11 Best MIG Welders Available in Australia (2024)

11 Best MIG Welders Available in Australia (2024)

. 16 min read
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Do you want to melt and join several pieces of metal? A MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welder is an excellent tool for indoor and outdoor welding projects. It's a sub-category of Gas Metal Arc Welding, popularly known as GMAW, which uses electricity to melt and join different pieces of metal.

You can use a MIG welder to weld metals like silicon bronze, stainless steel, carbon steel, copper, aluminium, nickel, etc. A MIG welder can also weld horizontally, flat, or in a vertical position. In this article, we evaluated the best MIG welders available in Australia to help you decide.

Our Top Picks

Here are our top three MIG welder picks in Australia:

YesWelder MIG-205DS

Best multi-process MIG welder with fine-tuneable 110/220V dual volt, 30-135 Amp, synergic setting, and user safety features.

Unimig U11006K VIPER

Best single-phase MIG Welder with 240V, 30-165 Amp, synergic MIG control, 10A plug, and STICK and TIG welding applications.

Dynamic TL-WM130NG

Best budget MIG welder with 240V, 130Amp, self-shielding gasless flux wire, and SAA and Safety Australian Standard certification.


Top 11 MIG Welders for Australian DIYers and Professionals — In-Depth Reviews

The models discussed below were shortlisted based on their performance, durability, user-friendly features, and value for money. We also considered customer feedback, expert opinions, and industry standards to ensure each MIG welder meets quality and reliability standards.

1. YesWelder MIG-205DS

Best Multi-Process Welder

YESWELDER MIG-205DS
YesWelder MIG-205DS
Type: Gas; Gasless
Power: 110/220V Dual Volt; 30-135 Amp
Functions: MIG; Lift TIG; Stick
Weight: 5.15 kg

The YesWelder MIG-205DS is our top pick for the best multi-process welder in Australia. This portable welding machine carries out TIG, stick, and MIG (gas and gasless) welding. It suits 0.8 mm and 1.0 mm flux MIG, 1.0 mm and 1.6 mm TIG, and 2.4 mm and 3.2 mm stick welding. With a 135-amp output, the machine can also weld mild steel with a thickness of up to 3 mm.

The voltage of the welder is fine-tuneable. It has two modes: the synergic setting for automatic voltage change and wire feeding speed and a manual setting to adjust the voltage and wire feeding speed separately. For safety, it automatically compensates for voltage fluctuations and offers overload, overheating, and overcurrent protection, prioritising both equipment and user safety.

The YesWelder MIG-205DS  simplifies the welding process, making the multi-process welder suitable for beginners and professionals. We recommend it for carbon, stainless steel, and aluminium.

Pros

  • Spool gun compatible
  • Unique coating for preventing shock transfer
  • Voltage and wire feeding speed change automatically
  • Overload and overheat protection
  • Adjustable amperage

Cons

  • Lift TIG torch not included
  • Fan can be noisy

Check Price

2. Unimig U11006K VIPER

Best Single Phase MIG Welder

Unimig U11006K VIPER
Unimig U11006K VIPER
Type: Gas; Gasless
Power: 240V Single Phase; 30-165Amp
Functions: MIG; TIG; Stick
Weight: 9.8 kg

Single-phase MIG welders are preferable for home handyman tasks, car panel repair, general fabrication, onsite maintenance and repair, or structural steel welding. The Unimig U11006K VIPER is a cost-effective and practical option if you want a welder for any of these tasks. It's lightweight, portable, and a suitable alternative to heavy machinery that requires a 3-phase power supply.

Like the YesWelder, Unimig's VIPER has a synergic MIG control to adjust the wire feed speed and welding power. You can pre-program the machine by selecting the appropriate wire type and size. Then, change the amperage of the welder to suit your workpiece. It's also a multi-process machine that offers three welding functions: STICK, MIG, and TIG welding applications.

You don’t have to worry about power sources with this machine. Single-phase power is widely available in many commercial and residential settings. You can use the 10-amp plug with most domestic outlets, making the machine versatile for DIY home handypersons. We recommend Unimig's welder for small-scale welding of mild steel, aluminium, and stainless steel.

Pros

  • Synergic MIG Control allows
  • Plugs into most standard outlets
  • Works with gasless and gas-shielded MIG wire
  • Suitable for a wide variety of materials
  • Performs multiple welding functions

Cons

  • Lower current than 3-phase welders

Check Price

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Single-phase welders:

A MIG welder that operates on a single-phase electrical supply, usually within the voltage range of 220-240V, uses a two-wire AC power circuit. The circuit often comprises one phase wire carrying the power and one neutral wire. In a single-phase system, the voltage reaches its maximum value twice during each cycle, resulting in a non-constant instantaneous power.

