About Welding Machines

Knowing how to weld can allow you to complete many projects at home.

Welding machines come in a variety of prices and services. The welding machines that are the easiest to use typically provide the lowest quality of weld, with a mid-range cost. Cheaper machines can provide quality welds, but will require an abundance of skill. Another variable with welding machines is that they vary in portability. Some machines require only electricity or gas, while others require both.

Welding Machine Types

There are four basic types of welding machines. The most common of the four are stick welders, also known as arc welders. These use electricity and electrodes to create the weld. The second most common is called a MIG welder, or gas metal arc welder. This machine uses electricity, gas, and a wire feed. The last two types of welding machines are Gas and TIG. Gas welders use oxygen and acetylene that burn together to melt the metal and the welding rod. TIG machines, also known as gas tungsten arc welders, use a high amount of gas with electricity to melt the steel and welding rod. TIG machines require skill, but provide high-quality welds.

Cost Comparisons

Cost is often the first factor when deciding what type of machine to buy and to maintain. Stick welding, or arc welding machines, tend to be inexpensive, and the electrodes, or welding rods are inexpensive as well. The only other cost involved is electricity. Gas welders that use oxygen and acetylene have a high initial cost, but the gases are cheap to refill. MIG is a little more expensive, however some cheaper models are available. Most people buy MIG welders because they are easy to use.

Portability

Gas welders can also be used to cut steel.

Stick welders are highly portable as long as there is electricity available. Oxygen-acetylene gas welders can be difficult to move because the gas tanks are heavy, and the regulators are fragile. If a regulator is damaged, the hole apparatus becomes obsolete. Although, if there is no electricity available, gas-only welders might be the way to go for certain jobs. MIG and TIG welders are a little heavier than stick welders, but are moderately transportable.

Skill Variations

Different welding machines require different types and levels of skill. Stick welding machines require a lot of skill to end up with an optimum weld. MIG welders require very little skill, but they do not produce as good of a weld as stick welds. Gas welds require an entirely different type of skill from MIG or stick welding, and is often only used for small applications. TIG welding requires a lot of skill.

Applications of Different Machines

Stick welding can be used in all environments and all positions. Stick welding can be done vertically, over-head and under water. Gas welding is limited to flat surfaces. MIG and TIG welding can also be done in all positions, but not under water. For applications where strength is paramount, stick and TIG welding are the top two preferred.

References

• Keen Ovens: Welding Machines
• Miller Welds: Important Considerations Before Purchasing a TIG Welding Machine
• Keen Ovens: Stick Welding