10 best welding machines

To create high-quality connections from metal parts a good welding machine is needed. But the different thickness of steel, its chemical composition and the spatial position of the product have a strong influence on the future weld, therefore, the equipment must be chosen appropriate for specific operating conditions. We have prepared a ranking of the best modern welding machines, well-proven for various activities.

The best welding transformers

This is the simplest equipment, well suited for various works in the country, in the garage or yard. Differs affordable cost and not a complex structure. Allows welding of metal with coated electrodes and cutting it.

SPECIAL MMA 180 AC-S - compact baby

This model is distinguished by its small size and weight, despite the classical structure of the two windings. Its dimensions are 48x26x34 cm. For ease of movement, a pair of wheels is provided.

It has a maximum welding current of up to 180 A, which is enough to connect metal plates 5-6 mm thick and cut. The supported electrode diameter is from 2 to 4 mm. It is completed with two cables, a mask and plugs.

Pros:

• rather small weight, as for the transformer - 16 kg;
• voltage of idling 48 V makes it easy to ignite the electrode;
• quality wheels for transportation do not fly off over time;
• the cable is conveniently wound on the handle for transportation;
• it works even if the voltage drops to 140 V;
• seams withstand all fracture or tear checks;
• low cost (costs about 4,000-5,000 rubles);
• can be connected to a single-phase or three-phase network;
• Built-in overheating protection despite budget assembly.

Minuses:

• the minimum welding current starts from 60 A, which does not allow working with thin sheets of metal in 1-1.5 mm (burnouts remain);
• there is no screen for reading the current value (there is a drawn scale), so you have to try on the arc;
• does not support work with electrodes with a diameter of 1.6 mm;
• sold without a network plug, which must be purchased and attached independently.

Bison ZTS 200 - hidden power

The transformer has a rectangular flat shape. The primary and secondary windings are located on the front of the case, from where the current is regulated.

The device is endowed with an increased power of 11 kW, which allows welding a considerable thickness of metal (up to 7-10 mm), but this requires reliable electrical wiring with a wire cross section of 3 mm2 or more. It is connected only to a single-phase network.

Pros:

• maximum current of 200 A, which is enough for welding doors, gates, fence;
• confidently keeps the arc;
• carbon and low alloy steel can be welded;
• first class electrical safety;
• forced air cooling and a lot of perforations on the side and front walls allow you to work for a long time;
• working current is regulated smoothly, not stepwise;
• the cost of 3500 rubles.

Minuses:

• a large mass of 23 kg is inconvenient for frequent changes of dislocation;
• difficult to carry on wheels due to the low height of the body (you have to bend over a lot);
• not suitable for welding thin plates up to 1.5 mm;
• it can be difficult for a beginner to ignite an electrode;
• with thin aluminum wiring in the wall, overheating and breaks in the circuit are possible.

The best welding machines-inverters

This is more compact equipment with diode bridges and direct current, which is easy to carry. They can work by hanging the device on the shoulder. The technology allows to weld both ferrous and white metals.

Fubag INTIG 180 DC Pulse - Welding Computer

This is one of the most expensive and multifunctional models suitable for professional repair and construction activities. The control panel has a protective transparent plexiglass shield.

All settings occur in a smooth mode, through a digital module, and only then are transferred to the physical parts. The device produces a constant voltage and can boil with both covered electrodes and TIG.

Pros:

• stylish modern design in the form of a narrow suitcase with a handle;
• after setting the current, it is impossible to accidentally knock down the value (the controller is protected);
• the digital screen shows the exact number of amps;
• there are 2 and 4-stroke mode, where the welder can customize the work of switching on the arc for themselves;
• maximum welding current reaches 180 A;
• weight is only 8 kg;
• sold with carrying case;
• You can weld all day with the alternation of 6 minutes of work and 4 minutes of rest;
• does not cease to cook even when the voltage drops to 150 V;
• Supports gas hose and torch connection.

Minuses:

• high cost up to 30,000 rubles .;
• the front panel is completely plastic, so it may break if dropped;
• not suitable for aluminum welding;
• complex digital settings may not be clear to the user who is used to manual adjustment with a toggle switch.

Resanta SAI-250 - a good model for beginners

This device is a successful Latvian model with a minimum of components for the inverter, but which is able to serve any processes at the construction site or in the garage.

