15 best welding machines
Welding machines are used for repair work, for the creation of complex metal products and during the construction process. It will be possible to choose a quality device only after examining a huge number of selection parameters. It takes a long time. The ranking of the best welding machines will help reduce the time to find the perfect device.
What to look for when choosing a welding machine
The welding machine must be compact and sufficiently mobile. The less its weight, the easier the control process will be, the longer you can use the device at a time. But you need to pay attention to other features of the device, which are spelled out in the technical specifications:
- The duration of inclusion is expressed as a percentage, the longer it is, the easier it is to use the device;
- The power consumption of the welding machine should fluctuate between 16 A and 25 A, but deviations are possible;
- By type, welding machines are transformers, rectifiers and modern, that is, inverters;
- The complete set should include wires, and ideally a welding mask, a hammer, a special belt;
- Additional options and elements are desirable to control the device settings, for example, the screen;
- It is important that the device is protected from the influence of precipitation and belongs to the class IP21 or IP23.
The best manufacturers of welding machines
Many companies are engaged in the production of welding machines, regardless of their type. But not everyone creates sufficiently high-quality devices, as evidenced by even a modest warranty period. You can trust the products of the following six tech brands:
- Aurora Is a trade mark that assembles in China and has been supplying its products to Russia since 2007;
- Svarog - a domestic brand, engaged in the creation of more than 50 models of equipment for welding;
- BLUEWELD - an Italian company that develops welding equipment for various purposes;
- RESANTA - an electrical engineering company with a head office in the territory of Latvia;
- Wester - a large Russian network, including the one that develops equipment for the repair and processing of metal;
- Fubag - a German specialized manufacturer of devices for construction, repair work.
Best inexpensive welding machines for beginners
Modern welding machines are expensive, but beginners shouldn't buy high-end devices. Minimal features will suffice. These are the representatives of the low-cost segment, which are developed by the technical companies RESANTA, Wester and Wert.
RESANTA SAI-190K (MMA)
The RESANTA SAI-190K (MMA) inverter welding machine is well suited for those who are not engaged in welding at a professional level. It is inexpensive, and a good protection class - IP21 - and IGBT transistors in the model's device help to perform welding work efficiently, efficiently and relatively unnoticed. The welding current is adjustable between 10 A and 190 A. And the anti-stick and hot start functions make the inverter optimal for the beginner. He will be able to familiarize himself with the main additional parameters, but at the same time he will not get confused in complex instructions and will quickly master all the functionality of the device.
PROS:
- The optimal voltage is 220 V;
- Powerful tunnel cooling system;
- Low weight, namely 3.5 kilograms;
- The outer parts are made of durable materials;
- PV at a maximum current of 70%;
- Two cables included.
MINUSES:
- There is no display;
- No arc afterburner;
- Short holder cable.
Wester MINI 200Т (MMA)
The budget device called Wester MINI 200T (MMA) has detailed instructions. It is she who helps inexperienced welders, shipbuilders or ordinary people who have started the repair of metal products to carry out all the standard manipulations. The complete set includes an electrode holder and a weight clamp with a cable. And the manufacturer also provides a warranty card and a package of documentation.By the way, you hardly have to use the warranty card: the model is equipped with an overload protection system, which increases its service life. In addition, the device has an anti-stick, hot start system. This makes the work of even inexperienced craftsmen of sufficient quality.
PROS:
- Input voltage for 155-255 V;
- High quality manual arc welding;
- The mass of the welding machine is three kilograms;
- No-load voltage of 65 V;
- The duty cycle at maximum current is 60%;
- Overload protection system.
MINUSES:
- No timer spot welding mode;
- Rarely found outside of online stores;
- There is no microprocessor control.
Wert MMA 250N (TIG, MMA)
Welding machine Wert MMA 250N (TIG, MMA) provides argon-arc and manual arc welding. This is good because the advanced functionality makes the model suitable for different life situations. At the same time, the device does not spend a lot of electricity: 220 V is enough for it, that is, it can be connected to a classic power grid. The IP21 protection class contributes to the safe and durable use of the device in the home. And a simple instruction helps to carefully manage it even without relevant work experience. This is facilitated by the weight of 2.6 kilograms, which helps to carry and use the welding machine without unnecessary effort.
