Welding machine for home and garden: models, specifications, reviews

Welding of metal structures and parts is required both in professional fields and in the household. The devices for the house and villa have their own characteristics, allowing even beginners to successfully cope with the challenges. Such welding devices, in particular, differ ergonomic design, wide possibilities of adjustment of operating parameters and increased safety. Nevertheless, a welding machine for a house and a dacha is not so easy to choose if you consider that in this segment there are many manufacturers with unique offers.

Characteristics of devices

The welding capabilities of a particular machine determine two main characteristics - the current strength and the magnitude of the voltage. The value of the rated current essentially expresses the power of the device. Obviously, for home use, a lot of potential is not required, but some calculation is still worthwhile. For example, to work with blanks with a thickness of 3-4 cm, an electrode with a diameter of 3 mm will be required, and the current strength in this case should be no less than 120 A. What is especially important is that you should not get the devices close to the requirements of the tasks. It is necessary to leave a reserve of about 40%, the presence of which will prevent rapid wear of the equipment.

Next, the voltage of the welding machine is determined, which is expressed in the ability of the conventional model to operate from a single-phase 220 V power supply. However, such devices should be purchased for a house that is connected to a stable line. For example, deviations in the indicators of voltage in the urban network can be 10%. But if it is a dacha where unstable generators can be used, it is important to make a correction for voltage instability with a deviation of up to 20%. How to be in this situation? It is safest to turn to inverter models, which differ in a wide range of supported voltage values. They also have other advantages that should be considered separately.

Features of inverter models

The principal difference between inverters is the implementation of the rectification technology of the mains current. Due to a special converter, a direct current is generated already, which causes a number of design and operational advantages. First of all, inverters are characterized by a small mass, ease of use and the inclusion of modern security systems. In particular, even budget devices are mostly equipped with protection against voltage drops. It is this feature that makes it possible to use this welding machine for home and dacha without fear of high swings in the network.

However, it is also not recommended to experiment with precarious and generally questionable sources of energy. In terms of directly working qualities, there are also advantages, one of which is expressed in the possibility of welding with a long and short arc. This allows you to perform at the same effort a high-quality and durable weld, regardless of the type of metal.

New technologies

Modern manufacturers use two basic technologies for manufacturing inverters - MOSFET and IGBT. The difference between them is in the transistor elements. In particular, the MOSFET system is characterized by large dimensions and considerable weight, is cheaper and at the same time involves a large consumption of material. For clarity, we can compare typical inverters made using MOSFET and IGBT technologies with a current strength of 200 A. In the first case, it will take about 24 transistors to manufacture and in the second case only 10. There are other technological solutions aimed at increasing individual techno -operational qualities of equipment. For example, the Kempi welding machine in the Minarc 150 version has an innovative option to reduce idling voltage. For this purpose, a separate VRD unit is used, which, in this way, is responsible for the stable function of the device.

Useful Functionality

In modern devices, quite effective functions are envisaged that solve the eternal problems of welders. Of course, there are many extra options that are introduced for the most part to increase the attractiveness of models in the eyes of inexperienced users. To cut off such additions, experts recommend paying attention to a group of options-assistants whose tasks are reduced solely to working with electrodes. For example, a welding machine for a house and a dacha can be provided with a system for indicating the touch of the electrode of the working surface.

It is well known that it is better to avoid such situations, but when the gap is several millimeters, it is rather difficult to keep the distance. In such cases, when registering the fact of touch, the system automatically reduces the current, excluding possible losses. Conversely, intelligent systems for increasing the amperage are activated at the start-up of the apparatus and in the process of intensive impact on the workpiece.

Reviews of the model KEMPPI Minarc 180

It starts with the mentioned model of the Finnish manufacturer Kempi. This version takes the place in the middle segment, differing by a typical set of working opportunities. According to users, the model provides quite effective work with the welding formats MMA and TIG. This concerns both the quality of the seam and the convenience of organizing the process itself. In terms of functionality, the Kempie welding machine does not surprise you at all, but many owners emphasize the strength of its case, the reliability of the element base and confident operation with networks in which voltage drops are observed.

