Semiautomatic welding machines: rating, pros and cons of the best machines

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

For owners of private houses and car enthusiasts, as well as those who are used to doing everything with their own hands, a semi-automatic welding machine will be a very practical purchase. The main advantage of this technique is a high-quality seam and ease of use.

Today's market offers a lot of options, where even experienced welders sometimes make a helpless gesture, not to mention beginners in this business. Here you need to take into account a considerable number of factors that will directly affect the quality component of the work.

Before proceeding directly to the rating of semi-automatic welding machines, first we will deal with some conventions that will characterize a future purchase.

Selection criteria

Before going to the store, be sure to clarify for yourself some critical nuances regarding the device:

• is it possible to connect to a regular 220 V network;
• what exactly are you going to weld (type of metal);
• maximum and minimum thickness of welded metal;
• how muchwelding required;
• sizes of seams and dimensions of the objects themselves;
• frequency of machine use.

Only after you analyze these points, you can already consider the ratings of semi-automatic welding machines and select a specific model for yourself. Otherwise, you risk buying a weak device that will not cope with the tasks, or, conversely, overpay for a professional beast that burns its power on the spokes for a bicycle, while it is designed to cook anything and everything.

Best models of welding machines

So, we present to your attention the rating of the best semi-automatic welding machines. The list includes the most popular and most intelligent models that can be found on the domestic market. Consider the remarkable characteristics of the devices, as well as their pros and cons. When compiling the list, the opinions of experts in this field and user reviews were taken into account.

The reliability rating of semiautomatic welding machines is as follows:

1. Svarog PRO MIG 200 SYNERGY (N229).
2. Kedr MIG-175GD.
3. Fubag INMIG 200 Plus.
4. Foxweld Invermig 160 combi.
5. Resanta SAIPA-165.

Let's take a closer look at the participants. Let's start with simpler budget models for the home, and finish with professional and expensive devices.

Resanta SAIPA-165

This model takes first place in the ratings of budget semi-automatic welding machines. Of course, first of all, the device attracts with its cost, because the restcharacteristics, alas, are very mediocre. They say about such people: "The best among the worst." Nevertheless, the semiautomatic device copes with its main task very well.

The device turned out to be quite compact and easy to use. The model operates on direct current of 160 amperes and works with argon and carbon dioxide. The most you can count on is 0.8 mm wire in MIG mode (automatic feed) and 3 mm electrodes in MMA (manual welding).

The machine supports both regular and flux-cored wire. The polarity change, as in other budget models, is classic: a switchable output on the front of the device. Users speak ambiguously about the model, but in the ranking of semi-automatic welding machines for the home, it takes a well-deserved last place and works out the money spent on it to the fullest. It is almost impossible to find something better with such a price tag.

Model benefits:

• price;
• compact size;
• work with plain and fluxed wire.

Flaws:

• uncomfortable assembly sleeves;
• it's hard to get a proper seam without proper skill;
• For non-professional purposes only.

The approximate cost of the model is about 18,000 rubles.

Foxweld Invermig 160 combi

Another budget option that is included in our rating of weldingsemi-automatic inverter type due to balanced characteristics and low cost. The device is not the most powerful - only 160 amperes, but it is quite suitable for amateur garage work.

Judging by the reviews of the owners, one of the main advantages of the device is a very convenient operation. The latter allows you to quickly and accurately adjust the welding current using a digital indicator. The profitability of the model can also be attributed to the pluses: in MIG mode, the device takes about 3.8 kW, and in MMA - about 4.6, which is very good for devices of this kind.

Distinctive features of the device

Users also note that the semiautomatic device feels confident and works stably during sudden power surges. As for the seam, its quality is quite high for a budget device. A very sensible burner with a sleeve length of 2.5 meters can also be noted as a plus.

Pros of the model:

• quality welding output;
• profitability of the device;
• convenient control;
• long sleeve;
• quite adequate value.

Cons:

• hard to find parts and service centers (little-known brand);
• a small margin of amps.

The estimated price of the model is about 25,000 rubles.

Fubag INMIG 200 Plus

The junior model of the INMIG series occupies a worthy place in the ratings of professional semi-automatic welding machines. The device received modern software control, which added convenience to it. Also, the model canboast decent performance.

