WELDING DEVICES / FIELD NOTESKNOW YOUR MACHINE
Your first welder: read the specification before the price
Compare process capability, available power, useful output and the complete setup.
EQUIPMENT / KNOW YOUR MACHINELook past the
Look past the
headline amperage.
The right machine supports your material, your power supply and the work you need to do. Here is how to read the useful details.
THE EQUIPMENT AROUND YOUR MACHINE
Complete your setup.
| Machine type | Look for | Confirm before buying |
|---|---|---|
| MIG/MAG | Wire-feed range, gas compatibility, output and duty cycle | Aluminium feeding accessories; pulse programmes if needed |
| DC TIG | Stable low-current output and suitable starting / remote controls | DC-only TIG does not provide conventional AC aluminium TIG capability |
| AC/DC TIG | AC output, balance / frequency controls, DC capability | The maker’s control conventions and torch compatibility |
| Stick / MMA | Electrode compatibility, current range and duty cycle | Electrode polarity and the available electrical supply |
| Multiprocess | Exactly which versions of each process are included | TIG may be DC-only or lift-start; accessories may be additional |
General capability checklist. Confirm the exact model in its manual. Read the equipment selection sources ↗
UNDERSTAND THE NUMBERS
What does duty cycle look like?
A simple illustration over a ten-minute period. Use the rating in your own machine’s manual.
60%
6 min welding4 min cooling
Illustration at a stated rated load, not a thermal prediction. Follow the manufacturer’s test conditions and cooling instructions.
READ THE DETAILS
Equipment, explained.
3 guides
WELDING DEVICES / FIELD NOTESARC TIME / COOLING
Duty cycle explained: what 60% really means
Translate a percentage into arc time, then compare it at the right output.
WELDING DEVICES / FIELD NOTESPULSE / CONTROL
AC, DC and pulse TIG: understand the controls
Separate current polarity, AC balance and pulsing before comparing TIG machines.