Best Pipeline Welder

Is the next big day around the corner? Well, it’s your funeral. And just so you know there are more jobs coming your way. Judging by the ever-increasing job opportunities for welder-operators year-in-year-out thanks to the continuous expansion of the construction industry. But to face it welding is a profession of focus; hard work; stability; and intelligence. The more accurate and precise you weld the greater the result. And likewise, the more satisfied your customers are. Which means more money in the bank. And more future deals. Exactly why you need the best pipeline welder.

But what if you don’t have to go through all the disappointments switching from models to models? Imagine your pipeline welder is;

  •         Of smart duty cycle
  •         The right power output for the job
  •         Produces fewer slags and splatter
  •         Doesn’t cause disaster
  •         Churns out aesthetic weld beads
  •         Joins both thick and soft pipes like glue
  •         Does aluminum-steel, steel-steel, and aluminum-aluminum perfectly
  •         Of heavy copper winding
  •         Zero misgivings

Well, you may stop wishing right now and here because we have helped you find the best pipeline welder for pipeline fabricators and engineers. Though we could put every welder out there in the cart, we found the 20s of them but picked just 10. So from our top 10 best pipeline welder here, you have greater chances of choosing that one that suits your style and skills. Needless to say, we included our insider’s buying guide for FREE. Who knows when you might need it?

Ready for a blameless purchase? Heading over to our welder number 1.

Review of the Best Pipeline Welder You Should Choose From

  1. Hobart Handler 210 MVP MIG Welder

It is not just a popular opinion that MIG welding is the best for pipeline operation. When it comes down to it, and really, it is smarter to MIG weld mild steel and aluminum than opting for any of the two other options. ARC and TIG welding of course. So to speak we make our first recommendation a MIG welder coming from yours truly, Hobart.

Hobart Handler 210 MVP MIG Welder

The Hobart handler 210 MIG welder is an intuitive MIG welder for an entry-level unto pipeline fabrication. Easy to set up in 30 minutes. Recommended for a straight pulling and pushing on clean beads. You want deep penetration on base steel pipes, this welder offers that. You want complete heat control over soft metals like aluminum pipes, again Hobart 210 has the offering. The Hobart MVP is a dual voltage MIG system ready to be thrown into the back of the truck for fieldwork.

What are the advantages over other MIG welders for pipeline fabrication? For the most part of it there are just a few dual-voltage systems with less duty cycle as required for a perfect pipeline steel weld. Likewise, we searched but couldn’t find any other 210V welding machine come with a spool hub accommodating as much wide range of spools. Okay, there’s the Miller 210 which even in that case doesn’t have the 4-8inches range of spool accommodation of Hobart Handler 210 MVP.

Another set in the advantages mix is portability, usability, price, and a massive opportunity range. Oh and a low sound on activation. Check complete specs of our MIG best pipeline welder below.

Features

  •         Amperage range; 110/210V
  •         Input voltage; 115/230V
  •         Voltage range settings; 7 options
  •         Duty cycle at 90amps; 115V 20%
  •         Duty cycle at 150amps; 230V 30%
  •         Spool hub accommodation; 4-8 inches spools
  •         Maximum spool weight capacity; 10inches
  •         Include sample spool; 0.030inches
  •         Include dual-gauge regulator for gas
  •         Gas hose
  •         10 feet extension power cord
  •         H100S4-10 gun
  •         Overall weight; 75lbs
  •         Steel welding capacity; 24 ga-3/8inches
  •         Aluminum welding capacity; thick/thin
  •         System type; quick-change drive roll/taps and continuous
  •         Feed head material; metal
Pros
  • Best pipeline welder for beginners MIG operators
  • Less weight
  • Great welder for the money
  • Perfect beads on aluminum and steel
  • 7 position taps offer wide dial spots
  • Perfect commercial/industrial system with less duty cycle
  • Nice and tough build with plenty of power for the job
  • Highly dependable, made to last long
  • Versatile MIG machine for traveler engineers
  • Recommended for steel, aluminum, and stainless steel

Cons

  • May be portable but slightly heavy
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  1. Miller BOBCAT 250 Engine Driven Welder

Are you frequently working in any of the states with the most power outages? California. Texas. Vermont. New Jersey. New York. These are some of the states with the highest call rates for pipeline welding and operations. But again they are the states with the highest power outages. And while you may be missing out on all the big gigs and offers with highest payments, no thanks to power-demanding welders, smart operators are making a killing. No, they’ve never had to wait for the generator-hiring guy nor do they find the need to splash out the extra on a generator. So what’s the little big secret? An engine-driven metal-joining machine! And boy have we found you two high-end with the most benefits. The first one first.

Miller BOBCAT 250 engine-driven system is a tough and rugged metal-frying machine for STICK welder operators. For from-the-ground-up pipeline fabrication to repair to maintenance we recommend BOBCAT to everyone who prefers the STICK and flux-cored methods. It is a steady 12, 000watts-spewing standard machine with 27% less frustration when it comes to noise. Imagine working in an industrial area without getting sued for disturbing the neighborhood’s peace. But there are more goodies packed into the 27% mix.

