Is a basic machine, or a complex machine, needed to accomplish the welding requirements?
Hobbyists with a need to supplement their small MIG machine do not need a sophisticated, high-tech TIG welder. Likewise, when looking for an industrial power source to do automatic welding with external fixturing control and software programming, a hobbyist-type machine would not be appropriate. Decide how much power and sophistication are needed for the job and how much can be afforded, then think beyond the jobs at hand and anticipate what might be welded in the future. 5. Is an AC/DC power source needed? Aluminum and magnesium are two common metals that are best welded using the AC output from the power source. Steels and stainless steels are most often welded with DC output. To weld a variety of metals use a combination AC/DC machine. Also available are machines which are both Constant Current (Stick and TIG), and Constant Voltage (MIG and flux cored). A general rule would be: If your application is strictly TIG, get a TlG-only machine. Get a combination CC/CV only if you are sure
