Ask anyone in the industry what the most popular piece of equipment in the automotive service equipment world is and they’ll point you to items like plasma cutters, mig welders and other welding equipment. And when you try them and discover the quality of the cuts and welds they make, it’s no surprise. This equipment is a cost-effective and easy-to-use option compared to the work done by previous technology.

Mig welders and other automotive service equipment

This type of equipment comes in several convenient types to quickly and easily repair or do just about anything. With these machines, you will look like a seasoned professional. All you need to do is match the machine to the job you are doing.

arch style machinery

The earliest advance on the traditional torch, arc welders are an entry level of automotive service equipment that are also some of the easiest to use. More commonly known as stick welding, this unit joins thick metals quickly using an electrode and electric arcs.

MIG welders

The next step from an arc welder, mig welders, use a wire feed and produce lower heat. This prevents metal distortion and allows you to do higher quality work on thinner metals, such as those used in auto body work.

Mig welders feed a steady stream of wire with just the pull of the trigger, but you’ll still need to choose your supplies carefully. The wire, for example, comes in easy-to-use flux cored wire for quick work on thicker materials, or a combination gas/solid wire for all other work.

The type of gas you use also makes a significant difference in the quality of the weld. Argon and CO2 are better for stainless steel and aluminum. To prevent the wire feed from sticking to the weld line, be sure to use a Teflon liner. Finally, you will need to choose the appropriate wire diameter and tip size.

Once you’ve chosen the right automotive service equipment, you’ll still want to practice on scrap before working on the final part for best results. This is particularly true for aluminum and other delicate materials. Also, don’t be afraid to look at the gauges and flow meters on the supply lines, as well as on the machine itself. In the end, you will find fast and affordable mig welders while still doing quality work.

Tig Gold Tungsten Inert Gas

Unlike the first two machines mentioned, this style requires a combination of heat and tungsten electrodes to work. One of the biggest advantages of this style of soldering iron is the fact that it heats and joins the two pieces of metal together without the need for filler materials. The only exception is the argon or other gases needed to create the shield.

You will notice that mig welders join metals much faster than tig welders. However, tig welders work with greater precision and accuracy, which is ideal for custom work. Tig machines require more skills and practice to use properly. The chance of preventing cracked seals or damaged welds is also significantly reduced.

plasma cutters

The precision of plasma cutters cannot be denied. For clean, precise cuts, these units use an electric arc and high pressure gas/air, along with high speed wire and low temperature. You will also notice that the newer lines of plasma cutters have an inverter instead of the transformer. This keeps the machine temperature lower and allows for smaller, lighter machines without compromising safety or quality.

With all the different styles of plasma cutters available, you’ll want to choose carefully. The duty cycle should be one of the main determining factors in your decision. This determines how long you can use this automotive service kit before letting it cool down. In general, you will find that larger machines can handle thicker metals and run longer to give you a larger duty cycle.

The other important feature you’ll want to take note of is the rating that the manufacturer assigns to plasma cutters. This will tell you how long each unit can cut through mild steel before it needs to cool down. The rating varies, however. If you are working on hardened steel, the time you will have to make the cut will be much less. Aluminum, on the other hand, is much easier to cut and therefore gives you more uptime to work with.

Features found on Mig, Tig, Arc and Plasma cutters

arc welders

Arc welders are packed with useful features to improve the accuracy of this automotive service equipment and make it easier to use. Unlimited amperage control means you have the ability to create professional welds. Its lightweight, super-tough design makes this type of welder highly portable and durable enough to withstand normal wear and tear. You’ll also find that some arc welder models have thermostatic heat protection and a roll bar design to give the unit added protection from damage.

mig welding equipment

Ranging in size from a small, portable 115V 20-amp machine to a full-size shop-floor automotive service rig, mig welders are one of the few that combine relatively low price with high performance. quality. You can also gain full control over weld quality with a wide range of settings. Finally, these machines come with added benefits like lower operating temperatures and some of the best warranty options around.

tig welders

Even the most basic tig welding machines come packed with features. Push-button control panels make them easier to use, while higher-end models allow you to easily adjust the machines repeatable weld cycles, start and weld crater. To customize bead shape and size, look for models with true square wave AC output and pulse mode. Lastly, look for models with additional safety features, such as warning code circuits and voltage protection.

plasma cutters

Just like the welders mentioned above, plasma cutters come with a wide range of features. Single-dial controls for quick adjustments, built-in pressure gauges and air pressure regulators put you in total control of this automotive service kit and result in cleaner cuts.

Additional features like parts-in-place indicators, line voltage compensation, and thermostatic protection add to the safety of plasma cutters. Finally, if you’re going to be doing repetitive work with intricate cuts, the CNC robotic interfaces on your automotive service equipment will ensure you get consistent, accurate results every time.

Automotive service equipment like mig welders and plasma cutters come in a variety of different types with many different features to give you the best possible cut or weld. To achieve the cleanest, most precise repairs, you simply need to match the right automotive service kit for the job.