For owners of private houses and motorists, as well as those who are used to doing everything with their own hands, a semiautomatic welding machine will be a very practical acquisition. The main advantage of this technique is a high-quality seam and ease of use.
Today's market offers a lot of options, where even experienced welders sometimes make a helpless gesture, not to mention newcomers to this business. Here it is necessary to take into account a considerable number of factors that will directly affect the qualitative component of the work.
Before proceeding directly to the rating of semi-automatic welding machines, first we’ll deal with some conventions that will characterize a future purchase.
Criterias of choice
Even before going to the store, be sure to check out for yourself some critical nuances regarding the device:
- is it possible to connect to a regular 220 V network;
- what exactly are you going to cook (type of metal);
- maximum and minimum thickness of the metal being welded;
- how much welding is required;
- dimensions of the seams and dimensions of the objects themselves;
- frequency of use of the device.
Only after you analyze these points, you can already consider the ratings of welding semiautomatic devices and select a specific model for yourself. Otherwise, you risk buying a weak device that will not cope with the tasks, or, on the contrary, overpay for a professional beast, burning its power on the spokes for a bicycle, while it is designed to cook everything and everything.
The best models of welding machines
So, we present to your attention the rating of the best welding semiautomatic devices. The list includes the most popular and most sensible models that can be found in the domestic market. Consider the remarkable characteristics of the devices, as well as their pros and cons. When compiling the list, the opinions of experts in this field and user reviews were taken into account.
The reliability rating of semi-automatic welding machines is as follows:
- Svarog PRO MIG 200 SYNERGY (N229).
- "Cedar" MIG-175GD.
- Fubag INMIG 200 Plus.
- Foxweld Invermig 160 combi.
- Resanta SAIPA-165.
Consider the participants in more detail. Let's start with simpler budget models for the home, and end with professional and expensive devices.
Resanta SAIPA-165
This model ranks first in the ratings of budgetary semi-automatic welding machines. Of course, first of all, the device attracts with its cost, because the other characteristics, alas, are very mediocre. They say about such people: "The best among the worst." Nevertheless, the semiautomatic device copes with its main task with dignity.
The device turned out to be quite compact and convenient to use. The model works at a direct current of 160 amperes and works with argon and carbon dioxide. The maximum you can count on is 0.8 mm thick wire in MIG mode (automatic feed) and 3 mm electrodes on MMA (manual welding).
The device supports working with both conventional and flux wires. The change of polarity, as in other budget models, is classic: switchable output on the front of the device. Users respond ambiguously about the model, but in the ranking of welding semiautomatic devices for the house, it takes its deserved last place and fulfills the money spent on it in full. It is almost impossible to find something better with such a price tag.
Advantages of the model:
- cost;
- compact sizes;
- work with ordinary and flux wire.
Disadvantages:
- inconvenient installation of the sleeve;
- it is difficult to get a normal seam without proper dexterity;
- exclusively for non-professional needs.
The approximate cost of the model is about 18,000 rubles.
Foxweld invermig 160 combi
Another budget option, which is included in our rating of inverter-type welding semiautomatic devices due to its balanced characteristics and low cost. The device is not the most powerful - only 160 amperes, but it is quite suitable for amateur garage work.
Judging by the reviews of the owners, one of the main advantages of the device is its very convenient operation. The latter allows you to quickly and accurately adjust the welding current using a digital indicator. The pluses can also be attributed to the efficiency of the model: in MIG mode, the device takes about 3.8 kW, and in MMA - about 4.6, which is very good for devices of this plan.
Distinctive features of the device
Also, users note that the semiautomatic device feels confident and works stably during sudden power surges. As for the seam, its quality is high enough for a budget device. A plus is a very sensible burner with a sleeve length of 2.5 meters.
Pluses of model:
- high-quality welding at the exit;
- profitability of the device;
- convenient management;
- long sleeve;
- quite adequate cost.
Minuses:
- it is difficult to find spare parts and service centers (a little-known brand);
- a small supply of amperes.
The estimated price of the model is about 25,000 rubles.
Fubag INMIG 200 Plus
The youngest model of the INMIG series takes its rightful place in the ratings of professional welding semiautomatic devices. The device received modern software control, which added convenience. Also, the model boasts decent performance.
All main modes for MMA and MIG are set by software. That is, it is enough for the user to indicate the diameter of the wire and the type of metal, and the device itself will adjust to the optimal return. There is also a mode of working with material at short seams - SPOT. Here, automation stops welding at predetermined intervals.