PROS:
- Built-in hot start system;
- Open circuit voltage of 68 V;
- Manufacturer's warranty for 12 months;
- Assembled at the official factory in China;
- Low power consumption of electricity;
- The duty cycle of the current is 60%.
MINUSES:
- There is no anti-stick function, which sometimes slows down the welding process;
- Inconvenient location of ventilation holes;
- Short wires made of not the best quality alloy.
The best welding machines price-quality
Thanks to welding technology, reliable joints of metal parts are created, and these devices also help with repairs. However, budget devices of this type are rarely of high quality. Should I take a welding machine that will deteriorate in just a couple of months? Of course not, if you can use the rating for price-quality.
Svarog REAL MIG 200 (N24002N) BLACK (MIG / MAG, MMA)
The welding machine Svarog REAL MIG 200 (N24002N) BLACK (MIG / MAG, MMA) is produced in limited quantities. It differs from the standard REAL MIG 200 device in its extended complete set and unusual design. For example, only she has a plastic grill on the front panel, which protects against accidental damage. This model can work with flux-cored wire, with aluminum, it is also suitable for manual welding, work in a shielded gas environment. This only pushes both professional welders and simply people who want to make repairs to buy a device. This is also facilitated by the fact that the device is capable of operating from a network with a power of 160 V. This means that the device can be connected to a simple outlet.
PROS:
- Successful design and durable body that protects the device from damage;
- Reliable metal wire feeder;
- Face and eye protection mask included;
- Detailed operation manual;
- Built-in feeder;
- The weight of the welding machine is 13 kilograms.
MINUSES:
- Difficult to find outside of specialized welding equipment stores;
- Plastic wires freeze in the cold;
- There is no current indicator.
Aurora OVERMAN 205 (MIG / MAG, MMA)
Semiautomatic welding machine Aurora OVERMAN 205 (MIG / MAG, MMA) belongs to the well-known series of professional devices called OVERMAN. MOSFET technology, reliable construction, and a minimum amount of metal spatter allow professionals and amateurs to buy this device even for quite a lot of money. The system of heat removal from the power elements, working at the expense of four cooling radiators, helps to work with comfort and get high-quality results in a short time. Due to the long operating mode at maximum currents, the welding machine can perform various jobs both at a professional and at a household level.
PROS:
- The ability to almost completely correct the settings;
- High ergonomics of the welding device;
- Suitable for aluminum welding;
- Work at reduced voltage, that is, enough current up to 140 V;
- A gas hose with a set of clamps is included with the purchase;
- High stability of arc burning at the welding machine.
MINUSES:
- Difficult to find outside of large stores;
- The electrode holder is not included in the kit;
- Plastic parts break quickly.
RESANTA SAIPA-165 (MIG / MAG, MMA)
Semiautomatic welding machine RESANTA SAIPA-165 (MIG / MAG, MMA) provides constant welding current. The model has an input voltage of 220 V, so it can be plugged into a standard household outlet. True, it is not very convenient to do this: you will have to use a lot of cables and extension cords, since the cables from the developer are quite small. The frequency of switching on the model is 70% at 160 A. The authors of the reviews also mention a convenient internal location of the coil, but the non-removable sleeve makes it a little difficult to use the model. However, the 11.5 kg weight compensates for this small disadvantage and makes it easier to work with the welding machine.
PROS:
- Inverter type of welding device;
- Easy setting for modes;
- The set includes a coil of copper-plated wire;
- Low price;
- Overheating indicator;
- A special relay that protects against overheating.
MINUSES:
- A short circuit on the holder often occurs;
- The power button is difficult to clean;
- A soiled case that is easy to scratch.
The best welding machines for manual arc welding
Manual arc welding is a common welding process that is carried out using an electric arc. Usually, this type of welding machine is expensive, but most of the offers on the market are of poor quality. But there is no need to doubt the suitability for arc welding of the following three models of welding machines.
RESANTA SAI-220 (MMA)
The RESANTA SAI-220 (MMA) inverter welding machine is suitable for manual arc welding. This model is used by both amateurs and professionals. It's all about the durability and productivity of the stick electrode, due to which the metal is processed. Users have commented on the design features of this welding machine. It has a small weight, not exceeding 4.9 kilograms outside the package, and also a compact shape. This makes it easier to transport and install on site. They also praise the temperature indicator, which informs about the overheating of the device and greatly simplifies the control over the settings.
