Welding of metal structures and parts is required both in professional fields and in the household. Apparatuses for home and garden have their own characteristics, allowing even beginners to successfully cope with the arisen tasks. Such welding devices, in particular, are characterized by an ergonomic design, ample opportunities for adjusting operating parameters and increased safety. Nevertheless, the welding machine for home and garden is not so easy to choose, given that in this segment there are many manufacturers with unique offers.
Characteristics of devices
The welding capabilities of a particular machine are determined by two main characteristics - current strength and voltage value. The value of the rated current essentially expresses the power of the device. Obviously, for home use, great potential is not required, but some calculation is still worthwhile. For example, to work with workpieces with a thickness of 3-4 cm, an electrode with a diameter of 3 mm will be required, and the current strength in this case should be at least 120 A. What is especially important, do not purchase devices close to the requirements of the challenges. Be sure to leave a margin of about 40%, the presence of which will prevent rapid wear of the filling of the equipment.
Next, the voltage of the welding machine is determined, which is expressed in the ability of a conventional model to operate on a single-phase 220 V power supply network. However, such devices should be purchased for a house that is connected to a stably working line. For example, deviations in the voltage indicators in the city network can be 10%. But if we are talking about a cottage where unstable generators can be used, then it is important to make a correction for voltage instability with a deviation of up to 20%. How to be in this situation? It is safest to turn to inverter models, which differ in a wide range of supported voltage values. They also have other advantages that should be considered separately.
Features of inverter models
The fundamental difference between inverters lies in the implementation of the rectification technology of the mains current. Due to the special converter, direct current is already generated, which leads to a number of structural and operational advantages. First of all, inverters are characterized by low weight, ease of use and the inclusion of modern security systems. In particular, even low-cost devices for the most part are equipped with surge protection. It is this feature that allows you to use this welding machine for home and garden, without fear of high drops in the network.
However, experimenting with previously unstable and generally dubious sources of energy is also not recommended. In terms of direct working qualities, there are also advantages, one of which is expressed in the possibility of welding with a long and short arc. This allows you to perform with the same efforts high-quality and durable seam regardless of the type of metal.
New technologies
Modern manufacturers use two main technologies for the manufacture of inverters - MOSFET and IGBT. The difference between them is transistor elements. In particular, the MOSFET system is characterized by large dimensions and considerable weight, it is cheaper and at the same time involves a large consumption of material. For clarity, we can compare typical inverters made using MOSFET and IGBT technologies with a current strength of 200 A. In the first case, manufacturing will require about 24 transistors, and in the second only 10. There are other technological solutions aimed at improving individual technologies -operating qualities of the equipment. For example, the Kempi welding machine in the Minarc 150 modification has an innovative option to reduce open-circuit voltage. For this, a separate VRD unit is used, which is thus responsible for the stable function of the device.
Useful Functionality
In modern devices, rather effective functions are provided that solve the eternal problems of welders. Of course, there are many extra options that are implemented for the most part in order to increase the attractiveness of models in the eyes of inexperienced users. To cut off such additions, experts recommend paying attention to a group of options-assistants, whose tasks are reduced exclusively to working with electrodes. For example, a welding machine for home and garden can be provided with a display system for touching the electrode of the working surface.
It is known that it is better to avoid such situations, but when the gap is several millimeters, it is quite difficult to maintain a distance. In such cases, when a fact of contact is recorded, the system automatically reduces the current strength, eliminating possible losses. Conversely, intelligent systems for increasing the current strength are activated when the machine is started and in the process of intensive exposure to the workpiece.
KEMPPI Minarc 180 model reviews
You should start with the mentioned model of the Finnish manufacturer Kempi. This version takes place in the middle segment, differing in a typical set of working capabilities. According to users, the model provides quite effective work with MMA and TIG welding formats. This also applies to the quality of the seam, and the convenience of organizing the process itself. In terms of functionality, the Kempi welding machine is not surprising at all, but many owners emphasize the strength of its body, the reliability of its component base and the confident operation of networks in which voltage surges are observed.
WESTER IWT200 model reviews
Another solid version with a reliable filling and at the same time good performance. According to consumers, the device is advantageous for its practicality, high power and ergonomic accessories like handles and an extended cable. The advantages also include modern protection against overloads, the presence of built-in fans and a control system, carried out on a separate board. What is still interesting, if you use this welding machine for home and garden, you can feel the energy savings. As noted, the consumption is less than that of classical welding devices, which will be beneficial for owners of autonomous generators.
