Welding inverters made in Russia: ratings and prices

When choosing a welding inverter, you need to consider what material the unit will work with, how often it will be used, in what conditions and by whom.

Completely different inverter welding machines are suitable for household, professional and industrial use.

To make it easier for the reader to make a choice, we have compiled a rating of the best welding inverters based on customer reviews and expert ratings.

This article presents the TOP of the most reliable, powerful and easy-to-use devices in terms of price/quality ratio.

Rating of the TOP 15 best welding inverters of 2020-2021

Place	Name	Price
TOP 4 best welding inverters by price/quality for 2020-2021
1	Denzel MMA-220ID (MMA)	Find out the price
2	RESANTA SAI-190K (MMA)	Find out the price
3	Wester MINI 220T (MMA)	Find out the price
4	SPECIAL MAG-170 INVERTOR (MIG/MAG)	Find out the price
TOP 4 best inexpensive welding inverters
1	RESANTA SAI-160K (MMA)	Find out the price
2	RESANTA SAI-190 (MMA)	Find out the price
3	Fubag IR 200 (MMA)	Find out the price
4	Wester MINI 200T (MMA)	Find out the price
TOP 4 best welding inverters with manual arc welding (MMA)
1	RESANTA SAI-220 (MMA)	Find out the price
2	Svarog REAL SMART ARC 200 (Z28303) BLACK (TIG, MMA)	Find out the price
3	Wester MIG 140i (MIG/MAG, MMA)	Find out the price
4	RESANTA SAI-190PN (MMA)	Find out the price
TOP 4 best semi-automatic welding inverters
1	Svarog REAL MIG 200 (N24002N) BLACK (MIG/MAG, MMA)	Find out the price
2	STAVR SAU-200M (MIG/MAG, MMA)	Find out the price
3	Aurora OVERMAN 180 (MIG/MAG)	Find out the price
4	RESANTA SAIPA-135 (MIG/MAG, MMA)	Find out the price

How to choose a welding inverter?

When choosing a welding inverter, you should take into account its main technical parameters, as well as the availability of additional options.

Rated welding current . In everyday life, 160-200 A will be enough.
Welding type . This can be manual arc welding, semi-automatic, argon arc and some other types of welding. They differ in the operating principle and quality of welding, the type of material used for welding, as well as the requirements for the skills of the welder, so it is worth consulting with the seller here.
Mains voltage . The data sheet will indicate whether the device operates only with a stable single-phase network (deviation of no more than 15% from the norm) or an unstable one. For use in a big city, where the mains voltage is stable, models from the first group are suitable, but in villages, country houses and in nature, devices suitable for unstable voltage should be used. Only devices from this group can be used when supplying electricity from a generator.
Open circuit voltage . The closer to the upper limit (90 V), the better. The optimal range is 40-90 V.
Operating mode at maximum current . The indicator is expressed as a percentage and determines the ratio of the duration of continuous welding work to the total operating time of the device. That is, if the indicator is 60%, it means that welding can be carried out within 6 minutes, and the unit must rest for 4 minutes. The optimal value is 50-60%, good - from 70%.
Method for adjusting current . It is better if the current is controlled smoothly.
Availability of additional functions such as hot start, arc force and anti-stick . The most useful functions are hot start and auto shutdown. The first provides a faster start, and the second allows you to avoid the consequences of long continuous operation of the device.

Types of welding machines and their brief description

The main criterion by which a welding machine is chosen for the home is its type.

All devices are divided into four categories:

Welding inverters . They provide easy ignition and stable combustion of the welding arc, and are resistant to vibrations and interference. Devices of this type have high efficiency, and a wide current adjustment range allows you to work with different types of electrodes. The only drawback of welding machines is their high cost.
Welding transformer . These are inexpensive and extremely easy-to-use devices that are great for home use. But the weight and dimensions of the device are quite impressive, so the transformer will have to be placed in a separate room.
Welding rectifier . It is similar in functionality to a welding transformer, but allows you to obtain direct rather than alternating current. The device also allows you to get a high-quality seam, and the ease of holding the arc is suitable even for novice users.
Semi-automatic welding . A special wire is used for welding, so there is no need to supply gas to the work area. Semi-automatic machines allow you to obtain high-quality seams, and the device itself has high productivity.