Features of the device
Users are very positive about the latest opportunity. If the tightness of the seam is not critical, then the SPOT mode significantly facilitates the work and saves the lion's share of time along with energy resources. So he takes his place in the ranking of welding inverter semi-automatic machines for good reason and completely fulfills the money invested in it.
Advantages of the model:
- universality;
- flexible and convenient settings;
- program management;
- excellent work in argon environment (TIG);
- adequate cost for available features.
Disadvantages:
- the design is choosy to the environment (extreme cold or heat).
The approximate cost of the model is about 32,000 rubles.
"Cedar MIG-175GD"
The model is included in our rating of semiautomatic welding machines due to the excellent ratio of cost to return, as well as due to its reliability and reliability. The device copes well both with an argon torch and electrodes, as well as with welding in a semi-automatic mode. The polarity changes very easily, just transfer the cable to the contact group.
The control model has a software, so there is no tedious mess with the mechanics. The characteristics of the required mode are set using the multifunction controller and one button. Judging by the reviews, some users do not welcome such a “simple” solution, but for the most part those who very often rebuild modes.
During the operation of the semiautomatic device, you can manually adjust the inductance, or, as it is also called in this case, the curvature of the current-voltage characteristic. Due to this, it is possible to weld both massive parts on a “hard” arc and thin material on a “soft” one without problems.
Distinctive features of the device
When working in manual mode (MMA), you can count on electrodes 2-3 mm thick. The maximum current is in the range of 175 amperes. If you use a larger diameter, you will have to make forced smoke breaks for cooling. But you won’t have to puzzle over pauses. The device received sensible protection against overheating, where the automation will turn off the system in time if you reboot it.
The argon burner operates in TIG DC mode, that is, at constant current, both in push-pull and four-stroke modes. The arc itself is ignited by touch, but there is no advanced oscillator here, alas. Judging by user reviews, the model would easily have come in first place. It is reliable, efficient and convenient. But it has an insufficient current reserve for some and even a convenient, but specific control.
Pluses of model:
- practicality and multifunctionality;
- efficient outlet welding;
- extremely convenient control for beginners and amateurs;
- reliable automatic system of protection against overloads;
- high-quality assembly;
- undemanding to the environment.
Minuses:
- for professional welders is not the best management;
- some complain of an insufficient supply of current.
The estimated price of the model is about 37,000 rubles.
Svarog PRO MIG 200 SYNERGY (N229)
Judging by the feedback from experts and users, this is perhaps the best that this segment can offer. The model rightfully takes first place in our ranking of welding semiautomatic devices. The device supports a specific wire of any type, and a polarity reversal occurs in a matter of seconds.
The model also proved to be excellent when working with conventional electrodes and with an argon burner. Moreover, the maximum current in the latter case is 200 amperes plus ignition by touch. There is no need to make any pauses for cooling the system, because the device adequately copes with any loads that are indicated in the passport.
But the main advantage of the model, judging by the user reviews, is the exceptional arc control scheme. Here it is implemented perfectly and changes the characteristics of the device with one touch and without any associated problems.
Multifunctional regulators allow you to adjust the voltage, welding current and wire feed speed. Local indicators, which signal everything that is happening in the system, add more convenience.
Features of the device
Argon arc welding quietly copes with both push-pull and four-stroke modes. In the first case, the ignition occurs by means of a button on the burner and extinguishes if it is released. The four-stroke arc burns continuously after a key is pressed once and goes out after its repeated use. You can set the current drop time using special controls.
To ensure safety, the device provides advanced protection against moisture. When the VRD mode is on, it reduces the voltage at no load and protects the user from accidental electric shock. It is also worth noting that in manual mode, fine adjustment of the afterburner current of the arc is possible.
Well, summing up the advantages, it should be noted that the manufacturer provides its devices with a full five-year warranty, which already says a lot about the quality of products. Svarog can be called an ideal and universal tool for the most pretentious users. The model simply does not have any shortcomings, and even more critical ones, so the first place of this welding machine in the rating of semi-automatic machines is quite justified.
Advantages of the model:
- universality and flexibility of settings;
- effective work;
- convenient management;
- small dimensions;
- excellent protection against almost everything and everything;
- extremely high-quality assembly;
- five year warranty.
No flaws identified.
The approximate cost of the model is about 50,000 rubles.