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The Purplemaple welding machine is a very small handheld IGBT inverter welder, listed at about 3.5 lb with a 20 to 120 amp output in five adjustable steps and a carry bag. It is aimed at hobbyists who want the lightest, simplest way to make occasional small steel repairs. Treat it as a light-duty gadget-class welder, not a replacement for a full stick welder.
Purplemaple Welder at a Glance
| Item | Per the listing | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Handheld, portable inverter welder (IGBT) | Stick-type electrodes and which sizes |
| Output | 20 to 120 A, five-step adjustment | Duty cycle and current at your voltage |
| Weight and size | About 3.5 lb, 9.8 x 9.4 in. | Weight with leads |
| Safety features | Thermal management, insulated grip, vents | Cutoff behavior when hot |
| Included | Carry bag | Electrodes, leads, and any helmet or gloves are not confirmed |
| Power | See the listing | Voltage, plug and breaker |
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What It Is and Who It Suits
This is a stripped-down arc welder: a compact inverter with five output steps instead of a continuous dial. Fewer steps make it easy to set up, but give you less fine control than a machine with a digital display. It suits casual users fixing brackets, garden items, and light steel parts on 1/16 to 1/8 inch material.
Some descriptions of this kind of welder claim aluminum and stainless capability. Stick electrodes for those metals are different from mild-steel rods, and aluminum is generally not practical with a small stick welder, so assume mild steel unless the listing and the electrode you buy say otherwise. Likewise, do not expect a helmet or gloves in the box unless the listing shows them.
How to Check It Fits Your Needs
- Power supply: confirm the input voltage and plug type, and whether the maximum current is available on a standard household circuit. Use a dedicated outlet and avoid thin extension cords. See our extension cord guide.
- Electrode type and size: check what rods the manual recommends, typically small mild-steel rods such as 6013. Buy a small box first.
- Duty cycle: compact machines overheat quickly. Look for duty-cycle data and plan cool-down time.
- Cables and clamp: check lead length, clamp quality and connector type, because poor ground contact causes weak arcs.
- Safety gear: budget separately for a helmet, welding gloves and a jacket if you do not have them.
View the Purplemaple welder on Amazon →
Pros and Limitations
Pros
- Extremely light and easy to pack.
- Simple five-step output selection.
- Carry bag included.
- Insulated handle and thermal protection are listed.
Limitations
- Not suited to thick steel or long welding sessions.
- Output steps are coarse compared with a digital display.
- Specifications for lesser-known brands should be checked closely: look for rated duty cycle, electrode range and warranty terms.
- No confirmed TIG or MIG capability.
Using It Safely
- Always wear a proper welding helmet, even for brief welds. See our welding helmet review.
- Wear leather gloves, a jacket or sleeves and closed shoes. A lighter machine does not mean a lighter arc.
- Clean the metal. Rust, paint and coatings produce poor welds and harmful fumes.
- Keep flammables away and have a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Do not touch the electrode or metal when the machine is energized, and avoid wet surfaces.
Related Guides
- MENSHINE 120A arc welder review for another compact stick welder.
- Runtoo handheld welder review for a similar handheld unit.
- 165A stick welder review for more power.
Verdict
The Purplemaple welder is a lightweight, low-complexity machine for very light repairs. Verify the electrode size, duty cycle and what is in the box, and plan to buy protective gear separately. For regular welding, a bigger stick welder is a better investment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can the Purplemaple welding machine weld?
It is aimed at light steel work such as small repairs and brackets. Listings sometimes mention other metals, but that depends on the electrode you use and the machine’s limits. Treat mild steel as the realistic use, and check the manual before trying stainless or aluminum.
What does the 20 to 120 amp, five-step output mean?
Instead of a continuous dial, you choose among five preset current levels between 20 and 120 amps. Lower steps suit thin metal and small rods; higher steps suit thicker steel. Start low on scrap metal and increase until the arc and bead look right.
Does it come with a welding helmet and gloves?
The listing confirms a carry bag, but do not assume a helmet, gloves or electrodes are included. Buy a proper welding helmet and gloves separately before use, because arc light can cause serious eye damage within seconds, and sparks burn skin.
Is a 3.5 pound welder suitable for beginners?
It can be easy to handle, but beginners still need practice, protective gear and clean steel. Learn on scrap pieces with small rods, and consider a more fully featured stick welder with a digital display if you expect to weld regularly.