The maximum welding current reaches 250 A. At the same time, idling, with an unlit arc, is maintained at 80 V. A constant voltage allows welding stainless steel and ordinary “black” iron.

Pros:

• cheap enough for a powerful inverter (about 7,000 rubles);
• cooks at an input current of 140 to 260 V, which is convenient even in areas with voltage drops;
• able to lower amps up to 10, which makes it boil steel 0.8 mm thick;
• stably works for 6-7 hours every day with the duration of inclusion of 70%;
• supports welding by an electrode with a diameter of 6 mm;
• it is convenient for beginners, since it is endowed with anti-sticking function;
• able to ignite the electrode from the first time without tapping;
• sold with a mains plug;
• compact dimensions 36x15x29 cm;
• very light weight - 5 kg.

Minuses:

• if it breaks, it is difficult to find parts;
• no display for accurate current readings;
• soft grip on the body (belt only);
• works only with single-phase network;
• no case included;
• cooling fan pulls a lot of dust into the case;
• The cables supplied with the product are short (1.5 m), so you may need to buy more.

Interskol ISA-180 / 8,2 - effective at construction

Domestic inverter has a high-quality assembly and is designed for long-term use in a wide building conditions. Its main advantage is the ability to work without interruption throughout the day at a maximum current of 180 A.

The device supports uninterrupted operation in the temperature range from -5 to +40 degrees. Capacity reaches 8.2 kW, which does not lead to a reflow of transports.

Pros:

• reliable insulation class F;
• current surges in the range of 170-242 V do not affect the arc burning process and the quality of the seam (diode bridges straighten the voltage and only current is used);
• it is possible to lower amps up to 23, which makes it possible to cook metal 1 mm thick;
• supports the work of the electrode 1.6 mm;
• when the current strength is too low, the device prevents the sticking by an automatic short-term boost;
• inclusion time 100%;
• The narrow model has a width of only 12 cm, which is convenient for transportation;
• weight 4.7 kg;
• all functions are enabled automatically, without setting a person;
• smooth adjustment of current;
• You can immediately start cooking with the "hot start" function.

Minuses:

• on the case there is only a soft belt for carrying;
• you can not work on the street during the rain;
• no display;
• The holder is shaky.

The best welding machines, semi-automatic

Semi-automatic welding significantly saves time on changing filler materials. The continuous process allows you to create long hermetic seams, and the minimum diameter of the welding wire makes it possible to work with thin bodies of machines and other metals.

Svarog Real MIG 200 (N24002) - ideal for service stations

A small device, convenient for use in the service station or workshop for the manufacture of doors. It has a simple design and control levers in the form of setting current strength, wire feed speed and voltage value.

The equipment can switch between semi-automatic mode and MMA welding. Gas input is provided on the rear panel. The current reaches 200 A, which is enough to melt thick corners with a wall of 6-8 mm.

Pros:

• compact dimensions and a convenient rigid handle for carrying around;
• rubberized visors above the control panel and the rear wall to protect against splashing water;
• convenient mechanism for opening the compartment with the coil to the side, not clinging to the cable in the closed position;
• the ability to cook as a torch with wire and coated electrodes;
• polarity reversal for work with non-ferrous metals and low carbon steel;
• leaves little splash of molten iron in the heat-affected zone;
• able to increase the voltage to 26 V, which gives a high melting point of the filler wire and a smooth seam;
• feeder suitable for cored wire;
• 60V idle quickly ignites the arc;
• supports work with wire up to 0.6 mm, which is convenient for welding the thinnest car bodies.

Minuses:

• the cable channel with a torch in the kit is short (2 m), which is inconvenient for bypassing around the car (you have to buy a longer one);
• alternating current is possible only in the MMA mode, on the semiautomatic device only constant, which allows aluminum to be welded exclusively with coated electrodes.

Aurora Overman 180 - for welding tanks

Necessary elements for high-quality welding of tanks in living conditions are collected in the stylish narrow case. The power of the device is only 4.7 kW, which does not create overloads for home wiring.

The minimum thickness of the metal on which you can create a welding joint is 0.6 mm. Filler wire can be from 0.6 to 1.0 mm. The type of voltage is only constant. The efficiency of the device is 80%.

Pros:

• works on the street at a temperature of -20 degrees;
• wire feed speed is adjustable from 2 to 15 meters in one minute;
• does not overheat the wiring;
• maximum welding current 175 A;
• voltage adjustment to adjust the arc hardness;
• the inverter is more stable thanks to the Toshiba transistors;
• cable channel of the burner 3 m, which is convenient when working with large containers;
• cable length of 3 m;
• gas hose included;
• socket on the 36 V case to warm the gearbox in case of severe frost.

