No car service or large enterprise is complete without welding tools. Standard devices are good, but sometimes there are defects that cannot be eliminated using conventional models. The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared for you a rating of spotters for spot welding for 2020.
Content
What it is?
The Spotter is a unique tool that is used for spot welding and produces excellent results. Basically, it is used in the repair of transport equipment, and in some cases in construction. It allows you to restore the product quickly and efficiently.
The principle of its operation is the same as that of other welding machines: the device heats up and emits a large amount of heat at the place (point) where the materials to be welded are in contact. An electric current is used to release the required amount of energy.
The tool makes it possible to repair any body elements, however, it shows great efficiency only when working with dimensional parts, where access to the inside is impossible.
The main advantage of the spotter is that it is able to straighten material without dismantling.
For this, a special pulling technique is used: fasteners are installed on the problem part, which allows you to pull out the dent. Any adult can carry out such an operation, since the average thickness of the body panels is only 1.5 mm.
The main difference and technical parameters
Most of the models are presented in the same form:
- The device with which the contact welding process takes place;
- Grounding cable;
- The wire to which the current is supplied is attached to the end of the welding gun - the main element.
For greater efficiency, the gun can be equipped with various nozzles, so the user can make any repairs without any problems.
There are controls on the front panel that make it possible to adjust the instrument in terms of power and current, which is very useful for working with some details. Modern models have an informative screen, which makes it possible to see the current technical parameters, which allows you to keep the process under control.
Types of spotters
There are 4 main representatives in stores that will allow you to perform work of any complexity:
- Inverter. Such a device is equipped with an excellent converter, which makes it possible for correct operation and does not depend on the current voltage. This allows you to carry out operations of any complexity during power surges, and also expands the list of tasks. Most often, such devices are small in size and allow repairs to be carried out quickly and accurately, since the current strength is stable.
- Transformer. This option requires constant recharge, therefore it is connected to the AC mains. The main advantage of such models is their low cost compared to inverter models. Their functionality is enough to perform simple repairs. Three-phase options are in great demand, which have increased power, which means they expand the list of work carried out.The only drawback of this representative is that it cannot be used when repairing galvanized elements.
- Spotter for working with steel. A popular model that makes it possible to carry out repairs with steel body parts (elements).
- Tool for working with aluminum. Since this metal is completely different from the previous one in its technical characteristics, then the equipment for work must be appropriate. Because this is the only way to perform the operation quickly and efficiently.
The main features of the repair
Knowing the key features is one thing, but the main thing is to be able to work correctly with such a tool, and most of the attention is paid to this.
The first thing an employee needs to do is clear the problem area. Install the mass and fix it with a special clamp, you can also weld it using a contact.
For work, elements are selected in accordance with the classification of damage, depth and size of the dent.
Spotter can work with the following elements:
- Washers;
- Butt;
- Wire that runs in the form of a wave;
- Small hooks;
- Hairpins.
It is also necessary to take into account the area of the dent, because the technology of work depends on it.
Small dents. This is the most common problem that can be dealt with without much difficulty. For elimination, the reverse hammer method is used.
This option will easily cope with most of the damage that is found everywhere. The work takes place as follows: the end of the device is welded to the problem area, after which it is straightened with weak blows of the internal element.
In order for the work to be done perfectly, such manipulations must be carried out around the entire perimeter, where there is a dent. When welding, it is important to maintain a distance between points up to 8 mm, then the result will be visible immediately.
It should be understood that small dots will remain on the surface of the product to be repaired, which can be easily eliminated thanks to a grinding machine, this increases convenience several times.
Large dents include products that have a damaged area of more than 10 cm. Therefore, it is not recommended to use spot welding, it is better to use a device that will load the entire area, of course the cost of such a device is large, but it pays off immediately.
When working with the spotter, you can use a variety of elements that help in straightening, even crimped wire, hairpin or small hooks. For a perfect result, it is recommended to place the auxiliary part over the entire damaged area. Then the plane is leveled qualitatively and looks great, because the load is evenly distributed throughout the dent.
Reverse suction cups are used to eliminate damage caused by collisions with large objects. Thanks to this detail, the dent will be corrected in a matter of seconds, and minor defects can be easily corrected separately using a special tool.
To eliminate particularly large deformations of the case, it is necessary to apply the technology of preheating the surface, which makes it possible to remove some of the stress and significantly facilitate the work.
The spotter can be used not only to eliminate defects on a flat surface, it is also used to join metal plates that are installed on the body. This method is more in demand due to the fact that this technology does not require strong heating, which has a positive effect on the external condition and eliminates the possibility of deformation.
How to choose a device?
In order for the purchase to fully justify the investment and be a useful and sought-after tool, you need to know the following:
- For professional use, it is better to select a tool with maximum efficiency and various functionality. Thanks to this solution, a person will perform a dozen different jobs with maximum efficiency and minimum time costs.
- For constant work with small sheets of metal, models with double-sided welding are ideal.In the absence of such options on the market and infrequent welding, standard one-sided representatives will do.
For home use, the most common cheap devices with low power are suitable. This is quite enough for carrying out small operations for leveling household dents.