For the most part, you enjoy 27% more efficiency over many other electrical welders. Again there’s a 27% less gasoline-consumption from this engine. Thinking of a great way to save money while enjoying the benefits of an engine-driven system? Well, significant numbers of users reported $1000 money save on fuel on this system. On top of that, this is the best time to own a Miller BOBCAT 250. Why?

Well. Miller had just included a new upgrade on the design. The engine had been repositioned towards the rear for better airflow and efficiency. Ugh… there’s more. Another upgrade is on the weight and size to give more room for other equipment in the truck and make it easy to offload, lift, and take away. Most important is the engine comes with no choke making it easy to start and run.

Our verdict though. If you look forward to an extended runtime, reliable delivery cum operation, and reduced emission of say 27-30% BOBCAT is your gear. And did we mention that it comes with an electric fuel injection option? Check the complete specifications below.

Features

  •         System application; STICK (SMAW), flux-cored (FCAW), MIG (GMAW)
  •         STICK/TIG output range; 40-250amps
  •         MIG/FCAW output range; 17-28volts
  •         STICK/TIG duty cycle; 100%-60% for 225amps at 25v
  •         MIG FCAW duty cycle; 100% for 250amps at 80v
  •         2nd FCAW duty cycle; 60% for 275amps at 25v
  •         Peak generator power; 11, 000watts
  •         Peak generator power on EFI; 12, 000watts
  •         Include EFI (Electronic fuel injection) option and carburetor
  •         Carbon arc gouging
  •         Runtime hour; 13hrs on carburetor/15.5hrs on EFI
  •         Fuel type; gasoline/LP
  •         Fuel capacity; 12 gallon
  •         MIG wire accommodation; .035-1/16inches
  •         MIG-Aluminum spool gun
  •         Dimension; 28 × 20 × 40.5inches
  •         Weight; 501lbs
  •         4 STICK wire control
  •         2 TIG range control
  •         120V receptacle with circuit breaker
Pros
  • Smooth adjustability control
  • Best power-driven system for pipeline fabricators
  • Clear maintenance display
  • Wide range control
  • Great weld performance
  • Fine delivery on carburetor
  • Powerful and maximum delivery on EFI
  • Great sound quality
  • Excellent efficiency
  • Extended runtime hour
  • Super easy to start
  • Best pipeline welder (multi-processor)
  • Best choice for less-fuel usage
  • Less and easy maintenance
  • High portability
  • A smart choice for traveler engineers
    

Cons

  • Doesn’t come with a mount
  1. Miller Multiprocess Welder XMT 304 CC/CV

Before we double your engine-driven choice we’d like to bring anther Miller multi-process metal-fryer in-between. And this time in the XMT series. Before the review, who do we recommend this to? Majorly for those looking to hone in on their MIG skill really. Okay, it’s a multi-purpose system which means it does TIG/MIG/STICK. But the truth is there’s always that one area where you find a piece of multi-purpose equipment at its highest power, efficiency, and learning curve. Agree? So what do you get from the XMT 304 CC/CV?

XMT 350 VS 208/575V Multi-Process Welder 400A with Auto-Line

Everything! Sorry, we made that up but the advantages are pretty high. Talk about the fact that it comes on a welder cart ready to push around from floors to floors on the field. We haven’t spotted any other competitor with that. Also, a MIG gun is inside. A Q400 MIG gun for consistency, deep pool, and control overheat. You also get a responsive regulator on top it. Likewise, there’s an added gas gauge of high accuracy with a gas hose. Not the soft gas hose type that leaks fuel away. Nor the short one that restricts your movement on the field and in the end becomes totally useless. The icing on the cake is the on-wheel cart for gas cylinder with comfortable push handles at the rear. And did we mention you get a drive roll kit on top of all that?

Accuracy and options? Miller multiprocess welder XMT 304 CC/CV is the best pipeline welder with high MIG accuracy. You wouldn’t regret the experience as a MIG expert. The primary volt display is accurate. And the casing style is unique to the system alone for full-coverage of vital parts. Lastly a damage-signal feature is included to tell you what part needs repair should the need arise. More features, upsides, and downsides below.

Specifications

  •         System application; TIG/MIG/STICK
  •         System type; electricity
  •         Output voltage; 230-450V
  •         Rated output; 300amps
  •         Rated welding output; 300amps at 32V
  •         Duty cycle; 60% at 32V
  •         Modes; CC and CV
  •         Weld cable material; copper
  •         Weld cable size; 100ft
  •         Output/circuit receptacles
  •         Remote output control
  •         Dimension; 24inch × 12-1/2inches × 7inches
  •         Weight; 87lbs
  •         OCV; 90
  •         Heat frequency; 60Hz
Pros
  • Versatile metal-joiner
  • Best pipeline welder for the money
  • Comfortable and tough carry-handle
  • Includes cart for easy transportation
  • Drive roll kit is a plus
  • Long cable for effective outdoor operation
  • Tough gas hose
  • Durable design material
  • Strong engine covering plate design for durability
  • Smart duty cycle for the job
        

Cons

  • May be too heavy
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  1. Miller Trailblazer Air pack 302 Engine Driven Welder

As our last engine-driven system we recommend Trailblazer air pack 302 for its superior arc performance. Get skillful with 4 preset settings on STICK-weld. Dive around the 4 by engagement for a stiff weld when needed and soft weld when required. By the way, the hot start is exclusively adaptive to this model. How about the delivery on MIG? 2 features ahead of your expectations! First is the Autocrater that cuts back on output amperage automatically at the end of every weld. The advantages are; less time-taken and less-stress. How? You are ahead of the trouble of doing the manual work via remote control and the time it takes pushing hard buttons.

