The GARVO ARC-145 is a portable stick (arc) welder that, per the listing, runs on 110V or 220V with a 20A to 145A current dial and weighs 12.47 lb. It suits home repair, light fabrication and farm or auto fixes on mild steel with common rods such as E6011 and E7018 up to 1/8 in. It is not a MIG or TIG machine, and it cannot weld aluminum. This GARVO ARC-145 review covers the listed specs, limits and what to check before you buy. The GARVO ARC-145 welding machine is a dual-voltage stick welder for home use.
GARVO ARC-145 at a Glance
| Process (per the listing) | Stick (arc) welding |
| Input (per the listing) | Dual voltage, 110V and 220V |
| Current range (per the listing) | 20A to 145A, adjustable dial |
| Weight (per the listing) | 12.47 lb |
| Electrodes (per the listing) | E6011, E6013, E6014, E7018, up to 1/8 in (3.2 mm) |
| Features (per the listing) | Hot Start, Arc Force, over-current, over-heat and short-circuit protection |
| Cables (per the listing) | Electrode holder, about 10 ft, and ground clamp |
| Duty cycle | Not stated here. Check the listing before heavy use |
Specifications are as stated in the product listing and were not independently measured. Confirm the duty cycle, plug type and what is in the box on the listing before you buy.
What It Can and Cannot Weld
A 145A stick welder handles mild steel plate and structural work up to a modest thickness, depending on the rod and the input voltage. Output on 110V input is normally lower than on 220V, so check the duty cycle and current limits for the voltage you will use.
- Mild steel: the main use. E6011 and E6013 are common for general repairs, and E7018 for stronger welds when kept dry.
- Stainless steel: needs stainless-specific electrodes, not mild steel rods.
- Cast iron: the listing mentions it, but cast iron usually needs nickel-based rods, preheat and slow cooling. Treat it as repair work, not a guaranteed result.
- Aluminum: not suited to this machine.
Set-Up Checklist
- Confirm your outlet and breaker match the input voltage you will use.
- Connect the ground clamp to clean bare metal near the weld.
- Choose the rod for the job and set the current dial for its diameter and the metal thickness. Start with the rod maker’s range, then adjust.
- Keep E7018 rods dry in a sealed container.
- Wear a welding helmet, gloves, a jacket and closed-toe boots, and ventilate the area.
Safety Features: What the Listing Claims
The listing names over-current, over-heat and short-circuit protection, plus Hot Start and Arc Force to help with arc starts and sticking. These are helpful for beginners, but they do not replace PPE, ventilation or keeping flammables away.
Who Should Skip It
- You need to weld aluminum or thin sheet metal cleanly. Look at a MIG or TIG machine.
- You need long continuous runs on thick plate. Check the duty cycle first.
- You want a machine with a documented warranty. This page does not state one, so check the seller.
Pros and Limitations
- Pro: Portable at a listed 12.47 lb.
- Pro: Accepts 110V or 220V input.
- Pro: Wide 20A to 145A dial range.
- Pro: Includes electrode holder and ground clamp, per the listing.
- Limitation: Stick welding takes practice and cleanup after each weld.
- Limitation: Output on 110V is normally lower than on 220V.
- Limitation: Duty cycle is not confirmed here.
- Limitation: Not a MIG or TIG machine, and not for aluminum.
Is It Worth Buying?
Price changes, so check the current listing. A light stick welder makes sense for repairs and occasional fabrication on a budget. If you weld thin sheet or aluminum often, a MIG or TIG machine is the better fit.
Compare other stick welders: the MINI MMA ARC-135 PRO, the DEKOPRO 160A stick welder, and the stick welding amperage chart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can the GARVO ARC-145 weld?
Mainly mild steel with common rods such as E6011, E6013, E6014 and E7018. Stainless needs stainless rods, cast iron needs nickel-type rods, and aluminum is not suited to this machine.
What is the maximum rod size?
The listing names up to 1/8 in (3.2 mm) electrodes. Check the rod maker’s amperage range for your metal thickness.
Can it run on a household outlet?
The listing describes 110V and 220V input. Confirm the plug type and your breaker rating, and expect lower output on 110V.
Does it include a foot pedal?
No. Stick welding does not use a foot pedal. The listing names an electrode holder and ground clamp.
Does the listing state a warranty?
This page does not claim one. Check the seller page and Amazon return terms before you buy.
The Bottom Line
The GARVO ARC-145 is a light, dual-voltage stick welder for repairs and small fabrication on mild steel. Buy it if you can live with stick welding and want portability, and skip it if you need to weld aluminum, thin sheet or run long duty cycles.
