Here are the best inverter welder machines at home or on-site for professional precision welding and how to choose the most suitable for your job.
The inverter welder is the latest-generation device, and thanks to its peculiar characteristics and high performance, it is much more used than the classic welder.
The inverter welder is lighter and easier to transport. As a result, it can be used in various construction sites at high heights for professional use, home, or garages, mainly for domestic and hobby use. The inverter welder works like a traditional welder in that it can weld two separate materials, heating them and then merging them, which changes the operating dynamics.
The inverter welder differs from the traditional one in the current type supplied. The inverter welder obtains a direct current from an electronic circuit equipped with a special potentiometer capable of adjusting the amperage and setting the settings based on the result to be obtained.
Table of Contents
How to choose an inverter welder: Types and Characteristics
To correctly choose which inverter welder to buy, it is important to understand what should evaluate types and characteristics to make the right choice. The most important parameters for choosing and evaluating an inverter welder are here.
Types of inverter welder machines
There are three inverter welder machines: MMA, MIG-MAG, and TIG.
The MMA inverter welder uses the so-called electrode welding and is one of the most popular on the market. However, it is most suitable for beginners. This model strikes an electric arc between a consumable electrode placed on the clamp and the pieces welded.
Besides being the simplest and cheapest because it only requires electrodes and electricity, this welding system is also the most effective for welding dirty or rust-filled metal pieces.
The MIG-MAG welding machine is used for continuous wire welding, and its operation does not require the electrode’s presence. The electric arc strikes between the piece to be welded and a metal wire, which the welder automatically slides at a preset speed. This procedure lets us weld plates and pieces lower and ensures a more pleasant aesthetic result.
The TIG inverter welder is based on electrode and gas welding, which uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode. The area to be welded is used as a special gas, argon, supported by a filler metal to protect from contamination.
This model is mainly used in body shops and, on a professional level, to weld stainless steel, special iron alloys, and alloys of non-ferrous materials such as copper, aluminum, and magnesium.
Types of welding
Choosing the right inverter welder machine is also necessary to evaluate which welding to carry out since there are three types: pressure, autogenous, and recasting.
Pressure welding, or roller or spot welding, is based on induction or an electrical resistance process. 2 or more copper electrodes block the metal plates that are melted together.
The current passes through the plates generating a large amount of heat at the point where the plates overlap each other. As the temperature increases, the resistance also increases.
Over time the electrodes cool down, and the heat is concentrated only in the center, where you can intervene with the inverter welder machine to mark the specific welding points. This welding is quite complex, but on the other hand, it ensures maximum precision results.
Autogenous welding is much simpler and faster and is used for welding small jobs on metals or electronically. The fundamental processes are 2: heating the inverter welder and practical application of the welding material.
The metal front, which reaches very high temperatures through the electric current connection, is brought into contact with the welding material, which is melted immediately to be applied where welding is required.
Lastly, reflow welding requires an inverter welder machine and a special soldering paste composed of a mix of malleable elements such as flux and tin powder. The controlled heat regime allows one or more electrical components in the contact points to be exact and accurate.
The procedure is rather linear and can be carried out by hand with an inverter welder machine or by using ovens equipped with powerful infrared lamps, making the work much faster.
External structure
The external structure is one of the main characteristics to be evaluated before choosing an inverter welder machine, as it must guarantee maximum protection and safety during use.
Generally, these models are composed of a metal front part, which comes into contact with the materials and the surface to be welded, and a rear part is usually made of rubber, which acts as a handle. The materials of both parts must be solid to protect the user and ensure excellent performance.
Power
In the inverter welder, the power depends on the amperage, carefully adjusting to ensure satisfactory results.
Adjusting the amperage requires a bit of experience. The most modern models are equipped with intuitive mechanisms, such as the potentiometer, which facilitate those who approach this device first. However, the power varies according to the electrode to be welded, and for each of them, it is necessary to set the necessary amperage.
Generally, a minimum of 40 A is required for an electrode with a diameter of 1.6 mm, while a maximum of 140 A is required for an electrode with a diameter of 3.25 mm. The standard models have an amperage between 90 and 80 A.
Dimensions
You must choose the size of an inverter welder based on its intended use. It is necessary to evaluate the space available, the frequency of use, and the need to move the device.