TOP 4 best welding inverters by price/quality for 2020-2021

The devices from this collection have a convenient design, are usually small, well-assembled, and their functional equipment is justified by their cost.

Denzel MMA-220ID (MMA)

Compact, easy-to-use and inexpensive advanced class device designed for domestic and industrial use.

It allows you to perform manual MMA arc welding and surfacing steel products with a coated stick electrode using direct current.

The rated welding current of the model is 20-220 A. This is the highest current unit in the DENZEL MMA line: it works continuously even with an unstable input voltage, is suitable for beginners and is very mobile, thanks to which it can be used in the country, at home, or in the garage.

Like any inverter, this device operates in welding/rest mode: 60% of the time is devoted to work, 40% is required for the model to take a break.

Operation is possible at ambient temperatures from -10 to 40 °C.

Specifications:

welding current: 20-220 A;
input voltage: 150-250 V;
power: 8.40 kW;
switching on to max. current: 60%;
electrode diameter: 1.60-5 mm.

pros

ease of use;
Operating temperature range;
hot start;
power;
good equipment.

Minuses

no case;
short wires (2 m).

RESANTA SAI-190K (MMA)

Inexpensive multifunctional inverter-type welding machine with amperage sufficient for domestic use.

In addition to high power and ergonomics, the device is distinguished by a wide range of useful functions: hot start, anti-stick, arc force.

The model is assembled on the basis of modern IGBT transistors . It is assigned protection class IP21. The device can be used at temperatures from -10 to 40 °C. In this case, the continuous operation time is 70%.

Welding is carried out using an electrode with a diameter of up to 5 mm.

The package includes the device itself, cables, as well as instructions and a convenient carrying strap . The manufacturer recommends operating the device away from dust, debris and metal shavings.

The device is ideal for beginners, as well as for those who plan to occasionally use the device in the country or in the garage.

It is very mobile due to the strap and light weight, and also tolerates various ambient temperatures well.

Specifications:

welding current: 10-190 A;
input voltage: 140-240 V;
power: 5.50 kW;
switching on to max. current: 70%;
electrode diameter: 5 mm.

pros

price;
ergonomics;
availability of additional functions;
belt included;
powerful cooling system.

Minuses

no indication.

Wester MINI 220T (MMA)

A reliable, compact welding inverter, designed on the basis of IGBT technology, suitable for home use due to its ease of control, good power and low weight.

In addition, the corners of the device are additionally reinforced with plastic attachments, which prevents the appearance of cracks and chips due to mechanical damage.

Welding current range - 30-220 A, open circuit voltage - 65 V. The device is intended for MMA welding with electrodes with rutile, basic or cellulose coating.

It is compatible with products made from various types of steel, ferrous and non-ferrous metals and copper with a maximum thickness of 10 mm.

Additionally, there are anti-stick and hot start functions. On the front side there is a convenient control panel with a mechanical rotary current regulator, a cooling system grille and an informative display.

There are two handles on top for fixing the belt that is included in the kit.

Specifications:

welding current: 30-220 A;
input voltage: 155-255 V;
switching on to max. current: 60%;
electrode diameter: 1.60-5 mm.

pros

build quality;
light weight;
digital display with indication;
compactness;
holds the arc well.

Minuses

glides on surfaces;
no carrying handle.

SPECIAL MAG-170 INVERTOR (MIG/MAG)

The device for semi-automatic welding with an efficiency of 73% has a simple design, convenient operation and optimal power for operation even without experience.

When working in manual arc welding (MMA) mode, the welding current is adjusted in the range of 30-150 A, in MIG/MAG mode - 30-160 A. Power in any mode reaches 6.40 kW.

The operating voltage of the device varies 16-26 V, and the open circuit voltage is 56 V.

The wire diameter is 0.60-0.80 mm, the coil is located inside the structure.

The inverter belongs to insulation class F and has a degree of protection IP21S, as well as an additional hot start function.

