Does it have a user manual? Yes, you can have this luxury as well. The product features three years of limited warranty, which is quite impressive.

Pros

  • 3-year warranty
  • Auto shutdown at high temperature
  • Remote amperage control with hand or foot
  • Less power consumption

Cons

  • Not for heavier jobs

LOTOS MIG175 175AMP MIG Welder

Specifications

  • Capable of weld 18-ga. to 3/16 inches
  • Voltage input is 220/240V
  • Voltage output is 175 amp
  • Spool gun included
  • Item weight is 85 lbs.
LOTOS MIG175

LOTOS MIG175 175AMP MIG welder is a high-quality machine that can handle industrial standard 4 inches or 8 inches wire spools. It can weld various metals, including aluminum, mild and stainless steel, and other metal materials. This is an excellent option if you want to weld different metals apart from just the aluminum.

It’s a user-friendly welder, which is very easy to set up and can be plugged into an existing 220V wall outlet. The MIG spool gun is very efficient and can weld a 3/8-inch plate. It lets your weld aluminum precisely. LOTOS MIG175 175AMP MIG welder is one of the best welders if you want to weld thin aluminum plates.

The package includes argon regulator, power supply, spool gun, mask, ground cable, stand MIG torch, and use manual. LOTOS MIG175 175AMP MIG welder comes with three years official warranty.

The downside of this product is that it is a bit heavy as compared to its competitors, which makes it difficult to transport from one spot to another for hobby welders. It can’t be used on 110 voltages, which is another downside of this machine. If these two things aren’t a problem, this welder could be a good option for you.

Pros

  • MIG spool gun
  • Easy to setup
  • Multi-purpose
  • Versatile
  • Overload protection

Cons

  • Heavy to transport
  • Can only be used with 220V

Welder for Aluminum Buying Guide

Portability

Portability is an important factor that should be considered when buying welding equipment. When it comes to aluminum welders, they should be easy to transport from one place to another. MIG welders are usually purchased for small welding jobs or by hobby welders.

They are used for more substantial jobs as well when you can’t carry the big welders to a place due to transportation issues, e.g., hilly areas. This is why they should be compact in design and portable. For more information on portability or welding carriers, please see or welding bag buyers guide.

Arc Welding Process

Duty Cycle

When it comes to aluminum welders, the duty cycle is critical. The duty cycle indicates how much time you can use a machine continuously before you need to give it a break.

If a welder has a duty cycle of 20 percent, it means that you need to stop using the machine after 2 minutes of usage. Otherwise, it can damage the device and your aluminium welding project as well.

Consider your usage and then compare different welders and their duty cycles. You will be able to find the best machine for your needs. A higher duty cycle is always recommended.

Maintenance

Would you like to spend money on the upkeep of your welder after each use? Definitely not. You need to keep this in mind when buying a welder. No matter if you are purchasing for household usage or professional use, you need to check its warranty.

The warranty of a product means you don’t need to pay for its repair during the warranty period. If the product stops working, you can contact the supplier and replace it. Otherwise, they will repair it with no extra charges.

How do you decrease maintenance costs? Try to get the best quality product to avoid any issues. Read the manual and make sure you are not overusing the product.

Overload Protection

The life of a welder machine depends on its overload protection system. Whenever you buy a welding machine, make sure it has automatic overload protection. This is the most essential feature.

Overload protection ensures that you are not overheating the welder. If the temperature of the welder increases to more than the safe temperature, it will be shut down automatically. You can’t start it again until it cools down and safe to use.

This feature ensures that you stay out of trouble while improving the lifespan of the machine. Never ignore this feature while buying a welder.

A Man Using Welder

Best Place To Buy A Welder for Aluminum Online

There are numerous places where you could order one of these machines online – eBay, industrial sites, etc. Additionally, there are always people who post their offers on tech sites, which might or might not be related to whatever you are looking for. However, these machines aren’t toys, food, or something you should take too lightly – buying one will always be a costly investment, not to mention the risk of purchasing faulty equipment.

Check Out Our 10 Highest Rated Welders for Beginners

That being said, the safest place where you can order this tool online is Amazon. Apart from being the most popular and reliable online service, this online market has a strict set of rules that apply to users on both ends: vendors and buyers. They also provide free shipping to some areas.

Amazon Logo

One of the best things about Amazon is that you are entitled to use their return/refund policy. People ship their items overseas all the time, and even if your vendor is nearby, an accident can occur at any time. Your package might be delivered to you in a damaged condition – that’s where return policies come into play.

Conclusion

When it comes to durability and performance, Hobart’s welders are definitely in the lead. They are not only durable, but they can handle large jobs as easily as welding aluminum. They also have a lot of voltage options, and you can choose any input or output.

However, if you are someone who will not be using the welder regularly, you can opt to buy LOTOS’s welder. They are useful in quality while staying in the budget. They don’t provide you a lot of options, but they don’t cost you a lot as well.

Lastly, the most important thing to consider while buying your welder is your situation. Consider your usage, requirements, and budget before making a decision. However, it’s always a good idea to get the best quality if you can spend a little extra money.

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