[Blake Sanders]

I researched the best welder for a beginner as i am finally getting into welding after years of putting it off. i have been experiencing a lot of frustration with just borrowing equipment here and there, and now i want something of my own that’s not too complicated to learn on. i went through reviews from trusted sources like WeldingWeb, Miller forums, and YouTube channels like Weld.com, and after comparing many options these two kept coming up as the top choices:

ARCCAPTAIN 200Amp MIG Welder
https://www.amazon.com/ARCCAPTAIN-Welding-Inverter-Portable-Equipment/dp/B0B1TGZ8XN?th=1

Lincoln Electric 90i MIG
https://www.amazon.com/Lincoln-Electric-Weld-PAK-Protective-K5256-1/dp/B0BTMVVG35/?th=1

however, i am having trouble deciding which one would be better for me as a total newbie and i would love to get your expert advice and hoping maybe some experienced welders or instructors on this forum can also share their advice.
i usually plan on doing small home projects like shelves, frames, and maybe car repairs down the road. which one would you recommend for a first machine? any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance

[Brett Walsh]

Hi blake, as an expert welder in welding for 15 years i want to say that for a beginner, both of these are solid picks. The Lincoln 90i is often recommended in trade schools because of how simple it is to set up and run. It has fewer knobs and features to overwhelm you, so you can focus on learning your technique rather than fighting with settings. On the other hand  the ARCCAPTAIN 200Amp gives you more room to grow because of the extra amperage and duty cycle. If you stick with welding you would not outgrow it as quickly. If you just want something you can fire up and start practicing with right away i think  Lincoln is the easier choice.

 

[Blake Sanders]

thanks for your reply. I do not want to overcomplicate things  but at the same time I do not want to waste money on something I willl outgrow in a year. I will probably start with small shelves and repair projects therefore  I can see myself wanting to take on heavier stuff as I improve. It sounds like Lincoln is simpler for learning but ARCCAPTAIN gives me more headroom.

[Chad King]

I have taught a couple of beginners in my garage. I usually recommend something like the Lincoln 90i because of less confusion. The beginners can get discouraged fast if they can not dial in a machine. The Lincoln keeps it straightforward. On the flip side, one of my students bought the ARCCAPTAIN and picked it up pretty quick. He loves that it can handle thicker steel when he is ready. If you want the least frustrating “plug and play” start, Lincoln. If you are okay with a slightly steeper learning curve but more capability then you can go for  ARCCAPTAIN.

[Blake Sanders]

I like your thoughts as frustration is definitely something I want to avoid early on. I do not mind practicing, but I do not want to get discouraged right out of the gate. I will keep that in mind as I compare them.

[Amy Fox]

I was in the exact same boat last year when i was a totally beginner with zero welding background. After large research I decided to take a chance on the ARCCAPTAIN 200Amp. At first I was a little nervous because it seemed like more machine than I needed  but honestly it turned out to be the right call. The controls are easy enough for a beginner however what I appreciated most was that it did not limit me once I started improving. Within a couple of months I was building a workbench and even tackling some auto body patches. If I had gone with something smaller i would probably already be looking to upgrade. For me ARCCAPTAIN was beginner friendly and future proof.

[Tyler Joseph]

I usually push beginners toward Lincoln because of the its name recognition and reliability. If something goes wrong with this welder its parts and support are easy to find and you know the machine will last. On the other hand  the arcapatian has been getting a lot of good reviews lately  and people say it is very forgiving even for new welders. If you are nervous about wasting money Lincoln is a safe bet. If you want the best long term investment and do not mind learning a little more arcaptain is a strong option. Either way both are a massive upgrade from just borrowing old machines here and there.

[Blake Sanders]

Thanks everyone. This has been super helpful. I think i am leaning toward the arcapatian just because it gives me more room to grow and several of you mentioned that beginners can still learn on it without too much hassle. Now  I can definitely see why the Lincoln is recommended in schools and by instructors. If I was only planning to just in start or part time  I would probably go with Lincoln. But since I want to keep progressing and take on bigger projects  ARCCAPTAIN feels like the better long-term pick. Really appreciate all the advice here!Thanks all.

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