The Welding Centre
Top Tips
In the market for a new welder ?
Here are a few tips on what to look forQuick Links
If you're into Hobby/classic car restoration - The wide range of mini mig's available should fit the bill particularly if there's not too much welding involved. Read on to decide which one will suit.
Gas or Gasless ?
Gas ~ Welding thin sheet steel is much easier WITH GAS. You may need to tack/stitch the plates together because you'll easily blow a hole in the plate if you're not careful. Triggering on and off will help avoid blow through's but can only be done with gas.Gasless ~ Good for thicker plate and if you're forced to weld outside but the flux turns to scale and has to be chipped and cleaned off after welding.
Hobby or professional ?
Will depend on how much welding you're planning to do and of course it will very much depend on your budget.The Clarke range from 160TN up is undoutably good value for money and will suit budgets of between £280 and £450 inc VAT
Spend £600 plus and it will get you a PROPER machine with Euro torch, industrial wire feed motor and wire tension assembly - It's worth the money - See Murex, Migatronic, Cemont, Cebora etc - They'll give you years of trouble free welding
Looking for a TIG welder
We'll help you decide which one to buy and deal with the terminologyDC machines -
Ideal for welding ferrous metals including carbon and stainless steels, copper, titanium, zirconium and most niclke alloys.
AC and DC machines -
Good for welding metals as above(DC) and for welding Aluminium alloys and magnesium(AC)
Scratch starting -
Touching the electrode on the plate to start the arc
HF (High frequency) starting -
High frequency spark or electronic pulse initiates the current flow between the tungsten electrode and the workpiece. In DC mode the HF is removed when the welding current is established. In the AC mode the HF stays on to stabilise the arc.
Square wave (AC mode) cleaning action to help breakdown the oxide layer on alumium
Lift Arc
Allows the arc to start without high frequency. An advantage in areas where high frequency could interfere with computer or telecommunications equipments.
Slopes
Slope up allows the commencment of welding with a gradual increase in welding current up to the selected welding current. Slope down is a gradual decrease in current which helps eliminate crater cracks or gas holes on completion of the weld.
Post/Pre Gas
Usually timed Pre gas allows for purging the torch and weld area prior to establishing the arc. Post gas to protect the completed weld area from contamination.