The best semiautomatic welding inverters

The Vitals Master MIG 1400 SN Mini welding machine can be used for manual (MMA), semi-automatic (MIG/MAG) and argon-arc (TIG) welding. This versatility allows it to be used to perform various welding jobs necessary for repairing cars and equipment, construction or installation of metal structures. But it should be immediately clarified that the main mode is semi-automatic welding using wire with a diameter of 0.8 mm or 1 mm (tips of both sizes are included in the kit). The MMA and TIG modes should be considered auxiliary, since the characteristics of this device (power 4.3 kW and maximum current 140 A) do not allow you to quickly weld thick metal or use large-diameter electrodes.

Despite its affordable price (by the standards of semi-automatic inverter welding machines), the Vitals Master MIG 1400 SN Mini has many interesting and useful features that facilitate the process of welding metals. It has the functions “hot start” (automatically increasing the current at the moment of ignition of the arc), “arc force” (adjusting the welding current when the distance between the electrode and the metal changes) and “anti-sticking protection” (reducing the current to a minimum when the electrode sticks) . And beginners and users with little experience will especially enjoy synergetic control - an automatic “smart” mode that eliminates the need to manually change settings and consult reference books and textbooks to select the optimal welding current parameters.

Considering the technical characteristics, features and cost of the Vitals Master MIG 1400 SN Mini, we can say that this semi-automatic machine is well suited for use in a home workshop or garage (especially since it can operate at a reduced voltage of 160 V, typical for garage cooperatives), and also for performing small tasks in the field or in production. But this device is unlikely to be suitable for professional use - due to its low power, class F thermal insulation (slightly outdated protection by modern standards) and the mediocre quality of the included accessories (especially wires and welding tips).

From a technical point of view, the “Steel” MULTI-MIG-285 Profi welding machine is one of the simplest models among devices capable of welding metal in two modes: MIG/MAG (semi-automatic welding) and MMA (electrode arc welding). Although the device is considered “budget” and almost amateurish, it allows you to use two different types of wire in automatic mode: regular (for welding in a protective gas environment) and flux (without the use of carbon dioxide).

The low (by the standards of this class of equipment) price of the device is due to its configuration and the technical solutions used. In particular, in order to reduce the cost of the design, the manufacturer equipped the equipment with a non-removable hose with a burner, which is not intended for continuous operation at high currents, and a plastic wire drawing mechanism. The length of the cables is also not impressive (to the electrode - 1.7 m, to the ground - 1.3 m, sleeve - 2 m), forcing the equipment to be located almost close to the part being welded. Due to not the best ventilation, the device’s frequency of use is below average (40%), forcing quite long pauses during operation to cool the “insides” of the equipment.

But at the same time, despite the “budget”, the device is equipped with a full range of auxiliary functions (hot start, arc forcing, protection against electrode sticking) and can operate at a slightly reduced voltage (up to 180 V).

“Steel” MULTI-MIG-285 Profi is optimal for beginners who want to learn how to weld, and for craftsmen who do not weld very often. The low price, a wide range of current settings and the ability to use various types of wire and electrodes ( with a diameter of up to 5 mm inclusive) make this device an excellent choice for those who are looking for affordable and versatile equipment for occasional use. Another argument in favor of this device is its ability to operate from middle-class generators(only 6.5 kW is needed), unlike most “classmates” that require more powerful power sources.

Grand MIG/MMA-360 Professional can be considered as a universal machine, because it is suitable for welding with both electrodes and wire. A wide range of welding currents (from 30 A to 360 A) allows the use of various electrodes with a diameter from 1.6 mm to 6 mm (although many users recommend limiting themselves to “threes” and “fours”, when working with which there remains some “reserve” in current and not weak wires and tips overheat), as well as wire with a diameter of up to 1 mm. It is possible to change the polarity, which allows you to use not only conventional copper-plated wire, but also flux-cored wire.

The design of the equipment is not too complicated, but good quality. In particular, it is worth noting that the single-roller wire drawing mechanism is made of metal (many other “budget” devices have plastic). Thermal protection is not the most modern (insulation class F), but there are no complaints about the quality of cooling. The device is equipped with a “hot start” function and protection against sticking of electrodes, which are a great help during operation. But there is no arc forcing function. Although, as practice shows, when using normal electrodes, the arc ignites easily and burns steadily.

