Welding can be a fun and interesting hobby, but it can also be a very useful skill and profession.
Whether you’re interested in welding for your business or just want to do some home repairs, it’s important to have the right welder.
Century welders are some of the best on the market; this article will discuss the six best Century welders for any budget. We will look at their pros and cons to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
Are you looking for a quick list? Here are top 3 picks at a glance. Detailed reviews are given below as well.
An Overview Of Century Welders
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., a leading global welding equipment and supplies manufacturer, produces Century welders. It acquired Century in 2003, which has been operating for the last 75 years.
The Lincoln Electric corporation is headquartered in Euclid, Ohio, and operates 44 production facilities worldwide.
Here are some pictures of Century Welders we have tested out:
Nonetheless, you should know that this company has activities and joint partnerships in 19 other nations.
Also you can check out our in depth review on best amico welders here.
What Makes Century Welders Stand Out?
The 1st to engineer 110V battery Charger
Century pioneered technology that allowed battery chargers to use a welder’s transformer to charge batteries 75 years ago. It was one of the first manufacturers to introduce a 110-Volt battery charger.
They quickly invented the “boost” function, completely changing the business. The design was an immediate hit, and it was the first true charging option.
Excellent Craftsmanship
Century Welders have a long history of excellent craftsmanship and providing top-notch services to their clients.
What makes Century Welders stand out among the competition is their commitment to quality.
They take the time to make sure each weld is perfect, and they refuse to cut corners. As a result of their attention to detail, they have high customer satisfaction, and many of their customers are repeat buyers.
They use the latest technology and equipment to ensure that their welds are strong and meet the highest standards. The century welder machine has an inverter power supply designed to enhance your experience.
Small But Powerful
Most Century welders are among the smallest welders on the market. But don’t let their small size deceive you – they are powerful machines that can handle various welding tasks.
What makes Century welders stand out from the competition is their combination of power and portability.
Their compact size makes them easy to transport. These features make Century a great choice for constantly moving people who need to take their welder with them.
However, they don’t have the power of some larger welders because of their small size, but they still have enough power to handle most home projects and repairs.
The DC inverter generators produce low amperage output ideal for thin metals and mild steel applications. They can weld all metals from 18 gauge to ¼ -inch thickness, which is also an attractive feature.
Variety of welding machines
Another thing that makes Century Welders so popular is that they offer a wide variety of welding machines.
The Century welder line includes MIG welders, stick welders, flux core welders, and multi-processors.
So, whether you are a DIYer or a professional welder, Century Welders has the perfect machine for you.
Affordable
Many welders cost a lot of money, but Century Welders are priced to meet the needs of budget-conscious buyers; they have a welder for every need.
What Are Some Drawbacks Associated With Century Welders?
Century welders are popular for their low cost and easy-to-use features. Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks associated with these welders.
For example, the duty cycle for these welders is often low, meaning that you can only use them for a limited amount of time before needing to cool down.
Additionally, the amperage range for Century welders is often quite limited, making it difficult to weld thicker metals.
Also you can check out our in depth review on best vulcan welder reviews here.
Top 6 Best Century Welders Reviewed
1. Lincoln Electric Inverter ARC 120
- 10-90A at 120 Volt input
- Shoulder strap for portability
- 20%@ 70 amps Duty Cycle
- Compact and lightweight design
- 1-year warranty parts and labor
- Lincoln Electric Inverter ARC 120 Unit
- 10 feet cable with Ground clamp
- 10 feet Stick electrode holder
- 6 feet Power cable (with 15A plug)
- Shoulder strap
Specs
- Welding output range: 10-90A DC
- Input Voltage: 120 volts(120/1/60)
- Output Voltage:120 volts
- Dimensions: 7 ½ inches x 5.25inches x 11 ½ inches
- Weight: 14 pounds
- Weld Thickness: 18 gauge to ¼ inch
- Duty Cycle: 20%@ 70 amps
- Welding Process: Stick
- Max electrode thickness: 1/8 inch
- Warranty Description: 12 months
Features
Continuous amperage control; One feature that makes this machine so desirable is continuous amperage control, which gives the operator more precise control over the weld.
The function permits the welder to set the desired amperage and hold it steady, regardless of arc length; this is a huge advantage when welding in tight spaces or on thin materials. It eliminates the need to adjust the amperage with each weld.
It’s a great feature for beginners and experienced welders alike, as it allows for more consistent welds. On 18GA to 14 -gauge steel, the smooth arc produces robust welds.
20% Duty cycle; Its 20% duty cycle means it can operate for 2 minutes out of every 10 minutes without overheating. While it’s not that great, you can lower the amperage to get a greater duty cycle.