3. Rossi MIG-220N

Best Inverter Welder in Australia

Rossi MIG-220N
Rossi MIG-220N
Type: Gas; Gasless
Power: 240V; 20-220Amp
Functions: MIG; STICK; TIG
Weight: 14 kg

The Rossi MIG-220N is our top pick for the best inverter MIG welder in Australia. The all-in-one welder uses a Semi-Zener iGBT inverter technology that offers continuous current rectification for improved efficiency. It converts AC to DC instead of running on an AC power source, enabling it to generate more power output while using less energy.

The super-compact design of the Rossi MIG-220N makes it highly portable, allowing you to carry it effortlessly to different work locations. Featuring a current range of 20 to 220 Amps and powered by 240 volts, this welder is suitable for diverse welding applications and materials up to 4.0 mm in thickness. For safety, the industry-standard DIN sockets and automatic shutdown system for overload and overheating protection enhance the convenience of use.

The inclusion of quick-connect brass fittings for TIG and MMA connections simplifies the setup process. The welder comes with a comprehensive set of accessories and a user manual with clear setup and operation instructions. You also get a face shield, TIG pouch, and a range of cords and leads. The welder can handle cast iron, stainless steel, and steel.

Pros

  • Inverter technology for efficiency
  • Handles MIG, TIG, MMA, ARC, and Stick welding
  • Twin-roller drive provides superior wire feeding
  • Has overload and overheating protection
  • Hardwired parts improve stability

Cons

  • Included accessories not very durable

Check Price

4. Unimig Viper 185

Best Gas MIG Welder

Unimig Viper 185
Unimig Viper 185
Type: Gas; Gasless
Power: 240V Single Phase; 30-180Amp
Processes: MIG; STICK; TIG
Weight: 12 kg

The Unimig Viper 185 gas MIG welder is a multi-process, inverter welding device for copper, aluminium, silicon bronze, cast iron, mild steel, stainless steel, and any other sheet metal. The versatile machine performs metal inert gas welding, Stick welding, and TIG. This versatility also extends to its power source, as it comes equipped with a 10 Amp domestic plug, making it ideal for home workshops and DIY projects.

Like most MIG welders on this list, VIPER 185 supports gas-shielded and gasless wires. The shielding gas ensures that oxygen from the surroundings doesn't reach the welding point. The gas also prevents contaminants from affecting the weld’s quality, ensuring there are no spores or uneven surfaces. The device also has stepless voltage and amperage controls and features wire inch and burn-back adjustment for easy setup and precise control.

Unimig's Viper 185 is also spool gun ready; thus, you can use thinner, softer wires like aluminum. The spool gun also allows for quick switching between different MIG welder setups. You may need to change the polarity or adjust the drive rollers, but the process is more efficient. Overall, the VIPER 185 proves to be a powerful and adaptable welding machine with a user-friendly design.

Pros

  • Shielding gas for minimal loss
  • Spool gun eliminates wire kinking
  • Thermal overload protection
  • Multi-process machine

Cons

  • Shielded gas setup is tedious

Check Price

5. Traderight MIG 15A Welder

Best MIG Welder for Beginners

Traderight MIG 15A Welder
Traderight MIG 15A Welder
Type: Gas; Gasless
Power: 240V; 180Amp
Processes: MIG; MMA; ARC
Weight: 13 kg

Traderight's 180amp welder suits all garage welding projects. It's one of the best MIG welders for its steady learning curve for professionals and beginners. It generates a robust and stable 180 Amp current with excellent regular arc force control, including fabrication, metal body works, and more.

The MIG welder is easy to operate and can roughly weld around 10mm plates and several metals, including carbon steel, copper, and steel. This machine has an HCase protection degree, 50Hz capacity, 240V frequency, and 7.7 KVA Current Rate for a smooth welding experience.

Being a gas/gasless DC welder, you can switch from gas to gasless by changing the torch polarity and having the correct filler wire. Likewise, you can choose a convenient method depending on your application. Traderight's MIG welder is also user-friendly and has quick and easy operation, variable wire feed for convenience, and an advanced cooling system for heat dissipation.

