Welder is an extremely useful tool, which will surely be useful for any DIY enthusiast. However, with a limited budget of 1000 PLN, are we able to buy a good quality device?

What kind of welding machine should I choose?

If you decide to buy a welding machine, you must first choose one of the following types:

• Inverter welding machine - small and lightweight. It is characterized by a complex construction, which makes it necessary to repair it in specialized services. However, it is characterized by high efficiency, low power consumption and tolerates voltage drops. For the above reasons, the inverter welding machine is recommended for professionals and people looking for a reliable and good quality equipment,

• transformer welding machine - its advantage is low price. This equipment has a simple construction, which is not an asset, however, as it leads to limited stability and high power consumption. The welding quality in this case really depends on the type of electrodes. They are recommended for amateurs and are especially suitable for occasional work.

If we have decided which welding machine - inverter or transformer - is the optimal choice for us, it is worth noting the type of welding machine. We distinguish ourselves on the market:

• MIG-MAG welding machines - are the so-called flashing machines, in which the gas shield is used for welding. It is a good solution when welding thicker aluminium and various types of metals. Gives sufficient weld quality, especially for home use,

• MMA welding machines - here the combustion process is possible thanks to the coated electrode. This type of equipment is especially recommended in places with difficult access. It is worth knowing that MMA inverters have additional functions that increase the efficiency of the equipment,

• TIG welding machines - for welding I use a nonfusible electrode and the weld obtained is of high quality. All welders of this type give the possibility to switch to MMA mode, which makes them one of the most expensive on the market.

When deciding on a welding machine, it is worth to pay attention to its basic technical parameters, including:

• amperage - it is selected according to the quality of the electrical installation and the intensity of work. Moreover, the thicker the elements we want to weld, the greater the amperage of the device is necessary. It also affects the power of the device. Low power welders are available on the market. These up to 250 A allow you to weld thin workpieces, while those over 250 A are professional equipment,
• efficiency (work cycle) - the minimum work cycle should be 35% and is usually achieved by semi-professional welders. If the manufacturer does not provide information about the efficiency of the device in the specification, it is better not to buy it,
• Power supply - the welders are supplied with 230 or 400 V. Phase-to-phase switching devices are also available on the market.

When choosing a welding machine, it is worth noting its weight. This is particularly important if you are working at a height or in an awkward place with the equipment. An interesting solution may be the equipment equipped with a display, which shows the current welding current.

1000 PLN is a budget, which allows us to buy a welding machine, which will work mainly in the home workshop, as well as during semi-professional work. They usually offer the possibility of easy and precise adjustment of the welding current and display its value on the display. They are also equipped with a fan, which protects the equipment against overheating.

Remember to be safe when welding. A welding helmet is necessary to protect our eyes and face against sparks and harmful effects of ultraviolet and X-rays. It is essential that we have it at hand when we start welding.

If we have a limited budget of 1000 PLN, we have to take into account the fact that we will not buy a professional device. However, the market does not lack good machines in this price segment. Usually, however, they are mainly suitable for domestic use.