PROS:
- Input voltage 140-260 V;
- A sturdy carrying strap is supplied with the unit;
- Cooks with any electrode up to five millimeters;
- Little weight;
- Good ergonomics;
- There are anti-stick and hot start functions.
MINUSES:
- Weak electrode holder;
- Short cables;
- The axle of the cooling fan is prone to breakage.
Svarog REAL ARC 160 (Z240N) (MMA)
Svarog REAL ARC 160 (Z240N) (MMA) is an inverter machine designed for manual arc welding, designed for domestic and professional use in direct or reverse polarity. The manufacturer guarantees stable operation at a mains voltage of 160 V, that is, it will be enough to connect the model to an electrical outlet. But due to the short cables, a complex system of adapters and extension cords may be required. Improved Antistick performance and arc stability make the welding machine easy to use and safe. Safety is also aided by an updated, robust case that rarely deforms due to physical impact.
PROS:
- Convenient rubberized regulator;
- Confident electrode welding up to 3.2 mm;
- Power supply frequency 5.5 Hz;
- Weight 3.9 kilograms;
- Cold running voltage 76 V;
- Adequate cost.
MINUSES:
- Hard to find in real stores;
- No hot start system;
- Quite an abstruse instruction manual.
Fubag IR 200 (MMA)
The Fubag IR 200 (MMA) device meets all modern requirements for welding machines.Reviews of the device note that it has a quality build to ensure continued use of the model. The maximum welding current of 200 A allows you to use the device both at home and in working conditions, at a construction site. The digital display greatly simplifies the control of the welding process. It also reflects all the operating parameters of the device. At the exit, the user, even without sufficient experience in welding, receives an even, high-quality seam. All because of the built-in functions hot start, anti-sticking, arc afterburner.
PROS:
- Air forced cooling;
- Working pressure range of 150-240 V;
- Well suited for manual arc welding;
- The frequency of the welding machine is 50 Hz;
- The weight of the device is 4.5 kilograms;
- Good ergonomics and a rather pleasant body design.
MINUSES:
- Insufficient power wires;
- Weak spring of the electric holder;
- The sensitivity of the amperage wheel is too high.
The best welding semiautomatic devices
Semi-automatic welding machines are perfect for lovers of country life, self-repair or cars. They are easy to operate, while the quality of the seam is quite high. The following three semiautomatic welding machines are considered especially productive and convenient for long-term use.
Aurora OVERMAN 180 (MIG / MAG)
Aurora inverter semi-automatic welding machine is suitable for work in shielding gas or outside of it. It is because of this that it is suitable both for amateur welding work and for professional welding in a car dealership, at a construction site. The authors of the reviews emphasize that Aurora OVERMAN 180 (MIG / MAG) copes well even with aluminum processing. Regardless of the chemical composition of the metal, the welding machine provides a neat and even seam that is fairly easy to mask. Moreover, both a professional and an ordinary person without special education can do this.
PROS:
- Adjustment of welding current and voltage;
- Protection against overheating and accidental industrial injuries;
- Clear setting of the device inductance;
- Work even with a weak supply of current;
- MOSFET technology;
- High arc stability.
MINUSES:
- Only two high-speed wire feed modes;
- Cooks poorly in pure carbon dioxide;
- Belongs to the category of stationary devices.
Fubag IRMIG 180 38608.3 (MIG / MAG)
Fubag IRMIG 180 38608.3 (MIG / MAG) is considered a popular tool among different categories of users: from professional welders to those who just need to carry out repair work at home or on the site. This is due to the ability to select the mode between MMA and MIG / MAG. The infinitely variable welding current control system allows you to work at a user-friendly pace, and also maintains the high welding quality that is generally characteristic of Fubag. By the way, an important advantage of the device is its ability to operate at a current of 40-180 A. More reviews say that the model is quite transportable: it weighs only 8.9 kilograms, while in the package it is about 11.1 kilograms.
PROS:
- Power consumption 5.1 kW;
- External power supply 220 V, that is, from a regular outlet;
- Affordable price, especially if the purchase takes place via the Internet;
- Multifunctionality and convenience for different categories of welders;
- Small dimensions for easy use and storage;
- The burner is included in the kit.
MINUSES:
- Not too informative instructions included;
- The bushing of the welding machine is only for a large bobbin;
- It's hard to find a device outside of online stores.
