How old’s your welder? 10 years old, maybe 20? Ever wonder what's happened to welding machines in that time? Well my friend, hang on to your butt because we’re about to blow your mind.
Inverter Tech
Instead of transformer-based tech, many new welders use inverter tech. It’s the difference between an early 1990’s cell phone the size of a small yacht and the lightweight phones we use today. Not only are inverter-based welders much smaller and easier to carry around, they’ve got an extremely stable arc. This means your weld’s quality will be much more consistent from start to finish. The best part is that inverter-based welders are significantly easier on your power bill. In comparison to an older transformer welder, many new welders actually pay for themselves in reduced power cost.
Auto-Set Features
Most welding problems start with the wrong parameters. For intermediate and beginner welders, finding the proper parameters can be a nightmare. Even skilled experts tend to make mistakes resulting is some pretty nasty welding jobs. The new auto-set welders not only take this problem away, they’ll save you a ton of time during set-up.
Multi-Process Welding Machines
Welders used to be stuck as either a Mig, Tig, or Stick welder. Crossing over was more difficult than passing a kidney stone, and just as painful. If you wanted to learn a new process, you had to buy a completely different welder. Not anymore. New welders like the Miller XMT 304 are capable of Mig, Tig, and Stick welding all from one machine. Their prices can run a little higher, but you’ll be saving thousands in comparison to buying multiple machines.
If you haven’t looked at a new welder within the last 5 years, you at least owe it to yourself to check out what’s out there. Here’s a link to one of our favorite, new welding machines, the Millermatic 190.