Inverter technology; Additionally, the inverter technology ensures that the arc is always stable, minimizing distortion and providing a quality weld. It supports the following rods; E6011 3/32″, E6013 1/16″, 5/64″ or 5/32″ and E7018 3/32″.
2. Century 255 Flux-Cored/MIG Welder
- Built-in thermal overload protection system
- Adjustable wire feed speed control
- 30-255A Welding output range
- Built-in wheels
- Wire drive motor speed:50-700 IPM
- 5-year limited warranty
- Century 255 Welder
- One 10′ work cable and clamp assembly
- 15′ Magnum 250L gun & cable assembly with contact tip(0.035-inch)
- One contact tip(0.045 inches)
- One reel adapter for 2-inch wide, 8-inch spools
- One reel adapter for 3-inch wide, 8-inch spools
- One gas regulator and hose
- One 10′ power cable with attached plug
- One MIG welding nozzle
Specs
- Welding output range: 30-255A
- Input power: 220v 50amp
- Wire drive motor speed: 50-700 ipm.
- duty cycle: 20% @ 255A
- 60% @160A
- 100% @ 120A
- Assembled weight: 185 lbs
- Dimensions(L,W,H): 34inches x 17inches x 30 inches
Features
Built-in thermal overload protection; The built-in thermal overload protection feature on the Century 255 welder is a great safety feature.
The thermal overload protection will automatically shut off if the welder starts to overheat.
This prevents the welder from becoming too hot and potentially causing a fire or other safety hazard.
30-255A Welding output range: With a 30-255 amps welding, it can handle various welding tasks, from thin sheet metal to heavy gauge steel.
In one pass, it can weld 18GA sheet metal to 3/16″ thick steel, and in numerous passes, it can weld up to 1/2″ thick steel.
And at 255 amps, it has a 20% duty cycle and will run for two minutes out of every ten minutes without overheating. At 120 amperes, you’ll get a 100% duty cycle which is excellent for welding larger projects.
Adjustable wire feed speed control; lets you match the speed to the material you’re welding so you can always get the perfect weld.
Built-in cartwheels; One of the most impressive features of the 255 is its built-in cartwheels. With the built-in cartwheels, you can easily move them around the shop or garage, which is a huge plus for people who don’t have a lot of space.
3. Century 80GL Flux- Cored Welder
The Century 80GL welder is ideal for repairing tools, automotive repair, machinery, and more.
- 35-88A Welding output range
- Two separate heat settings
- Safe cold wire design
- Squeeze trigger to weld
- Multi-insulated and sturdy design for long life
- 1-year warranty on parts and labor
- infinite wire speed control
- Century 80GL Flux- Cored Welder Unit
- Nozzle tip
- 1lb Starter spool of wire
- 10’ Mig gun
- Owners’ manual
Specs
- Current: 70 amps
- Duty cycle: 20%@ 70A
- Voltage: 21Volts
- Dimensions: 9 x18 x 13 inches
- Weld Thickness: 18GA metal up-to 1/8- inch
- Output range: 35-88A
- Weight: 7.2 ounces
- Warranty: 1- year
- Weldable metals: carbon and low-alloy steel
Features
Two separate heat settings; The Century 80GL welder has two heat settings, which is a feature not found on many welders; this allows the welder to use a lower heat setting for delicate work and a higher one for tougher jobs.
Safe cold wire design; Cold wire welding is a process that uses a wire electrode that is at room temperature when it contacts the workpiece. This process offers several benefits over traditional welding methods, including:
- Reduced distortion of the welded joint
- Reduced spatter
- Reduced need for post-weld grinding
The Century 80GL is designed for safe, cold wire welding. It features a trigger-activated arc that does not establish until the trigger is pulled, ensuring that the electrode remains cool until it is ready to be welded.
An infinite wire speed control; means that you can weld at any wire speed, within the welder’s capabilities, without changing any settings.
This feature is extremely useful for welding projects that require a lot of precision. You can set the wire speed as slow or as fast as you need it to create the perfect weld every time.
This feature is also helpful for welding thin metal, as it allows you to adjust the wire speed very slowly so that you don’t overheat the metal.
Operates on 115-volt input; The Century 80GL has 88 full Amps of welding power at 115 volts operates.
It has a 30-88 voltage control feature, which gives you a wider weld range. This machine is perfect for welding carbon and low-alloy steel.
It does not require shielding gas; The Century 80GL is a flux core design welder that does not require gas as it uses .035 flux-cored welding wire.
It plugs into a standard household 115V outlet and welds metal thickness of 18GA metal up to 1/8- inch.
Simple to use interface; It is also easy to use, with a simple control panel with an amperage adjustment knob and a voltage adjustment knob.
Overload protection: This welder also has a thermal overload protection system that will automatically shut the machine off if it becomes too hot.
Warranty: There is a 12-month warranty(on parts and labor on the unit)and a 90-day warranty on welding Mig gun and cable.
