Choosing a Welding Machine

Choosing a Welding Machine

Once you’ve settled on which welding process to teach in your classroom, you’ll need to choose the corresponding machine that will work best for your students. There are a variety of factors to consider including skill level, motor phase, and power requirements. Let this comparison help guide your purchasing decision.

Stick Welders

Lincoln’s AC-225 produces a smooth arc for welding carbon, low alloy, and stainless steels, plus cast iron. It’s easy to install and operate, making it perfect for beginning welders.

Miller Syncrowave is great for achieving higher productivity and lower operating costs thanks to its energy-efficient and easy-to-use design.

Miller CST 282 comes in Dinse-style and Tweco-style connectors and is ideal for welding pipe and plate of specialty metals or stainless steel.

Miller Maxstar 161 is a lightweight, transportable model at just 13 pounds. Separate 120 and 240 volt power cords disconnect without tools to allow common receptacles.

Miller Thunderbolt machines are nearly 100 pounds lighter and have 85 more amps than competitive machines, plus a quick, easy, and reliable arc start.

TIG Welders

Lincoln Precision welder is ideal for general fabrication, automotive, and vocational applications. Precise arc performance and stable, low-amperage starting provide great welding and cratering.

Lincoln Invertec is lightweight at just 15 pounds but is still just as powerful as heavier models. It can operate from a portable generator, making it a highly versatile option.

Miller Diversion has both 115V and 230V input power capability for welding aluminum and stainless steel in a variety of applications.

Multi-Process Welders

Lincoln Weld-Pak is designed with an easy-to-use interface and can be set up in just 10 minutes, so it’s perfect for beginner students, but it also includes more advanced functionality for experienced students.

Miller Multimatic units work for DC TIG, MIG, flux-cored, and stick welding. Most models feature Auto-Set™ Elite for predefined weld settings, and run on 120V or 240V input power.

Miller XMT is a popular line that offers flexibility and simplicity with excellent arc performance in a portable unit.

MIG Welders

Hobart Handler 140 is durable, portable, and runs on 115V input power. It’s ideal for auto repair or household projects. Welds up to 1/4" mild steel.

Lincoln Power MIG® 256 works best for light jobs, shop fabrication, and maintenance or repair assignments. Digital meters display preset voltage and wire feed speeds during setup, and actual voltage while welding.

Miller Millermaticunits have a variety of features to make welding easier and more efficient. Automatically set parameters for welding, enjoy a smooth and spatter-free start, and weld more comfortably for longer in high-end applications.

Plasma Cutters

Hobart AirForce® 27i has an ergonomic trigger safety for a more comfortable experience. Efficiently cools down and has economical replacement cutting tips. Smaller size requires less storage space and this lightweight model is easy to transport.

Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster A-Series is the best in productivity, precision, and performance. It includes auto-pilot restart, strong pilot arc, compact design, reduced cycle time, full arc voltage, and dedicated automation software.

Miller Spectrum units provide peak performance for steady and cleaner-ending cuts, and control pilot arc when cutting expanded metal or multiple pieces of metal.

Lincoln 20 is the ideal inverter for agricultural, HVAC, automotive, and sheet metal fabrication. It’s lightweight and portable at just 21 pounds but powerful enough for professional use.

Many Processes, Even More Solutions!

Whether you choose to focus on one process, or plan to offer a range of options, Midwest Technology Products has a variety of welding machines to suit your needs. Compare the options today and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need advice! Give us a call at 1-800-831-5904 or send us a message online!