Which Resanta welding machine is best for the home: review of popular models, characteristics and reviews

May 30, 2020
Tools and equipment
Elena Volodina

As a rule, manufacturers of welding equipment do not limit themselves to creating just one model. In order to become competitive in the construction tools market, it is necessary to direct all efforts to satisfy the needs of customers in this segment. Regardless of whether it is a foreign or domestic brand, each of them strives to offer the largest possible selection of welding machines intended for both home use and professional use.

Today, in every construction hypermarket you can find Resanta welding machines, the characteristics of which allow you to choose the most optimal option for yourself, both in terms of performance and cost. The products of this manufacturer are known for their high performance. The company specializes in the production of manual equipment for arc welding, which is carried out with consumable stick electrodes. By the way, the diameter of the latter completely depends on the characteristics of a particular device. It is worth noting that this type of welding is used to work with sheets of ferrous metals.

This method is widely applicable in the installation of metal structures, construction, as well as when carrying out minor repair work at home. Thanks to various modifications, both amateurs and professionals will be able to choose the Resanta welding machine for themselves. Let's look at which one is better for your home below.

History of the company

is the only representative of arc welding machines in its price class. Of course, such equipment has analogues, but they are usually an order of magnitude more expensive, which is not acceptable for everyone. Unfortunately, domestic consumers are accustomed to thinking that low cost is an indicator of poor quality of the instrument. However, in this case this is not at all the case.

The company entered the construction equipment market in 1993. All production facilities were initially concentrated in Riga - at that time the company produced voltage stabilizers. However, with the rapid growth in demand, the company began to expand not only the range of its products, but also the geography of supplies.

The company appeared on the Russian market only in 2003 and immediately established itself as a consumer-oriented and responsible supplier. Welding machines and other equipment of this brand meet modern quality standards. Developers do not stand still, but are constantly working to introduce new technologies. This is the only way a company can be competitive.

The entire production process is accompanied by multi-level quality control. Consumers especially note the uninterrupted feedback from the support team. In addition, a whole network of representative offices has been opened in our country that provide repairs and maintenance of equipment.

As for the Resanta inverter welding machine, the voltage conversion in it occurs in two time periods. In the first, alternating current turns into direct current, and in the second, alternating current appears again, but the frequency increases. Welding in MMA mode requires electrodes with a special coating. It is very difficult to figure out which Resanta welding machine is best for the home, because all models are compact, so they can be easily moved and used to carry out any type of welding work.

All devices produced by the company are intended for manual arc welding using a coated stick electrode. It is worth noting that the equipment is fully adapted to the climatic conditions in which Russians live. It can function smoothly at temperatures from minus 10 to plus 40 degrees. Welders have an electrical protection class of IP21, so they can work in rooms that are not heated. However, they should be used under a canopy, since they are not protected from water, although they prevent the formation of condensation.

Next we will look at this equipment in more detail, and also find out which Resanta welding machine is best for the home.

To ensure that it lasts as long as possible and does not damage other electrical devices in the house, you should study the electromagnetic compatibility card, which can be found on page 3 of the inverter passport.

Model categories

Equipment for welding work is divided into groups. The number of modifications of units is so large that they are divided into special categories. Each of them contains models with the same basic technical parameters.

1. Characteristics of the welding machine "Resanta" SAI PA. The main indicator of such devices is that they all operate in semi-automatic mode. That is, they have a mechanism for pulling the wire and a control valve that changes the gas flow rate. Management occurs from one panel.

2. SAI PO inverters are the first welders that the company began to produce. They operate in MMA mode using piece electrodes.

3. AIS PN models operate at reduced voltage. Such devices are called simplified because they were designed for domestic use, and they are relatively cheap. The minimum power threshold is 140 V.

4. SAI AD units are designed for argon arc welding.

5. SAI PROF welding machines are already professional because they allow you to adjust the welding arc. The equipment is adapted to reduced voltage and is used in overloaded networks.

5. SAI K equipment are compact welders with a high degree of mobility. They are suitable for working at heights and in confined spaces.

How is power supplied to the equipment?

One of the reasons for the high popularity of Resanta brand inverters as equipment for the home workshop is that they successfully operate from a conventional electrical network with a voltage of 220 V. Some models, which is especially convenient for performing work in places where there is no centralized power supply, can operate from autonomous sources of electric current - gasoline or diesel generators.

It is very important that the electrical outlet to which the Resanta inverters are connected is grounded, since they comply with protection class IP 21.

So that when the inverter is operating, the machine installed in the electrical panel does not turn off the power supply, it must withstand a current of at least 16 A (when welding at a current of 190 A).

