Choosing The Best Welding Machine For You

Choosing the best welding machine for you is an important step on your welding journey. It’s crucial that you find a welder that is suited to your needs. This all depends on various factors, such as the type of welding you’ll be doing, the materials you’ll be working with, your skill level, your budget, and other specific requirements.

Here are some key considerations to help you choose your next welder:

Welding Process

Determine the welding process that suits your needs. The most common types are MIG (Metal Inert Gas), TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas), Stick (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), and Flux-Cored. Each process has its own advantages and is suitable for different applications.

MIG Welding Advantages

• High productivity due to continuous wire feed.
• High-quality welds with faster speeds than that of TIG & Stick.
• Highly versatile process.
• MIG welding is easy to learn compared to other welding techniques.

See our range of MIG Welders >>

TIG Welding Advantages

• TIG welding produces no sparks or spatter.
• Creates high-quality, clean welds.
• Welds have more metals and alloys than other methods.
• It uses only one shielding gas for all applications.
• Easily weld in all positions.

See our range of TIG Welders >>

Stick Welding Advantages

• Stick welding is effective in all conditions, including wind & rain.
• It needs no external shielding gas.
• It is easy to change rods for different metals.
• The ground clamp can be attached far from the welding point.

See our Stick Welders >>

Flux-Cored Arc Welding Advantages

• It offers higher penetration than MIG/MAG Welds.
• Able to weld ferrous metals.
• Portable due to no need for shielding gas tank.
• Easier to learn than stick & TIG.
• Flux creates a shielding layer, allowing it to work well outdoors.

Weld Processes and Metals

Metal	Weld Process
	MIG	TIG	Stick	Flux-Cored
Steel	Y	Y	Y	Y
Stainless Steel	Y	Y	Y	Y
Aluminium Alloys	Y	Y		Y
Cast Iron			Y	Y
Chromoly		Y
Copper		Y
Brass		Y
Exotic Metals (Magnesium, Titanium, etc.)		Y

Power Source

Welders can be powered by electricity, gas, or diesel. Electric welders are more common for home use, while gas and diesel-powered welders are typically used for outdoor or heavy-duty applications.

Output Power

Consider the power output required for your welding projects. Higher power output is necessary for thicker materials and heavier fabrication work. Ensure that the welder’s power output matches your requirements.

Duty Cycle

The duty cycle refers to the amount of time a welder can operate continuously within a 10-minute period. It is usually expressed as a percentage. For example, a 60% duty cycle at 200 amps means the welder can operate at 200 amps for 6 minutes out of every 10 minutes. A higher duty cycle is preferable for longer welding sessions.

Material Compatibility

Different welders are designed to work with specific materials such as steel, aluminium, or stainless steel. Ensure that the welder you choose is suitable for the materials you’ll be welding. If you’re not sure, use our handy filters to choose the materials you need to weld.

Portability

Consider whether you need a portable welder or if it will be stationary. If you need to move it frequently, a lightweight and compact welder with handles or wheels would be ideal.

Ease of Use

Depending on your experience level, consider a welder that is user-friendly and offers convenient controls and features. Some welders have built-in settings for different materials and thicknesses, which can simplify the setup process.

Safety Features

Welding involves potential hazards, so look for welders with safety features like thermal overload protection, voltage control, and shielding gas flow meters.

Budget

Set a budget for your welder purchase. Welding machines can vary significantly in price depending on their features, quality, and brand. It’s essential to find a balance between your requirements and the cost.

Remember also to consider additional accessories such as welding helmets, gloves, safety goggles, and welding consumables when budgeting for your welding setup.

Reviews and Recommendations

Research and read reviews from reliable sources, as well as seek recommendations from experienced welders or professionals in the field.

Get in touch to find out how we can help you find the best welding machine for your needs. Call us on 01845 202989 or email sales@tecproducts.co.uk.