Working on metal projects requires special tools to fuse the two pieces. In this case, you may need a spot welder for the job.
Spot welding is a pretty old way of fusing two metal parts, but it is still an effective and successful method depending on the project. Getting to know spot welding and understanding how it works will help you to decide if you need a spot welder and its accessories for your project.
What is spot welding?
Spot welding is a type of resistance welding that is mainly used for welding two or more metal parts together by applying heat and pressure to the weld area. The goal of spot welding is to join two pieces of metal permanently. Welding takes place at specific places, which are called “circular points.” This type of welding is commonly used in the automotive industry, where certain metal parts are welded together to form parts of a vehicle. This welding method is also used in other fields such as aerospace, electronics, metal furniture, appliances, electronics, and robotics. More hobbyists have also been using spot welders to create their own metal crafts.
How does spot welding work?
Spot welding works by way of conductive heating, which is generated by an electrical current. The electrical current runs only briefly, as the once-separate pieces of metals are now fused and joined. After that, the current is no longer needed. But the electrodes still continue to apply pressure until the melted metals become solid and in this process, they transform themselves into one secure joint. Like in a conventional welding, you can utilize spot welding to join similar or dissimilar metals.
A spot welder is a tool used for this method of welding, something that you need to fuse the two metal sheets together. Although spot welders are used by professionals, they are otherwise incredibly easy to use. Even if you are a first time user, you will become proficient at it very quickly. Quite possibly, the best way to acquaint yourself with using a spot welder is to learn it under the controlled supervision of a professional welding expert.
There are safety precautions and specifications involved in the welding field which which anyone who does welding should strictly adhere to. But you don’t have to worry, though, because everybody can learn how to weld. You do not need any specialized training or obtain a license to weld. Welding will prove to be a useful skill that you can use for certain situations, such as doing emergency repairs at home. If you put your time, willingness to learn and effort into it, in no time you will become adept in welding, too.
There are three stages of spot welding:
- The electrodes in the spot welder’s welding heads are brought to the surface of the metals to be joined, and pressure is applied.
- Electrical current is then applied through the electrodes to the workpiece to melt the metals.
- After that, the current is no longer needed, and is thus removed. However, electrodes still continue to apply pressure to allow the melted metals to cool down and solidify.
Choosing the right spot welder
The most common and popular type of a spot welder is probably the portable model featuring long copper “tongs” (with the electrodes at each welding head). However, you can also find other types of spot welders on the market. If you plan to get one, you must do some diligent research first about the features, specifications, prices and warranties of each. It will help you to make an informed choice when choosing a spot welder for your specific needs.
You can expect some challenges in selecting and buying a spot welder, especially if you are confronted by a salesman’s enthusiastic pitch. You have to try to resist that. The following are the top five spot welders for your money:
1) YaeCCC SUNKKO 719A Li-on Battery Weller Soldering Pencil Universal Welding Pen Battery Spot Welding Pen
The YaeCCC SUNKKO is a welding pen powered by a lithium battery. As the name implies, it is mostly used in soldering electrical components, and is suitable with “709” series welders (709A, 709D, 709D+). For the soldering pen to work, it needs to be connected to a desktop power supply. The soldering nozzles are easily replaceable when damaged. Not to mention this soldering pen is extremely handy and portable, thus perfect for doing small mobile jobs.
2) 9TRADING Electric Spot Welder 1/8Inch Single Phase Portable Handheld Welding tip Gun 220 V
Works on a wide variety of materials including cast iron and steel. This air-cooled spot welder can weld uncoated, galvanized, and even stainless steel sheets up to 3/16 inches (combined thickness). Its 6 inches tongs lock firmly onto the materials so you are always safe. The high-quality welding heads are extremely durable and can withstand repeated usage. With its more streamlined approach to welding, repairing, and creating have never been easier.
3) Stark Professional Portable Spot Welder
Like many spot welders of this type, Stark USA’s spot welder features a single-phase design that allows you to weld different types of metals simply and easily. Just quickly insert the materials, press to weld, and you’re practically done. Not only it does the job quickly and easily, but it also leaves a strong and formidable weld on a vast range of materials, from thin aluminum sheets to various grades of steel to cast iron.
4) Lenco Autobody Dual Spot Welder
One of the benefits of using the Lenco Autobody Dual Spot Welder is that it allows you to set your desired time for welding. Once the welding is finished, the machine will automatically stop. Being a slightly different type of spot welder, however, it does take you some time to get acquainted with its settings. Overall, though, operating this machine is not complicated at all: simply press the two electrode guns against the material you’re working on, press the button, and that’s it. The machine will do the rest of the work for you. If you think that the automatic nature of this machine will leave you with some sacrifices in its overall performance – happily, the Lenco Dual Spot Welder also leaves a smooth and consistent welding job.
5) Mophorn 737G Pulse Spot Welder 0.2mm Battery Welding Machine
For those who need a spot welder but are on a tight budget, the Mophorn 737G Pulse Spot Welder will do the job as it is meant to do, without breaking the bank. If you notice the “0.2mm”, this machine is the most ideal to weld nickel strips with a thickness between 0.05mm and 0.2mm. This spot welding machine operates well with rechargeable lithium batteries. It also features an LCD screen which allows you to check on the current and pulse as you weld. While it works with many types of metal, the Mophorn 737G Pulse Spot Welder is not recommended to use with copper and aluminum.