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Jim’s Cover Pass: How to buy your first welding machine

Q: I am just getting started in my welding career. What is the best welding machine for a new welder entering the business?

A: I have been asked this question in various ways many, many times over the years. You would think it would be really easy to give that quick answer of brand, model, and cost. However, there are several things you should consider before you make that purchase.

First and most important is to decide what you are going to do with your new machine. Will this power source be used for home and hobby projects, or will you be using it every day as part of a growing business? Will it be used in a shop or in the field? Which welding processes should the machine be capable of running? What is your available electrical power supply if you’ll be welding in a shop? If you need an engine- driven machine, should you use gas or diesel fuel?

When you can answer all of these questions, we can begin to home in on the answer. For example, the welding power source will be used in a small home shop equipped with 120 amps and 240 amps. It will mainly be used in the evenings and weekends to start a small side business. It should be a multiprocess machine capable of SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, and FCAW processes.

The next step is to compare similar available products from different manufacturers. In this case, all of the major brands have several models that would match the above criteria. I have welded with almost all of them over the past couple of years, and each one would fit the requirements. Research each machine in the category, compare the duty cycle at 30 percent, 50 percent, and 100 percent output, keeping in mind what you will be using it for. If you have the opportunity, weld in the various processes you will be using.

The last items to consider are availability of parts and service. I strongly suggest purchasing from your local welding supply distributor. I have nothing against online purchasing or the big-box hardware stores, but the relationship with your local distributor will be valuable for future purchases of electrodes, gases, parts, and service.

You may have noticed that I didn’t mention any particular brand or cost. The bottom line is to purchase the most suitable welding machine for your needs, from a reliable source, at a cost you can afford. If properly maintained, a power source can last for many years. Keep practicing, stay safe, and enjoy your new machine!

About the Author
Lincoln Electric Education Division

Jim Mosman, AWS, CWI/CWE

Senior Company Trainer

Lincoln Electric Education Division

Jim Mosman is a Senior Company Trainer with Lincoln Electric Education Division.