Rating of the best spotters for home and professional use
TELWIN DIGITAL MODULAR 400
Excellent spot welding pliers that will be a great addition to any service center. The spotter type is transformer, so the maximum current can reach 6300A, while the power is 13000 W. The maximum thickness of the welded metal should not exceed 4 mm, then the device will reveal its capabilities 100%. Two sides are used for welding, the duration is automatically adjusted.
The peculiarity of the device is the manual compression drive. With dimensions: 440x100x185 mm and a weight of 10 kg, the device can be easily transported to any place. Number of phases - 3. Suitable for welding sheet metal and steel. The protection class is IP20, so large particles of dirt and dust will not get into important elements and will not cause a negative reaction, but it is better to refrain from getting water, as this will disable the device.
It is sold in many online stores at a price of 45,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- Good protection against dust ingress;
- Power;
- Quality;
- The assembly is completed for many years;
- Works with 4mm metal.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Fubag TS 3800T
Another great minor damage repair device that will impress the user with impressive looks and performance. The maximum current is 3800A, while the power is 7400 W. One side is used for welding, but it ensures the reliability and quality of the operations performed.
A manual compression drive is used, there is the possibility of unimpeded transportation, but it is worth knowing that the weight of the tool is 26 kg, with dimensions 360x225x235 mm. The normal frequency is 50 Hz. The control is carried out manually, so it is necessary not to be distracted during work. The manufacturer extends a two-year warranty on the product, which shows the quality and reliability of the device.
The average cost is 32,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- Three phases;
- The kit includes a reverse hammer;
- Durability;
- Good protection against dirt;
- Suitable for steel and sheet metal;
- Good technical characteristics;
- Possibility of transportation.
Disadvantages:
- Weight - 26 kg.
WIEDERKRAFT WDK-5000
An excellent professional product designed for everyday use. Performs operations of any complexity with speed, but accuracy. The maximum electric current is 3800 A. The power is standard for such equipment and is equal to 10000 W. One side is used for welding, this is important to consider when buying. The duration is adjusted manually, but the transition to cooling mode occurs automatically.
The spotter can be transported indoors, for this the manufacturer has equipped the tool with special legs that facilitate this task. Dimensions - 600x500x950 mm, with a weight of 63 kg. For convenience, the device is equipped with an informative display that indicates the current state and allows you to adjust the power and current. It is applied to sheet metal and shows high efficiency. It is used in large service centers.
The average cost is 35,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- Display;
- Convenient management;
- Easy to transport;
- Air cooling system;
- Nice build.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
ELITECH АТС 5
Spot welding for home use, will help remove household dents. Power source type - transformer. The possible current value is 15 A, which is less than professional ones, but given the field of application, this is enough. Spotter power - 3500 W. One side is used for welding. The operation time depends on the user.
The device can be transported without problems, since its dimensions are 340x105x240 mm, and its weight is 4 kg.Suitable only for welding steel, the tool will not cope with complex materials. Acceptable operating frequency is 50 Hz. Also, the manufacturer paid attention to the configuration and added elements that will make welding better.
Sold at a price of 5,500 rubles.
Advantages:
- Convenient hand-held model;
- Good power ratings;
- Constructive performance;
- Efficiency;
- Equipment;
- Suitable for welding steel;
- Weight is only 4 kg.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
FoxWeld KTR-8
A model of a top manufacturer that will immediately recoup the investment and get the job done without time-consuming. The power of the tool is 6500 W. The thickness of the welded product is 3 mm, which is suitable for repairing cars. Double sided welding is used, with manual control.
The design has standard dimensions, and the weight is 14 kg. For professional and frequent use only. The manufacturer has selected a reliable element base that will allow the tool to last longer than the established period and without failures at the wrong time.
The average cost is 12,200 rubles.
Advantages:
- Low price;
- Efficiency;
- Ergonomics;
- Designed for professional use;
- Will weld sheet metal.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Nordberg WS4
A branded element that will perform welding at the highest level. The current value is 3500 A, while the power of the equipment reaches 12300 W. The spotter can work without problems with material, the thickness of which does not exceed 2 mm. One side is used for welding. It is automatically regulated, which increases the service life by 2-4 times.
When overheating is reached, the device automatically turns off and cools down thanks to the air system. Dimensions - 350x250x220 mm, weight - 20 kg.
The average cost is 28,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- Performance;
- The work is carried out efficiently;
- Durability;
- Transportation will not take time;
- Single phase.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Redhotdot HAMMER T-26
Reliable spotter designed for high-speed body repair of any complexity. The maximum current is 3800 A, while the power is only 5200 W. One side is used for welding operations. To ensure greater safety and keep the tool as long as possible, the manufacturer has equipped it with an automatic adjustment of the welding duration. Input voltage - 220-230 V. Dimensions - 360x225x235 mm, weight - 23 kg.
Sold at a price of 38,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- Spotter is designed for bodywork of any complexity;
- High reliability rate;
- Build quality;
- Convenient operation;
- An excellent option for service centers.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Output
Finding the best spotter is not an easy task. However, the modern market makes the issue solvable and provides hundreds of models that can easily cope with work of any complexity. If you have experience using the tools described in the rating, or you use another tool, tell us about it in the comments.
