Do I need an inverter?

Most of my welding is Mig nowadays but I do still have an ancient old arc welder that still gets dragged out for the heavier stuff.

I was in MM the other day and on the way past had a look at some neat little inverters.

Apart from looking far sexier than my big old (Clarke I think) transformer what benefits might I gain from arcing with an inverter?

Thanks in advance

Andy

An inverter will have smooth DC out for a more stable arc. Even most transformer, DC arc welders have near 100% ripple in the output unless they are 3-phase (then less than 30% ripple). Arc is just a hiss.

You will get arc-start feature (higher current for first 1/3 sec of weld) and maybe an anti-stick feature. Something many transformer units don't have (many have start current settings.)

You will get a far smaller size and weight. It will also be more energy efficient, usually get about 20% more output current for the same input fuse.

If you arc is ac-only, supposedly DC is much easier on positional welding. I do know it is cleaner. I use DC on my big transformer unit with almost no spatter.

Then there is the possibility it has TIG features

shenion said:

Then there is the possibility it has TIG features

Click to expand...

Funnily enough that had crossed my mind

Thanks Shenion - your points are helpful.

I can't really justify buying a TIG welder but I do use MMA and if it just happens to offer TIG as well it would be silly not to have a play. That said a nice stable MMA arc really would be useful. Honest.

you will certainly notice a big difference going from an a/c buzzbox to a d/c inverter much nicer to weld with and carry about .

Andy, take a good look around before you part with cash at Machine Mart. You could probably get an inverter by a top brand for the same money. Drop Matt1978 a line and see what he can do for you, for starters (Lorch). Or get the price of a Fusion from Weldequip. Really.

I agree with Mr Drains, for the price of the 155 Machine Mart inverter, you're into a similar price range for the Lorch H140 and inverter fusion machines.

Thanks chaps. Don't worry I wasn't thinking of buying one from MM. I was in there for a couple of airline connections. It just got me thinking.

And I like what I'm hearing. My arc welding has never looked that tidy. I think I'm sold on the idea of going to a dc inverter.

Andy