Choosing a perfect welding machine is not all bells and whistles. It is not as easy as one would think it is. It cannot be compared to any kind of purchase and is definitely not similar to going to a grocery store and picking up some fruits.
Choosing a good welding machine that can last longer and fulfill its purpose takes time. One needs to give great thought before buying one. Experienced welders know what they are looking for and will probably need less time. But a novice welder will have to take all things into consideration before getting a new welder.
The price does make a whole lot of difference but it doesn’t have to be. Sometimes a budget welder can perform equally well as a really expensive made by a popular brand.
So here are some basic tips that you do need to follow.
Determine the Purpose
So for instance, if you are planning to weld some thinner materials, you should consider getting a good TIG welder for welding aluminum and stainless steel capable of AC welding. But if you plan on working on some thicker materials like steel or aluminum, a MIG welder is in order
It is also good to determine the frequency of use at the start. How often do you plan to weld? If you need it for some basic repairs around the house or if you plan to open a welding shop and need it for long hours of work. If you are a hobbyist, you don’t need to invest so much money in it. On the other hand, if you plan to make a career out of it, investing more money immediately would pay off in the long run. You could consider options like an everlast tig welder.
Determine the Amperage
The power of a welding machine is determined by its amperage. The more amps a welder has the more powerful it is. Consequently, it can weld much thicker materials if the amperage capability of a welder is high.
So depending on the thickness of the materials you are planning to weld, choose the appropriate amperage. You don’t have to buy a really powerful machine if you are going to weld some thinner metals. It will only cost you more and you may not end up using it.
Analyze Gas Requirements
Each welding machine is used for a different welding process. Every welding process uses a different type of compressed gas in order to make welds. The most commonly used gasses in welding are Argon, Oxygen, and Carbon Dioxide.
Decide on the needs of the welding process and determine the availability of the required gasses and their costs. You don’t want to run out of it when you need it the most.
Consider the Power Supply
An important part of a welder is the type of power supply a machine is capable of using. The most usual types of voltages are 110v, 240v, or 415V. But there are certain machines that have the dual-voltage capacity and allow you to shift between a lower and a more powerful source.
Determine which plug you have in your home or garage so you can use the machine appropriately. You can additionally add a more powerful plug to your garage if you happen to need it or use a generator for this type of work. Bu the bottom line is that one has to create the best environment for their work. So the power supply has to be established immediately so you can power the welding machine appropriately so it does not impeach your work.