Top value MIG welding machines? The Autojack MIG100 has its flaws but none of them make a convincing enough case to prevent the model’s appearance on our list. It’s a good product for a lot of different reasons. First, it incorporates 4 stage power settings. Add to that the variable wire speed control and you have yourself a truly versatile tool. The internal turbo fan cooling system here is represented by an oversized blower that circulates air at a higher speed. The air vents on the sides of the model are also larger than average, a design solution that improves heat dissipation. Having said that, what we like most about this MIG welder is probably just how suitable it is for people with different levels of expertise, from beginners and hobbyists to experienced welders and professionals.
How to pick a welder tips: Fan on demand: Lowers running costs and reduces contamination to internal components. The fan kicks in when it’s needed, rather than running all day. Printed Circuit board protection: If the machine’s PCB’s are protected from dust & kept away from the fan, reliability will increase. Some manufacturers’ have the parts that need cooling in a duct type housing & the PCB isolated separately. Step voltage settings: If you’re looking at step voltage conventional MIG with multiple power settings – “the more the better!” Find more info at Welding equipment Ireland.
Look for ways to create more efficiencies in the welding process. This includes examining such things as wire diameter, wire feed speed, voltage, travel speed, gas type, transfer mode, etc. For instance, if the shop is currently welding with a short arc process and a 75/25 blend of shielding gas, it may be more effective to switch to a different gas and a spray mode of transfer. Or, a change in process may be warranted based on the condition of the part. If there is oxide on the part, it may be easier to change to a process that will overcome contamination problems rather than try to clean each part before welding. Your welding supplier should be up to date on the latest technology and be able to advise you on new processes, machinery and consumables that can optimize welding at the shop. In some cases, it may be better to double bevel a joint to prepare it for welding rather than single bevel it. It is recommended to double bevel any material that is more than 3/4″ in thickness. Just this simple change in procedure can save quite a bit in weld metal. On a 3/4″ thick piece, a double bevel will use 1.45 lbs. per foot of weld metal while a single bevel will use 1.95 lbs. per foot.
The Lincoln EasyMIG 180 is a well-built welder that’s reliable and will serve a range of light fabrication and workshop projects. Its power input is 230V but it doesn’t have the power of the Hobart 190. This is a great entry level 230V welder that will give you quality welds. It won’t tackle thicker metal but this will do the job for most hobby welders. It’s a great choice for a hobbyist if you have a convenient 230V power outlet.
A few tips about welding equipment, MIG and TIG welders, plasma cutters. Stick Welding — If you learned to weld years ago, you likely learned using an arc welder. Stick welding for many years has been the most popular method for most home-shop welding needs. This process uses an electric current flowing from a gap between the metal and the welding stick, also known as an arc-welding electrode. Stick welding is an effective method for welding most alloys or joints and can be used indoors and outdoors or in drafty areas. It’s also the most economical welding method and provides the ability to create an effective bond on rusty or dirty metals. However, this method is limited to metals no thinner than 18-gauge, requires frequent rod changing, emits significant spatter and requires that welds be cleaned upon completion. Stick welding is also more difficult to learn and use, particularly the ability to strike and maintain an arc. Arc welders are available in AC, DC or AC/DC, with AC being the most economical. It’s used for welding thicker metals of 1/16 inch or greater. These machines are a good choice for farmers, hobbyists and home maintenance chores. Find more info on here.
USA market choice: Many veteran welders would agree that the greatest advantage that comes from a metal inert gas MIG welder is its speed. The pace of these premium and cheap welders is unmatched when compared to stick welding and TIG welding, both of which can take a bit longer. For this reason, the metal inert gas welder allows for much faster production rates than the other welding processes (which is a reason for their being used so often in mass production).
