People who are looking to buy MIG welder will have a lot of research to do before actually purchasing one. You will want to get a machine that can finish all the work, but you will not want to spend more money on one that has more power than you need. Hence, here a few things to consider when you are looking for a new MIG welder:
How much power do you need to weld effectively?
A basic MIG welder will run at 115 V, similar to the Millermatic 140. This will be able to weld materials that are thin, but it will not be able to handle thicker materials. However, if you opt for a more powerful MIG welder, it will provide you a lot of power.
Can you get by with a Flux-Cored MIG Wire?
Some of the less expensive welders run flux core wires that do not need shielding gas. The flux will rise to the top and create a protective coating when the wire is melted into the weld. This coating needs to be removed or the weld will be scratched up. Hence, this makes flux cored welding not suitable for welds where the appearance matters. If that is the case, it is better to get a gas-shielded MIG wire.
Do you need a Spool Gun?
If you re dealing with aluminum, the wire will get jammed in the MIG torch. By attaching a spool gun to your torch, you will be placing the wires inches away from where it will come out of the torch, hence you will eliminate any jams that might come up.
Thermal Overload Protection
The work that needs to be done will determine how many minutes can you weld something before the welder needs to cool down. The higher that cycle is, the longer you can weld. Keep in mind that your welder could overheat if you use it too long. Save yourself time and money by choosing a model that has thermal overload protection. For a full review of these machines, click here.
Portability, weight, and size
You should also consider the portability, weight, and size of the welder. Do you want one that is mobile or stationary? For mobile ones, you will need to think about the weight as well, because you will need a transport system for it. Keep in mind that you should choose the lightest one if you want the best one. So, weight and portability are important, but the size is as well. Think about where you will store the welder.
Conclusion
One of the most important things that you can consider when looking for a welder is what you will be using the MIG welder for. Before going to the store and buying a welder, do detailed research, as well as a lot of reading. Once you identify your needs, you will be able to choose a machine that will suit your needs and your budget.
Nicola Holder 