S7 200Amp ARC Stick Welder Review [2023 Review]
What We Thought (full review below!)
The S7 200Amp ARC Stick Welder emerges as a commendable option for those seeking a budget-friendly, easy-to-use welding solution for home use and small jobs. Its lightweight design, straightforward operation, and respectable weld quality make it a valuable tool for non-industrial applications.
However, its limitations in handling extended, high-amperage tasks and the potential risk of overloading the machine in such scenarios suggest that it may not be the best fit for professional or industrial use. For those with modest welding needs, the S7 offers a balance of performance and affordability that is hard to overlook.
S7 200 Amp ARC Stick Welder
Even beginners can operate this arc welding machine with ease, making it perfect for DIY projects and professional use alike.
Check Amazon’s pricePrice
Dimensions
10″ x 5″ x 8″
Weight
9.43lb / 4.27kg
Protection Class
IP21S
Voltage
110V/220V 50/60 Hz
- Lightweight and Portable: Easy to carry around, ideal for small spaces and frequent movement.
- Simple Setup: Straightforward and user-friendly setup process, suitable for beginners.
- Versatile Welding Capabilities: Suitable for stick and TIG welding, except aluminum and MIG welding.
- Good Weld Quality: Consistent beads, good penetration, and clean welding with slag that peels off easily.
- Affordable: Budget-friendly option, offering good value for money for small-scale tasks.
- Smooth Operation: Surprisingly smooth performance despite its low cost.
- Limited for Heavy-Duty Use: Not suitable for prolonged, high-amperage tasks.
- Power Requirements: Can trip a standard 20 amp breaker, may require a higher amp breaker for longer tasks.
- Stinger Quality: The stinger’s build quality may not match the main unit’s durability.
- Durability Concerns: Continuous high-amperage use could strain and potentially damage the machine.
- Not Ideal for Industrial Use: May not withstand the rigors of industrial-grade projects.
When it comes to welding, the balance between cost and quality is often a tightrope walk. Many enthusiasts and professionals alike wonder if a budget-friendly option can stand up to the demands of serious welding tasks. This is where the intriguing S7 200Amp ARC Stick Welder comes into the picture.
Available on Amazon for a modest price, this welder piques interest not just for its affordability but also for its potential as a handy tool. The S7 promises to be a lightweight, portable option, making it an appealing choice for those who need to move their equipment frequently or have limited storage space.
In this review, we’re going to dive deep into the capabilities of the S7 200Amp ARC Stick Welder. We’ll explore whether this budget-conscious choice from an online marketplace can truly hold its own in the world of welding, a task typically dominated by higher-end, more expensive equipment. Can this welder, with its attractive price tag and portable design, really deliver the results that DIY enthusiasts, hobbyists, and perhaps even professionals require? Let’s find out.
Unboxing and Initial Impressions
Upon first glance, the S7 200Amp ARC Stick Welder presents itself as a compact and unassuming piece of equipment. Its design is streamlined, embodying a no-frills, practical aesthetic that prioritizes function over form. Remarkably lightweight, this welder weighs in at around two pounds, a feature that immediately stands out. This minimal weight, combined with its compact dimensions, makes it an ideal companion for tasks that demand mobility or for users who have limited space.
Adding to its portability is a convenient shoulder strap, a thoughtful addition that enhances its transportability. This strap allows the welder to be easily carried around, whether moving between different areas of a workshop or transporting it to various job sites. This level of portability is a rare find in the welding world, where equipment often tends to be bulky and cumbersome.
As for its capabilities, the S7 is an ARC 200 DC inverter welder. It’s primarily designed for stick welding, a versatile method suited for a variety of metals and thicknesses. Additionally, it is capable of handling TIG welding, broadening its utility. However, it’s important to note its limitations – it is not suitable for welding aluminum and does not support MIG welding. This specificity in its capabilities means that while it may not be a universal solution for all welding needs, it is well-tuned for the tasks it is designed to handle.
In terms of build quality, the initial impressions are somewhat mixed. The main body of the welder feels sturdy enough for its size and weight, suggesting a decent level of durability. However, the stinger, an essential component for any welding task, comes off as rather basic and perhaps not on par with the main unit’s build.
