We’re pleased to stock a broad selection of different Welding Power sources and Rectifiers from a variety of manufacturers, including ESAB, Lincoln and Miller. Available at great price and with quick delivery - view the range below which is vast. Needs some help on currents and voltages? Give us a call, we can offer impartial informaton.
Necessary for all forms of welding, power sources are required to supply the electrical current needed to power the welding equipment. Different forms of welding require different power supplies, such as each requires a different level of electrical current in order to work correctly.
Power source types
The most common welding power sources fit into a few different types, such as transformers and generators. Transformers swap the power from the mains, changing it to a high current and low voltage from a low current and high voltage. The output current and voltage can be selected by the welder, based on the welding work they are carrying out. Rectifiers are sometimes used alongside transformers to convert the AC into DC. Generators, such as diesel welders, are used as a way of producing electricity for welding. Some generators are actually powered by electricity, but the electricity they produce can be of a different voltage and current without the need for a transformer. Other types of power sources exist, such as inverters which can be used for other kinds of welding.
Many applications need a Welding Power Source; Manual arc welding, Stick welding, Shielded metal arc welding, MMA, MMAW, fluxshielded arc welding.
Shellfish can make you a better welder. Simply think about CLAMS: Current setting, Length of arc, Angle of electrode, Manipulation of the electrode and Speed of travel. If you're just learning the Stick process, technically called Shielded Metal Arc Welding, remembering these five points will improve your welding technique. Take a minute to review the following advice, especially if you've never struck an arc or are still debating which machine to buy. Or Contact Us, with over 60 years buying and selling arc welders we can tell you the good and bad points of them all.
Q: What type of Stick welder works best for all-around use?
A: DC welding offers advantages over AC for most Stick applications, including: easier starts; fewer arc outages and sticking; less spatter/better looking welds; easier vertical up and overhead welding; easier to learn "how to weld" and a smoother arc. DC reverse polarity (electrode positive) provides about 10% more penetration at a given amperage than AC, while DC straight polarity (electrode negative) welds thinner metals better.
Q: Does an AC output have any advantages?
A: Yes, if you need to weld on material that's become magnetized from friction, such as when hay, feed or water constantly rub against a steel part. A DC output won't work because of "arc blow," where the magnetic field blows the molten filler metal out of the weld puddle. Because an AC output alternates between polarities, it enables you to weld magnetized parts.
Q: How big of a machine do I need?
A: A 225 to 300 amp machine handles almost anything the average person will encounter, as most Stick welding procedures require 200 amps or less. To weld material thicker than 3/8 in., simply make multiple passes - this is what professionals do, even when welding on 1 in. structural steel.
Q: I see the word "duty cycle" on product spec sheets? What does that mean?
A: Duty cycle is the number of minutes out of a 10-minute cycle a welder can operate. For example, the Thunderbolt XL creates a 200 amp DC output at 20% duty cycle. It can weld continuously at 200 amps for two minutes, and then must cool for eight minutes to prevent overheating. Duty cycle and amperage are inversely proportional. Operating at 90 amps, the Thunderbolt has a 100% duty cycle, meaning you can weld without stopping. This inversely proportional rule is true of all Miller machines but does not apply to all machines made by other companies.
Q: Do I have to remove rust or oil before welding?
A: Stick welding is more forgiving on unclean conditions, but it never hurts to clean parts with a wire brush or grind off excess rust. If you prepare well and have average welding ability, you can make a sound weld. However, even great welding skill cannot overcome poor preparation, as it can lead to cracking, lack of fusion and slag inclusions.
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