7 best welding machines for a beginner

Ratings of the best repair products

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

A useful piece of equipment in a workshop or garage is a welding machine. This device allows you to reliably and quickly connect steel workpieces to each other. A wide range of products is available for sale, where there are devices for industrial or professional use, as well as inexpensive household welders. In order for a newbie not to be disappointed in the purchase and not spend extra money, our experts suggest guided by the following considerations.

Recommendations for choosing a welding machine for a beginner

Machine type. The novice welder can be offered in the store two types of devices operating from a household power supply.

  1. Many professionals started out with transformers. These devices are favorably distinguished by their simplicity in operation and indestructibility, low cost and maintainability. But the main disadvantages are the large dimensions and weight. In addition, during welding, the transformers greatly squander the power grid, which can lead to the failure of household appliances not only in your home, but also in your neighbors in phase. Ultimately, training threatens to end with serious problems.
  2. Welding inverters are distinguished by their lightness and compactness, low energy consumption and wide functionality. The disadvantages of experts include the high price and sensitivity to low temperatures.

Current strength. To successfully join steel workpieces of different thicknesses, it is important to determine the power of the welder. If it is supposed to cook products with a thickness of 3-4 mm using an electrode with a diameter of 3 mm, then the calculated current strength should be at least 120 A. However, experienced welders advise choosing a more powerful apparatus so that the maximum current strength is at the level of 160 A. Such a margin is needed in order so that the device does not operate at its limit. Otherwise, its service life will be short-lived. Experts advise purchasing household models with amperage up to 220 A.

Operating voltage range. Not all settlements have a stable voltage in the power grid. First, measurements should be made in the outlet with the simplest tester or voltmeter to determine the operating range. Often, the minimum voltage drops to 140 V, and the maximum threshold reaches 270 V. In this limit, the welder must withstand voltage drops.

Electrode diameter. The role of the welding electrode is played by a specially coated metal rod. The choice of the electrode diameter depends on the thickness of the metal to be joined.

  1. Using a 2mm diameter electrode, it is recommended to weld 1-2mm mild steel or alloy steel. The current strength should be in the range of 50-70 A.
  2. The most popular electrode for beginners is the “C” (3 mm). His field of activity is limited to workpieces with a thickness of 2-5 mm. The current strength is set at 70-140 A.
  3. An electrode with a diameter of 4 mm allows joining steel parts with a thickness of 2-10 mm. For welding, you need to set the current strength of 100-220 A.

Useful functions. To make it easier for novice welders, manufacturers equip their developments with some useful functions.

  1. The Hot Start option briefly raises the current when the electrode touches the workpiece. This improves arc ignition.
  2. Arc Force or arc afterburner automatically selects the optimal amperage, equalizing the arc burning, which is useful for beginners when welding thin metals. Experienced welders can disable this option.
  3. Antistick successfully resists sticking of the electrode to the workpiece. Easy separation is ensured by interrupting the current supply.

The editors, together with analysts from RankQuality.com, review the 7 best welders for a beginner. You can buy these models in domestic stores. When distributing positions, the editorial staff of the magazine relied on the opinion of experts, taking into account the reviews of Russian welders.

Rating of the best welding machines for a beginner

Nomination a place Name of product price
Rating of the best welding machines for a beginner 1 Svarog REAL ARC 220 (Z243N) (MMA) RUB 9,790
2 RESANTA SAI-220 (MMA) RUB 6,011
3 Fubag IR 200 (MMA) RUB 4 889
4 Aurora VECTOR 2000 (MMA) RUB 5,265
5 ELITECH IS 200H (TIG, MMA) RUB 5 801
6 RESANTA SAI-160 (MMA) 4 375 RUB
7 Svarog REAL ARC 160 (Z240N) (MMA) RUB 5 564

Svarog REAL ARC 220 (Z243N) (MMA)

Rating: 4.9

Svarog REAL ARC 220 (Z243N) (MMA)

The high quality of the connecting seam will be provided to the beginner by the welder Svarog REAL ARC 220 (Z243N). The inverter-type unit works with MMA electrodes 1.5 … 5 mm thick. The attention of experts was attracted by the resistance of the welder to changes in the mains voltage in the range of 160-270 V. The device boasts a decent efficiency (85%) and a decent turn-on duration (duty cycle = 60%). As for the current strength, it can be adjusted within the range from 15 to 220 A. On the front panel, the manufacturer installed 2 indicators, they show the connection to the network and overheating. The asset of the model should include simple management, fast connection and reliable protection of internal nodes. The welder wins our review.

Domestic welders liked the compactness of the apparatus, good technical characteristics, and resistance to high loads. Rigid wires are considered a minus.

Advantages

  • Ease of controls;
  • high efficiency;
  • high-quality seam;
  • fast connection.

disadvantages

  • rigid wires.

RESANTA SAI-220 (MMA)

Rating: 4.8

RESANTA SAI-220 (MMA)

Experts consider the RESANTA SAI-220 welder to be a semi-professional model. The unit was developed by Latvian specialists, with its help you can master manual arc welding at home. The unit allows working with electrodes up to 5 mm thick. The PV indicator at the maximum is 70%. The advantages of the model include resistance to changes in the mains voltage (140-260 V), smooth adjustment of the welding current (10-220 A). For a beginner to learn how to weld thin steels, the welder is equipped with a hot start option. The unit receives the silver of our review.

