Choosing the Right Welding Machine for You
There is no single welding process suitable for all the applications. We will highlight the basic processes, capabilities, and advantages of each and every process to find the match of a process with your need. Matching of your needs and welding skills with a process is a critical decision to find out the specific model. We will give you a better understanding of the types of welding machines available, how each performs and degree of welding skill requires to operate each. Purchasing a welding machine is an important long term decision for extra income, saving on the repair cost. The cost, portability, and material will all be important factors in determining the welding machine purchase with convenience, satisfaction and new opportunities far more to consider than a price tag only.
You can not have too many information when you initiate the process of buying the welding machine, but let’s begin with a few questions require to ask to purchase a welding machine.
What kind of welding work you have in your mind?
How long the project may last?
What price range are you looking for?
Do you have the patience, ability, and desire to learn a complicated process of welding?
How often and where you intend to work?
What may be your power supply and material to weld?
The Welding Process Overview:
The most common welding processes are MIG, TIG, and Stick. There is no one size fits all approach as each kind of welding machine has its limitations and benefits. The MIG welding is extremely easy and versatile but some welders find TIG even more versatile and useful in a broader range of applications, even if they are very difficult to learn. You can consult the professional, technical team of Cruxweld to ensure the welding machine, meets your specific needs
MIG Welding:
The MIG welding process is extremely popular because of its less cost and extremely easy to learn and can tackle a wide variety of projects. As the filler metal is fed through MIG welding torch so the welders can use both hands to hold the torch steady for better results. The wire feeder also makes MIG welding up to 4 times faster. The MIG welding process uses inert gas to shield the weld and keep it free from impurities. This makes a MIG welding very neat, easy and clean as there is no chipping which is typical of stick welding. MIG welding can be used on a wide variety o materials such as aluminum and is frequently used for locomotive work. However, MIG also requires the purchase of shielding gas and generally requires a material that may cost more when compared to other methods.
TIG Welding:
This welding is known for its high quality, clean weld which is far less likely to distort the metal using a non-consumable tungsten electrode. The splatter is not a worry here as it only uses the necessary amount of filler metal needed in welding puddle, making it the highest quality weld in each and every aspect. TIG is a fairly specialized process and require a good deal of training to master the art of TIG welding. The process is not simple as MIG but requires a foot pedal to regulate the welding process and filler rod to feed gradually separate from the torch. TIG welding is being preferred by some as it can weld a wide variety of metals and versatility of Argon gas during TIG welding. The Argon gas can weld any metal at any thickness with TIG welding and therefore there is no need to change the gas depending upon the type of project.
Stick Welding:
This is quite a simple process where we utilize the consumable stick electrodes This is one of the most effective methods to fuse alloys and joints, but it is also least efficient. The weld is not protected by a shielding gas. The electrode is coated with a flux that covers the weld and protects it. At the completion of the weld, the layer must be chipped away. Stick welding remains a popular and cost-effective method. It is the most convenient method as a welder can easily switch from one metal workpiece to another by changing the filler rod in order to match it to the metal workpiece.
Power Options for Welding Machine:
The machine with a higher power output can work with thicker metals but higher voltage machine requires a special power supply outlet or generators. The lower voltage welding machine will not be able to handle heavy duty job but it can be plugged in and operated from any outlet. The machine with high voltage needs a typical power supply, and so may add to running cost.
The machine may either run an alternating current (AC) or a direct current (DC). The DC current offers a steady rate of energy which leads to hotter and deeper welding penetration.AC machines usually cost less than DC welding machine but available electrodes for AC are far limited. DC welding machines are costly but remain popular because of high power offers a wide range of electrodes and a number of working advantages as simple arc striking, better penetration, better-improved control. The welders who expect to work on a wider variety of projects may want to consider AC/DC combination of welding machines.
Right Duty Cycle:
It is the length of time a welding machine needs to be turned off in order to cool. The less expensive machines have a shorter duty cycle while the expensive one has longer duty cycles and can run continuously at a 100% duty cycle. The thicker metal requires a longer duty cycle to a professional welder.
Still Not Sure Which Welding Machine?
You may visit our website www.cruxweld.com or you can contact our professional, technical team to choose the welding machine as per your specific needs
