The best welding semiautomatic devices for the home: the most reliable and functional
Before buying a welding machine, you must first understand its structure, functions, and features. They are all different and designed for different purposes. This article will help you choose the best semiautomatic welding machine for your home.
The best inexpensive semiautomatic welding machines for the home
Today, there are not so many models that can be considered the best welding machines, especially in the budget niche. Some of them are considered professional and are suitable exclusively for industrial purposes, some have their own drawbacks in development. But there are devices that can be safely attributed to the best and at the same time inexpensive.
MIG 160 (MIG / MAG, MMA)
Designed for welding with a consumable electrode in a shielded atmosphere of inert gases or for manual welding with a constant current electrode. Welding requires low carbon and low alloy steel wire, which is not supplied. Stainless steel, high-alloy steel and alloys cannot be joined with this apparatus. Well suited for both domestic use and for small workshops, work in which does not require special skills and excludes the processing of special materials. A very common model, easy to repair and operate.
| Mains voltage, V | 220 |
| Mains frequency, Hz | 50/60 |
| Rated current, A | 160 |
| Working voltage, V | 26,4 |
| Wire diameter, mm | 0,6-1 |
pros
- relatively high quality of seams;
- ease of use;
- affordable price, wide;
- ease of maintenance;
- ease of use due to its small size;
- versatility.
Minuses
- there is no polarity change;
- limited functionality.
IRMIG 160 SYN (TIG, MIG / MAG, MMA)
This state-of-the-art device is designed for MIG and MMA welding. It is distinguished by the presence of a Euro-connector, which allows you to quickly connect the torch, as well as the possibility of smooth regulation of the current strength and wire feed speed. These functions allow you to quickly adapt the work to different materials to be welded. It is considered one of the best and most functional. Ideal for welding work in vehicle repairs, as well as irreplaceable in construction. Not suitable for metal products made from special alloys.
| Mains voltage, V | 220 |
| Mains frequency, Hz | 50/60 |
| Rated current, A | 160 |
| power, kWt | 4,6 |
| Wire diameter, mm | 0,6-0,8 0,8-1,0 |
pros
- high unification with other equipment due to the European connector;
- simplicity;
- prevalence;
- variability in work thanks to adjustment functions;
- low price.
Minuses
- some models have problems with cooling;
- lack of digital indicators.
MIG 200 (MIG / MAG, MMA)
Based on the MIG 200 standard, this state-of-the-art device easily outperforms its 160-amp predecessors in functionality. Equipped with improved characteristics allowing welding of alloyed steels, special alloys of non-ferrous metals, including aluminum. Excellent for thick-walled pipes, channels, hardened alloy fittings. It is indispensable for use in construction work, and its capabilities go beyond the range of everyday needs.
| Mains voltage, V | 220 |
| Weight, up to, kg | 13 |
| Rated current, A | 200 |
| power, kWt | 6,3 |
| Wire diameter, mm | 1,0-5,0/0,6-1,0 |
pros
- allows you to work with metals up to 5 mm thick;
- equipped with digital indicators;
- high performance;
- provides uniform penetration and high quality welding;
- designed for the use of various welding technologies.
Minuses
- may cause interruptions in the operation of the household network;
- high cost of imported inverter components.
SAIPA-135 (MIG / MAG, MMA)
A classic household welding semiautomatic device, suitable only for household welding. Created for solving small problems in welding light metal structures.The light weight makes it easy to carry the device from place to place. Works from a regular household outlet. Perfect for beginner welders and semi-professionals. Limited in functionality - he cannot afford to weld heavy plate and alloy steel.
| Mains voltage, V | 220 |
| Weight, up to, kg | 11 |
| Rated current, A | 110 |
| power, kWt | 3,3 |
| Wire diameter, mm | 0,8 |
pros
- ease of use;
- small dimensions;
- service availability;
- low power allows you to work from a household network;
- minimum price.
Minuses
- extremely limited in functionality;
- the quality of welding may not be high enough.
