7 best welding transformers

A welding transformer is a traditional equipment for joining steel billets using arc welding. Many Russians in the household there is a self-made device, which is created on the basis of a transformer. Such devices have always stood out great weight and bulkiness. At the same time, they are easy to use, they are not afraid of voltage drops in the network, they are sold on the market at an affordable price. Today, manufacturers have managed to reduce the mass of welders, make them more compact and convenient to use. To find a reliable and durable transformer, you should heed the following recommendations from our experts.

How to choose a welding transformer

1. Welding current. One of the main characteristics of the welding transformer is the amperage. The higher the maximum indicator for the device, the more productive the model will be. To calculate the optimal welding current, it is necessary to use the simplest formula. The thickness of the metal is multiplied by 20 A, an additional 30% is added to the value obtained. For example, for welding parts made of steel with a thickness of 5 mm, a transformer with a maximum current of 130 A is needed. When working with thin metal, the required minimum current value should be set for the welder. For example, for steel with a thickness of 1 mm, only 20 A is required plus losses in the region of 30% (a total of 26 A).
2. Duration of inclusion. Welding transformers during the formation of the arc is very hot, so the time they have limited. The more powerful the device and the more efficient the cooling system, the higher the PV indicator (activation time). It is expressed as a percentage, it is easy to deal with this indicator. For example, PV 60% indicates that it is allowed to work 6 minutes for 10 minutes. To rest the device takes only 4 minutes. Some budget models have a PV of only 10%.
3. Supply voltage. Welding transformers are different input voltage. There are models designed only for 380 V, they are used in professional activities of a person. For domestic purposes, transformers under the 220 V electrical grid are required. They are inferior in performance, current strength and other parameters. Universal devices thanks to the switch can use both single-phase and three-phase current.
4. The diameter of the electrode. Each welding transformer has a certain range of electrodes with which a high-quality weld is obtained. The selection of this parameter should be made taking into account the thickness of the metal being welded and its chemical composition. It is closely related to the current strength indicator. For example, electrodes with a diameter of 1.6 and 2 mm are suitable for welding steel parts with a thickness of 1-2 mm. But to form an arc with a thinner electrode, it will take 25-50 A, and to ignite a 2-mm electrode you need 50-70 A. With the 5 mm electrode you can weld thick workpieces (4-15 mm), varying the amperage within 150 280 A.

We selected 7 best welding transformers in our review. All of them are sold on the Russian market. In determining the places in the ranking, the opinion of experts and feedback from domestic welders were taken into account.

Rating of the best welding transformers

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
How to choose a welding transformer	1	Telwin Quality 280 AC / DC	36 800 ₽
	2	Kavik TDM-503 U2	-
	3	THIS TDM-307	31 270 ₽
	4	Telwin Nordika 2160	13 500 ₽
	5	Helvi UTIL 166N	11 200 ₽
	6	Wester ARC 130	4 999 ₽
	7	ZUBR ZTS-250	4 940 ₽

Telwin Quality 280 AC / DC

Rating: 4.9

Universal welding equipment is an Italian transformer Telwin Quality 280 AC / DC. It can operate from both alternating current and direct current with a mains voltage of 220 or 380 V. The welding process begins with a minimum amperage of 45 A, which allows the use of thin electrodes. The welder is provided with ample opportunities when choosing electrodes (from 1.6 to 5 mm). It can be alkaline, rutile, cast iron, as well as stainless steel electrodes. The maximum power of the device is 7.2 kW. The experts gave the transformer first place in our rating.

Domestic welders are satisfied with the performance of the apparatus, the quality of assembly, and wide scope of application. The disadvantages include the high price.

Kavik TDM-503 U2

Rating: 4.8

The maximum welding current of 500 A produces a Kavik TDM-503 U2 transformer. He leads among competitors and in such an important indicator as power (34.2 kVA). The device works from a three-phase network, low-carbon and low-alloyed steels are allowed to weld. It was not possible to bypass the winner of the rating of the model due to the large weight (95 kg) and impressive overall dimensions. The manufacturer installed the wheels to move heavy equipment. The device is able to work with electrodes with a thickness of 2-6 mm. For cooling the transformer uses natural ventilation, the operating temperature range is quite wide (-45 ... + 45 ° С).

Users in reviews praise the welder for power and performance. The quality of the weld does not cause any complaints. The disadvantage of the device is cumbersome and heavy weight.

THIS TDM-307

Rating: 4.7

Another heavyweight welder hit the top three of our rating. Model ETA TDM-307 is designed for manual welding of steel. Experts have appreciated the reliable mechanical regulator of welding current, its maximum value is limited to 300 A. In work it is allowed to use electrodes 2-5 mm thick. The power of the device is 23 kVA, the duration of the inclusion at maximum load reaches 25%. The transformer is easy to use, thanks to the low configuration of the case it can be transported in the trunk of a car. Only with loading and unloading can there be difficulties due to the large weight (60 kg).

In the reviews, the welders are flattering about the simplicity and reliability of the device. Of the shortcomings often mentioned high weight and high price.

Telwin Nordika 2160

Rating: 4.6

A Telwin Nordika 2160 transformer is suitable for welding with a 220 V connection. The device has a small capacity (2.5 kW), therefore its scope is in private houses, workshops and garages. The welding current range is 55-160 A. Stable arc is observed with rutile electrodes with a diameter of 2-4 mm. Although the device weighs only 17.4 kg, the manufacturer has equipped it with wheels and a convenient handle for moving. In order for the transformer to serve the owner for a long time, thermostatic protection is installed in the device. The model ranks fourth in the ranking.

Experts and users praised the Italian build quality, ease of use. The device differs in reliability and unpretentiousness.The disadvantages include low power and short wires.

Helvi UTIL 166N

Rating: 4.5

The smallest minimum welding current (35 A) has a transformer Helvi UTIL 166N. This Italian device can work with electrodes from 1.6 to 3.25 mm thick. A power supply network is required to supply the welder; the model capacity is 3.2 kVA. The device is designed for installation work, the transformer weighs only 15.8 kg. The manufacturer has installed protection against overheating, the metal case is protected from corrosion by paintwork. The welder falls into our rating for simplicity and reliability in use.

Russian welders are satisfied with the mobility, ease and simplicity of transformer control. Users lack only the power, so the scope of application of the device is limited.

Wester ARC 130

Rating: 4.5

The Wester ARC 130 welding transformer stands out for ease and compactness against the competition. A model weighing 10.6 kg is perfect for welding at height. Connect the device to a network of 220 V, for effective cooling inside the case a fan is installed. With a power of 5 kW, the welder has a short on-time (10%). High-quality seam can provide electrodes with a diameter of 2.5-3.2 mm. Experts included the model in our rating for a combination of affordable prices and good quality.

In their reviews, Russian consumers praise the transformer for ease, the ability to work at reduced voltage, a modern appearance. Professionals make claims only to poor performance.

ZUBR ZTS-250

Rating: 4.4

At the lowest price, the welding transformer ZUBR ZTS-250 is sold on the Russian market. This factor attracts attention to the device of potential buyers. Over the past two months, 1,280 people have viewed a product card at NM. The device has good power (14 kVA) and a decent welding current range (60-250 A), which allows the use of electrodes with a diameter of 2-5 mm. The weight of the transformer is 24.5 kg, so the manufacturer has equipped its product with wheels and a handle. Experts included the model in our rating for affordability and decent specifications.

Users flatter about the reliability and simplicity of the welder. The disadvantages include low-quality assembly and a short duration of inclusion (10%).

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Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.