The kit includes a torch, a mask with a light filter, a brush-hammer and all the components necessary for the work, as well as a kilogram spool of wire with a diameter of 0.8 mm.

Specifications:

welding current: 30-160 A;
power: 6.40 kW;
switching on to max. current: 70%;
electrode diameter: 1.60-4 mm;
wire diameter: 0.60-0.80 mm.

pros

ergonomics;
high degree of protection;
ease of use;
build quality;
there is a hot start;
high efficiency.

Minuses

poor cable quality.

TOP 4 best inexpensive welding inverters

Budget models are suitable for those who plan to use them rarely or do not need an extensive set of functions.

RESANTA SAI-160K (MMA)

The manual arc welding unit of the “Compact” series is designed for welding with an electrode with a diameter of 4 mm.

The device is lightweight and compact in size, making it easy to store and operate and suitable for use in different places.

Thanks to the ease of operation and the presence of a hot start button, the device is suitable even for a beginner.

It is energy efficient and continues to work even with unstable mains voltage. The design and technical characteristics of the model allow you to weld parts with a thickness of 4 to 10 mm.

The inverter is equipped with powerful air cooling, has a protection class of IP21 and is designed for operation at ambient temperatures from -10 to 40 °C.

It practically does not heat up during operation due to the tunnel cooling system, which prevents breakdowns.

The manufacturer has provided anti-stick and arc force functions.

Specifications:

welding current: 10-160 A;
input voltage: 140-240 V;
power: 4.80 kW;
switching on to max. current: 70%;
electrode diameter: 4 mm.

pros

compactness and light weight;
energy efficiency;
compatible with various materials;
ease of current adjustment;
there is a hot start;
duration of continuous operation.

Minuses

there are no rubberized inserts on the legs;
short cables.

RESANTA SAI-190 (MMA)

An inverter welding machine with a maximum current of 190 A is designed for manual arc welding with MMA electrodes up to 5 mm.

The model is small, compact, easy to use, suitable for use at home and in production. The design is based on IGBT transistors.

The case is made of metal, equipped with a powerful air-type cooling system and an overheating protection function, thanks to which the device exhibits stability and high quality of operation with its duration of 70%.

The welding current range is 10-190 A. The open circuit voltage is 85 V. The device is equipped with hot start and anti-stick functions. It is assigned protection class IP21.

Specifications:

welding current: 10-190 A;
input voltage: 140-260 V;
power: 5.50 kW;
switching on to max. current: 70%;
electrode diameter: 5 mm.

pros

build quality;
ergonomics;
belt included;
overheat protection;
fast start.

Minuses

quality of wires.

Fubag IR 200 (MMA)

A powerful welding machine allows for manual welding using an electrode with a diameter of 1.60-5 mm.

The weight of the model is just over 4.5 kg, and a convenient strap is attached to the top, making the device easy to carry from place to place.

A distinctive feature of the model is a wide range of welding current strength 5-200 A.

The input voltage is 150-240 V, and the open circuit voltage is 65 V.

With a short operating time (40%), the inverter efficiency is 85% . It has insulation class H and degree of protection IP21S.

Modern functions include hot start, anti-stick and arc afterburner. The device can be used at ambient temperatures from -10 to 40 °C.

Specifications:

welding current: 5-200 A;
input voltage: 150-240 V;
power: 8.10 kW;
switching on to max. current: 40%;
electrode diameter: 1.60-5 mm.

pros

power;
dimensions and weight;
belt included;
convenient adjustment of current strength;
seam quality;
smooth and stable operation.

Minuses

duration of continuous operation;
quality of wires.

Wester MINI 200T (MMA)

The powerful inverter for manual arc welding has a very reliable design: the corners of the case have reinforced plastic plugs that protect the metal surface from damage and ensure the stability of the device during operation and storage.

The device is designed on the basis of modern IGBT technology and allows you to work with consumable electrodes with rutile, basic and cellulose coatings. Continuous operation time is 60%.

The device is able to operate stably and efficiently even with small voltage surges.