Minuses:

• opening the lid up to change the coil can be inconvenient, because, when placed on the floor, it closes the visibility of the internal location of the mount;
• it works properly until the voltage drops to 187 V, after which the required current strength is lost;
• due to the minimum value of 40 A, beginners have to train for a long time in order not to burn thin metal;
• The case is narrow, but large - 500x466 mm, which takes place during transportation.

Fubag INMIG 200 PLUS - for professional activities

This model is designed for professional activity, since it combines the functions of a semi-automatic machine, manual electrode welding and TIG torch connection.

The current is 200 A, which is optimal for all types. Its adjustment occurs separately for each mode. Idling is maintained at 65 V. The voltage can be increased to a record of 26.8 V. The power is 8 kW.

Pros:

• three types of connected elements make it possible to conduct welding on thin and thick metals, with a consumable and non-consumable electrode;
• gas equipment supports work with any inert mixture (carbon dioxide, argon, mix);
• in MIG mode, the current drops to 30 A, which helps to weld very fine iron;
• wire diameter and feed mechanism are rebuilt under the parameters from 0.6 to 1.2 mm;
• insulation class is higher than most apparatuses (H);
• work on the street at -10 degrees;
• equipped with digital control;
• anti-sticking and arcforcing functions;
• adjustment of inductance helps eliminate burn-throughs and adjust the height of the metal being deposited to the minimum values;
• the correct back roller is formed on the seam thanks to a good penetration.

Minuses:

• needs stable voltage, since a drop below 198 V affects welding;
• functions only from one phase;
• inconvenient for frequent transfer;
• the burner has no button for changing the current strength, so you have to go to the device;
• expensive (over 30,000 rubles);
• slightly confusing instructions in the instruction on wire feeding (it is silent that it will not be possible to establish the speed without a lit arc);
• when carrying 20 m lost part of the power.

Best argon welding machines

Aluminum and stainless steel are welded with a non-consumable tungsten electrode in argon. There are powerful and low-end models, depending on the thickness of the metal and the functions of the devices.

Cedar TIG 200 DSP 8003479 - for private needs

This budget model is most popular for short use when argon welding is required. The device has a current of 200 A, a digital display, rubberized buttons on the front panel.

The burner connection area is divided into several elements: the cable is separately connected, the gas hose is screwed below and the electronic button supply to the left.

Pros:

• very compact (38x13x23 cm);
• weighs 6 kg;
• it is possible to work with both thin tungsten 1.6 mm and thick electrodes 4 mm;
• there is a pulse mode;
• the arc burns very gently;
• amps can be lowered to 10, which makes it possible to cook tin products;
• ignition is possible without physical contact of the electrode with the mass due to the oscillator;
• torch and cable 3 m in the kit;
• gas purging is provided to cool the weld pool;
• high-quality housing and assembly minimize the ingress of dust inside.

Minuses:

• air cooling of the burner does not have time to evaporate excess heat when welding at maximum current;
• when the difference in the network loses power.

Svarog PRO TIG 200 DSP (W207) - for the manufacture of towel rails

A tidy welding machine with a recessed display and an amperage adjustment button that reaches 200 A. A long rigid handle passes through the entire body for transport.

Perforation at the front and sides provides effective cooling. Cooks with tungsten electrodes, but can also switch to normal ones. Especially smooth seams are achieved at a working voltage of 27.2 V. Efficiency is 85%.

Pros:

• the minimum ampere threshold on argon mode is 10 A;
• the arc does not "sink" when the current drops in the network;
• suitable for welding stainless steel, pipes, plates, decorative elements;
• 6 kW power saves power consumption for professional use;
• reasonable price (19,000 rubles);
• when setting up a conventional electrode holder, the functions of arc forcing and hot start are included;
• small weight of 6 kg;
• Double-click mode for stopping and starting and four-time is optional;
• quality burner TS 26 included;
• it is possible to establish the recession of the arc at the end of the suture, which will avoid fistula at the end;
• two cables of 3 m each and a holder.

Minuses:

• through the large air vents on the case, conductive dust (metal chips) can get inside and cause a transformer to close;
• Electrodes with a diameter of 4 mm quickly heat the burner.

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