Pros

  • High-quality build
  • Triple protection for safety
  • Easy to operate and use for beginner
  • Steady current and arch force

Cons

  • TIG torch is not provided

Check Price

6. Redbo LX006

Best Gasless MIG Welder

Redbo LX006
Redbo LX006
Type: Gas; Gasless
Power: 110/220V; 160Amp
Processes: MIG; Lift TIG; STICK; Flux Core
Weight: 14.3 kg

The Redbo LX006 is our top pick for the best gasless MIG welder. In addition to its excellent gas-shielded welding performance, this machine also delivers outstanding gasless flux core welding results.

With the Redbo LX006, you get four connection mode references – MIG, STICK, Lift TIG, and Gasless Flux Core. The multi-process welder has a large LED digital display that provides a more accurate, convenient, and reliable data display. Plus, it's spool gun-ready, enhancing its flexibility and making it more adaptable to various welding applications.

You can use Redbo's LX006 with your standard 110V or 120V supply. Alternatively, using the included power adaptor cable, you can run it on your standard 220V or 240V outlet. You get a function selector switch, a current adjustment knob, and a welding voltage adjustment knob.

Pros

  • Multiple welding modes
  • Dual-voltage power outlets
  • Radiator fan for heat dissipation
  • Large LED digital display

Cons

  • High price point
  • Spool gun not included

Check Price

7. Weldclass WeldForce WF-160MST

Best 10 Amp MIG Welder

Weldclass WeldForce WF-160MST
Weldclass WeldForce WF-160MST
Type: Gas; Gasless
Power: 240V; 160 Amp; 10A Plug
Functions: MIG (Gas/Gasless); TIG; Stick
Weight: 9 kg

The Weldclass WeldForce WF-160MST is a triple-process welding machine that comes with a 10A plug. It has a lightweight construction, weighing only 9 kg, which makes it easy to transport from the workshop to the worksite. Its 10A plug allows you to use this machine in a home or industrial setting. Thus, it’s suitable for home workshops, mobile operators, and DIY enthusiasts.

This high-performing lightweight welder boasts two digital readout LCD displays for convenience. Next to the display are two knobs for infinitely variable voltage and wire speed. The welding machine also features polarity reverse, which is perfect for gas and gasless MIG welding. It has a maximum recommended MIG welding capacity is 6 mm mild steel.

The Weldclass WeldForce WF-160MST can weld with 0.9 mm gasless or solid/steel wire. It comes with 0.8/0.9 mm drive rollers for gas and gasless wires. Weldclass' WF-160MST welder is designed to take 1 kg (D100mm) or 5 kg (D200mm) spools. On purchase, you get 12 months warranty.

Pros

  • 10 Amp plug for mobile use
  • Lightweight, compact, and easy to transport
  • Layer wound ensures smooth wire feeding
  • Premium industrial-grade build
  • Multiple processes

Cons

  • Relatively pricier

Check Price

8. Weldpro MIG210LCD

Best MIG Welder for Aluminium

Weldpro MIG210LCD
Weldpro MIG210LCD
Type: Gas
Power: 115V/230V; 200Amp
Welding modes: MIG; Arc Stick; TIG
Weight: 24.5 kg

The Weldpro MIG210LCD is our top pick for aluminium welding. It’s also one of the highest-performing argon welding machines you can get. This machine comes with an extensive range of welding gear and processes catering to welders of different experience levels. The specialty option for an aluminium spool gun is very intuitive. The spool gun menu includes every essential setup detail, including the use of argon gas.

This heavy-duty welder has a colour LCD display that simplifies viewing and adjusting welding parameters. The display is preprogrammed with an all-inclusive menu. When powered, the display shows your amperage and voltage reader. There is also an instant display on the left that shows your material thickness, wire size, gas, and the current process.

The Weldpro MIG210LCD welding machine also has two separate knobs dedicated to wire speed and voltage adjustment. This makes adjusting your wire speed and voltage during the MIG process seamless.

Pros

  • Aluminium spool gun ready
  • LCD colour display loaded with features
  • Instant display for material thickness
  • Adjustable voltage and wire speed
  • Multiple processes

Cons

  • High price point
  • Setup process can be tedious

Check Price

9. Unimig Viper 182 MK II

Best MIG Welder for Home Use

Unimig Viper 182 MK II
Unimig Viper 182 MK II
Type: Gas; Gasless
Power: 240V; 30-180Amp; 10A Plug
Processes: MIG; Stick
Weight: 12 kg

The Unimig Viper 182 MK II is a great all-around welder for home use. It offers a good welding performance for home welders and hobbyists. We recommend it as it supports both gasless and gas-shielded MIG wire. You can easily run flux-cored MIG wire, stainless steel, and mild steel. The machine also functions as an inverter, MIG, and arc welder.

