If you have a small shop, a mig welders machine can be an excellent addition to your welding tools. This type of welding machine is simple to use. It is able to generate an arc with very high productivity. To get started, all you have to do is plug the machine in, crank the gas shield, and start welding.

Generally, a good quality MIG welder costs around $400, but if you're on a budget, you may want to consider a less expensive machine. However, make sure to get one with a reliable power supply. There are a number of small, portable machines available that can plug directly into your garage's 110-V outlet. Just be sure to check the fuse to ensure that there's no risk of blowing the power cord. The best MIG welders have a regulating electrode length of several degrees, allowing you to produce long welds with less disruption.

A MIG welder can produce neat welds up to 1/4 inch in steel and stainless steel. It can also produce welds up to 3/16 inch in aluminum. But if you're planning to weld aluminum, you'll need to use a separate spool gun for the job. You'll also need a gas regulator and a mask. MIG welding machines come with additional accessories such as a wire brush and chipping hammer.

A MIG welder has several settings that allow you to customize it for the specific project you're working on. You'll want to adjust the heat to the right level to prevent burning holes in your project. The heat setting of your MIG welder will depend on the materials you're welding and the feed rate.