Russian users speak flatteringly about the quality of the weld, affordable price, easy ignition and even arc burning. On the downside, the owners include the lack of a case and short cables for ground and a holder.

Advantages

  • excellent combination of price and quality;
  • easy ignition;
  • even burning;
  • duration of inclusion.

disadvantages

  • no case;
  • short wires.

Fubag IR 200 (MMA)

Rating: 4.7

Fubag IR 200 (MMA)

The equipment of the German company Fubag has traditionally good build quality. The IR 200 welder takes the third prize. The unit demonstrates reliability and long service life. The manufacturer took into account the mistakes made by beginners, ensuring the degree of protection IP21S. The appliance has features such as Antistick, Hot Start and Arcforce to make it easier to ignite the arc and maintain a smooth burning. You can take MMA electrodes with a diameter of up to 5 mm in work, the welding current is regulated in the range of 5-200 A. The PV indicator at the maximum (40%) looks somewhat more modest, compared to the leaders.

Domestic welders are satisfied with the power, compactness, and ease of settings. Of the shortcomings, short wires are often mentioned, an inconvenient belt instead of a handle.

Advantages

  • German build quality;
  • easy start;
  • even burning of the arc;
  • power.

disadvantages

  • short wires;
  • a belt instead of a handle.

Aurora VECTOR 2000 (MMA)

Rating: 4.7

Aurora VECTOR 2000 (MMA)

For welding structures made of carbon or stainless steel, the Russian development Aurora VEKTOR 2000 is suitable. The model successfully combines high power (8.4 kW), compactness and lightness (3.9 kg). The inverter welder is equipped with modern options such as Antistick, Hot Start and Arcforce. The model is inferior to the leaders in the duration of switching on at the limiting current (15%). The device requires electrodes with a diameter of 1.6 … 5 mm. The welding current can be adjusted in the range of 20-200 A.

Russian amateur welders liked the device for its lightness and compactness, good power, soft and predictable arc. The manufacturer equipped it with long wires (weight cable 2 m, holder – 3 m). But they are very tough, the belt is considered inconvenient to use.

Advantages

  • high power;
  • lightness and compactness;
  • long wires;
  • modern options.

disadvantages

  • rigid wires;
  • uncomfortable belt.

ELITECH IS 200H (TIG, MMA)

Rating: 4.6

ELITECH IS 200H (TIG, MMA)

Welding inverter ELITECH IS 200H allows you to carry out installation work using the MMA and TIG method (welding in argon). The experts' attention was drawn to the convenient adjustment of the strap, it can be quickly adjusted for carrying the device in the hand or on the shoulder. The advantages of the welder include the possibility of long-term operation at maximum (60%), the reliability of the metal body, quick connection of wires, and an effective cooling system. Even a beginner in welding can easily deal with the controls. The diameter of the electrodes varies from 1.6 mm to 5 mm.

Users liked the lightness of the model (2.8 kg), rich equipment, versatility. The disadvantages of the welder include short wires, difficulties with repair.

Advantages

  • wide functionality;
  • lightness and compactness;
  • ease of carrying;
  • efficient cooling.

disadvantages

  • short wires;
  • difficulties with repair.

RESANTA SAI-160 (MMA)

Rating: 4.5

RESANTA SAI-160 (MMA)

Another model of the Latvian manufacturer RESANTA demonstrates high performance. The SAI-160 welder has the highest PV value (70%). The household appliance is capable of working with electrodes up to 4 mm thick. The unit is built on a transistor basis (IGBT), which ensures quiet operation. The manufacturer has provided for the adjustment of the welding current in the range of 10-160 A, the device works stably when the mains voltage changes from 140 to 260 V. Experts found a hot start among modern functions.

Even professional welders praise the good capabilities of the budget machine. They praise him for his mobility, energy saving. The disadvantages of the model are the lack of a filter (for the suction cooler) and short wires.

Advantages

  • high PV;
  • noiselessness;
  • low energy consumption;
  • hot start.

disadvantages

  • short wires;
  • there is no filter on the suction cooler.

Svarog REAL ARC 160 (Z240N) (MMA)

Rating: 4.4

Svarog REAL ARC 160 (Z240N) (MMA)

The Svarog REAL ARC 160 (Z240N) inverter unit has a reliable design. Durability of the welder is ensured by a robust metal body with protective bumpers. The PV value at the limiting current is 60%, but the thickness of the applied electrodes is limited to 3.2 mm. Experts note the high efficiency of the device (85%), thanks to which it is possible to save energy. The device works stably at a mains voltage from 160 to 270 V, the welding current can be adjusted in the range from 15 to 160 A.

According to the owners, the advantages of the model include compact size and low weight, low price and long wires (3 m). Of the minuses, they highlight limited capabilities and an overestimated declared current strength (it actually cooks at 110-120 A).

Advantages

  • affordable price;
  • compactness and lightness;
  • high-quality assembly;
  • long wires.

disadvantages

  • cooks in a narrow range of amperage;
  • the diameter of the electrodes is limited.


Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

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