Educate Me About Welders

Does speed matter in an automatic welder? 120V automatic welders are slower but do not require a large generator. Is speed more important than the power source?

Mike makes good points. There is not much agreement on the subject in the industry, it seems. And I'm far from an expert.

Our first single-ply job in 20 years, our supplier sent 2 110v Liester Uniroofs. They are working fine on the job, but then the job is in San Antonio and it's been in the 80's every day.

We did invest in a 10,000wt genes, and will invest in 220v welders for the long term.

Vicky,

I would not trust a 120v welder to put out the necessary heat to weld single ply membranes on a daily basis.

The most important ingredient is your power source. If wattage fluctuates, you will get cold welds. A power source that does not drop amperage when other drains are placed on the source is KEY to consistent good welds.

Maybe they are a good choice for the guy doing an occassional heat weld job. I suppose there could be a market for it, but anyone seriously in the thermoplastic business should invest in a 220v welder and at least a 10,000 watt power source.

This has been learned the hard way by your's truly.

You have to as Mike Hicks. He does that all of the time. That is kind of like asking if "size" matters