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Welding: Home & Beginner Welders

Welding

Updated Oct 17, 2026

MIG and flux-core welders for home garages and first-time welders, compared on duty cycle, input voltage, amperage range, and wire capacity from manufacturer spec sheets.

Guides

Welding guide illustrationWeldingBest MIG and Flux-Core Welders for Home Use: A Beginner's Spec ComparisonFive 120V-capable welders compared on duty cycle, amperage, thickness claims, weight and included gas gear.Updated Oct 17, 2026Welding guide illustrationWeldingFlux-Core vs. MIG: Which Process Should a Beginner Start With?What Hobart's, Lincoln's and Miller's own charts show about thin metal, thickness, wind, fume and aluminum.Updated Oct 17, 2026

Duty cycle at a glance

How long each 120V welder can run at 90 amps out of every 10 minutes, as published.

Bar chart: Duty cycle at 90 A for 4 models
Duty cycle at 90 A, from maker spec sheets; Titanium figure per Bob Vila. YesWelder MIG-205DS PRO rates at a different amperage.

Planning to run a welder from a generator? Welders have some of the largest power draws in a garage. Use our generator wattage calculator and check your welder's input requirements in its manual.