How to choose welding machines?
You are often asking us how to choose welding machines for a car service. Or for a price of a good welding unit. It all depends on your needs and expectations. And the types of jobs you’re going to do using the unit.
What welding methods are there?
Here come the most important welding methods:
- TIG
- MIG/MAG
- MMA
TIG method – what is it about?
This welding method includes using a non-consumable electrode, with an inert gas. Good welding machines of TIG type come with an AC/DC function – it makes it possible to work with an alternating or direct current.
MIG and MAG – what is the difference?
This is one of the most popular methods of connecting materials. As a matter of fact there is no difference between the 2 methods. There is only one detail:
- MIG method – welding with the use of a neutral gas (e.g. helium)
- MAG method – welding with the use of an active gas (e.g. carbon dioxide)
MMA welding method
This is one of the most popular and most widespread welding methods. It is usually used by people who don’t do welding professionally.
In short – this method is all about connecting materials with flux-coated electrodes.
An electrode creates a binder. When the electrode touches the surface, an arc begins to burn, an arc ignites and start to melt.
MMA welders – what are they?
These welding machines can be separated into 2 groups:
- transformer welders
- inverter welding machines
Transformer welders are among the most intuitive and easy to use units on the market. They are also among the cheapest ones. In short – these are units for non-professional welders. However, even though they are relatively cheap, they use a lot of current. Also, the welding quality is hugely dependent on welder’s skills.
Inverter welding machines
When you look at prices, they are more expensive. On the other hand, they require less energy. Also, they are lighter
What is Hot Start? What is VRD?
If you’ve been looking for welding units, you must have seen the following options, like:
- VRD
- Hot Start
- Anti Stick
- Arc Force
VRD function – your working safety
This is a solution for reducing the voltage right after you’re done working. Why is it so important? It protects you against being electroshocked. Picture this – you’ve been welding at some spot that’s full of moisture. Perfect conditions for getting electroshocked, right?
Hot Start – working effectiveness
This option will let you start working faster. When the arc starts to burn, the voltage rises by several percent. As a result, the arc burns faster and you’re able to work more effectively.
Anti Stick
This is a great option for the less experienced welders. When the electrode sticks to the material, this option cuts off voltage and welding current – so there is no risk of damaging the handle.
How to choose electrodes for MMA welding?
The choice is quite large. These are the most popular electrodes:
- rutile electrodes
- cellulose electrodes
- basic electrodes
- acidic electrodes
What are the differences between them
Rutile electrodes
- They are universal
- They can be used for small elements
- It’s easy to remove the debris
- They are fragile.
Cellulose electrodes
These are designed for working in difficult weather conditions. They might be used in different positions.
Basic electrodes
Not the best choice if you look for electrodes that weld up-down. They contain fluorite and magnesium carbonate.
Acidic electrodes
They make it possibel to create smooth and plain welds. They can be used in different positions.
Coated electroeds – MIG/MAG welding – how to choose them?
Pay attention to the following parameters:
- diameter
- application
- chemical contents
How to read different parameters out?
Regarding the diameter – for MIG/MAG you can use electrodes with 0.8 or 1.0 mm diameter. These are the most universal materials – they make it possible to work with almost any steel element – like exhaust systems.
How much wire would you need? Usually, these electrodes are available in rolls of 5 and 15 kg.
TIG electrodes may be made of
- tungsten – green
- zirconium – gray
- thor – red
- cerium gray
You can easily recognize them, just looking at the color.
| Type | Color | Composition |
| Tungsten | green | Tungsten – 100% |
| lanthan | yellow/gold | lantan – 1.5% tungsten – 98.5% |
| lanthan | blue | lanthan – 2% tungsten – 98% |
| tor | red | tungsten – 98% thor – 2% |
Here come other important features
- welding current,
- material thickness
- distance between the machine and the material
TIG electrodes and material
As we said above, TIG electrodes are to be selected according the material you’re going to work on:
- tungsten electrodes – aluminum and magnesium welding
- tor electrodes – steel, alloys (copper, titan)
- cerium electrodes – steel, alloys (copper, titan)
- lanthan electrodes – steel, alloys (aluminum, copper, titan, nickel)
- purple electrodes
CHOOSING ELECTRODES TO WELDING CURRENT
Remember the drill
- alternating current – tungsten electrodes
- direct current — thor and purple electrodes
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