The best semi-automatic welding machines for the home of the middle category
We present a selection of the most popular home semi-automatic devices in the middle segment. They are most often used in a domestic environment, but they are equipped with a sufficient set of functions and characteristics for semi-professional use. The best mid-range devices include:
MIG 140i (MIG / MAG, MMA)
Welding machines of this class are more technological and powerful, equipped with perfect insulation, trouble-free automation, and the best characteristics in general. Equipped with LED indicators, wire feed speed and current controls. There is also a built-in cooling and a mass clamp. And special rubber feet will ensure a stable position of the unit. Buying this kind of inverter is a good way to improve welding quality, speed and safety.
| Mains voltage, V | 220 |
| Weight, up to, kg | 9 |
| Rated current, A | 140 |
| power, kWt | 4,7 |
| Wire diameter, mm | 0,6-0,8 |
pros
- manufacturability;
- small weight and dimensions at high power;
- high level of protection from water and dirt;
- high quality welding - automatic equipment provides a uniform supply of current;
- acceptable price.
Minuses
- there is no microprocessor control;
- there are no a number of options that have become familiar on other models: arc afterburner, timed spot welding, etc.
POLO 160 (MIG / MAG)
POLO 160 is a modern and reliable welding machine that, with a weight of only 5.5 kg, is capable of delivering an impressive 5.2 kilowatts. It allows high-quality welding of even difficult-to-weld materials: stainless and alloy steel, aluminum alloys. Ideal for home welding. It has high-level automation that controls the operation of the device. There is high quality protection, which practically excludes the possibility of a short circuit.
| Mains voltage, V | 220 |
| Weight, up to, kg | 5,5 |
| Rated current, A | 160 |
| power, kWt | 5,2 |
| Wire diameter, mm | 0,6-0,8 |
pros
- high power-to-weight ratio;
- new generation automation;
- excellent protection;
- high power;
- Automation regulates the soft start of welding and the correct end.
Minuses
- there are complaints about the reliability of the cooling system;
- difficulties with components during service.
OVERMAN 160 (MIG / MAG)
The slightly old model OVERMAN 160 is slightly inferior to the new generation. But at the same time, it also has its positive aspects. The device is considered one of the most reliable and reliable. With a power of 4 kW at a working current of 160A, it still remains in demand. The ability to use 1mm wire adds functionality. Since this technique is widespread and continues to be in demand, there are no problems with service either.
| Mains voltage, V | 220 |
| Weight, up to, kg | 15 |
| Rated current, A | 160 |
| power, kWt | 4 |
| Wire diameter, mm | 0,6-1 |
pros
- reliability;
- ease of use;
- not quite modern, but high-quality protection;
- use of wire, up to 1 mm thick;
- no problem with the service due to ubiquity.
Minuses
- large weight and dimensions;
- lack of modern automation and control equipment.
REAL MIG 200 (N24002N) (MIG / MAG, MMA)
These models are considered to be easy to use and easy to repair. One of the main advantages is called the ability to work stably with voltage drops. Even in the legendary garage cooperatives, with constant power supply problems, they continue to work.Many welders complain about a too noisy cooling system, but there are no complaints about overheating. This is exactly the case when you should trust "old friends".
| Mains voltage, V | 220 |
| Weight, up to, kg | 13 |
| Rated current, A | 200 |
| Power, kVA | 7,7 |
| Electrode diameter, mm | 1,5-4 |
pros
- works with voltage drops;
- reliability;
- simplicity;
- low price;
- maintainability.
Minuses
- too noisy cooling system;
- lack of modern electronic systems.
Conclusion:
Electric welding is one of the most common types of metal processing, which does not tolerate arrogance towards itself. The task of a modern welder is to know the basics of science, to carefully study the technical characteristics of equipment and materials to be welded. When choosing a welding machine, one should correctly compare the real needs and the declared characteristics of the equipment. Only in this case will a high result be guaranteed, the safety of equipment and wiring.