Distinctive features of the model are smooth adjustment of the current strength, indication on the LCD screen and the Anti Stick function.

The latter is designed to limit the duration and strength of the short circuit current at start and during operation to prevent the electrode from sticking to the workpiece.

The device operates at ambient temperatures from -10 to 40 °C.

Specifications:

welding current: 30-200 A;
input voltage: 155-255 V;
switching on to max. current: 60%;
electrode diameter: 1.60-5 mm.

pros

ease;
compact dimensions;
power;
smooth adjustment of current strength;
reliability;
build quality;
seam quality.

Minuses

Features of Russian-made inverters

The first reason why domestic inverters have stable popularity is their reliability, due to a more thoughtful design .
First of all, this applies to the most loaded node of the inverter - the output stage of the converter.

The figure below is a schematic diagram of the power part of a typical Chinese inverter:

This is the simplest circuit of a pulse converter, where there is only one transistor switch in each arm. Its failure means a sharp loss of converter power - it will no longer be possible to cook with such an inverter. The circuit shown uses IRF830 field-effect transistors with a typical drain-to-source resistance (on-state resistance) of 0.83 ohms. At high currents, this will lead to a noticeable loss of power due to heating of the transistor, and during prolonged operation - to its overheating. Their current reserve is also small: the low rated continuous current forces the manufacturer to reduce the arc voltage, hence problems when igniting and working with contaminated parts (in this case, 160 A in the secondary circuit of the converter can only be obtained by significantly reducing the voltage).

TOP 4 best welding inverters with manual arc welding (MMA)

Devices with this type of welding work using an electrode. They are best suited for working with various types of steel workpieces.

RESANTA SAI-220 (MMA)

An inverter-type welding machine with a maximum welding current of 220 A is created on the basis of modern IGBT technology.

It allows welding with an electrode with a maximum diameter of 5 mm with a working time of 70%.

The model has an extended welding current range of 10-220 A and an input voltage of 140-260 V, as well as an open circuit voltage of 80 V.

The device is assigned protection class IP21.

The inverter is equipped with modern hot start and anti-stick functions. It is easy to operate, reliable, does not require special skills, has a convenient carrying strap and a powerful air-type cooling system.

Specifications:

welding current: 10-220 A;
input voltage: 140-260 V;
switching on to max. current: 70%;
electrode diameter: 5 mm.

pros

price;
build quality;
ergonomics;
power;
stability of work;
duration of continuous operation;
belt included.

Minuses

Svarog REAL SMART ARC 200 (Z28303) BLACK (TIG, MMA)

The most powerful welding machine with the possibility of argon arc (TIG) and manual arc (MMA) welding with an electrode with a diameter of 1.60-4 mm.

For any type of welding, the device operates within a wide welding current range of 20-200 A.

The input voltage varies 140-270 V. The power of the device is 7.10 kVA, and the efficiency is 85%. It is assigned a degree of protection IP21S and insulation class F. At the same time, the convenience of operation and reliability of the inverter are increased due to the presence of VRD, hot start and arc forced functions.

The device is assembled from high-quality materials and has a durable, reliable handle for transportation, as well as a powerful air cooling system . In addition to the welding machine, the kit includes an electrical holder, a terminal, a protective mask, leggings and electrodes.

Specifications:

welding current: 20-200 A;
input voltage: 140-270 V;
power: 7.10 kVA;
switching on to max. current: 60%;
electrode diameter: 1.60-4 mm.

pros

high efficiency;
build quality;
light weight;
powerful cooling system;
possibility of argon arc welding;
Ease of Management.

Minuses

Wester MIG 140i (MIG/MAG, MMA)

Reliable, powerful machine with the possibility of semi-automatic and manual welding with electrode wire (MIG/MAG).

It can be used for welding steel, aluminum alloys and some other metals.

current for any welding mode varies 40-140 A. The open circuit voltage is 55 V. To operate the device, you will need electrodes with a diameter of 1.6 to 3.2 mm or wire with a diameter of 0.6 mm.

The power of the model reaches 4.70 kW . The duration of continuous operation is 60%, while the maximum welding current in this mode does not exceed 93 A.