This discrepancy raises some questions about its longevity and effectiveness, especially in more demanding or frequent use scenarios. Despite this, the overall lightweight design of the welder does not seem to compromise its essential functions, pointing towards a design philosophy that favors ease of use and mobility.

Setup Process
The setup process for the S7 200Amp ARC Stick Welder is refreshingly straightforward, a trait especially appreciated by those who may be new to welding or prefer a hassle-free approach. This simplicity in setting up the welder underscores its user-friendly design, making it accessible even to those who are not deeply versed in welding equipment.
One of the first considerations in the setup is the power requirement. The welder operates most efficiently when plugged into a 20 amp outlet. This specification is crucial as using an outlet with a lower amperage can lead to frequent tripping of the circuit. Such interruptions not only cause inconvenience but can also affect the welding process and potentially harm the equipment. Therefore, ensuring access to a 20 amp outlet is a key step in the preparation phase.
Moving on to the actual assembly, the initial setup involves a few basic steps. First, the grounding clamp needs to be securely attached. This clamp is a vital safety feature, as it helps to complete the electrical circuit and minimizes the risk of electric shock. Properly attaching the ground clamp to the workpiece or to a metal surface near the welding area ensures that the current has a direct path back to the welder, thereby maintaining a safe welding environment.
Next, the stinger setup is equally uncomplicated. The stinger, which holds the welding electrode, must be connected correctly to ensure a stable and consistent arc during welding. This involves inserting the electrode into the stinger and tightening it to secure its position. The simplicity of this step is a nod to the welder’s design, which aims to streamline the preparation process without compromising on the efficacy of the welding task.
Overall, the setup process for the S7 200Amp ARC Stick Welder is designed to be quick and easy, allowing the user to focus more on the welding task at hand rather than getting bogged down with complex equipment preparation.
Welding Performance
Approaching the testing phase of the S7 200Amp ARC Stick Welder, there’s a natural skepticism that arises, primarily due to its low cost. In the world of welding equipment, where price often correlates with performance and durability, it’s common to approach such budget-friendly options with a degree of caution. The question looms: can a welder at this price point truly deliver satisfactory results?
However, these initial doubts are quickly put to rest once the welder is put into action. During the initial tests, the S7 performs with a surprising level of smoothness. This is particularly noteworthy because smooth operation is a critical factor in achieving clean, consistent welds. The welder’s ability to maintain a steady arc without frequent interruptions or fluctuations is a positive indicator of its capability, despite its low cost.
The assessment of the welder’s amperage further contributes to this surprising performance. While the welder is advertised to operate at 170 amps, actual testing suggests that it functions more realistically at around 85-90 amps. This finding is crucial, especially considering the use of a 3/32 7018 rod in the testing. The 85-90 amps range is ideal for this size of the rod, providing enough heat for effective welding without overpowering the electrode. This alignment between the welder’s true amperage and the optimal requirements for a commonly used rod size indicates a well-thought-out design, tailored to its intended use.
Observations on the arc quality further reinforce the welder’s commendable performance. The arc is steady and consistent, a key aspect of achieving good welds. A stable arc reduces the likelihood of defects like spatter, poor fusion, or incomplete penetration, leading to stronger and more aesthetically pleasing welds. Additionally, the ease of welding with this machine is noteworthy. The welder’s user-friendly design, combined with its smooth operation, makes the welding process less daunting, especially for those who are not professional welders.

First Bead Test
The first real test of any welder’s capabilities is often seen in the laying of the first bead. This initial run not only provides insight into the welder’s operational efficiency but also showcases the quality of the weld it can produce. For the S7 200Amp ARC Stick Welder, this moment of truth was approached with a mix of anticipation and curiosity.
The process began with the preparation of the welding surface and the selection of an appropriate rod, in this case, a 3/32 7018, known for its versatility and forgiving nature, especially for beginners. The welder was then set to an estimated 85-90 amps, based on the earlier amperage assessment. This setting was expected to be optimal for the thickness and type of metal being welded.