Engine Driven Welder, Bobcat 225

Heads up! If you usually start with lifting to beat contamination we highly recommend this Trailblazer air pack 302 for its lift-arc feature. By the way regardless of your welding technique of preference the engine’s 13, 000watts is constant and smooth. This is a promise for a professional welding performance and classic welding arc through MIG/TIG/STICK. And boy is the engine easy to start? It’s easy to service as well. Meanwhile, a powerful battery with 12-24V charging capacity is included dedicated to shelling out 450amps to jump-start with.

Our verdict? Judging by all the advantages so far, the smooth arc dialing, and the high-class rotary compressor, this is the best pipeline welder to send the boys off with. Won’t take much space at the back of the truck and is a little on the lightweight category. Details below though.

Features

  •         System type; engine-driven
  •         Engine type; 4-cycle 2 cylinder air-cooled engine
  •         Engine speed; 3000-3600rpm
  •         Engine horsepower; 27hp at 3600rpm
  •         Fuel capacity; 12 gallon
  •         Oil capacity; 1.7qtz
  •         STICK/TIG amp range; 10-300amps
  •         MIG/FCAW volt range; 13-35V
  •         STICK/TIG duty cycle; 100% on 280amps at 32v
  •         MIG/FCAW duty cycle; 100% on 300amps at 32v
  •         2nd MIG/FCAW duty cycle; 60% on 350amps at 32v
  •         Generator maximum power; 13, 000watts
  •         Battery; 12-24v
  •         Compressor working power; 80-160psig
  •         Compressor oil change interval; 500hrs
  •         120-240v receptacle and circuit breaker
  •         Weight; 771lbs
Pros
  • Rotary air compressor highly functional
  • Adaptive hot start for excellent pipeline fabrication
  • Super performance on MIG/FCAW
  • Accurate meter maintenance display
  • Exclusive Auto-crater and Auto-stop on LiftArc
  • Assisting AC/DC battery
  • Responsive engine switch control
  • Independent weld and generator benefits
  • Smart size
  • Recommended for entry-level into pipeline works
  • Best pipeline welder for repair and construction 

Cons

  •         For big-budget makers

Now as promised, we finally give away our insider’s buying guide for best pipeline welder for FREE. Also at the end before the conclusion headline, we provide 5 common mistakes to avoid in pipeline welding. Read on if you love staying ahead.

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Best Pipeline Welder Buying Guide

Welder type; is the first thing you want to buy by. Are you crazily creative with a MIG welder? You want to exchange your money for a system that goes along with your skill. In the same way, if you’re making the purchase for the boys be sure to find out what welder type the majority of them are really good at handling.

Welding jobs; is another important factor to be considered. Okay, it’s clear you’re here for the best pipeline welder. We have recommended a few. But what kind of a pipeline welder are you really? Do you construct them from scratch or you’re the repair guy? On the construction side, that is if you fall there, you want a serious heavy-duty welder. An engine-driven machine is more advisable but again it should give you nothing less than 3000watts power consistently on all weld. Aha, it should be multipurpose as well and of less fuel-consumption.

Design and material; a machine built to last is easy to recognize with keen attention to the elementary design and material. However, we recommend steel. Any welder built with steel does well enough than aluminum to stand the heat and vibration during operation. Speaking of design, see the engine type and look it up for the complete details. Check the spool hub, if it won’t take 10” spool it may not be smart a choice.

Features; does this welder offer all the basic features? What’s the duty cycle like? As a welder operator for pipeline construction, you want a duty cycle of 60-100% duty cycle. 50% duty cycle is okay too but anything outside of that won’t do well for you. Says who? Well, give it a try. Finally, look out for exclusive features. Especially in engine-driven metal-fryer. See if yours come with a compressor and maybe say EFI option.

Transportation; okay not every equipment comes on-wheel to move about. But even if yours doesn’t ensure your welder is lightweight and has at least a handle to carry it with. And should in case both of these features are missing see that the transport cart as sold separately is of low price.

Ding! Now to the nugget. Here are the…

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Pipeline Welding

  •         Not following the welding procedure specification
  •         Using the wrong or a faulty pipeline welder
  •         Wrong joint base preparation
  •         Excess use of shielding gas
  •         Unprecise angle position and speed of torch
  •         Working with an unprepared workpiece
  •         Incomplete prepping

Conclusion

Which was your last system and how was the experience? Is it part of our recommendation and have we given it more or less representation? Do you have something to call us back to or you need more specific recommendations? Use the comment box and we will reach back to you shortly.

 

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