a welder having an internal shielding gas regulator is disclosed . the welder has an internal gas cylinder and an internal regulator disposed in an enclosure . the welder may be equipped with an auxiliary shielding gas cylinder inlet so that a bulk shielding gas cylinder can be attached thereto and have a flow therefrom regulated by the internal shielding gas regulator . the welder constructed according to the invention is highly transportable , compact , and self - sufficient .