YesWelder 250A Aluminum MIG Welder Review [2023 Review]

What We Thought (full review below!)

The welder’s performance with 11-gauge steel was impressive!

The welds were consistent, and the penetration was spot on.

As for aluminum welding, the welder surpassed expectations once we had the welder setup correctly.

The ability to handle various thicknesses of aluminum with ease is a significant plus, considering the challenges aluminum often presents, overall we are really happy with this welder!

As experts with extensive experience in welding, particularly with industry stalwarts such as Lincoln and Miller, we bring a pretty good understanding of what professionals and enthusiasts seek in welding technology!

The YesWelder MIG 250 Pro, a 250 amp inverter MIG welder, is marketed with some great features, including its ability to weld up to a quarter-inch mild steel and the notable claim of being capable of MIG welding aluminum without the need for a spool gun.

These features are particularly intriguing, given the product’s positioning in a competitive market dominated by established brands.

Through this review, we aim to provide a balanced and authoritative perspective, helping you understand where the YesWelder MIG 250 Pro stands in the hierarchy of professional welding equipment and whether its the one for you.

An Overview of the YesWelder 250A Pro

At its core, the YesWelder MIG 250 Pro is a robust 250 amp inverter MIG welder.

You should pay close attention to this key specification, especially if you’re accustomed to handling demanding welding tasks.

It’s not just a number; it represents the welder’s power and versatility, capable of handling a wide range of materials and thicknesses.

One of the standout features of this machine, and perhaps what sets it apart in the current market, is its ability to weld up to a quarter-inch mild steel.

For you, this means the MIG 250 Pro is more than capable of tackling most of the medium to heavy-duty welding tasks you might encounter in your workshop or on job sites, definitely most hobby tasks.

But that’s not all. The MIG 250 Pro steps into a tier often reserved for more specialized equipment by claiming the ability to MIG weld aluminum without the need for a spool gun. This feature is particularly intriguing because it simplifies the welding process for aluminum – a material known for its challenges in welding due to its properties.

If this claim holds true in real-world applications, the MIG 250 Pro could be a game-changer for many welders.

Now, let’s briefly touch upon the manufacturer, YesWelder. While they may not have the historical depth of some of the giants in the industry, YesWelder has been carving out a reputation for offering quality equipment at competitive prices.

This approach has been winning them a growing base of loyal users. As a welder, whether you’re a seasoned professional or a hobbyist, understanding the manufacturer’s background is crucial in assessing the reliability and post-purchase support you can expect.

Unboxing and Initial Impressions

Inside the box, we find a comprehensive set of components. The first thing that catches our attention is the 10-foot ground clamp. This is not just any clamp; its robust construction is obvious, hinting at the durability and reliability it could offer during welding tasks.

Next, we have the stinger. If you’ve used a variety of welders before, you’ll appreciate the importance of a well-made stinger for stick welding. The inclusion of this component broadens the range of welding tasks you can undertake with the MIG 250 Pro.

The package also includes a gas hose, essential for MIG welding. However, note that a regulator isn’t part of the package – something to keep in mind if you don’t already have one.

Then we have the MIG gun itself.

Our initial impression? It’s impressively heavy-duty.

The construction quality speaks of YesWelder’s commitment to durability and performance. The strain relief on both ends of the gun, designed as ball and socket types, is a thoughtful addition, suggesting ease of movement and reduced wear during use.

For those interested in welding aluminum, the inclusion of a new Teflon liner is a significant plus. It’s a clear indication that YesWelder has considered the needs of welders looking to work with a range of materials.

Rounding out the contents are the spare tips and wire wheels, catering to different wire types and sizes. This addition not only adds value but also prepares you for a variety of welding scenarios right out of the box.

Component/Accessory	Description and Quality Assessment
10-foot Ground Clamp	A robust and durable clamp, demonstrating solid construction which suggests longevity and reliability.
Stinger	Well-made and essential for stick welding, adding versatility to the welder. Quality appears sturdy.
Gas Hose	Necessary for MIG welding, decent quality, though the absence of a regulator is noted.
MIG Gun	Heavy-duty construction, featuring effective strain relief on both ends. High-quality build.
Teflon Liner for Aluminum	Included for aluminum welding; a thoughtful addition that enhances the machine’s versatility.
Spare Tips	A useful set of extra tips catering to various welding scenarios. Good quality for maintenance needs.
Wire Wheels	Different types for various wire sizes, adding to the machine’s adaptability. Solid quality observed.

Setting Up the Welder

Now that we’ve explored what’s inside the box, let’s roll up our sleeves and get into the setup process of the YesWelder MIG 250 Pro.

I’ll walk you through this step by step, ensuring that you can follow along easily, whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out in the world of welding.

Step 1: Installing the Wire

The first step is to install the welding wire.

This process is crucial because the quality of your welds significantly depends on how well the wire is fed through the machine. Begin by selecting your wire – for this setup, we’ll go with a commonly used type.

Place the spool onto the holder, ensuring it’s seated correctly, and feed the wire end into the feed mechanism. It’s a straightforward process, but attention to detail here will save you headaches later.