Aurora MINIONE 1800 reviews
A productive solution with optimized filling, considerable performance and a rich set of additional options. Owners of the model also indicate the fact of its basing on the IGBT platform using SMT components. This is a modern configuration, which experts who use the device in professional needs respond positively. Conversely, from the point of view of application in the country, this may be the best welding machine for the reason that its design was developed with the expectation of transportation and storage in poor conditions. In addition, the basic configuration provides a high-strength case for the device.
Reviews about the model "Svarog PRO ARC 160"
In this modification, Russian developers continue the concept of a powerful inverter apparatus. As for users, they emphasize the high-quality work with arc welding and surfacing, in which electrodes of a standard size of at least 3.2 mm are used. In addition, argon - arc manual welding is allowed , however, for its implementation it is necessary to additionally purchase a valve torch. The more prominent manufacturers of welding machines are also represented in the budget segment , but the Svarog company in this case exceeded its competitors in terms of technological support for the model. The owners of the device, for example, praise the point adjustment of the current, a digital type indicator, setting the afterburner of the arc and the option of quick start with intense heating.
Reviews on "Resanta SAI 250"
The Resanta company specializes in welding equipment, so its products are popular in a wide variety of applications. Of course, the initial segment of models intended for use at home and in the country is not deprived of attention. The SAI 250 model is appreciated by users for the organic combination of ease of use and high power. This unit is not one of those that focus on solving simple problems. With this version, users mount heavy multi-section structures, while noting the high quality of the weld being formed. As for ergonomics, in this part the device deserves positive reviews for the availability of a convenient digital display, which reflects all the basic parameters of the current workflow.
Price issue
The budget class represents models of devices that can be purchased for 5-7 thousand. As a rule, this is a low-power equipment with limited functionality and low resource base components. It is also important to consider that cheap inverter welding machines with a cost of no more than 7 thousand rarely have stable operation in conditions of strong voltage drops. This is exactly the case when modern inverter devices do not guarantee reliable operation due to an unstable power source.
The middle segment allows you to purchase a high-quality device with reliable technical stuffing, but, again, without any special technological advantages. For example, an inexpensive welding machine of the average level for 10 thousand allows you to confidently cope with most of the household simple operations, but it will not work for regular work due to the lack of ergonomic options. Fans of constructing various metal frames with their own hands should still pay attention to the premium versions of inverters at a cost of at least 15 thousand. Such a device will not disappoint with an option, and will also please with sufficient power and wide equipment.
How to choose the best device?
The nature of the work for which the device is purchased should be the main factor of choice. Most often, at home, welding is implemented to repair communications, individual structures or equipment. In this case, it may well be limited to a compact device with a small current indicator. But if there is a question about how to choose an inverter welding machine for a house or a country house with an abundance of metal structures and equipment, then a powerful device can rightly be preferred. But in any case, it is advisable to choose models with the latest security features and a wide range of options for setting operating parameters.
Nuances of operation of the welding machine
An inexperienced user of the welding machine is not safe from mistakes that can cause a lot of trouble. One of the main violations of the technology is the desire to quickly obtain a result in the process of ignition of the arc - and, as a result, improper electrode control. Especially for this case, the instruction for the welding machine also recommends using a function like quick start, which ensures stable combustion. Also, during welding, do not touch the working equipment with the work surface, otherwise there will be a risk of serious deformation of the workpiece.
Conclusion
The appearance of inverter models has made its corrections both in the appearance of welding machines and in the technological process of their manufacture. The equipment of the new generation has increased the level of the overall quality of the operations performed, which cannot but add attractiveness to inverter models. These are welding machines, the prices, reviews and characteristics of which emphasize each other - for example, an expensive machine for 15 thousand causes a lot of positive reviews both for the quality of work and ergonomics, but also the budget versions, although they lose to premium devices in functionality, are appreciated many owners for reliability and solid assembly.
Of course, there are frankly low-quality models, but these products were initially produced in violation of generally accepted standards. Therefore, you should contact only devices from famous manufacturers that have been known to the domestic consumer for several years.