The inverter welder machines generally have small dimensions and weights, but opting for very light and compact models with infrequent movements is advisable. It is useful to remember that there are three types of inverter welding machines on the market: industrial, domestic, and generator.
Safety
To operate in complete tranquility, the inverter welder machines must be equipped with special safety blocks activated in the event of an overload. The models must also comply with all European legislation requirements to ensure safe and trouble-free use.
Check carefully that the selected model complies with the required safety standards and the law’s construction standards.
Accessories
Some models are equipped with special accessories such as welding masks and gloves, fundamental for safety and security. The presence of these tools is not binding but avoids further expenses and allows you to be immediately operational.
How to use the inverter welder
To correctly use the inverter welder, it is advisable to evaluate the working environment. First of all, to make the best use of the characteristics of the chosen model. The work surface must be wide and rotate 360° along the entire perimeter to access every point of the material being processed.
The surrounding environment must be clear of obstacles and large enough to ensure smooth and precise movements. The room’s ventilation and lighting must also be carefully evaluated and adequate to guarantee safe and precise work.
Your protection must-have safety tools such as protective gloves to avoid burns, brazing, and eye protection.
The best inverter welder machines to buy
Below are the recommended inverter welder machines with main prices, features, and functionality.
- MORE POWERFUL: Up to 135 Amp output allows you to weld mild steel up to 2/5” in the...
- MULTI-PROCESS: 3-in-1 Welder, capable of Gasless MIG/Stick/Lift TIG. (need to buy an extra...
- DIGITAL DISPLAY: Advanced digital display, increases the visual clarity and improves the...
- More powerful : Up to 205 more amps, Ideal performance for most 6010, 6011, 6013 and 7018...
- LED Display: Compared to other traditional displays, our intelligent LED display can help...
- Adjustable Hot Start & Arc Force : Boosts the current during starting to provides easy,...
- Synergy & Compact: HITBOX MIG welder comes with One-Knob intelligent control system. The...
- Adjustable welding speed: HBM200 display rated output current: 200A（. Output current...
- Safety protection: HITBOX flux core welding machine has built-in overcurrent, overvoltage...
- ➠【Upgrade】For better using experience, we impove the duty cycle from 25%120A (110V)...
- ➠【Digital IGBT Inverter Technology】This ARC welder come with advaced unique IGBT...
- ➠【Suitable for Series Welding Rod】The welder has amazing hot-start, is ideal for the...
![ARCCAPTAIN Stick Welder, [Large LED Display] 200A ARC/Lift TIG Welding Machine with Synergic Control, IGBT Inverter 110V/220V Portable MMA Welder Machine with Hot Start, Arc force and Anti-Stick](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/417vPDmhw0L._SL160_.jpg)
- 【EASY TO USE】Intelligent LED screen design, provides you with accurate data display...
- 【SYNERGIC CONTROL】This stick welder can automatically match current and voltage after...
- 【PORTABLE & LIGHTWEIGHT】This welder is super lightweight at only 7.2 lbs, easy to...
- Ease of Use: The welding machine has a digital display for monitoring settings, and it...
- Powerful Welding Capability: The machine uses advanced IGBT inverter technology, enabling...
- Versatile Welding Options: Adjustable current control allows customization of arc force...
- Can handle E6010 cellulose electrode, adopting IGBT Inverter power system,suitable for...
- Equipped with digital display and trouble indicate,read the output welding current.
- Built-in excellent anti-stick, arc force, hot start and other functions,easy to...
- Intelligent LCD panel provides welding data display and helps you read it clearly.
- Up to 135A output current that can weld mild steel up to 1/8 inch (3.0mm) plate.Suitable...
- Multi-functions in one machine,can be used to Flux MIG / Stick /Lift TIG(Lift TIG torch is...
- 【Super Small, Lightweight, and Portable】: GUOZHI mini stick welding machine with...
- 【110V 130A ARC Welding Machine】: This 110V 130A MMA welding machine is ideal for...
- 【Quick Start & Safety System】: The stick welder has a built-in hot start function for...
- GASLESS FLUX-CORED WELDER: Experience the future of welding with our intelligent synergic...
- SUPERIOR WELDING PERFORMANCE: Our MIG welding machine boasts a versatile 110V/220V dual...
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE: The HZXVOGEN MIG145 mini MIG welder is designed for mobility,...
Product prices and availability are subject to change. Therefore, any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to purchasing any products.