Unimig's MK II has a 10 Amp supply plug, so you can use it anywhere or even run it off your generator. It has adjustable amperage, voltage, and wire feed rate. These settings are easy to adjust with the user-friendly knobs at the front. The welder also has a wire drive gear, burn back adjustment, spool gun connection, and thermal overload protection for safety.

Pros

  • Wide amperage range
  • 10A plug is compatible with most homes
  • Power efficient and portable inverter welder
  • Adaptable to different materials
  • Easy wire feeding

Cons

  • No built-in amperage display

Check Price

10. Weldclass WeldForce WF-141GL

Best Small MIG Welder

Weldclass WeldForce WF-141GL
Weldclass WeldForce WF-141GL
Type: Gasless
Power: 240V; 140Amp; 10A Plug
Processes: MIG
Weight: 6 kg

The Weldclass WeldForce WF-141GL is the best small MIG welder in Australia. It weighs 6 kg, making it extremely lightweight and portable. This little machine is capable of blowing up to 140 amps of output at a 15% duty cycle. That’s enough amperage to give you a decent weld on a 4mm sheet metal with 0.8mm or 0.9mm gasless wire. At low amps, this machine allows for impressive arc control when working on thinner materials.  

Weldclass' WF-141GL has intuitive digital readouts for amperage and voltage. So, you can conveniently monitor the voltage and amperage before and during the welding process. Also, the small MIG welder is semi-synergic. This feature makes the machine very easy to use, even for beginners. The bottom control knob in the front of the machine adjusts your voltage and wire speed simultaneously, while the top knob does fine-tuning.

Pros

  • Semi-synergic for ease of use
  • Lightweight and compact machine
  • Large carry handle for easy transportation
  • Comes with a 10A plug for home use
  • Built-in amperage display

Cons

  • Only supports MIG welding

Check Price

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Semi-synergic welders:

A semi-synergic MIG welder simplifies the welding process by letting you adjust a single setting (like current, arc length, or material thickness) while the other settings (like wire speed) adjust automatically to maintain a stable welding arc. 

11. Dynamic TL-WM130NG

Best Budget MIG Welder

Dynamic TL-WM130NG
Dynamic TL-WM130NG
Type: Gasless
Power: 240V; 130Amp
Functions: MIG Welding
Weight: 16 kg

The Dynamic TL-WM130NG is an affordable MIG welder that can meet your home and repair needs. The machine is certified by the SAA Cert and Safety Australian Standard. So, it’s one of the safest on the market. We recommend it for thinner materials like mild and galvanised steel. Its high travel speed ensures smooth arc action, smooth weld edges, full slag coverage, low spatter, easy slag removal, and reduced risk of burn-through.

Dynamic's TL-WM130NG uses a gasless flux wire that is self-shielding. It forms a strong shield around the weld to prevent oxidation. As a result, you don’t have to move and connect separate gas tanks. Likewise, you can weld even when windy without worrying about interference with the shielding gas away. And even better, the spatter produced by the gasless flux core is easy to clean.

Pros

  • Stepless wire feed adjustment
  • Excellent on mild and galvanised steel
  • High safety standards
  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • Gasless flux core isn't included

Check Price


What is a Gas MIG Welder?

A gas MIG welder uses a gas-shielded wire. The wire is a single continuous length of solid line protected by a shielding gas. The wire and the shielding gas combine to form the welding arc in the welding process. The most important role of the shielding gas is to protect the weld pool from contamination from the surroundings.

What is a Gasless MIG Welder?

In contrast to Gas MIG welders, a gasless design requires no shielding gas during the welding process. Gasless welders rely on an internal layer of flux to provide a protective shield around the weld pool. The flux core is on the inside of the gasless MIG wire.

Gas vs. Gasless MIG Welder: Which to Choose?

The main difference between gas and gasless MIG welders is the shielding gas. In gas MIG welding, an external gas (generally an ArCO2 mix) protects the weld pool from the atmosphere and other contaminants. However, access to an industrial-grade gas tank can be difficult in remote locations or outdoors.

Moreover, environmental factors like wind can blow across the shielding gas, potentially causing porosity in your welds. In such situations, a gasless MIG welder, which uses a flux-cored wire that transforms into vapors to protect the weld pool, can be a better choice. Gasless MIG welders are known as 'self-shielded' welders because they don't need an external gas cylinder.

