Features to consider when buying an electric soldering iron

When you set out to buy an electric soldering iron, the first thing you will find is a large number of acronyms that look like security codes. You should know that this series of letters and numbers are nothing other than the denominations (in English) of the different welding systems that produce an electric arc. Are you thinking of doing handyman's and building a barbecue? Do you want to build a trailer with the ability to do it yourself? If so, read on and know what welding system you need for each of these tasks.

    The assembly by welding is the main process that must be performed to solidify certain joints. Currently, there is a wide range of welders on the market, so it is necessary to know what characteristics they have in order to make a wise choice and with sufficient elements of judgment so as not to make mistakes.

   To enter the welding machine and its characteristics, it is first necessary to define certain technical concepts:

    - Electric arc: it is the visible electric current of the air caused by the flash that is produced by the electrode and the metal.

    -Cebado: refers to the start of the welding that is obtained after rubbing the metal to be welded and the electrode.

    - Rutile electrode: this type of electrodes is the most used. It is covered with a conductive material, which favors the priming and the fluidity of the welding.

   - Basic electrode: used mainly in plumbing and boilermaking due to its good mechanical characteristics for the union.

   -Fitted cable: contains an internal flow that causes the metal to melt without the need for gas.

   -Full or solid wire: it is a bare steel cable covered with copper or stainless steel that allows welding with a neutral or active gas.

   -Connectors: refer to some parts that are responsible for connecting the ground wires to the welder.

   -Pinza: instrument responsible for inserting the electrode to the welds.

   -MIG torch and MAG torch: handle with trigger that can be operated by hand and allows the cable to be lead to the metal to be welded.

  -TIG torch: electrode holder handle with tungsten.

  -Gas: is responsible for protecting the weld against oxidation that is caused by contact with air. This gas is usually Argon or Co².

  -Electrovalve: it is operated by the welder and offers the possibility of regulating the level of the torch.

  - Needle: is another name of the tungsten electrode.

  -Liquid-flow: has two functions, the first being to reduce the pressure of the gas bottle and the second to reduce the amount of gas.

Once the different parts of an electric soldering iron have been described, there are a series of guidelines to follow so as not to fail in the choice of the appliance.

MMA Inverter

     This soldering iron is suitable for beginners. It is an extremely light device with which you can weld metals with thicknesses of up to 10 mm with incredible ease. This capacity is due to the power of the device, adjustable according to the thickness of the metal to be welded. One of the great advantages of Inverter technology is its comfort, its saving of electricity and the incredible aspect of the welding that is given to the metal. Through a simple button (potentiometer), the power can be adjusted according to the thickness of the piece to be welded.

Semi automatic welding

    With this welding mode, a more important welding flow can be achieved due to its large sheathed cable, in conjunction with the welder. Contrary to what happened with MMA welding, the semi automatic does not require removing the crust formed when welding.

MIG MAG

     It contains a solid cable with gas, perfect to be used in bodywork, although it can be useful for a large number of tasks.

TIG

     This type of welder allows to weld thin plates of carbon steel, as well as stainless steel tubes. The quality of this welding is excellent for its appearance.

     As we said, you need to be careful when choosing which soldering iron to buy, since the characteristics of both are different. As it can not be otherwise, the security at the time of doing any work is vital, always taking care of all the details. You should never miss the protection with glasses, taking into account all the guidelines to follow to perform a safe job.

     Whether you are a welder for leisure or handyman, or a professional welder, the type of apparatus you must acquire is different. To have the ability to do it yourself, in this post we have offered you some tips that, if you take them into account, you will be right in the election. Of course, whether you are professional or do it for leisure, always with the maximum protection with glasses included.