Choosing your first welding
machine might seem like a daunting task. Not to worry though, there are a lot
of great options for beginners out on the market.
Before taking the plunge and
purchasing a machine, it is important you identify your own welding needs in
addition to understanding general information about welders. There is no one
machine that will perform every single job or process.
That is why you must weigh
different options and factors to buy the best fit possible. This article will
help you learn how to get started welding (if you haven’t already) and find the
right match for you!
The Best Way To Get
Started in Welding
The most popular type of
welding for beginners is MIG welding, also known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW). It offers more control
for cleaner, better welds on a variety of metal materials. The process is quite
simple; a solid wire electrode is automatically fed through the welder at a
speed that you pre-set before starting. The wire then enters the weld pool to
weld the two pieces of metal together. The shielding gas is emitted from the
gun and serves to protect the weld from any contamination.
Another great benefit of learning MIG welding is
that it can be used on steel, stainless steel, chrome-moly, or aluminum greater
than 1/16” inch. If you are only learning to weld as a hobby or to perform
repairs around the house, MIG is definitely the way to go.
Many MIG machines are “plug and play”, which
allows you to start welding immediately. Some popular uses for MIG are
fabrication, auto repairs, farm work, metal art, general maintenance, home
improvement, and other DIY projects. The versatility and straightforward nature
of MIG welders make it a good place for amateurs to start.
Getting Off On The Right
Foot
Going to a vocational or trade school to learn
how to weld is the most obvious choice for those looking to start a career in
welding. There are also local apprenticeship programs you can participate in as
well if you want more hands-on experience.
If you are looking to weld for personal projects
or as an auxiliary skill to your already established trade, there are a variety
of ways to learn. You can watch videos online and purchase a starter MIG
machine to practice on. If you know someone in your community who is
knowledgeable about the subject, try to arrange a time you can practice on a
machine with their supervision and guidance.
There is no “right” way to learn how to weld.
Use the resources available to you and make sure you are following basic safety
practices to prevent accidents while you learn.
Making The Investment In
Your First Welding Machine
Price
You will need to find a machine that falls
within your budget. This is something that is pretty easy to determine. There
are quality machines available that are affordable, even for beginners. Keep in
mind what you will be using it for and how often you will be using it when
deciding how much money you are willing to spend on a machine.
Ease of Use
A machine that is easy to use is important,
especially for welders that are just starting out. You should look for a
machine that has a user-friendly interface. The knobs, dials, and displays
should be straightforward and easy to understand.
Portability
You might think “bigger is better”, but not when
it comes to welding machines. Having a welding machine that is portable is a
great benefit. Portable doesn’t only mean lightweight in this case though. Will
the machine work on a generator or run on gas? Or will you always need to be
near an outlet to operate it?
Reliability
Read user reviews to see what real people said
about the lasting power of the machine. A welder might work great out of the
box and then within the first couple of months wear down with frequent use. You
want a machine you can count on.
Voltage
Most welding machines are 110V or 220V. Some
even have a switch so that you can go back and forth between these two
voltages. Higher voltage = more power. If you are looking to only work on
smaller projects with thinner-gauged materials, then a 110 V will be just fine.
If you know you will be working on projects that require you to weld thicker
materials, you should purchase a more powerful machine.
Heat Overload
Protection
Check to see if the machine has Thermal Overload
Protection, this will make for a safer welding experience. The unit will shut
down automatically if it detects the temperature is getting too high. A light
will come on to indicate that the machine is overheated or the airflow is
blocked. Once the machine has cooled down it will restart. This is a great
safety feature that everyone’s first machine should have.
Duty Cycle
Every machine has a duty cycle measured in
ten-minute intervals. The amount of time out of that ten minutes that you can
run your machine is the “duty cycle”. The higher the duty cycle, the longer you
will be able to keep welding during that period of time. If you want a machine
to run for 7 out of 10 minutes, then you will need a machine with a 70% duty
cycle.
Material Capacity
On top of all of these factors, you should
consider what type of material you will be working with and the thickness of
the material. It is important that you purchase a machine that can handle the
types of material you will be welding with. The minimum and maximum
requirements for thickness of metal and the types the machine can work with
will be listed in the specs.
Safety First
Before welding up a storm with your new machine,
make sure you take all the necessary safety precautions. We’ve already
discussed purchasing a machine with heat overload protection. This is just one
way of preventing accidents or injury. Here are some more.
Inspect Cords
Regularly inspect your machine’s cords for
damage. It isn’t enough to just check after the initial unboxing of your
machine.
Keep Your Work Area
Tidy
Workshops and garages can get messy, fast. Make
sure there are no flammable materials near your workspace before getting
started. Make sure if there are any other workers around you that your sparks
are not dropping or splattering onto them. Fine dust particles can cause
explosions or fires, so keep a fire extinguisher near your work area and clean
the area regularly.
Wear Safety Gear
Sometimes the masks and other safety materials
that come as accessories with your welding machine just won’t cut it. It is up
to you to separately invest in quality safety gear to ensure your personal
protection.
Here are some must-have safety materials:
- Mask/ Face
Shield
- Gloves
- Safety Glasses
- Hearing Protection
- Welding
jacket or apron
You can find out more about safety gear in this
article.
Conclusion
Learning how to weld takes practice, dedication,
and good safety practices. Now that you are familiar with where to begin, you
will want to consider buying your own machine to practice on and use for your
personal welding pursuits. Make sure to factor in all of the basics discussed
above before purchasing a machine. Invest in a quality welder to meet your
individual welding needs. It isn’t about having the “best” or “fanciest” welder
- your welding machine should be the best for the welding projects you will be
working on most frequently.