Tooliom 195A Review [2023 Review]

What We Thought (full review below!)

For specific user groups, the TOOLIOM 195A comes with different recommendations. It is an excellent choice for beginners or hobbyists due to its simplicity, ease of use, and low cost. It can also serve as a secondary welder for professionals who need a lightweight and portable machine for quick or remote jobs.

However, for seasoned professionals requiring a welder for daily, heavy-duty use, or those seeking advanced TIG welding capabilities, a higher-end model would be more appropriate.

Considering its price and performance, Vince, a seasoned welder with extensive experience, would likely give the TOOLIOM 195A a high rating for its category. It provides solid performance for its cost, making it a valuable tool for certain users.

While it may not be the top choice for demanding professional applications, it certainly stands out as an excellent option for many others, offering a great balance of affordability, ease of use, and versatility.

Welcome to our comprehensive review of the TOOLIOM 195A Stick Welder, a product that stands out in the market for its remarkable affordability and impressive user ratings.

This welder has garnered attention not only for being one of the most budget-friendly options available but also for its high user satisfaction, as evidenced by its status as one of the cheapest welders on Amazon coupled with a stellar 4.6 out of 5 rating based on over 1,600 reviews.

Such a combination of low cost and high ratings naturally piques the curiosity of both amateur and seasoned welders alike, leading us to delve deeper into what makes the TOOLIOM 195A a topic of interest in the welding community.

Our review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of its features, performance, and overall value, giving you all the information you need to decide whether this is the right tool for your welding needs.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The TOOLIOM 195A Stick Welder immediately impresses with its compact and lightweight design, a feature that greatly enhances its portability. This ease of handling is a significant advantage, particularly for users who require mobility in their projects or have limited storage space.

The welder comes with standard components that are typically expected in its range, including a basic yet functional welding torch and ground clamp. Its size and build suggest that it is designed for light to medium-duty tasks, making it a practical choice for hobbyists or light professional work.

Upon initial inspection, the build quality of the TOOLIOM 195A seems solid, considering its price point. The external casing appears durable, and the control panel, though simple, is intuitively laid out, offering straightforward operation even for beginners.

However, it’s important to note that some components, like the connectors and leads, might not match the robustness found in higher-end models. This aspect is often a trade-off with more budget-friendly equipment.

Certain differences become apparent when compared to more expensive models like those from Miller. High-end welders like Miller typically offer more advanced features, greater power output, and enhanced durability. They might also include more sophisticated technology, such as digital displays and broader amperage ranges, catering to a wider variety of welding tasks. However, for a user who doesn’t require these advanced features or who is just starting out in welding, the TOOLIOM 195A presents itself as an exceptionally cost-effective alternative.

Its simplicity and ease of use make it an attractive option for beginners or as a secondary, more portable unit for quick or outdoor jobs.

Performance Testing

In our performance testing of the TOOLIOM 195A Stick Welder, several key aspects were rigorously evaluated: stability, heat output, and user-friendliness.

• Stability: The welder maintained a consistent performance throughout our testing, demonstrating a level of stability that is commendable for a welder in its class. There were no significant fluctuations in power or erratic behavior, which is crucial for achieving quality welds.
• Heat Output: The TOOLIOM 195A delivered adequate heat for a range of welding tasks. It effectively balanced power output with the need to prevent overheating, a common concern with compact welders. The heat control was responsive, allowing for adjustments to suit different materials and thicknesses.
• Ease of Use: This model shines in its simplicity and ease of operation. Its straightforward design, with clear and accessible controls, makes it an excellent choice for beginners or those who appreciate a no-frills approach to welding. The learning curve is minimal, and users can quickly get up to speed with the basic functions of the welder.

Welding Different Materials

We tested the TOOLIOM 195A on various materials, using different settings and rods to assess its versatility:

• Thin Metals: For lighter metals, the welder performed admirably. It provided enough control to handle thin materials without causing burn-through, which is often a challenge with more powerful machines.
• Thicker Materials: When tackling thicker materials, the welder’s limitations became more evident. While it managed to weld thicker pieces, users might need to make multiple passes for a strong weld, a common scenario with less powerful welders.
• Different Rods and Settings: The TOOLIOM 195A accommodated a range of commonly used welding rods, and adjusting settings to suit each rod type was straightforward. We noticed that the wellder was quite forgiving, especially with rods typically used in hobbyist and light professional work.

Performance Testing

• Consistency: The TOOLIOM 195A Stick Welder demonstrated commendable consistency in weld quality across different materials and settings. The welds produced were generally clean and uniform, indicative of the machine’s stable arc performance.
• Aesthetics: While the aesthetics of the welds may not match those produced by high-end professional equipment, they were more than satisfactory for the welder’s intended use. For hobbyists or DIY enthusiasts, the visual quality of the welds would likely surpass expectations for a welder at this price point.
• Material Thickness: The penetration capability of the TOOLIOM 195A varied with material thickness. On thinner materials, the welder achieved adequate penetration without the risk of burn-through. This balance is essential for working with sheet metal and similar materials.
• Limitations on Thicker Materials: On thicker materials, the welder’s penetration was more limited. Achieving deep penetration required multiple passes or optimal preparation of the joint. This limitation, while notable, is not unexpected in welders of this size and power range.
• Amount of Spatter: The TOOLIOM 195A maintained a low to moderate level of spatter during operation. This aspect is particularly beneficial for beginners or casual users, as excessive spatter can complicate the welding process and result in additional cleanup.
• Control and Management: The welder allowed for reasonable control over spatter through its adjustable settings. Users could fine-tune the machine to minimize spatter based on the type of rod and material being welded.

