How to choose the right welding tool
Choosing the right piece of welding equipment can make all the difference to how well a job is
completed. It’s important to think carefully about which tool you require and how it’s going to be
used.
Benefits of the different processes
There are a number of different welding processes (welding equipment, TIG welding and stick
welding) and each one has its own distinct advantages. There isn’t one process that can be used for
all applications. Consider what you need the equipment for, the environment you’ll be working in,
the precision you require and how much control you’ll need.
Which is the right process?
To determine the right process you need to look at a range of areas. Consider the type of metal
you’ll need to weld, whether this is steel, stainless steel, aluminium, cast iron, titanium, copper or
brass, and the thickness of the pieces. Not every process is suitable for all the different metals, so
choosing the correct one is critical.
Operating range
If you’re using an electrode with a specific diameter you have to know the operating range. The
smaller the electrode is, the less current it will carry. Before you choose the most appropriate
welding tool, you need to work out which electrode can be used with the individual machines.
Power
When you’re researching mig welders you must ensure that you match the machine to the amount
of power that is available at the site. For instance, you can choose between single and three phase
and have a voltage of between 115v and 575v. If there is no electrical supply at the site, gas or diesel
powered models are available.
Portability
In some cases you will require a welding machine and power supply that can be moved around as
required. Therefore, the weight of the equipment will be a significant factor in your decision.
Typically, inverter-based power sources are much lighter than other versions.
Costs
Your budget will be an important consideration when choosing a new welding tool. You need to
think about all areas of the machines, from the initial purchase costs through to how much it will be
to run and service the equipment.
Maintenance
The reliability and durability of the tool will also need to be taken into consideration. You don?t want
a model that breaks down continuously or that costs a large amount to service and repair.
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