Does A Welder [Machine] Need A Neutral?
One of the common questions welders and does who make use of a welding machine ask is – does a welder need a neutral?
This question is a bit tricky because it can go either way. However, before we attempt to provide an answer to that question let us examine what a welder is, the different types of welding machines that exist, and what purpose these machines serve.

What Is A Welder?
A welder or welding machine as it is called is one of the most vital tools needed by welding professionals. It is used to generate the required heat to join two or more metals to themselves.
No welding machine can serve every purpose. The welding project you are working on per time is what will determine the welder to be used. This is why many welding professionals have different welder types in their workrooms.
Welding Techniques
For a better understanding, let us examine some of the different welding techniques that exist and the type of welders that is suitable for them.
Stick Welding
The stick welding technique is a unique one that makes use of electric current. The stick welder is what is used for this technique and it allows for current to flow between the metal and the welding stick.
This technique is used for alloys and joints and can serve both indoor and outdoor purposes. It is an economical option that is best for beginners working on rusty and dirty materials.
MIG welding
Another welding technique is the MIG welding that makes use of a wire welding electrode on a spool. This spool is constantly fed till the arc required is created by an electrical current that passes between the base metal and the wire.
This technique is also a good one that can be adopted by beginners as it is very easy to learn. It requires a high welding speed and provides cleaner welds. It can be used for flux-cored arc welding on both thin and thick materials.
Flux Cored Arc Welding
The flux-cored arc welding technique makes use of a wire electrode that doesn’t require a shielding gas. This flux-cored arc is shielded by the flux-cored wire and works better when used for outdoor purposes.
You can make use of this welder on both dirty and rusty metals because it has a high metal deposition rate. It is your go-to option for welding thick areas as it offers deep penetration.
TIG Welding
TIG welding is another common welding technique that makes use of a non-consumable tungsten electrode. The arc is constantly fed by a current flowing into it. The welded area is then protected by a shielding gas till the desired result is achieved.
This technique provides high quality, precise welds, and a very neat finish. It is also known to work well with thin sections of alloy and stainless steel.

What Major Considerations to Make When Choosing a Welder?
Before we go on to answer the question – does a welder need a neutral – let us examine some major considerations to make when choosing one.
- Consider the quality of the welder
Welder machines differ in terms of the quality they offer and you have to pay attention to this when buying.
The brand offering the weld, the basic features that it offers, and the purpose for which you are buying it, are basic considerations that you must make to determine quality. If you are finding it difficult to ascertain quality, then you should speak to a professional.
- What condition is the welder suitable for?
The welder that is needed for outdoor conditions might not be suitable for indoor conditions. To be sure you are getting the right welder for the right occasion, suitability or condition should be considered.
If you are not certain which one to get, then you can go for a welder that serves both purposes.
- What is the metal thickness of the welder?
The type of welder to be used on a particular material differ from one material to another. While stick welders work well for thick metals, they may not be suitable for thin materials. For thin materials, you will have to consider getting a TIG or MIG welder.
To be the safer side, if you own a large workroom, nothing is stopping you from having both.
- Do you want basic or a complex welder?
When getting a welder, you need to know whether you want a basic or a complex welder. If you are a beginner who is still trying to get a hold of how welders work, then you should go for a basic welder that you can understand its mode operation.
As a professional, depending on the type of work you want to get done, you can go for a basic or complex welder.

Does A Welder Need A Neutral?
Having provided you with a background detail of what a welder machine is, let us examine the main question this article seeks to answer – does a welder need a neutral?
There is no general rule that says every welder machine must use a neutral. The type of welder machine you are getting and the welding technique you are using are some of the factors that should determine this.
It is, however, very important to note that there is no need to use neutral for a welder if it doesn’t require it. That way, you can make your work faster and still achieve the welding result that you desire.
A welding machine is a very important tool for a professional welder and that is why you will always find one or more in their workroom.
To answer the question – does a welder need a neutral – professionals have opined that it varies from one task to another and you do not have to use one if the task at hand doesn’t expressly require you to do so.
However, if the welding technique you are applying requires that you use a neutral with the welder, then make sure to do so.