As the welding commenced, the S7 demonstrated a commendable ability to maintain a consistent arc, an essential factor for laying a smooth bead. The ease with which the bead was laid down was a positive indicator of the welder’s user-friendly nature. For those new to welding or using such a compact device, this ease of use is a significant advantage.
Upon completing the bead and allowing for adequate cooling, the weld was inspected. The results were impressive. The bead displayed uniformity and consistency, with no visible signs of common welding defects such as undercutting or excessive spatter. The heat generation was evidently well-regulated, a critical aspect that contributes to the overall strength and appearance of the weld. The weld penetration was adequate, ensuring a strong bond between the welded materials.
Additionally, the cleanliness of the weld was noteworthy. A clean weld is not only aesthetically pleasing but also indicative of a good welding technique and effective equipment. In the case of the S7, the cleanliness of the weld could be attributed to both the stable arc provided by the welder and the appropriate amperage setting.
In terms of the welder’s power relative to its size, the S7 is a testament to the fact that good things can come in small packages. Despite its compact and lightweight design, the welder demonstrated sufficient power to handle a standard welding task effectively. This balance between size and power makes the S7 an attractive option for those who require portability without compromising on performance.
Welding Pipe
After the success of the initial bead test, the review of the S7 200Amp ARC Stick Welder progressed to a more challenging scenario: welding a pipe. This advanced test was designed to push the welder’s capabilities further, providing insights into how it handles more complex and demanding tasks.
Before commencing the pipe welding, there was a need to replenish welding supplies, particularly the rods. This interlude introduced Chris, the toolkit specialist, who played a crucial role in ensuring the right materials were at hand. With his expertise, additional 3/32 7018 rods were acquired, a choice consistent with the previous test but also well-suited for the thickness and nature of the pipe material.
The pipe selected for this test was a standard four-inch piece, offering a suitable challenge for the welder. The technical approach to welding the pipe involved maintaining a tight arc throughout the process. This technique is crucial for achieving good fusion in pipe welding, where the curvature of the material can make it more difficult to maintain a consistent weld pool. Additionally, the focus was on cap running – a method where the final pass (or cap) is made over the previous welds to ensure a smooth and even surface.
As the welding commenced, the S7’s performance was closely monitored. The welder continued to impress with its ability to maintain a stable arc, crucial for the precision required in pipe welding. The heat input appeared well-regulated, an important aspect when working with pipes to prevent warping or other heat-related deformities.
However, during this advanced testing phase, the welder’s limitations became more apparent. Notably, when operated at higher amperage for more extended periods, the S7 caused a 20 amp breaker to trip. This occurrence highlighted a critical limitation in the welder’s design – its inability to sustain high power output continuously without overloading standard electrical circuits. This limitation is an important consideration, especially in scenarios where prolonged, high-amperage welding is required.

Final Thoughts
This welder has shown itself to be adept at handling short, small-scale welding tasks. Its compact size, ease of setup, and surprisingly smooth operation make it a convenient tool for quick repairs or small projects. For hobbyists, DIY enthusiasts, or those needing an occasional welding solution, the S7 stands out as a practical choice.
However, the welder’s performance under prolonged, high-amperage conditions brings to light some limitations. The tendency of the welder to trip a standard 20 amp breaker during extended use suggests that for longer welding tasks, a higher amp breaker would be necessary. This requirement, while manageable, raises concerns about the potential risks to the machine itself. Continuous operation at high amperage could strain the welder’s components, potentially leading to overheating or wear. Users considering the S7 for more intensive tasks should weigh this factor carefully.
The quality of the welds produced by the S7 deserves special mention. Throughout the testing, the welds were consistent, with good penetration and a clean appearance. A particularly notable feature was the slag peeling observed in the pipe welding test. Slag that peels off easily is often indicative of a well-executed weld, suggesting that the welder is capable of achieving a solid bond with proper technique. This aspect of the S7’s performance reinforces its suitability for a range of welding tasks within its capability range.
S7 200 Amp ARC Stick Welder
Even beginners can operate this arc welding machine with ease, making it perfect for DIY projects and professional use alike.
Check Amazon’s price