5 best welding transformers

The simplest welding machine is a transformer. Many home craftsmen have homemade devices that are large and heavy. The device is a voltage-reducing device consisting of two windings. Electromagnetic induction is created between them, with the help of which it is possible to increase the welding current. Thanks to a simple design, many manufacturers have managed to develop inexpensive devices that are compact and lightweight. With their help, it will be possible to reliably connect metal parts on their own. When choosing a welding transformer, you should pay attention to several parameters.

• The experts consider the main technical characteristics to be power and welding current. The higher these indicators, the more efficient and durable the device will be. However, with a high minimum current (80-90 A), it will not be possible to weld a thin sheet of steel with high quality.
• Budget welders heat up quickly, so some models are equipped with forced cooling systems. As a result, the on-time reaches an acceptable value of 10%.
• The use of innovative technologies and modern materials has allowed some manufacturers to bring the weight of the transformer to the level of 10 kg. But even 20-kilogram units look preferable to home-made units.
• When choosing a welding transformer, consider the type of power supply used in your home or garage. There are devices adapted for both household and power networks. Before starting work, just turn the switch to the desired position.
• For a novice welder who does not have the necessary accessories for work, the equipment will be an important factor when buying a transformer. If the kit contains a protective mask with a light filter, a metal brush, cables with a holder for electrodes and clamps, then you can start working immediately after purchase.

Our review includes the best welding transformers. When compiling the rating, the following criteria were taken into account:

• technical characteristics of the device;
• weight and dimensions;
• price;
• expert opinion;
• consumer reviews.

TOP 5 best welding transformers

5 BISON ZTS-200

The ZUBR ZTS-200 welding transformer is distinguished by its compact dimensions. The model is designed for welding low carbon steel grades. The manufacturer has equipped the device with plastic wheels, which makes it very convenient to move it. The device can be powered from a household (220 V) or power (380 V) power supply. The choice of the network is carried out using a convenient switch. The value of the welding current varies in the range of 60-200 A. Thanks to this, steel plates with a thickness of 1.5-6.0 mm can be joined. A thermal fuse is installed to prevent overheating of the machine.

Users in the reviews are satisfied with the affordable price of the ZUBR ZTS-200 transformer, a convenient current adjustment regulator, reliable cable fixation, mobility and compactness. The disadvantages include the rapid heating of the device and a fairly large weight (19.3 kg).

4 PRORAB FORWARD 180

The most affordable welding transformer in our review was the PRORAB FORWARD 180. This simple electrical device has all the necessary set of accessories for welding metals. Together with the welder, the set includes a shield with a light filter, electrical cables, a holder, a clothespin, a metal brush and a slag separator. The model is capable of producing manual arc welding using cellulose and rutile electrodes with a thickness of 2-4 mm. The value of the welding current is adjustable in the range of 60-180 A.

Analyzing consumer reviews, the following conclusions can be drawn. The welder is suitable for working with steel and cast iron, the body has an anti-corrosion coating, the machine can be operated from a regular or power network.But the budget model is equipped with a flimsy clothespin, there is no mains plug in the set, the shield does not protect the worker well from radiation and hot metal.

3 ELITECH AC 200T

ELITECH AC 200T is a semi-professional welding transformer. The model can be powered from one- or three-phase mains, operating on alternating current. The maximum welding current reaches 200 A, while the device boasts a high power of 10.4 kW. Therefore, the on-time is 10%, the transformer does not overheat during prolonged welding. A distinctive feature of the device is the ability to use a wide range of electrodes, from 1.6 mm to 4 mm. The complete set of the welder looks rather modest, the set contains only cables with a holder and a mass clamp.

Domestic welders are generally satisfied with the work of the ELITECH AC 200T welding transformer. Many people call it the best option for a home or garage. The device is not only powerful, but also unpretentious. Therefore, it will be difficult even for an amateur to break it.

2 Telwin Nordica 4.220 Turbo

The Italian welding transformer Telwin Nordica 4.220 Turbo is an example of quality and reliability. The European manufacturer has made the device efficient and stylish. The device is designed to work with electrodes with a thickness of 2-4 mm with a rutile coating, the welding current can be smoothly regulated within 55-190 A. To work with a transformer for a long time, the manufacturer has equipped the device with forced air cooling. For mobility, the welder has plastic wheels and a comfortable handle. Together with the device, the set includes a protective shield, a clamp for ground, an electrode holder, a metal brush.

Welders note in the reviews such advantages of the device as simplicity, high-quality assembly, and reliability. The disadvantages include a large weight (19.4 kg), an ineffective cooling system, and a flimsy flap.

1 Wester ARC 130

One of the lightest (10.6 kg) welding machines in its class is the Wester ARC 130 transformer. It is designed for welding steel and other metals. The model is perfect for novice users. The welder is simple and compact, the maximum welding current is limited to 130 A. For work, electrodes with a diameter of 2.6-3.2 mm are required. The device is only connected to a household power supply (220 V). The manufacturer has equipped the device with a reliable case with a fan inside. It prevents overheating of the transformer. The set includes a mask, a brush-hammer, two cables with a holder and a clip.

Consumer reviews regarding the Wester ARC 130 welder are mostly positive. The device is lightweight and durable, affordable. The transformer holds the arc perfectly, which simplifies the work of novice welders.