TIG Welding Capabilities

The TOOLIOM 195A Stick Welder, while primarily a stick welder, offers basic TIG welding capabilities. This feature adds a layer of versatility to the tool, potentially broadening its appeal to users who wish to explore or occasionally perform TIG welding.

In TIG mode, the welder performed adequately, especially considering its primary design as a stick welder. It managed to maintain a stable arc, which is crucial in TIG welding for achieving clean and precise welds.

Challenges in TIG Welding

• Lack of Heat Control: One of the significant limitations in the TOOLIOM 195A’s TIG functionality is the absence of a foot pedal or any form of heat control. This lack makes it challenging to adjust the heat input dynamically during welding, a feature often critical in TIG welding for managing weld pool size and penetration.
• No High-Frequency Start: The absence of a high-frequency start in TIG mode means the welder requires scratch starting. This method can be less convenient and might lead to tungsten contamination or inconsistencies at the start of the weld.
• Limited Adjustability: The settings for TIG welding are relatively basic, offering less flexibility compared to specialized TIG welders. This limitation can make it difficult to fine-tune the welder for specific applications or materials.

Practicality for Beginners

• Learning Curve: For beginners, the TOOLIOM 195A offers an accessible entry point into the world of TIG welding. Its simplicity can be an advantage, allowing newcomers to focus on the basics of TIG welding without being overwhelmed by complex settings.
• Skill Development: While the welder is suitable for basic learning and small projects, those looking to develop advanced TIG welding skills might find its capabilities limiting. The lack of heat control and other advanced features may hinder the development of nuanced TIG welding techniques.
• Cost-Effectiveness for Practice: For individuals who are not sure if TIG welding will be a significant part of their work but want to try it out, the TOOLIOM 195A provides a cost-effective way to gain initial experience before investing in a more specialized and expensive TIG welder.

Versatility and Portability

When operating on a standard 110V outlet, the TOOLIOM 195A Stick Welder showed a commendable level of performance, particularly suitable for light to medium-duty tasks. While the power output is naturally lower on 110V, it remained sufficient for most basic welding jobs, such as small repairs or hobbyist projects.

The welder’s performance noticeably improved when connected to a 220V supply. At this higher voltage, the TOOLIOM 195A demonstrated increased power and improved penetration, making it more suitable for thicker materials and more demanding tasks. This dual voltage capability significantly enhances the welder’s versatility.

• Off-Roading and Field Repairs: The TOOLIOM 195A’s lightweight and compact design, combined with its dual voltage capability, make it an excellent tool for off-roading enthusiasts or for field repairs. It can easily be transported in a vehicle and used in remote locations, provided there’s access to a power source (like a generator).
• Home Use and DIY Projects: For home users and DIY enthusiasts, this welder is a practical choice. Its ease of use, combined with sufficient performance on a standard 110V outlet, makes it ideal for a range of home projects, from crafting to basic repairs.
• Professional Settings: In professional settings, the TOOLIOM 195A can serve as a secondary or backup welder due to its portability and ease of setup. While it may not replace a more powerful, industrial-grade welder, it can be handy for quick repairs or light welding tasks in a workshop or construction site.

Value for Money

When evaluating the TOOLIOM 195A Stick Welder in terms of value for money, it’s essential to weigh its cost against its performance. Priced as one of the most affordable welders on the market, this model presents an attractive proposition for those on a tight budget or for whom welding is not a primary professional tool.

The performance of the TOOLIOM 195A, while not on par with high-end, professional welding machines, is more than adequate for its intended use. It handles a variety of light to medium-duty welding tasks with commendable proficiency. The dual voltage capability enhances its versatility, allowing it to tackle a wider range of tasks than many other welders at similar price points. Its ease of use and straightforward functionality make it especially appealing to beginners or those who need a simple, no-frills welding solution.

However, the limitations of the TOOLIOM 195A must also be considered. The lack of advanced features, such as precise heat control in TIG mode or the durability to withstand heavy, industrial use, are notable. While these limitations may not impact casual users or hobbyists, they could be significant for professionals who require a more robust and feature-rich welder for daily use.

Final Verdict

In summarizing the TOOLIOM 195A Stick Welder, its strengths and weaknesses paint a clear picture of where it stands in the market.

Among its strengths, the welder’s affordability is perhaps the most notable, making it an accessible option for those on a budget. It offers satisfactory performance for light to medium-duty tasks, with a user-friendly interface that is ideal for beginners.

The dual voltage capability adds to its versatility, allowing it to be used in various settings, from home workshops to more mobile environments like off-roading. Additionally, its compact and lightweight design enhances its portability, a valued feature for those who need a welder on the go.

However, the TOOLIOM 195A does have its limitations. The lack of advanced features, such as precise heat control in TIG welding, may be a drawback for more experienced users. Its durability, while adequate for occasional use, may not withstand the rigors of heavy, professional usage.

These weaknesses, while notable, are in line with what one might expect from a welder at this price point.