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Finding the welding station at home is simple: you just need to follow the few rules we write here. First, however, let’s answer the question that all hobbyists ask.
Can you weld at home with 3kw power?
The answer is yes but it depends on the welding machine you choose. When you decide to buy a hobby welder that you will use with home power, you need to read the specifications carefully to find out what power it has. Power is nothing but the intensity of current and is expressed in amperes (A). As you can also see from the charts of our welding machines, the power is always listed with percentages–don’t worry: we’ll explain.
The percentage is a portion of the work cycle, which is always 10 minutes:
25% = 2.5 minutes of work with a 7.5-minute break.
60% = 6 minutes of work with a 4-minute break.
100% = 10 minutes of work without a break.
The working cycle of the welding machine is measured at 40° room temperature. At the end of the 6-minute work cycle, the welder will pause for 4 minutes (in thermal protection jargon, simply put, the “pause” the welder takes).
Since you won’t weld at 100% (even professionals stop) we consider 60% power when choosing our “home welder.”
Using the helviLITE welders at this power, we can say that all of them can be used with the 3kw current. Of course, if you choose the more powerful ones, such as the multiMAKER 192 consider not having other appliances or work tools on (no oven, washing machine or grinder, green light to PC).
Now that you know you can use an inverter welder with 3kw of electricity, let’s look at 4 simple rules for choosing the ideal welding station.
1. Ventilation
Choose a well-ventilated place because welding gives off metal fumes that are best not breathed in.
In the article
on soldering iron tools (you’ve read it, right?) we advised you to use a jig. It is critical, however, that the air circulate well so that these fumes do not stay there with you. Choose a place with large windows and doors that you can keep open while welding. A garage may be fine, as long as it is not underground.
If you can’t find a suitable place then you can also consider buying a ventilation system that draws air in and blows it out.
2. Electric current
Speaking of electric current, consider that the differential must be good: current surges can impair welding, so choose a space where the current is as stable as possible.
In any case, with the
helviLITE welding machines
you can have even more peace of mind: all have a safety system in case of overvoltage and undervoltage.
3. Cleaning the welding station
Once you have chosen the ideal place to carry out your WOW projects, make it even more suitable for welding machine use. As you may have realized by now, sparks are unpredictable. This is why we advise you to remove all flammable objects and all objects that can be ruined if reached by sparks from the welding area.
4. Safety and security: protect yourself and those around you
If you have a pet, make sure that it cannot go near your work area. If, on the other hand, you have spectators (we know, applause always pleases) then protect them as you protect yourself. Have them wear the welding mask and cover every part of their body from head to toe.
If this is not possible, invite them to move away-it will mean that they will see your project only when it is finished.
Now that you know all the rules for finding the right place for DIY soldering, you have no more excuses. What are you waiting for? Start creating!
