How to Choose an Arc Welder
Arc welders used to be an expensive tool that were available only to large companies or top tradesmen. Over the years, however, arc welders have become much more affordable. Smaller tradesmen and hobbyists can now enjoy the convenience of having their own arc welder. Whether you want to fix metal items around the house or restore a classic car, an arc welder can make the job easier. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Decide what types of jobs you plan to use an arc welder for. Whether you plan to paint over the metal you weld will make a difference in the type you choose. Also, different types of arc welders are better for indoor work.
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Look for an arc welder at a store approved by the American Welding Society. Visit its website, click on the "Services" link, then click "Buyers Guide." You will be provided with a list of stores that sell each type of arc welder.
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Visit a welding show, where you can find arc welders to buy, see them demonstrated and learn how to use them. Upcoming welding shows are listed on the American Welding Society website.
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Choose a gas-metal arc welder if you plan to use your arc welder for indoor projects that you plan to paint over. An example would be restoring your car in your garage and then painting over the areas that were welded. However, if you do need to use this type of welder outdoors, you'll need to put up a barrier to keep the wind from affecting the torch.
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Choose a flux-core arc welder if you plan to use a welder for outdoor projects. This type of welder is more portable and requires less clean-up on metal surfaces, but it does create splatter. If you need to work on a job that is in a tight space, a flux-core welder might be your only option because of its small size. Flux-core arc welders can be more expensive than gas-metal welders.
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Make sure the arc welder you choose has a trigger mechanism. An arc welder without a trigger mechanism has a constant live torch, which can be dangerous, especially when working indoors.
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Consider the amount of amperage you need your arc welder to have. This depends on the metal you're working with. Generally speaking, for a 2 mm piece of steel, you'll need a 90-amp arc welder. For a 5 mm piece of steel, you'll need a 180-amp welder, and for smaller, thinner metals, you'll need about a 25-amp welder.
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Tips & Warnings
Arc welders are more expensive than other types of tools. However, they are one of the most inexpensive type of welders you can purchase. Generally, the cost of a flux-core arc welder ranges from $200 to 400, and the cost of a gas-metal welder is about $300.
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Resources
- Photo Credit a car in a car show image by Gary from Fotolia.com