Comments about the model WESTER IWT200

Another good version with reliable stuffing and at the same time good performance. As consumers note, the device is advantageous for its practicality, high power and the presence of ergonomic additions such as handles and an elongated cable. Advantages include modern protection against overloads, the presence of built-in fans and a control system made for a separate fee. What is even more interesting, if you use this welding machine for home and cottages, you can feel and save electricity. As noted, the consumption is less than that of classic welding devices, which will be beneficial for owners of autonomous generators.

Reviews about Aurora MINIONE 1800

A productive solution with optimized stuffing, considerable performance and a rich set of additional options. Owners of the model also point to the fact of its basing on an IGBT platform using SMT components. This is a modern configuration, which is positively responded by specialists using the device in professional needs. And on the contrary, from the point of view of the application at the dacha, this can be the best welding machine, because its design was developed with the expectation of transportation and storage under unfavorable conditions. In addition, a high-strength case for the device is provided in the basic configuration.

Credits for the model «Svarog PRO ARC 160»

In this modification, Russian developers continue the concept of a powerful inverter device. As for users, they emphasize the quality work with arc welding and cladding, which uses electrodes of a size not less than 3.2 mm. In addition, it is allowed and argon - arc manual welding, but for its implementation, it is also necessary to purchase a valve burner. In the budget segment there are more well-known manufacturers of welding machines, but the company "Svarog" in this case surpassed the competitors in terms of technological support of the model. Owners of the device, for example, praise the point adjustment of the current, the digital indicator, the setting of the arc afterburner and the quick start option with intensive heating.

Reviews about "Resanta AIS 250"

The company "Resanta" specializes in welding equipment, so its products are popular in a wide range of applications. Of course, the initial segment of the models intended for use at home and at the dacha is not deprived of attention. Model "SAI 250" is appreciated by users for an organic combination of ease of use and high power. This device is not one of those that are oriented toward solving simple problems. With this version, users mount heavy multi-section structures, while noting the high quality of the seam being formed. As for ergonomics, in this part the device deserves positive feedback for the availability of a convenient digital display, which reflects all the basic parameters of the current workflow.

Price issue

The budget class represents models of devices that can be purchased for 5-7 thousand. As a rule, this is a low-power technique with limited functionality and a low resource of the element base. It is also important to consider that cheap inverter welding machines worth no more than 7 thousand rarely differ in stable operation under conditions of strong voltage drops. This is just the case when modern inverter devices do not guarantee reliable operation due to an unstable power source.

The middle segment allows you to purchase a quality device with reliable technical stuffing, but, again, without special technological advantages. For example, an inexpensive welding machine of an average level for 10 thousand allows you to confidently cope with most of everyday simple operations, but for regular work it will not work because of the lack of ergonomic options. Fans of building their own hands different metal frames should pay attention to premium versions of inverters at a price of not less than 15 thousand. Such a device will not disappoint the option, but will also be pleased with sufficient power and a wide bundle.

How to choose the best device?

The nature of the work for which the device is purchased should become the main factor of choice. Most often at home, welding is implemented to repair communications, individual structures or equipment. In this case, it is possible to confine yourself to a compact device with a small current intensity. But if there is a question about how to choose an inverter welding machine for a house or country house with an abundance of metal structures and equipment, then a powerful device can be given a fair choice. But in any case, it is advisable to choose models with the latest safety features and a wide range of options for setting operating parameters.

Nuances of welding machine operation

An inexperienced user of the welding machine is not immune from making mistakes that can bring a lot of trouble. One of the main violations of the technology is the desire to quickly obtain a result in the process of ignition of the arc - and, as a consequence, improper control of the electrodes. Especially for this case, the instruction for the welding machine and recommends the use of a function like a quick start, which ensures a stable combustion. Also, during welding, do not touch the work tool to the surface to be treated, otherwise there is a risk of serious deformation of the workpiece.

Conclusion

The appearance of inverter models has brought its own corrections to the appearance of welding machines and to the technological process of their manufacture. The equipment of the new generation has raised the level of the overall quality of operations, which can not but add attraction to inverter models. This welding machines, prices, reviews and characteristics of which emphasize each other - for example, an expensive device for 15 thousand causes a lot of positive feedback and for the quality of work, and for ergonomics, but also the budget versions even lose to premium devices in the functionality, but are valued Many owners for reliability and good assembly.

Of course, there are models of frankly poor quality, but this product is initially produced with violations of generally accepted standards. Therefore, one should only apply to devices from renowned manufacturers, which are not the first year known to the domestic consumer.