Materials it can be used on- This one is important because you need a machine that works with materials you commonly use. This includes the type of metal you are using. Also take into consideration if the metals need to be clean or can they be rusty or painted.Common uses- The machine might be designed for equipment repair or construction. Is it used for advanced jobs or home use?Budget Friendly- Several factors could go into this category. Heavier machines with flexible options tend to be more expensive than lighter ones with basic features.User Friendly- A welder needs to know their industry. Different machines offer basic or advanced techniques. Look for one you can grow with or into.Accessories- If the machine has an external gas shield you will need tanks of that gas. Look into costs of filler for metals or needed safety gear.Quality- Different welding processes have varying qualities of welds. This is where you must prioritize the job needs.Positioning options- Not all welders offer every welding position. Welding positions include:FlatHorizontalVerticalOverheadDuty Cycle- The number of minutes out of 10 minutes a welder can perform continuously without shutting off or overheating. This kind of information can affect your job productivity. One tip, if you up your amps then it is possible to lower your normal duty cycle
Specifications
Key Features
Amps available- A higher amp number represents a higher temperature while a lower amp number represents a lower temperature. This amp information helps with:
Base material and application
Welding process used
Electrode type
AC/DC Current- Some machines offer both current flows. AC benefits when a higher temperature is needed. DC is the preferred method because it has a better output than AC.