Step 2: Checking and Adjusting the Drive Wheel

Next, let’s focus on the drive wheel. This component is responsible for pushing the wire through the welder, so it’s important to get it right. Check if the wheel aligns with the size of your wire – it should grip the wire firmly but not so tight as to deform it.

For our setup, we’ll ensure the wheel is set to the correct size for the wire we’ve chosen. This step is a fine balance – a wheel that’s too loose or too tight can lead to feeding problems, which in turn affect your weld quality.

Step 3: Connecting Power

Finally, connect the welder to a power source. The MIG 250 Pro is a 220-volt machine, so you’ll need an appropriate outlet.

If you’re in a workshop with only a 110-volt supply, you’ll need to make arrangements for a 220-volt source. Once connected, switch on the machine and ensure it powers up correctly.

Notable Features

As we proceed with the setup, there are a couple of features that stand out.

Firstly, the single heavy-duty connector for the MIG gun is a standout design choice. It simplifies the setup and reduces the potential for connection issues. This all-in-one connector means less fiddling with multiple cables and plugs, allowing for a quicker and more efficient setup.

The design of the feed mechanism is such that it allows for smooth and consistent wire feeding, which is crucial for achieving good welds.

This ease of use is a significant advantage, especially for those new to welding or those who switch wire types frequently.

The YesWelder MIG 250 Pro’s setup process is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible for welders of all skill levels.

Welding Tests and Adjustments

Having set up the YesWelder MIG 250 Pro, it’s time to put it through its paces with some welding tests!

I’ll guide you through each step we took, focusing first on 11-gauge steel and then transitioning to aluminum, highlighting the necessary adjustments and the results we achieve.

Testing with 11-Gauge Steel

Our first test involves 11-gauge steel, a common material in many welding projects. After ensuring all safety measures are in place, we start with a basic weld.

The initial settings are based on the manufacturer’s recommendations, which is a good starting point for any new machine.

After the first pass, it’s clear that some tweaks are needed.

This is a normal part of welding – adjusting the settings to suit your technique and the material. In this case, the speed of the wire feed and the heat settings need a bit of fine-tuning. It’s also evident that the shielding gas flow requires adjustment for optimal protection during the weld.

Post-adjustment, the weld quality improves significantly. The bead is more consistent, and there’s better penetration into the steel.

It’s a clear indicator of the YesWelder MIG 250 Pro’s responsiveness to setting changes and its capability with medium-thickness steel.

Transitioning to Aluminum Welding

Welding aluminum requires some changes to the setup. The first step is to switch out the drive wheel to one that’s suited for aluminum wire – typically a U-groove wheel.

This change is essential because aluminum wire is softer and more prone to deformation than steel wire.

Next, we install the aluminum wire, a process similar to installing steel wire but with the added step of replacing the standard liner with a Teflon liner. This liner is crucial for smooth feeding of the aluminum wire, which is more prone to kinking and jamming.

Setting the welder for aluminum requires attention to detail. The manual may have some recommendations, but real-world testing is often needed for fine-tuning. In our case, we find that the manual’s guidance on polarity is incorrect – a switch from electrode negative to electrode positive significantly improves the weld quality on aluminum.

The YesWelder MIG 250 Pro is tested on various thicknesses of aluminum, from 3/8 inch to thinner sheets. The results are quite promising.

The machine handles the thicker material well, producing clean welds with good penetration. On thinner aluminum, the results are equally impressive, especially considering the challenges associated with MIG welding thinner aluminum sheets.

Through these tests, the YesWelder MIG 250 Pro demonstrates its versatility and capability in handling different materials and thicknesses.

The ease of transitioning from steel to aluminum, coupled with the machine’s adaptability to setting adjustments, makes it a strong contender for both professional and hobbyist welders. As we continue, we’ll delve deeper into the final thoughts and recommendations based on these tests.

And that was it!

Our Final Thoughts

When compared to more expensive welders from brands like Lincoln and Miller, the YesWelder MIG 250 Pro holds its ground remarkably well.

The performance, especially considering the price point, is exceptional. It might lack some of the advanced features found in higher-end models, but for its price, it offers excellent value, making it an attractive option for both hobbyists and professionals who need a reliable, versatile welder without breaking the bank.

If you’re considering adding the YesWelder MIG 250 Pro to your toolkit, there’s good news.

By using the discount code “WELDINGWATCH” at checkout, you can grab an extra 10% off.

Would We Recommend It?

Overall, the YesWelder MIG 250 Pro leaves a strong impression.

It’s a versatile, user-friendly welder that packs a punch far above its weight class. The ease of setup, the quality of welds on both steel and aluminum, and the adaptability to various thicknesses make it a standout option in its price range. While it may not have the brand recognition of some of the industry giants, it certainly challenges them in terms of performance and value.

Whether you’re a seasoned welder or just starting out, the YesWelder MIG 250 Pro is a machine worth considering. It strikes an excellent balance between functionality, ease of use, and affordability, making it a practical choice for a wide range of welding needs.