MIG welder Ireland and several welding tricks with WeldingSuppliesDirect? How to pick a welder tips: Duty cycle: The advertised amperage of the machine offers a headline guide, but the duty cycle of the machine gives up the truth. Light industrial machine duty cycles can be as low as 20%, but more heavy duty MIG’s should range between 40-60%. If a 300amp MIG has 30% duty cycle for instance, it’s on the edge of acceptability. Duty cycle is determined by how many minutes out of 10, it can weld at 100%. Duty cycle testing: MIGS tested at 20 Degrees & 40 Degrees we consider good. (Beware any manufacturer who doesn’t quote an ambient temperature for testing) Manufacturer’s warranty: Always a great guide to quality. A three year warranty is good. Weld characteristics: Make sure the arc is smooth & suits your application. (Some machines are better suited at the low range and others at higher amperage range).
In many shops, the operator has to go to a tool room or supply area for a new contact tip, coil of wire or other welding accessory. This takes valuable time away from the welding cell and slows down overall productivity. To improve the operating efficiency and minimize wasted time, companies should stock at least a limited supply of all necessary items near the welding station – this includes shielding gas, flux and wire. Another helpful productivity enhancing tip is to switch to larger spools of wire such as from 25 lb. spools to 44 or 60 lb. spools to even larger packages of 1,000 lb. reels or 1,000 lb. drums. A simple switch like this means less changeover time, which adds up over the weeks, months and years. Shops should also be on the lookout for shielding gas waste. A simple device called a surge turbine can be placed at the end of the gun to provide a digital readout of the gas surge and flow rate. If the surge rate is high, investing in a surge guard can reduce the pressure, eliminating gas surges and waste. Leaks in the gas delivery system can also create a potential loss of money. By looking at the amount of consumables purchased each year and then examining the total gas purchased, a company can determine if there is a significant loss. Welding manufacturers and distributors should be able to provide average utilization figures so that loss can be detected. If there is a loss suspected, one of the easiest ways to check for leaks is to shut off the gas delivery system over the weekend. Check the level on Friday evening and then again on Monday morning to determine if gas was used while the system was in shut down mode.
MIG welders are divided into transformer and inverter models. Briefly, transformer machines feature only mechanical parts that can adjust the output voltage “sequentially” while the unit is off. The output voltage is not stabilised and may decrease under load. Still, a simple design is the main benefit of transformer welders that facilitate their maintenance. Also, they are often cheaper. Inverter MIG welders are fitted with electronics that allow a smooth voltage adjustment, so it isn’t susceptible to drops and does not fall under load. Of course, power is the main feature of any electric tool. As for MIG welders, their power depends on the maximum amperage, more usually, the output range. This range determines the unit’s field of application. Powerful models can be used on small construction sites or in repair shops, while less powerful models are usually used for private needs. For example, the welders of up to 200A are great for home use; the 300A models are suitable for small repair shops, and if you need a high output and continuous work, consider welders over 300A. Read additional info on TIG welders Ireland.
Forney have built a simple, mid range MIG welder that’s solid and reliable. It has some good power for the price but doesn’t have as good a duty cycle as the Hobart 190 or Lincoln 180. Forney aren’t one of the big three brands but this machine is still solidly built and I’d feel comfortable buying this. If you want a basic 220v welder without any special features, this is a good choice. Read the full review here.
Some advices about welding equipment, MIG and TIG welders, plasma cutters. What factors should you consider when determining a budget? You may already have an estimated budget in mind. The type of welder you purchase should be suited for the specific functions you require as well as the projects you will work on the most. Think about your end goal and consider opportunities to expand the usefulness of your welder. Will you want more power or amperage in the future? It is important to take note of the varying amperage and power requirements as well as the duty cycle necessary to achieve the most effective and economical operational results for the projects you’re looking to complete. In addition to the cost of the welder itself, don’t forget to include costs for the accessories and supplies you’ll need to operate your new welder. This includes welding protection (helmet, gloves, jacket, etc.) as well as gas and consumables.
USA market choice: Miller is a Wisconsin-based company that has been in the business since 1929. At just 38 pounds, the Millermatic is ultra-portable and is one of the lightest welders on our list. It is preferred by amateur welders and professionals alike for its usability. It is also one of the most expensive at over $3300, so bear that in mind as you read on! The Millermatic runs at dual voltage. It welds stainless steel, mild steel, and aluminum (with the help of a spool gun). It can weld mild steel to a thickness of 3/8 inches, giving it greater ability than the Hobart Handler. As for its aluminum welding capabilities, it can weld from 18 gauge to 3/8 inches again. It comes with flux core abilities. Find additional details on this website.
