Electric Welding Machines

A welding machine is a device that provides a supply of electric current for welding and a provision to feed in the wire. Welding machines are usually classified as constant current (CC) or constant voltage (CV). Most welding machines are of the following designs :

Transformer Type

Converts the high voltage and low current electricity from the utility into a high current and low voltage, typically between 17 to 45 volts and 55 to 590 amps.

Generator And Alternator Type

Utility power is converted first into mechanical energy then back into electrical energy in the form of DC to achieve the step-down effect similar to a transformer.

Inverter Type

Utility power is converted to high voltage; this energy is stored in a capacitor bank and a microprocessor controller then switches this energy into a second transformer as needed to produce the desired welding current.

Click here for a primer on considerations that go into buying a welding machine, The informative site also contains DIY tutorials on how to operate and weld through free video presentations.