The device has a very reliable design: a metal case with reinforced corners, a comfortable, durable handle and a powerful cooling system..

The inverter is assigned protection class IP21S and insulation class F.

Specifications:

welding current: 40-140 A;
power: 4.70 kW;
switching on to max. current: 60%;
electrode diameter: 1.60 mm.

pros

build quality;
possibility of semi-automatic welding;
power;
there is an indication of current and temperature;
seam quality.

Minuses

RESANTA SAI-190PN (MMA)

Powerful welding inverter based on IGBT transistors with an extended input voltage range of 140-240 V.

For work, an electrode with a diameter of up to 5 mm inclusive is used.

The welding current is 10-190 A, the total power of the device is 6.60 kW . During work, 70% of the time is spent welding and 30% is required for breaks. Operation of the inverter device is permissible at ambient temperatures from -10 to 40 °C.

The device is assigned protection class IP21 . The manufacturer has endowed it with several modern functions, including anti-stick, hot start and arc force.

The kit includes a 3-meter cable with an electrical holder and a 2.5-meter cable with a grounding terminal.

The device is distinguished by its reliability and build quality: the metal case on the front and back is protected by reinforced inserts made of durable plastic.

The cooling system provides powerful ventilation of the inverter during operation. On the surface there is a durable handle for transportation, and in front there is an informative LCD screen with a plastic protective cover.

Specifications:

welding current: 10-190 A;
input voltage: 140-240 V;
power: 6.60 kW;
switching on to max. current: 70%;
electrode diameter: 5 mm.

pros

build quality;
stability of work;
price;
power;
welding duration;
seam quality.

Minuses

short power cord;
poor dust and moisture protection.

Fast and Furious 161

In fifth place in our rating is the domestic welding machine Forsazh 161. Own development of JSC State Ryazan Instrument Plant. This is one of those devices that you can be proud of that was made in Russia. An inverter circuit is used to convert the current. The plant also produces avionics for 5th generation fighters, so the standards and requirements for the quality level of products are the highest. The inverters are assembled by qualified personnel. Advanced technologies and modern equipment are used in the production process. Actually, there is no need to talk about the artisanal assembly of the devices (which at first glance is typical of domestic welding equipment). The Fast and the Furious devices are high-quality equipment with aviation reliability (if you believe the advertising). “Aviation” may sound pretentious, but it is already a fact that the Ryazan people managed to make a kind of breakthrough in inverter technology. Fast and Furious has already become a favorite among welders and the popularity of welding machines under this brand is increasing and will continue to grow if the engineers of the instrument plant continue to improve inverters (which will reduce the final cost of the equipment while maintaining its quality). Already today, Fast and Furious 161 costs almost the same as its Chinese counterpart AURORA 160 (PRO STICKMATE), which took 4th place in our rating. Both devices are often compared and, to be honest, it is difficult to give one a clear preference. We gave Aurora 4th place only because, after all, our citizens still have strong negative stereotypes and prejudices towards domestic technology and therefore many, contrary to logic and common sense, prefer to take a lower-quality China rather than a good Russia (albeit to China the relationship is twofold). It is difficult to say about other production areas, but as for Ryazan welding equipment, this stereotype is gradually being broken. It was the Fast and Furious 161 device that broke the vicious circle, its predecessor, which, by the way, has nothing in common with today’s model, except for a similar name; Fast and the Furious 160 was not very successful, even though it had 100 percent PV. And all because of the very high cost. And now, we have finally managed to achieve the optimal price-quality ratio.

Forsazh 161 is the undisputed leader in specific power (specific current strength 22 mA/cm3). An inverter weighing just over 4 kg cooks with both “three” and “four” (electrodes o3 mm and o4 mm). The welding process is highly stable, as they say “cooks confidently”, the current is smoothly regulated from 10 to 160A. PV at current 100 A - 100%, 120 A - 80%, 160 A - 40%.

