A place |
Name |
Feature Rating |
| 1 | Wester ARC 130 | The easiest welding transformer |
| 2 | Telwin Nordica 4.220 Turbo | European quality |
| 3 | ELITECH AC 200T | High power and welding current |
| 4 | PRORAB FORWARD 180 | Best price |
| 5 | ZUBR ZTS-200 | Compactness and maneuverability |
The simplest welding machine is a transformer. Many home craftsmen have home-made devices that are large and heavy. The device is a voltage-reducing device consisting of two windings. Electromagnetic induction is created between them, with which it is possible to increase the welding current. Thanks to a simple scheme, many manufacturers have been able to develop low-cost devices with compact dimensions and low mass. With their help, it will be possible to securely connect metal parts on their own. When choosing a welding transformer should pay attention to several parameters.
- Experts consider the main technical characteristics to be power and welding current. The higher these indicators, the more productive and durable the device will be. However, with a high minimum current (80-90 A) it will not be possible to weld a thin sheet of steel.
- Low cost welders quickly heat up, so some models are equipped with forced cooling systems. As a result, the duration of inclusion reaches an acceptable value of 10%.
- The use of innovative technologies and modern materials has allowed some manufacturers to bring the weight of the transformer to the level of 10 kg. But even 20-pound devices look preferable to home-made units.
- When choosing a welding transformer, consider the type of electrical network used in the house or garage. There are devices adapted for both domestic and power networks. Before starting work, just turn the switch to the desired position.
- A novice welder, who does not have the necessary accessories for work, will be an important factor when purchasing a transformer. If the kit contains a protective mask with a light filter, a metal brush, cables with a holder of electrodes and clamps, then you can start working immediately after purchase.
Our review includes the best welding transformers. The following criteria were taken into account when compiling the rating:
- technical characteristics of the device;
- weight and overall dimensions;
- price;
- expert opinion;
- consumer reviews.
TOP 5 best welding transformers
5 ZUBR ZTS-200
Compactness and maneuverability
A country: Russia (produced in China)
Average price: 3 370 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5
The compact size differs welding transformer ZUBR ZTS-200. The model is designed for welding low-carbon steel grades. The manufacturer equipped the device with plastic wheels, making it very convenient to move it. The device can be powered from a household (220 V) or power (380 V) power supply network. The choice of network is carried out using a convenient switch. The size of the welding current varies in the range of 60-200 A. Due to this it is possible to connect steel plates with a thickness of 1.5-6.0 mm. To prevent overheating of the device, a thermal fuse is installed.
Users in the reviews are satisfied with the affordable price of the ZUBR ZTS-200 transformer, a convenient current setting regulator, reliable fixation of cables, mobility and compactness. The disadvantages include the rapid heating of the device and a fairly large weight (19.3 kg).
4 PRORAB FORWARD 180
Best price
A country: Russia (produced in China)
Average price: 2 124 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6
The most affordable welding transformer in our review was the PRORAB FORWARD 180 apparatus. This simple electrical device has all the necessary accessories for welding metals. Together with the welder, the kit includes a shield with a light filter, electrical cables, a holder, a clothespin, a metal brush and a slag separator.The model is capable of manual arc welding using cellulose and rutile electrodes with a thickness of 2-4 mm. The magnitude of the welding current is regulated in the range of 60-180 A.
Analyzing customer reviews, we can draw the following conclusions. The welder is suitable for working with steel and cast iron, the body has an anti-corrosion coating, the device can work from a normal or power network. But the budget model is equipped with a flip-flop, the kit does not have a power plug, the shield does not protect the worker well enough from radiation and hot metal.
3 ELITECH AC 200T
High power and welding current
A country: China
Average price: 5 480 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8
The semi-professional welding transformer is an ELITECH AC 200T apparatus. The model can be powered from a single-go three-phase mains, operating on alternating current. The maximum value of the welding current reaches 200 A, while the device boasts a high power of 10.4 kW. Therefore, the duration of inclusion is 10%, the transformer does not overheat during prolonged welding. A distinctive feature of the device is the ability to use a wide range of electrodes, ranging from 1.6 mm to 4 mm. The welder’s equipment looks quite modest, only cables with a holder and a ground clip are included in the set.
Domestic welders are generally satisfied with the work of the welding transformer ELITECH AC 200T. Many call it the best option for home or garage. The device is not only powerful, but also unpretentious. Therefore, even an amateur break it will be difficult.
2 Telwin Nordica 4.220 Turbo
European quality
A country: Italy
Average price: 5 505 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9
The Telwin Nordica 4.220 Turbo Italian welding transformer is an example of quality and reliability. The European manufacturer made the device productive and stylish. The device is designed to work with electrodes with a thickness of 2-4 mm with a rutile coating. Welding current can be adjusted smoothly within 55-190 A. For mobility, the welder has plastic wheels and a comfortable handle. Together with the device included is a protective shield, clamp to ground, electrode holder, metal brush.
Welders note in the reviews such advantages of the device as simplicity, high-quality assembly, reliability. The disadvantages include a large weight (19.4 kg), an inefficient cooling system, as well as a flimsy shield.
|
Welder Type |
Virtues |
disadvantages |
|
Transformer |
+ simple device + maintainability + affordable price + the ability to perform welding work in a wet environment |
- high noise level - high consumption of electrodes due to strong splashing - the problem of working with thin metal |
|
Inverter |
+ economical consumption of electrodes + stable arc burning + compactness and lightness; + smooth seam surface + it is possible to cook not only steel, but stainless steel or aluminum |
- high price - expensive repair |
1 Wester ARC 130
The easiest welding transformer
A country: China
Average price: 4 750 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0
One of the lightest (10.6 kg) welding machines in its class is the Wester ARC 130 transformer. It is intended for welding steel and other metals. The model is perfect for novice users. The welder is simple and compact, the maximum welding current is limited to 130 A. Electrodes with a diameter of 2.6-3.2 mm are required for operation. The device is connected only to the household power supply (220 V). The manufacturer has equipped the device with a robust case, inside of which there is a fan. It prevents transformer overheating. Together with the device in the set is a mask, a brush-hammer, two cables with a holder and a clip.
Consumer reviews regarding the welder Wester ARC 130 are mostly positive. The device is light and durable, affordable.Transformer perfectly keeps the arc, which simplifies the work of novice welders.
