A MIG welder can be defined as an important machine. It is considered to be an essential tool in most workshops for this very reason. However, knowing how to work it well and produce good results will always help you. Here are some characteristics of a good MIG welder:
1/ Top-rated wire feeder
A top-rated wire feeder has an electromagnet inside which pulls the welding wire into the gun. While your average MIG welders have old school trigger grip controls, better ones come with an electronic spool control that helps keep tight control over the torque output of the motor. These kinds of welders also load faster since they do not require threading as older models do. Better models also have a dial that helps you adjust the speed of the wire feeder.
However, this is one of those things that you might not need if you do not use your MIG welder for very thick metals often. If you want to be sure about whether or not this feature will affect your work positively, consider buying a cheap MIG welder and then upgrade later when you can afford it.
2/ Power capability
Thicker metals require more power but many welders cannot provide it in time. This means that even though they are capable of welding thicker materials, they fail to keep them heated up correctly. The best machine ensures that there is enough thermal input into the metal which has been welded to make it durable.
The best MIG welders have an adjustable heat range which gives you more control over the welding process.
3/ Duty cycle
Just like with any other device, a MIG welder has a duty cycle rating. This is the amount of time it can be used before it needs to cool down. Welders that are rated for heavy-duty use will have a higher duty cycle and those that are not will have a lower one.
4/ Portability
Since mig welders come in different sizes, choose the one that is most portable for you. If you often have to move your equipment around, then you should go for a welder that is lightweight and easy to carry around. However, if you do not move your equipment around too much, then you can go for a more heavy-duty one.
5/ Safety features
The best MIG welder has safety features that reduce the chances of accidents during work. For instance, if it has an overcurrent feature, it will cut off the power supply to the unit when there is a short circuit. This ensures your safety and prevents damage to both yourself and the machine.
Better units also have overheat protection which automatically stops the unit from working once it becomes too hot so as not to cause damage or harm you in any way.
6/ Ease of use
The best unit should be easy enough for anyone to learn how to use with little effort. The user instructions should be easy enough to understand so that you can start welding without any trouble.
7/ Cost
Welders come at different prices and the best one for you depends on your budget. However, always make sure that you get what you pay for. Do not go for the cheapest model just because it is affordable as it might not have all the features that you need.
8/ Warranty
When buying a mig welder, always make sure that it comes with a warranty. This will protect you in case of any damage that might occur to the machine during use. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that you can get it fixed or replaced if anything goes wrong.
Choosing the right mig welder for your needs can be difficult but with these tips, you should be able to get something that will not let you down.