The optimal settings of the device were calculated in leading scientific centers of Russia and included in the control algorithm. All functions designed to make the work of both a novice and an experienced welder easier on this machine are present not only in the passport data. Unlike Chinese welding equipment, when some of the declared functions are missing or not at all, in Fast and Furious 161 everything is present de facto and works correctly:

“hot start” is responsible for simple ignition of the arc - easy start of welding;
“Arc force” prevents sticking when you bring the electrode too close to the surface of the metal being welded;
"Anti-stick" will automatically turn off the welding current if there is a short circuit.

This is why it is a Russian inverter, because it necessarily provides for the possibility of welding at low voltage in the network. Who, if not the Russians, does not know what problems can occur with the power grid; neither Chinese nor European specialists can understand this! Therefore, the inverter is maximally adapted to our Russian realities. The manufacturer’s website states that the inverter can cook at a reduced voltage from 160V in the network. In practice we are even talking about 140V. It’s clear that we’re not talking about full-fledged welding in such conditions, but you can grab something and even weld it with a small-diameter electrode.

"Inside"

The inverter is created using high-quality components from Europe and the USA. Unlike low-quality budget Chinese inverters, the Forsazh 161 electronics ensure stable operation throughout its entire service life. Generally speaking, the claim for quality of execution and functionality is at the level of world leaders. And if we compare the device with European analogues, then we are talking about a significant advantage in price (remember that the price is almost equal to Chinese analogues).

Fast and Furious 161 is microprocessor controlled. The ATMEGA 48 microcontroller, G50N60HS power switches and 150EBU02 power diodes are responsible for the smooth operation of the device and ease of welding. The power part is effectively cooled by blowing with a powerful fan, which starts only when it heats up. The advantages of such a system are obvious - the less the fan runs, the less dust is drawn under the case. Let us remind you that dust is the reason for calls to service centers in 80% of cases.

The device is built according to an oblique bridge design like PICO162 or Kemppi150. This circuitry has proven itself well in practice. The afterburner works with a long extension 100 mm long and a cross section of 12-16 mm2 (tested).

The inverter is not equipped with an electrode holder, ground terminal and welding cable. You can always choose the best quality option for you. Chinese inverters are equipped with a toy holder and a mass for disposal. The cable is often aluminum. Here the Ryazan people acted honestly - instead of “selling” rubbish, they give the buyer an independent choice. You can also purchase separately from the manufacturer a welding kit from ABICOR BINZEL (a good German manufacturer).

We also found a significant drawback in Fast and Furious 161, which does not affect its technical characteristics. This is the appearance; here the inverter is much inferior to its competitors. It looks simple: a metal box, sharp corners. Ryazan residents did not consider it profitable to invest money in an attractive design (the main content is the content, not the wrapper!). There was a model with a plastic control panel (the device certainly looks better with it), but it did not go into production because plastic had to be cast! (which apparently requires the purchase of expensive equipment). There was an option to cast a plastic panel in China, but over time it was abandoned. Be that as it may, Fast and Furious 161 still looks the way it does.

TOP 4 best semi-automatic welding inverters

In semi-automatic operation, welding occurs due to the automatic supply of the electrode wire and the simultaneous supply of protective gases to it.

Svarog REAL MIG 200 (N24002N) BLACK (MIG/MAG, MMA)

Multifunctional inverter machine is designed for semi-automatic gas shielded welding (MIG/MAG), flux-cored welding and manual arc welding.

It has a striking design: a black metal body with reinforced plastic inserts on the corners, as well as a strong and durable handle on the surface.

The welding current in manual welding mode is 10-160 A, and in semi-automatic mode - 30-200 A.

The output voltage varies 160-270 V, and the no-load voltage is 60 V. The power of the device reaches 7.70 kVA, and the continuous operation time in relation to the total time of use is 60%.

An electrode with a diameter of 1.50-4 mm or a wire with a diameter of 0.60-1 mm is used as a working tool for welding.

The coil has an internal location, and the wire feed speed is 1.50-14 m/min. The maximum permissible weight of the reel is 1 kg.

The efficiency of the device reaches 85% . It has a degree of protection IP21S and insulation class F. It also has the ability to adjust the inductance, the function of afterburning the wire and the idle run of the wire.