4. Century K2790-1 Arc 230 Stick Welder
- 30% @150A duty cycle
- Exact temp setting for consistent welds
- Small frame, big power
- Shoulder strap for portability
- 1-year warranty on labor and parts
- Century K2790-1 Arc 230 Unit
- One 10′ work cable
- One 10′ cable and electrode holder
- shoulder strap
- One 6′ input cable with 50- amp (NEMA 6-50P) plug
- Owner’s manual
Specs
- Input Power: 220V, 60 Hz, 1 phase
- Welding Output Range: 10-155A DC
- Duty Cycle: 30%@ 150A
- Dimensions: 14.6 x 6.5 x 12 inches
- Weight: 22lbs
- Weld Thickness: 18- gauge sheet metal to 5/16″
- Warranty: 1-year
Features
10-155A output range; This machine has a 10-155A output range, meaning it can weld stick electrodes as small as 5/64″ and as large as 5/32″. It also has a duty cycle of 30% at 150A, meaning you can weld for up to three minutes out of every ten.
Smooth arc; The smooth arc of the Century K2790-1 Inverter Arc 230 stick welder provides strong welds on 18GA sheet metal to 5/16″.
It is a great choice for home repair and light fabrication. It’s also very portable, weighing in at just 22 pounds.
Simple interface; The Century K2790-1 Arc 230 stick welder is a simple machine to operate with a user-friendly interface.
The front panel has; Power switch: This is the on/off switch for the machine; welding current selector:
This switch has seven positions: between 20-160 amps. It allows you to set the welding current according to the thickness of the metal you are welding.
The welder also has a built-in thermal overload protection system, automatically shutting down the machine if it starts to overheat. This helps keep you safe while welding and prevents damage to the machine.
5. Century Inverter Arc 230 Stick Welder K2790-2
You can get this one from Ebay
- 230V Input power
- Shoulder strap for portability
- Continuous amperage control
- 1-year warranty (parts & labor on unit) & 3- month (90-day warranty) on cables
- Century K2790-2 Arc 230 unit
- 10 feet ground clamp and cable assembly
- Shoulder strap
- 10 feet electrode holder and cable assembly
- Owner’s manual
- 6ft power cord with 50amp (NEMA 6-50P) plug
Specs
- Input Power: 230V(230/1/60)
- Welding Output Range: 10-155A DC
- Duty Cycle: 30%@ 150A
- Dimensions: 14 x5.5 x 10 inches
- Weight: 18lbs
- Weld Thickness: 14- gauge sheet metal to 5/16″
- Warranty: 1-year
Also you can check out our in depth review on best ironton welders here.
Features
230v input power; The 230v input power means that you can plug the welder into a standard wall outlet without worrying about finding an industrial outlet.
The smooth arc supports mild steel stick electrode sizes of 5/64- inch to 5/32- inch and offers robust welds on 18GA metal up to 5/16-inch- thick steel with the 10 to 155- amp output.
In addition, it has a duty cycle of 30%@ 150 amperes that allow it to run for three minutes straight out of each 10 minutes without overheating.
Continuous amp control; Continuous amperage control allows precise temperature control and repeatable welding.
Simple Interface; One of the best features of the Century K2790-2 Inverter Arc 230 stick welder is its simple interface. It is simple to use, even for people who have never welded before. The controls are all clearly labeled and easy to understand.
The welder also has several safety features that make it safe to use. For example, an overload protection system keeps the welder from overheating.
It also has a thermal overload system that prevents the welder from being damaged if it accidentally comes into contact with something hot.
Lightweight; The machine is also very lightweight and portable, making it easy to take with you wherever you need to weld.
You can get this one from Ebay
6. Century FC90 Flux-Core Welder
The Century 90 Amp FC90 is a great welder for home and light industrial use.
- 120-volt input power for convenience
- shoulder strap for easy portability
- 6-month warranty on gun and cable
- 30% @ 80Amps Duty Cycle
- Century FC90 flux- core welder
- Shoulder strap
- A 6 ft cable with ground clamp
- A 6 ft gun and cable assembly
- A 6 ft Power cable with 120v/15- amp plug
- Owner’s Manual
Specs
- Input Power: 120/1/60
- Duty Cycle: 30%@ 80A
- Welding output range: 30-90A DC
- Weight: 18 lbs
- Dimension: 11.25 inches x 5.75inches x 17inches
- Weld Thickness: 18 GA up to ¼ inch
- Weldable process; Flux-cored
Features
Automatic thermal protector; The automatic thermal protector is a safety feature that helps to protect the welder from overheating.
When the welder reaches a certain temperature, the thermal protector will automatically turn the welder off. This helps to prevent damage to the welder and ensure safe operation.