Another crucial factor is the weld quality and appearance. The quality and appearance of using a gas MIG welder are typically better than those of gasless MIG welding machines. These differences are caused by the residual slag coating that remains on the weld when using a gasless wire.

Lastly, there is the cost-effectiveness factor to consider. Gasless flux wire isn’t as efficient. Therefore, you will often need more gasless wire than gas-shielded wire. Additionally, gas-shielded wire is cheaper, but you will have to incur the cost of procuring an industrial-grade gas tank.

How to Choose the Best MIG Welder?

Choosing the best MIG welder involves carefully considering several factors to ensure it meets your specific needs and preferences. Here are three key points to consider in your decision-making:

  1. Type of Metal: The type of metal you will be welding is a crucial factor. For instance, carbon steel can handle a lot of heat and is forgiving when a novice welder applies too much heat. On the other hand, stainless steel requires less current due to its lower thermal conductivity.
  2. Welder's Features: The features of the welder can greatly impact its performance. Some welders are versatile and can weld with more than one welding process. It's also important to consider the power output, duty cycle, and the torch/gun of the welder.
  3. Your Skill Level and Needs: Your skill level is not nearly as important with MIG welders, but you'll require at least an hour of practice if you're new. Therefore, consider your skill level and the specific needs of your projects when choosing a MIG welder.

Here's our rule of thumb: the right welder for you must meet your specific needs and circumstances. Thus, it's always a good idea to do thorough research and consider all factors before making a decision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about MIG welders.

Are gasless MIG welders any good?

Yes, gasless MIG welders are good for certain applications. They are known for their ability to weld thicker metals, including those with rust, dirt, or paint, and they offer higher productivity and portability than gas MIG welders. 

Gasless MIG welders can be used outdoors or in windy conditions without contaminating the weld pool. However, they may produce more spatter and slag than gas MIG welders, and the amount of smoke and fumes produced during welding is also higher. 

What are the two types of MIG wire?

The two main types of MIG welding wire are solid and flux-cored.

  1. Solid wire is used in the GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) process and requires shielding gas, such as a 100% CO2 or a 75% Argon / 25% CO2 mixture for mild steel. It's used for welding mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Solid wire produces good-looking beads, less spatter, and very good penetration.
  2. Flux-cored wire is a metal electrode that contains a flux compound inside the electrode. When the wire melts and reacts with the welding arc, this forms a gas that protects the weld from oxygen, which can cause defects in the weld. A flux-cored wire is known for its ability to weld in windy conditions or on dirty or rusty material.

The choice between these two types of wire depends on the specific project and individual preferences.

What gas is needed for MIG welding?

The type of gas needed for MIG welding depends on the material being welded. The most common gases used are:

  • Mild Steel: A 75% argon/25% carbon dioxide mix (sometimes referred to as “C25 gas”) is very common for welding mild steel. Another gas used for mild steel is 100% carbon dioxide, sometimes called C100.
  • Aluminum: The most common gas used for MIG welding aluminum is 100% argon.
  • Stainless Steel: A 90% Argon/10% Carbon Dioxide mix is often used for stainless steel.

Remember, your shielding gas choice significantly impacts the weld quality, arc behavior, productivity, and costs. So, it’s vital to pick the correct gas for the job at hand.

Which is better, MIG or flux?

The choice between MIG and flux core welding depends on the specific project and individual preferences.

  1. MIG welding is known for its versatility and is suitable for thin and thick metals. It produces fine-looking welds, less spatter, and very good penetration. However, it requires an external shielding gas, which can be a significant ongoing expense.
  2. Flux core welding is often more cost-effective as it eliminates the need for an external shielding gas. It's well-suited for outdoor welding tasks since it isn’t as susceptible to wind and environmental conditions. Moreover, it tends to be faster than other welding methods, thanks to its high heat output. Still, the flux compound often leaves slag that must be cleaned off after welding, which can be time-consuming.

Conclusion

The YesWelder MIG-205DS is our best overall pick and the best multi-process welder in Australia. It combines a trusted brand name, an excellent price point, and multiple welding modes to suit all your needs.

The right product and model will help you accomplish your home, office, or professional welding projects easily and efficiently. So, whether you're a beginner, a DIYer, a serious hobbyist, or a professional, hopefully, you found one of these to be the ideal fit for your welding needs.



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Mark Thompson

Mark is an Australian Agronomist and a father of two beautiful girls. He enjoys writing about garden design, landscape architecture, DIY, tools, and related topics.

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