Two digital displays located on the front panel show voltage and current. But one of them has a catch. The amperage is shown only during operation (that is, when you are monitoring the quality of the seam and are not able to look at the display). Therefore, before welding, you have to set the current “by eye”, and then, during the work, squint with one eye at the indicator to make sure that its value coincides with the desired characteristics. This feature of the device is not very convenient for beginners.

Grand MIG/MMA-360 Professional can be recommended for purchase for several reasons. Among them: affordable cost (as for equipment of this class), versatility, stable operation at low voltage (160 V) and the ability to weld with wire without a carbon dioxide cylinder. It is great for the garage and home workshop. But professionals are better off looking towards more “serious” equipment than Grand welding machines.

For craftsmen, the Tekhmann TWI-305 MIG is interesting because for a moderate amount (around $150) you can get a reliable device that can weld metal in various ways: with electrodes (up to 6 mm) and wire, in a protective gas or without it. The characteristics of the device make it a universal equipment that is suitable for various welders: from amateurs to professionals.

The range of current adjustments is impressive - from 20 A to 305 A (note that working with currents greater than 250 A is only possible in networks with automatic machines and 36 A sockets). This allows you to select the optimal operating mode for any type of welding. But note that the indication of the current value (that is, the numbers on the corresponding display) is displayed only directly during welding. Therefore, the actual current value is always slightly different from the one you are trying to set using the “twist” before starting work. This feature of a semi-automatic machine takes some getting used to.

Despite the powerful ventilation system, which forces a lot of air through the body, the device operates quite quietly. The utilization rate is an impressive 75% (you can weld metal almost without stopping). Productive and easy work is greatly facilitated by electronic “assistants”: hot start, arc forcing and anti-sticking protection.

The Tekhmann TWI-305 MIG semi-automatic inverter performs well when used in domestic and commercial use. It is important that it is undemanding in terms of current quality and can operate at reduced voltage. Craftsmen who have chosen Tekhmann are unlikely to regret their decision, because these devices are considered one of the best in terms of price and characteristics among those available for sale.

The Paton EuroMIG semi-automatic inverter is a universal device that allows you to perform various types of work related to welding parts made of carbon steel, stainless and alloy alloys, cast iron or aluminium. The main operating mode is semi-automatic welding (MIG/MAG) using wire with a diameter of 0.6 mm to 1 mm. There is enough space inside the case for a 5 kg reel. Using the buttons on the control panel, you can change the wire feed speed in the range from 1.5 m/min to 10 m/min. The broaching mechanism is distinguished by its quality and reliability. It is made entirely of metal and has two rollers. This design ensures uninterrupted operation and smooth wire feeding at a given speed. This machine can also be used for welding metal using stick electrodes (MMA) and argon arc welding (TIG). The technical characteristics of the equipment (power consumption 5.5 kVA and maximum welding current 150 A) allow working with electrodes with a diameter of up to 4 mm.

The versatility and versatility of the Paton EuroMIG device is ensured by a fully digital control method, which allows you to accurately configure welding modes and fully control the welding processes. Using the control panel, you can set the welding current (8 - 150 A), adjust the “sensitivity” of the “hot start” and “arc force” functions, turn on or off the protection against electrode sticking and the VRD block (open circuit voltage reduction), and also select device operation control mode (two-stroke or four-stroke). When welding metals with electrodes (MMA and TIG), the user can turn on the pulse operating mode(0.2 - 500 Hz), which significantly improves the quality of the weld. The electronic boards that control the operation of the device have good dust protection (varnish coating) and an effective adaptive cooling system, which allows for long-term operation without stopping (at maximum load, the switching frequency factor is 80%, and with a welding current below 134 A - 100% ).

Naturally, all of the listed functions and capabilities affect the price, so the Paton EuroMIG turned out to be far from a budget device (like other models of welding equipment from the Paton professional line). Therefore, this device is aimed, first of all, at experienced craftsmen who are constantly engaged in welding work in automobile workshops or in production.