120-volt input; The Century FC90 is a high-quality welder with 120-volt input power for convenience.
This feature makes it easy to use and perfect for home projects or light to medium industrial work.
There is no need for shielding gas; It is a flux-core wire feed welder, so it does not require a shielding gas; therefore, you don’t carry gas cylinders for welding.
Infinite welding voltage; The infinite welding voltage feature is very important because it lets you weld any metal thickness; you will not find this feature on many welders.
The welders with a fixed voltage can only weld up to a certain metal thickness. With that, you can weld 18 gauge to 0.2″ (0.5 cm) steel.
30%@ 80 amps duty cycle; The FC90 flux -core wire feed welder from Century has a 30%@ 80A duty cycle; this means that you can use the welder for short welding projects without worrying about the heat buildup causing damage to the unit.
Choosing A Century Welder
Wire Diameter And Composition
Wire diameter refers to the thickness of welding wire. It affects the weld size, penetration, and bead shape.
A thicker wire will create a larger weld, but it will also penetrate less and have a rounder bead shape.
A thinner wire will create a smaller weld, but it will penetrate more and have a sharper bead shape.
A welding wire’s composition affects the weldability of the metal. Some metals are more challenging to weld than others.
Welders use a variety of wires for welding, each with its benefits and drawbacks. The three most common types of welding wire are solid wire, flux-cored wire, and gas-shielded wire.
The flux-cored wire is a welding wire containing a small flux inside the core. This flux helps to protect the weld from corrosion and contamination.
Solid wire is the most common type of welding wire. It is composed of a single metal wire that is solid all the way through; this makes it strong and durable and more difficult to weld with.
ER70S-3 is an excellent base metal wire with a clean, oil-free surface. ER70S-6 is superior for metals with impurities on the surface. In this situation, the deoxidizer facilitates the transition from weld to metal.
Amperage
Welders come in all shapes and sizes, with a range of amperages to choose from. The right welder for the job is key to getting the weld right, and with the wrong equipment, you can ruin your weld.
Welders with a lower amperage are typically more portable and are good for welding thin metals.
They are also less expensive than welders with higher amperage. Welders with a high amperage are more powerful and can weld thicker metals. They are more expensive than welders with lower amperage.
Welding Voltage
Welding voltage is the electrical force or amperage delivered to the welding gun. It is measured in volts, and the amount of voltage you need will depend on both the material you are welding and the size of the weld.
Century welders are often specified by the voltage they use. Welders are available in various voltages, with the most common being 120 and 240 volts.
Welders that operate at a higher voltage produce more heat, which results in a faster weld. They also can cause more damage to the weld joint, so you should use them with caution.
You can use a higher voltage to weld thicker metals or weld metals further away from the machine. However, you should never use a higher voltage than what is recommended for your welder.
Welders that operate at a lower voltage are less likely to cause damage to the weld joint, but they also take longer to weld.
Warranty
When choosing a Century welder, the key is to find one with a great warranty. Century offers between one to a five-year warranty on their welders, which is one of the best in the industry.
That means that you can be confident that your welder will last for years, and if it doesn’t, Century will be there to help you get it fixed.
In addition, a welder with a longer warranty is likely to be more reliable and have fewer problems.
For instance, the Century 255 Welder has a 5-year warranty while the Century FC90 Flux-Core Welder has a six-month warranty which is quite short.
Duty Cycle
When choosing a Century welder, the duty cycle is an important consideration. It means a maximum time a welding machine can operate at a specific amperage without damaging the machine.
For example, a welder with a 20% duty cycle can weld for two minutes and rest for eight minutes.
Welders with a higher duty cycle can be used for longer periods before cooling down. However, they also tend to be more costly.
Accessories; You should also look at the accessories that come with the welder. Some welders have a vast array of accessories, while others require that you purchase them separately. And that could add to the total costs.
Our Recommendation
- Best overall; Lincoln Electric Inverter ARC 120
- Best for beginners; Century 80GL Flux Cored Wire Feed Welder
- Best for professional; Century Inverter Arc 230 Stick Welder K2790-2 and Century 255 Flux-Cored/MIG Welder
- The most versatile, Century K3493-1 90 Amp FC90 Flux Core Wire Feed Welder, is ideal for all welders and has the most versatile use. Everyone from beginners to contractors and other professionals will love this welder.
Final Verdict
When it comes to Century welders, there is one clear standout – the Lincoln Electric Inverter ARC 120. It is one of the top-notch welders on the market, thanks to its great performance and affordability.
Overall, Century welders are affordable, have excellent quality, and are perfect for any budget. If you’re interested in buying a Century welder, be sure to check out our reviews and buying guide first.
We highly recommend these welders for anyone looking for a quality welding experience.
Also you can check out our in depth review on Top 3 Best DEKOPRO Welders here.
