Portable GZ GUOZHI 130A Mini Stick Welder – Lightweight & Versatile

9 reviews for Portable GZ GUOZHI 130A Mini Stick Welder – Lightweight & Versatile

1. 5 out of 5

   Trent Rush – June 10, 2024

   Given the low price, I didn’t expect much from this small welder—I initially ordered it just for fun. However, I was genuinely impressed by its performance; it lays down some solid beads! My friend, who is a professional welder, was surprised too and ended up getting one for himself. It’s an ideal setup for casual tinkering.

2. 4 out of 5

   Fearnoman – June 22, 2024

   As a beginner in welding, I purchased this to practice with, and so far, I haven’t encountered any problems, aside from my own lack of experience.

3. 5 out of 5

   Kathy – June 23, 2024

   I received the welder and waited until the next day to try it out. My first impression was that it was smaller than I expected, but it comes with the necessary wire, ground clamp, and rod holder, which is a big plus. In the past, I bought a smaller welder that didn’t include the wires, and that was disappointing. The quality of the accessories is impressive; they don’t feel cheap at all. I tested it by welding two pieces of 1/2 rebar together, and wow! This little welder produces excellent welds.

   In summary, would I recommend it? Absolutely! It’s perfect for DIY enthusiasts. While I’m not sure if it’s suitable for heavy-duty construction work, it’s ideal for the average homeowner. Don’t hesitate to get one—you won’t regret it!

4. 4 out of 5

   JJ – June 30, 2024

   Works exceptionally well. I’m really pleased with its portability. It appears to be well constructed.

5. 5 out of 5

   Jacob D – July 21, 2024

   Impressive welding machine that fits perfectly in my Jeep toolbox. I tested the GUOZHI ARC-130 using my garage’s standard 120VAC 20amp outlet, plugged into a 10ga, 10ft extension cord, and it performed remarkably well in the sweltering Nevada heat of over 102°F (39°C). I ran two rods of 3/32″ 7018 at 90 amps, and it started smoothly, maintaining a stable arc. Additionally, I used one rod of 3/32″ 6011 and one of 3/32″ 6013, and it worked flawlessly in the heat.

   Having owned a fabrication shop and retired after 34 years of welding (including 4 years as an underwater welder), I am particularly impressed by this compact and surprisingly affordable inverter welding machine. It comes with a good-sized electrode holder and ground connection, housed in a metal case with a clear digital readout. I’m definitely planning to buy another one as a gift for a friend.

6. 4 out of 5

   Jacob D – July 29, 2024

   This welder is fantastic!! When I first unboxed it and saw its size, I couldn’t help but laugh, thinking there’s no way it would perform well. But after I started welding and testing its capabilities, I was blown away!!! I’m extremely impressed!!! It’s absolutely worth the $63 I spent! It handled 1/8 7014 rods (not perfectly, but it did the job)! I highly recommend it to both hobbyists and professionals for light to medium projects! I’ve found my go-to portable welder.

   UPDATE: After a few days of use, the hot start feature seems to have stopped working, so I have to deduct a star for that (the product from China is starting to show its flaws 🙁 ). It still welds, but it’s significantly tougher to initiate a weld now. I’ll provide another update if anything else changes with this welder.

7. 5 out of 5

   Charles M. – August 5, 2024

   I assembled the welder according to the instructions and used the recommended 3/32” E-6011 rods. My task was to weld a 3/4” steel rod onto a 3/8” thick plate. Since I ran out of tri-mix gas for my Miller MIG and wasn’t keen on using flux core wire, I decided to give this little micro arc welder a try. I positioned the 3/4” rod about 3/16” below the plate’s surface to ensure good penetration for the weld. After testing on some scrap plate, I started at 70 amps and made a small bead. I increased it to 90 amps, but it still felt a bit cold, so I bumped it up to 95 amps, which was just right. I welded around the rod slowly to achieve solid penetration around the edges. Once I finished and removed the slag, I was genuinely impressed—the bead looked as good as any produced by a full-size welder. While it may not handle 20” long welds or run 15 rods continuously, it allowed me to complete my project without needing to swap out MIG tanks. I saved an hour and $80 in the process.

   Is it a Miller? No, but for the price, it performs remarkably well. With over 30 years of welding experience, I’ve learned a lot. After seeing some mixed reviews, I wanted to test it myself. Keep in mind, if you’re not an experienced welder, your results may vary. Achieving nice, stacked-dime beads won’t happen on your first or second attempt. Practice is key, and adjusting the amperage for the material thickness is essential. Use the same thickness scrap for fine-tuning before working on your actual piece. Take your time, observe your puddle, and remember that distance from the tip of the rod to the workpiece matters. There’s no rule against making multiple passes for better fill and penetration. Occasionally, you might receive a defective product—this happens with any purchase.

   This welder is perfect for beginners and hobbyists. In summary, it’s a small job welder that delivers excellent results. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and allow for proper cool down, as this isn’t a $2000+ machine. My unit may break next time I use it, but the performance I got was outstanding. If it does break, I’ll order a replacement immediately.

8. 5 out of 5

   Charles M. – August 9, 2024

   It’s an absolute powerhouse for its size!

9. 5 out of 5

   WELDIE WELD FACE – August 10, 2024

   For under $100, it’s unbeatable! Just remember to wear your PPE.