Wester MIG-100 (MIG / MAG)
Welding machine Wester MIG-100 (MIG / MAG) is suitable for welding and surfacing of metal with consumable electrode wire. Slightly less often, it is used to work in a shielding gas environment or with flux cored wire outside of it. Such a device is not suitable for professional welding. But the transformer-type model is quite capable of satisfying all the needs of an ordinary user. The input voltage is only 220 V, which allows you to connect the device to a regular power supply.By the way, a cable with a clip, ideal for connecting the device to the mains, is included in the kit. Like all other materials for a smooth operation: Wester does not skimp on the package at all.
PROS:
- Weight of 12 kilograms, allowing you to use the model without unnecessary problems;
- Built-in overload protection system;
- Good ergonomics;
- Welding goes without any problems, smoothly;
- Good stability of work, providing an even and high-quality seam;
- Fast ignition system.
MINUSES:
- Hard to find outside of chain stores, especially in the regions;
- There are no additional functions to facilitate the operation of the device;
- High price for such functionality.
The best professional welding machines
High-end welding machines have advanced functionality. However, this affects the cost of devices: sometimes you have to pay almost a dozen more for them, especially if the delivery is from another country. Despite the high cost, buyers take professional devices because of their high productivity and other parameters.
Aurora ULTIMATE 350 (MIG / MAG, MMA)
The Aurora ULTIMATE 350 (MIG / MAG, MMA) semi-automatic metal processing device is the optimal solution for complete MMA welding in the entire range. The welding machine has a four-roll feeder, making it fast and productive. Cables with an aggregate length of five meters allow the welder to expand the work area. Although the device is suitable for professionals, it is easy to operate and has a large list of customizable modes. However, the user must be prepared for the high cost of the model: for such a high quality, you will have to pay about ninety-five thousand.
PROS:
- Concise control panel;
- Stable running;
- Durable case made of high quality alloys and plastic;
- Torch, cable, clamp and set of rollers included;
- Two-year warranty;
- Two digital displays for demonstration of settings.
MINUSES:
- The impressive price of the welding machine;
- For full-fledged work, you need to buy a special cooling mechanism;
- The weight of the model is 30 kilograms.
BLUEWELD Starmig 215 Dual Synergic (TIG, MIG / MAG, MMA)
The BLUEWELD Starmig 215 Dual Synergic (TIG, MIG / MAG, MMA) welding machine supports argon arc, manual arc and semi-automatic welding. In general, the model belongs to the semi-automatic type, so it is perfect for those who are professionally engaged in welding. The welding current is constant, and the unit itself can operate at a voltage of 220 V. This helps to use the model even at the expense of an ordinary stationary outlet. The device has an intuitive digital display that reflects all the basic settings. By the way, the welder can adjust them at will.
PROS:
- Internal location of the coil;
- Removable sleeve;
- The frequency of inclusion is 60%;
- Eurocoil D300;
- Standard power plug;
- Refers to the professional class of goods.
MINUSES:
- Weight 25 kilograms;
- Rarely found outside of online stores;
- No cooling system included.
Svarog PRO MIG 200 (N229) (TIG, MIG / MAG, MMA)
The inverter, which is called Svarog PRO MIG 200 (N229) (TIG, MIG / MAG, MMA), is designed for welding in a gas atmosphere. It can also be used for manual arc or flux cored wire welding, the choice depends solely on the needs of the person. This makes it versatile, suitable for working with different types of materials and under different conditions. The synergic control system and detailed instructions for use from the manufacturer allow you to quickly and easily operate the model. In this case, the user can customize a large number of parameters for himself. Another advantage of the welding machine is its weight. For a professional class, 12.5 kilograms is incredibly small.
PROS:
- Idler wire run;
- Test gas purge;
- Welding wire burn-back function;
- Two rollers;
- Protection class of the welding machine IP21;
- Intuitive digital display.
MINUSES:
- High price;
- There are not enough adapters included;
- Hard to find outside of online stores.
Which welding machine is better to choose
In order not to be disappointed in the chosen device, you need to immediately determine the purpose of the purchase. It is better not to save on welding machines for professional-level work and full-fledged earnings on welding metal objects. They must have good protection indicators, make the most invisible seams. Usually such devices cost tens of thousands. But cheaper models with fewer configurable parameters are suitable if welding should be performed at the same time or rarely. Also, amateurs do not need to chase a lot of additional functions. A hot start system will suffice so as not to spoil the seam.
