Arc Welders And Electrodes Review - Cost, Function, Models

Consumer Review Of The Arc Welder Types, Functions, Models, And more...

Welders are used for a variety of jobs from building chain link fences to repairing cars and anything metal. Arc welding has been around for a very long time and will continue to be a popular choice for welders due to it's high quality welds and ease of learning and becoming certified. In this article we'll cover the various models available and how they stack up including how they work, including model numbers, descriptions and more.

Arc welding uses direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC). It uses consumable or non consumable electrodes respectively.
It uses the power supply to make an electric arc connecting the electrode and the base material. This process is used to melt the metals to the welding point.

In some cases an inert or semi-inert gas, which is also called a shielding gas and/or evaporating filler material, is used to protect the area being welded. Arc welding has low capital and running costs, which makes it popular.

Arc Welder Reviews/Comparisons

The Northern Industrial Arc 70 15 volt welder, model number Arc 80 A from Northern Tool, is an inexpensive option for those with home jobs.

The Northern Industrial Arc 70 welder welds mild steel up to 1/8 of an inch and costs $79.99. This welder is great for items you don't want to take to a weld shop.

This light duty welder is great for those who do not have access to the larger models that require 220 volts.

Compatible electrode sizes include 1/16 inches, 5/64 inches and 3/32 inches. The electrode cable length on this welder is ten feet while the clamp cable length is 6.5 feet in length.

Duty cycle for this arc welder is ten percent at seventy amps and twenty percent at fifty amps. The Northern Industrial Arc 200, 230 Volt, 200 amp arc welder, model AC4180, is another relatively inexpensive option.

Priced at $129.99, this welder can handle 1/6 in. - 5/32 in. diameter electrodes. It can weld mild steel up to 3/8 inches on a single pass and has a 65-200 amp welding range. This welder comes complete with a wheel kit and handles, making the portability of this unit a great feature.

The ten foot welding cable and electrode holder, 6.5 foot ground cable and clamp, amperage indicator and thermal overload protection light make this ideal for either the home handy man or the professional welder.

The Thermadyne Firepower Tungsten Electrodes are 1/16 inches and come ten to a pack. Model number for this item is T1168GT2. These electrodes are two percent thoriated tungsten which contain a 2wt-% of thorium oxide.

Some Great Arc Welder Choices

	Pro-Grade Ultra-Portable 100-Amp Electric Arc Welder - 110V Model and Color May Very Features: - Voltage: 110 Vlt - Frequency: 60 Hz - Required Current: 26 Amp - Single Phase - Amperage Control: 45 To 100 Amp - Welds Up To 1/4" Mild Stee... ProForge Only $79.99 View on Amazon
	100 AMP ARC Welder Uses standard 110 Volt with current ranges 40 to 100 AMP. The "no load" voltage is 48. Rated duty cycle 10% with input capacity @ 60% 4.8KVA. Class of insulation is H with rod d... Boston Industrial View on Amazon
	Clarke WE6490 Arc 95E Welder Arc Welder 120 volt. This operates for ma standard 120 volt household outlet. Automatic Thermal Overload Protection. Dial style adjustment for Variable 30 to 90 AMP welding rang... Clarke Only $95.0 View on Amazon
	120amp Ac Arc Welder Welding Machine Electrode Helmet Welding machine for Mma welding in alternating current (AC). Stepless Regulation of welding current Thermostatic protection Useable electrodes: Rutile & complete with Mma weldin... ATE TOOL View on Amazon
	Pro Series AWELD160 160 Amp Arc Welder, Black Zzz-ap! Buffalo Tools Arc Welders perform quick repairs. 160-amp. PRICED RIGHT! Compact electric miracle workers! These transformer-type Welders are great for making repairs, in... Buffalo Tools View on Amazon

The thorium oxide is dispersed evenly throughout the rod length. These electrodes provide supreme resistance from weld pool contamination and have easy starting capabilities.

The cost for these electrodes is $29.99. Also available is the Thermadyne Firepower Tungsten Electrodes 3/32 inches. These electrodes (Model number T3327GT2) also come ten to a pack and cost $49.99.

The Thermadyne Firepower Tungsten Electrodes are primarily used on carbon steel, stainless steel, nickel, nickel alloys, titanium and copper alloys. They are also primarily used for DC electrode negative or straight polarity uses.

Updated: 07/03/2012, Jerrico_Usher

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