I chose a welding machine for myself within the range of $ 300. A little more or less does not matter: the one for three hundred does not differ much from the one for three hundred and fifty. I took an apparatus 2: 1 - a semiautomatic device (wire) and electrodes. For some reason, it is believed that everything universal does not work for a long time. I'll check it out. But I know for sure that it will definitely be convenient. The European sleeve unfastened, it turns out a compact, light apparatus: I went to cook a car or a gate with electrodes.
As for cheap semiautomatic devices without European sleeves, it is better to give up such machines right away. Otherwise, you will be tortured.
- Firstly, the European sleeve cannot be killed. It can be bent, almost knotted, the wire still climbs. You can walk on it, nothing will happen.
- Secondly, it is easy to operate: one button and two channels are triggered. I disassembled the button, blew out the dust and it works forever.
- Thirdly, the sleeve is long - 3 meters. In addition to the Euro sleeve, a good wire feed reducer must be included in the kit: metal, with a motor, with gears, on bearings. Everything works forever.
Why is it better not to take a cheap "gut" that does not detach? Because if the apparatus is 2: 1, and you need to cook a fence with electrodes, then it is hilarious to pull the intestine along. Unscrewed, put it aside - this is a fat "plus" of the euro. And the one that does not unscrew creates a problem: it is shorter. Bent - the wire climbs poorly or intermittently.
The non-European hose has a plastic wire feeder. Can you imagine: inside there is a plastic gearbox and thin gears (like in an old alarm clock, remember?). This gearbox was enough for me for a year, and it fell apart. All this, of course, can be ordered and changed. But guys, it is better to overpay a little and buy a European sleeve.
How to choose a welding machine for home use
Now for the power. It would seem, what are the problems: take more powerful equipment, for which there is enough money, and rejoice. The stock won't hurt anyone. And if you brew something thin, screw the handle to a minimum - order. Not. The maximum currents are not the main value. A minimum is important, for example, for overcooking tin on a machine (it is 0.6-0.8 mm).
This tin is cooked at currents of 20-30 A. When the maximum threshold on the device is large, it means that the minimum threshold is from 30 A. And she burns. This has been tested a thousand times. You don't cook, but suffer! Therefore, I chose a device with a minimum value of 20 A, a maximum speed of 220 A.
Which company welding inverter is better
I looked at those models that are sold in most stores. I took what I heard, read reviews on the forums and ordered the most popular brand. I decided not to risk it, because when the time comes to repair, the device will be repaired in any workshop. You don't even need to order spare parts for this model from China.
And if you buy a semiautomatic device, for example, brought from South Korea. Even if it is of better quality and cheaper, but when it breaks down, problems will begin.
- Firstly, not every workshop will undertake to repair it.
- Secondly, even if they do, the price for repairs will be higher.
- Thirdly, the master will say that he does not have such a microcircuit, it needs to be ordered from the same South Korea - and it will go from there the devil knows how long: and this is time, extra money and hassle.
Choose a popular brand. No exotic.
Watch the video review of the Sturm models AW97I300 and AW97I350
Choosing a welding machine: summary
- What power ceiling is not important. The lower threshold is important - 20 A, so that you can cook rotten tin, otherwise you will be tortured.
- Welding machine 2: 1 or semiautomatic device - here for an amateur.
- Choose a model from a well-known company.With little-known semi-automatic machines, there will be problems during repairs.
- What money are you counting on, for such and buy the device. Do not chase the high cost. Quality welding depends on skill and skill, not expensive equipment.
Watch a video about Dnipro-M inverters: an overview of the SAB and MMA lines