Specifications:

welding current (MMA): 10-160 A;
welding current (MIG/MAG): 30-200 A;
input voltage: 160-270 V;
power: 7.70 kVA;
switching on to max. current: 60%;
electrode diameter: 1.50-4 mm.

pros

extended input voltage range;
stability of work;
power;
build quality;
ease of control;
high efficiency;
welding duration;
full set;
seam quality.

Minuses

price.

STAVR SAU-200M (MIG/MAG, MMA)

A powerful multifunctional inverter-type welding machine is distinguished by its build quality, convenient design and good functional performance..

The device is intended for semi-automatic (MIG/MAG) and manual arc (MMA) welding with a welding current of 20-200 A.

Input voltage is 150 V and open circuit voltage is 59 V.

The power of the model is 7.30 kW, which allows you to quickly and efficiently perform welding work on metal products with a thickness of 0.60-1 mm with a stable current supply.

Welding is carried out using an electrode with a diameter of 1.60-5 mm or wire with a diameter of 0.80-1 mm.

The insulation class of the model is F, the degree of protection is IP21S. The device is equipped with additional functions: hot start, anti-stick and arc force.

The device is small in size and weighs 10.4 kg; all cables, as well as a protective brush and a metal brush-hammer are included in the kit.

The inverter has a metal case with protective pads on the corners, a powerful cooling system and a comfortable wide handle for carrying.

Specifications:

welding current: 20-200 A
input voltage: 150 V;
power: 7.30 kW;
electrode diameter: 1.60-5 mm;
wire diameter: 0.80-1 mm.

pros

stylish design;
build quality;
convenient carrying handle;
power;
stability of work;
functionality;
good equipment;
price.

Minuses

short cables.

Aurora OVERMAN 180 (MIG/MAG)

Powerful semi-automatic welding machine suitable for both beginner welders and professionals.

Welding is carried out in a MIG-MAG shielding gas environment. It is also possible to work with cored self-shielding wire in the NO GAS mode.

As a working material, you can use various metal blanks with a minimum thickness of 0.60 mm.

The welding inverter has a welding current of 40-175 A, a high input voltage of 187-253 V and a power of 4.70 kW. The operating time at maximum current is 60%.

To work you will need a wire with a diameter of 0.60-1 mm . The design provides for an internal arrangement of the coil, at which the wire feed speed will be 2-15 m/min.

The inverter efficiency reaches 80% . It is assigned insulation class F and degree of protection IP21.

A distinctive feature of the device is its resistance to harsh ambient temperatures: it can be operated at temperatures from -20 to 50 °C.

Specifications:

welding current: 20-200 A;
input voltage: 150 V;
power: 7.30 kW;
electrode diameter: 1.60-5 mm;
wire diameter: 0.80-1 mm.

pros

not sensitive to low ambient temperatures. environment;
articulated sleeve;
reliability;
quality and length of cables;
Convenient location of the power button.

Minuses

dimensions and weight.

RESANTA SAIPA-135 (MIG/MAG, MMA)

The welding inverter is designed for semi-automatic and manual arc welding . In the first case, the welding current will be 10-110 A, and in manual mode - 30-110 A.

The model has an extended input voltage range of 140-270 V and an open circuit voltage of 65 V.

The device is designed mainly for working with thin metal . Its power reaches 6.60 kW, and the operating time is 70% at maximum current.

For welding, wire with a diameter of 0.60-0.80 mm is used.

The device is assigned protection class IP21S.

Specifications:

welding current (MMA): 10-110 A;
welding current (MIG/MAG): 30-110 A;
input voltage: 140-270 V;
power: 6.60 kW;
wire diameter: 0.60-0.80 mm.

pros

price;
build quality;
ergonomics;
extended input voltage range;
ease of control;
ease of settings.

Minuses

short cables included.

Elitech IS 220M

We initially wanted to assign 6th place in our rating to the Torus 250 inverter, which, like Forsazh 161, is a development of Russian engineers. However, it turned out that it does not belong to the class of budget inverters; moreover, the manufacturer positions its inverters as professional equipment. Therefore, for those who are interested in Torus devices, there is a review on our website, and we will continue our rating with a story about another popular inverter called Elitech IS 220M with a rated current of 200A. Despite the fact that the device can easily claim the “Audience Award”, it has both its strengths and weaknesses. We will talk here about all sides of the “uncut” story.

