A guide to buying an ARC welder

Want to be a pro at ARC welding? Don’t know which machine you should buy? Luckily we’re on hand to make that task a little easier for you. We’re breaking it down with what to consider when purchasing, unveiling our top sellers and we've also added in some handy links to purchase. 

First, you need to consider a few things:

• How often are you going to use your ARC welder? Occasionally for maintenance or professionally? 
• What is your budget?
• Do you only have a generator as a power source?
• Do you need a multiprocess welder? (Making it possible to carry out various jobs which saves you changing power sources)
• How portable do you need your machine to be?
• Do you need hot start technology? (This helps ignite bad electrodes when welding rusted metal)

Once you’ve answered the above questions you should have a much better idea of what you’re looking for. Below, we’ve boiled it down further, including all of the above with our best sellers. 

ARC welders for occasional use

First up we have this gem, the Jasic Power Arc 180 SE - 230V. It is perfect for maintenance and light fabrication. It offers easy start and self adaptive ARC force. 

The Bundle PRO (240V) is an extremely versatile welder, being able to weld any kind of electrode. It also comes as a package with a helmet. What more could you want? 

Lincoln Electric Speedtec 200C Multi Process (240V) is another great option for occasional use. It is also a perfect choice for beginners to start their ARC welding journey. 

ARC welders for professional use

The Cros-Arc 200 Multi-Function (110v/230v) is superb in any environment making it perfect for professional welders. It has a built-in high resolution, full function, microprocessor control panel. That’s a mouthful!

The Kemppi Master S 400 (415V) was made for high performance professional welding, so you know you're on to a good one here! Reliable, durable and great for heavy duty. Perfect!

Built to withstand hard use, the ESAB Fabricator EM401i Welder 415V is ideal for industrial and professional use. It is capable of using solid and flux-cored wires together with a fabricator feed and has wide voltage tolerance. 

The slightly more expensive ARC welders

Yes, the Miller XMT 350 Multi-Process (415V) may be on the pricier side, but it has so much to offer! It is one of the most popular welding machines in the industry due to its flexibility and ARC performance. Its reliability, welder friendly control panel and infinite arc control could be why this one is selling like hotcakes!

Middle of the road

Another popular choice of welder is the ESAB Renegade Es 300i 415v. It has an extremely good power to weight ratio, providing you with a high duty cycle. It comes equipped with 3 memory settings, helping you get straight into your work. It can also be used in high ambient temperatures, without compromising on the quality of your weld. 

Cheaper ARC welders 

On the cheaper side we have the Cros-Arc 160s ARC Welder (240V). Don’t be put off by its price. It’s highly portable, weighing a mere 8kg. As it’s a single phase stick welder it’s perfect for DIY, light fabrication and site installations.

Generator friendly ARC welders: 

• Jasic Pro Arc 400 ARC Welder (400V)
• Jasic Power Arc 180 SE 230V
• ESAB Rogue ES 200i Pro CE 110, 240v (check out the reviews on this one!)

Multi purpose welders 

When we say multiple purpose we mean it! All of these super machines are capable of excellent performance on MIG/MAG, TIG and MMA.

• ESAB Rebel Emp 235ic Multi Process Welder | 110/240V
• ESAB Rebel Emp 320ic Multi Process Welder | 415V
• ESAB Rebel Emp 205ic AC/DC Multi Process Welder | 110/240V
• Miller XMT 350 Multi-Process Air Cooled MIG/ARC Welder (415V)

Portable machines

These days, the majority of ARC welders are made to be portable. We’ve cherry picked two of our most portable, best sellers:

• The Kemppi Minarc Evo. It is designed for the professional welder who is on the move. Don’t be put off by its size and weight, this 240V welder packs a punch. 
• Next up is the Rustler EM 280C Pro. This easy to move welder comes on wheels allowing high performance, wherever you want it. 

Is hot start technology what you need?

We have a range on offer:

• Jasic Power Arc 180 SE 230V
• Jasic Pro Arc 160 PFC (110/230V)
• Rogue ES 150i 240v - featuring adjustable hot start to help you find the right arc for your job.

Well there you go. Our guide to ARC machines. This should give you the kickstart you need on choosing the right machine. If you need any more support, get in touch with our specialist team. They can advise on the benefits of the machines, operation and welding processes.