5 Best Welders for Sheet Metal – for Your DIY Work

Our first pick on this list is also our favorite. It can handle different types of welding, has a durable and sturdy build, and is overall one of the best MIG and TIG welders for sheet metal on the market today.

One of the reasons this is a favorite tool for people who weld sheet metal is versatility. With this machine, you can do MIG, TIG, and Stick welding depending on the needs of your project. There aren’t too many models on the market today with this much versatility, and with its high-quality steel build, this welder can last you a long time in your workshop.

Why is it special?
• Our favorite feature of this welder is the 3-in-1 feature. TIG and MIG welding are the preferred option, and since this machine can handle both, it’s a great choice for those working with thin sheet metal. It can handle sheets as thick as ¼’’, which is ideal for a lot of basic projects. The machine also has a very convenient interface. A simple three-way switch allows you to switch between processes instantly, and the knobs allow you to control your output without too much of a fuss.

What are the flaws?
• While this is a 3-in-1 welder, it doesn’t come with the proper accessories for TIG welding. So, unless you already have the accessories in your workshop, you’ll only be able to use the Forney Easy Weld for MIG and Stick welding, at least until you stock up on TIG accessories. Another customer complaint is that this machine doesn’t have the longest duty cycle out there, especially compared to the more expensive options on the market.

If you’re really looking for the best MIG welder for sheet metal out there and you’re willing to pay the price, this is the best pick for you. The Hobart 500559 is one of the top MIG welders available today and can handle a wide variety of different projects.

At 90A, this machine can run for 2 minutes straight before cooling down for 8 minutes. This is a fairly heavy-duty machine that is built to handle a bunch of DIY welds.

What stands out?
• We really appreciated the 5-position voltage selector on the machine as it makes it very easy to tweak the power output, however, remember never to switch the voltage while you’re welding. Another feature we enjoyed is the robust steel construction of the machine, which makes it feel like it can last a long time. On top of that, the machine comes with just about everything you need for basic MIG welding projects and uses flux-cored wires, making it suitable for outdoor welding as well.

What cons did we manage to find?
• One thing we found lacking in this machine is variety. It can only handle MIG and flux-cored welding, which doesn’t give you too many options. But for welding sheet metal, this welder works perfectly fine. Another thing we noticed with this machine is that the quality control is unimpressive. There are slight discrepancies that you find in the machine that show that the company didn’t pay that much attention to detail when making it, which isn’t something you expect for welders in this price range.

This next pick is a headgear-free welder. Since it doesn’t use hazardous gasses while welding, it’s a much safer option that’s an ideal option for beginners looking for their first welder. It’s a TIG welder. Since it uses TIG welding, this is one of the best welders for automotive sheet metal out there.

The machine uses plasma cutter technology, which is how you can weld without hazardous gasses. However, keep in mind that you still need to wear protective gear at all times, especially if you use the TIG welding feature.

Why is it special?
• When examining this welder, we found that it’s a very convenient option to use. Once you receive the welder, you can set it up and start your project in under 5 minutes! In fact, many people have reported that it takes less than a minute to set up the machine and get it ready for welding. We also enjoyed the LCD screen that clearly displays important data that you should keep track of when welding, making this a great option for beginner welders.

What are the flaws?
• A common complaint we found with customers who bought this welder is that the accessories are lackluster, to say the least. The ground cable is very short for starters, which means you’ll probably have to replace it. The machine doesn’t come with a 120 plug either, which can cost you more money as well. And while the TIG torch is decent, the house is pretty lousy, which is another thing you have to replace. So, when buying this welder, keep in mind that it’s the actual welder you’re paying for, as the accessories will likely need to be replaced.

As we mentioned earlier, it takes years of practice and dedication to become a skilled welder. With that in mind, why not start out young when it comes to welding? This simple machine is a versatile welder that can handle a variety of basic projects, making it a good option for starters.

The machine can handle a wide variety of steel materials, which is why it’s also a great choice for those learning the craft. It supports gasless welding with a flux-cored wire, which is a safer option for many people. On top of that, it can also handle MIG and lift TIG welding, allowing you to take on a wider variety of projects.

What makes it special?
• One of the features we enjoyed the most with this machine is its duty cycle. At 140A, this machine can run for 8 minutes before needing a short, 2-minute cooldown. This allows you to weld for a longer time at a higher capacity, which is a great feature to have when welding sheet metal. This fairly affordable welder comes in a bright green design, which is a great way to make it stand out in the workshop.

What cons did we find?
• Since this is a relatively affordable welder, we found it lacking in some areas. It doesn’t come with a spool adapter, for starters, and the ground cable it comes with is relatively short, so you’ll likely need to replace it. On top of that, this isn’t the strongest welder out there, so it’s best to use this for simpler and lighter home projects. It can only handle steel up to ¼’’ thick, so while it can handle sheet metal, you’ll have a tough time with heavier materials.

Wrapping up our list is the best cheap welder for sheet metal. Don’t be deceived by its price tag, though, as this model can handle a wide variety of different welding projects out there. With its lightweight build and built-in hot start, this is a great way for beginners to get into the wonderful craft of welding.

This is a lightweight and small welder, so you can easily bring it around with you to different workshops depending on the project you’re taking on. It also has over-current protection and compensation for voltage fluctuation, making it a very safe option as well.

Why did it make our list?
• One of our favorite features of this welder is the design. It’s a lightweight and portable welder that comes with a neat little LCD screen that displays important information. And to change the settings, there’s a convenient knob that’s straightforward to use. If it’s your first time welding, this would be a great option for you as it even comes with an automatic hot-start feature that ensures that the machine starts up quickly and consistently.

What is not ideal about it?
• With that said, since this is a relatively affordable welder, it does have its own shortcomings. For starters, it isn’t the strongest model out there. On top of that, people have reported that the welds that come from this machine are fairly lumpy and not the cleanest out there. This issue can be fixed over time, but it makes it much harder for beginners to weld sheet metal cleanly.