Beginner’s Guide to Steel: Inverter welding machines

What is an inverter welder?

An inverter welder is a type of welding machine that uses an electronic system for voltage regulation, converting converts AC mains power to DC (welding) power.

Inverter-based welding devices use a series of electronic components to convert the power, unlike conventional transformer-based devices, which depend primarily on a single large transformer to regulate the voltage.

Used for MIG, TIG and stick welding, inverter welders produce a smooth, consistent arc.

While inverter welders used to be expensive and occasionally unreliable compared to transformer welders, the past decade has seen tremendous improvements in the technology, durability, ease of use and price point.

Advantages of inverter welding

Portable, lightweight and small in size, inverter welders hold significant advantages over conventional welders. Generally less than 5kg, they can be easily carried, yet have similar output capacity to transformer-based machines.

Typically simpler to use than other types of welders, inverter welders are a great choice for beginners as they have better arc characteristics.

They are also ideal for those projects that require welding in difficult-to-reach locations, or for welding metal that is too thick or too hard to weld with a regular welder.

They can also be used to weld two pieces of metal together if they are not touching each other directly.

Quality inverter machines will also have better efficiency ratings than conventional welders as they don’t produce the same amount of resistance and subsequent loss of power through heat dissipation.

Plus, inverter welders generate less heat and fewer sparks than regular welders, making them safer to use!

We stock the best

At Edcon, we don’t just stock the best, we use the best. We now use inverter machines in-house, particularly for site work and site welding.

We also offer high-quality inverter welders for our customers, including the Bossweld 188X MIG/stick/TIG inverter welder.

Lightweight and portable, this multi-process inverter-based welder can be used for MIG, stick and TIG welding, making it the ideal choice for your next welding project.

Features include:

• 180 Amp output
• MIG/Stick/TIG welder
• Fitted 10 Amp plug
• Digital LED display
• DC TIG lift arc start
• Excellent arc stability
• Gas/gasless operation
• 2T/4T trigger latching
• Stepless amperage control
• Generator safe
• Suits D100/D200 spools
• Spool gun ready

Safety precautions

Before beginning any welding project, it is vital to ensure all safety measures are in place and you’ve got the right safety gear.

The welding equipment you are using will have specific safety instructions provided by the manufacturer that you must thoroughly review before starting.

You must also have the correct safety equipment on hand to ensure your protection from the heat, spark and UV rays generated during the process. The essentials include:

• Long-sleeved shirt and pants made from fire-retardant materials
• Gloves
• Safety glasses and helmet
• Adequate ventilation if welding indoors (e.g. exhaust).