All basic modes for MMA and MIG are programmed. That is, it is enough for the user to specify the diameter of the wire and the type of metal, and the device itself will adjust itself to the optimal return. There is also a mode for working with material on short seams - SPOT. Here, automation stops welding at specified intervals.

Features of the device

Users are overwhelmingly positive about the latest feature. If the tightness of the seam is not critical, then the SPOT mode significantly facilitates the work and saves the lion's share of time along with energy resources. So it takes its place in the ranking of welding inverter semi-automatic machines for good reason and fully fulfills the money invested in it.

Model benefits:

• versatility;
• flexible and convenient settings;
• program control;
• excellent work in argon environment (TIG);
• adequate cost for existing features.

Flaws:

design sensitive to environment (excessive cold or heat)

The approximate cost of the model is about 32,000 rubles.

Cedar MIG-175GD

The model is included in our semi-automatic welding rating due to its excellent cost-to-return ratio, as well as due to its reliability and reliability. The device perfectly copes both with an argon torch and electrodes, and with welding in a semi-automatic mode. Polarity is very easy to changetransfer the cable to the contact group.

Management of the model has software, so there is no tedious fuss with the mechanics here. The characteristics of the desired mode are set using the multifunctional controller and one button. Judging by the feedback, some users do not welcome such a "simple" solution, but for the most part they are those who rearrange modes very often.

During the operation of the semiautomatic device, you can manually adjust the inductance, or, as it is also called in this case, the curvature of the current-voltage characteristic. Due to this, it is possible to weld both massive parts on a “hard” arc and thin material on a “soft” arc without problems.

Distinctive features of the device

When working in manual mode (MMA), you can count on electrodes with a thickness of 2-3 mm. The maximum current in this case is within 175 amperes. If you use a larger diameter, you will have to do forced smoke breaks for cooling. But you don't have to worry about pauses. The device received intelligent protection against overheating, where the automation will turn off the system in time if you overload it.

The argon burner operates in TIG DC mode, that is, on direct current, both in two-stroke and four-stroke modes. The arc itself is kindled by touch, and, alas, there is no advanced oscillator here. Judging by the feedback from users, the model would easily come in first place. It is reliable, efficient and convenient. But it has an insufficient supply of current for some and, albeit convenient, but specific control.

Pros of the model:

• practicality and versatility;
• efficient welding output;
• extremely convenient controls for beginners and amateurs;
• reliable automatic overload protection system;
• quality build;
• environmentally friendly.

Cons:

• not the best management for professional welders;
• some complain about the lack of current.

The estimated price of the model is about 37,000 rubles.

"Svarog PRO MIG 200 SYNERGY" (N229)

Judging by the responses of experts and users, this is perhaps the best that this segment has to offer. The model rightfully takes first place in our rating of semi-automatic welding machines. The device supports any type of specific wire, and the polarity change occurs in seconds.

The model also performed well with conventional electrodes and with an argon torch. Moreover, the maximum current in the latter case is 200 amperes plus ignition by touch. There is no need to make any pauses to cool the system, because the device adequately copes with any loads that are indicated in the passport.

But the main advantage of the model, judging by the feedback from users, is an exceptional arc control scheme. Here it is implemented perfectly and changes the characteristics of the device with one touch and without any associated problems.

Multifunctional knobs allow you to adjust the voltage, welding current and speedwire feed. More convenience is added by local indicators that signal everything that happens in the system.

Features of the device

Argon arc welding can easily cope with both two-stroke and four-stroke modes. In the first case, ignition takes place by means of a button on the burner and fades out if it is released. The four-stroke arc burns permanently after pressing the key once and goes out after its repeated application. You can set the current fall time using special regulators.

To ensure safety, the device has advanced moisture protection. The enabled VRD mode reduces the idle voltage and thus protects the user from accidental electric shock. It is also worth noting that in manual mode, fine adjustment of the arc force current is possible.

Well, summing up the pluses, it should be noted that the manufacturer provides its devices with a full five-year warranty, which already says a lot about the quality of the products. "Svarog" can be called an ideal and versatile tool for the most demanding users. The model simply does not have any shortcomings, let alone critical ones, so the first place of this welding machine in the ranking of semi-automatic machines is quite justified.

Model benefits:

• versatility and flexibility of settings;
• efficient work;
• convenient control;
• small dimensions;
• excellent protection against almost anything and everything;
• very high quality build;
• five-year warranty.

No deficiencies identified.

The approximate cost of the model is about 50,000 rubles.