Elitech comes standard with a welding holder and ground cable, as well as a carrying strap. The presence of a belt may be an advantage for some, but a disadvantage for others. After all, the belt has a length that is comfortable for wearing on the shoulder, but not in the hands. But all welders are “Kulibins” in one way or another, and anyone who is uncomfortable can always screw any handle they find on the farm (even a door handle) to the inverter body.

The welding cable is short (which is already the rule for budget Chinese machines). The cable cross-section is 25 mm2 (it seems to be sufficient) and at first glance, no additional questions should arise here. And everything would really be so if the cables were made of copper. But ours are made of aluminum, and in this case 25 mm2 for a maximum current of 200 A is clearly not enough. Therefore, when welding at high currents, the cable can become very hot. However, we do not consider this a critical defect, since you can always purchase a higher quality cable separately.

The cross-section of the power cable is 3x 2.5 mm2 (copper). The PVC insulation of the entire cable loses its plastic properties at low temperatures.

Elitech internals

Things are going pretty well here. The circuits are made very carefully by automatic assembly. The components of the boards are almost all SMD, which is why all the components are quite miniature. Despite the “small” components, the device has high maintainability. The output bridges are rated at the declared welding current. The circuit uses GT50GR22 transistors, which operate faster and heat less.

There is a powerful cooling cooler that more effectively removes heat from aluminum radiators. The level of cooling of innovative transistors is so high that the temperature sensor, which “cuts down” the power part of the device when overheated, was moved to the radiator of the output diodes (6 pcs.). Massive components such as electrolytic capacitors are sealed and held firmly to the board. The circuit (the device has a single-board structure) is varnished on both sides. It happens that the Chinese strangely varnish only one side of the board, the second, accordingly, remains unprotected and settling dust and condensation can quickly damage the device.

Disadvantage: the overall width is unreasonably large due to the ill-conceived placement of the circuit breaker next to the board.

Characteristics

The arc is easily ignited, but the check revealed that the “hot start” function is not available on the device. The welding characteristics of the inverter are good (4 points out of 5) both when welding with “three” and “four”, the arc burns stably. We reduced one point due to the lack of the “arc force” function. Welding thin and thick metal has its own specific specifics, so the quality of the weld will largely depend on the welder’s understanding of the operating principles of the inverter.

It should also be noted that this is a colossal thing for a budget welding machine: with a current of 200A declared by the manufacturer, Elitech actually produces 210A, and the passport PV of 60% corresponds to reality! (the second is generally quite a rare occurrence for a budget Chinese!). Stable welding at a voltage of 160V in a socket.

Which is better - inverter or transformer?

Each type of welding machine has its own pros and cons. Inverter-type devices are smaller in size, more economical in terms of energy consumption, and equipped with more functions.

At the same time, they are more expensive, more sensitive to operating conditions, more difficult to repair, and are incapable of long-term continuous operation..

However, transformer welding devices are only suitable for industrial use: they require a lot of space for installation, and their operation is possible with certain skills. Therefore, it is preferable to use inverters in everyday life.

When should you buy a domestic inverter?

First of all, you should think about purchasing a Russian-made welding machine in the prospect of its frequent use, and even more so professional use: here the savings compared to Chinese equipment will be 3-5 thousand rubles with an incomparable level of reliability and performance characteristics.

But even when used in your own garage, a domestic machine will be able to demonstrate its positive qualities: storage in a damp room, sudden surges and sag in voltage during operation will affect the quality of a Russian welding machine much less, even compared to a “Chinese” one of the same price.

Considering the above, the only reason to save money when buying a welder can only be called a critically small budget for the purchase or purchase of a device “for a couple of times” - often people buy cheap welding machines for literally an hour or two of work in the hope that they will be useful later. Of course, spending extra money on a professional-level device in this case is not advisable.