To connect the welding inverter, you need to make a dedicated power line

Classification by place of application

offers equipment for both amateurs and professionals:

1. Household welders, as a rule, are used in the garage or at the dacha - that is, to perform a small amount of work. Below we will look at which portable welding machine is best. 220 volts is the voltage of a regular outlet, so household units can be used even in confined spaces. This type of equipment is great for beginners who are just learning to weld. The current range varies from 120 to 200 amperes. Some devices have smooth arc adjustment.

2. Professional equipment produces better quality seams. Such devices are suitable for housing and communal services employees and small car repair shops. With the help of these welders you can work even in harsh conditions, and they can function continuously for much longer than household appliances. Welding current ranges from 200 to 300 amperes.

3. Industrial welding machines are used for welding large structures, which can be made of different materials. The seam here is as precise as possible, and the power of the Resanta welding machine is 250-500 amperes. It is allowed to use welding wire with a diameter of 0.5-0.8 millimeters on a reel.

It is worth noting that it also develops and produces stabilizers that can ensure stable operation of the unit, as well as measuring equipment and thermal equipment.

In 2014 and 2015, it was recognized as the best domestic manufacturer of stabilization and welding equipment.

Pros and cons of products

Each Resanta inverter welding machine is equipped with Chinese boards and circuits, so the units are inexpensive compared to Italian or German-made equipment of the same power. For this reason, even people with modest incomes can afford welders from this company.

It is also worth noting the extensive service support, which covered almost the entire territory of Russia. The company's specialists regularly analyze any deficiencies found during equipment operation. As a result, the devices are improved, and all shortcomings are quickly eliminated.

Advantages of the Resanta inverter welding machine (220 V):

high quality seams;
stability during voltage surges;
formation of a small layer of slag, minimal splashing;
easy adjustment of current strength;
ability to work with a variety of materials;
easy transportation due to the low weight of the unit;
low power consumption.

Equipment disadvantages:

service is possible only under warranty;
the minimum time to repair the device is as much as 3 weeks;
difficulties in purchasing spare parts.

Main technical characteristics

The company’s wide range of equipment suggests significant differences between different models, but it is worth highlighting the key parameters that apply to all Rosanta welding machines.

For all units, a common characteristic is the input voltage. For example, the SAI series is designed to operate in a fairly large range - from 140 to 240 volts. Models of the PROF series are capable of operating even at 100 volts.

The electrodes have a thickness of 1-6 millimeters, which allows you to work with metal of different thicknesses. For low-power, simplest devices, the electrode diameter does not exceed 4 mm, and for equipment with a three-phase connection and a powerful two-phase connection, this figure can reach 6 mm. Also, the speed and quality of work with thick and refractory products is affected by the welding current.

How to choose a model

Not everyone knows which Resanta welding machine is best for the home. If we calculate the time of direct welding from the total time the equipment is turned on, then this figure will be 70%, which is quite good for such units.

For home use, experts advise choosing a model from the SAI series, as well as SAI PN. According to the data specified in the device’s passport, the welder can operate at a voltage of 154-242 V. However, in fact, already at a value of 190, the Resanta welding machine exhibits some inconsistencies - for example, the electrode begins to stick. But there is a way out - just take smaller electrodes.

Power surges are often observed in rural areas. Then experts recommend paying attention to the AIS PN series. For such devices, 140 V will be sufficient.

What is the best portable welding machine for 220? If you need to choose small-sized equipment, you should prefer the “Compact” series, which is one and a half times lighter than similar units with standard parameters.

So, we have decided on the category, now we need to select the appropriate model. You should immediately pay attention to the welding current indicator, which can be easily determined by its name. Next to the abbreviation SAI there will be an index. For example, the Resanta SAI-160 welding machine can operate at a maximum current value of 160 A.

The power of the unit depends entirely on the intended type of work. You should pay attention to the thickness of the metal and the diameter of the electrodes. For example, the Resanta 160 welding machine requires only electrodes of a certain diameter. You can, of course, purchase a model with a power reserve, but this will cost more, which is not always appropriate.

In any case, before purchasing, you should pay attention to such parameters as the type of welding, network type, maximum power and current, as well as additional functions.

Features of choosing a model

When you decide to purchase a suitable and functional welding machine, you need to make the right choice. First of all, having given preference to the Resanta brand, you should know that real owners consider the devices of this company to be quite successful, which have many advantages and are not without their disadvantages.

Expert opinion

Bagrov Viktor Sergeevich

Welder of the highest 6th category. He is considered a master of his craft, knows the intricacies and nuances of the profession.

It is traditionally believed that Resanta devices are more suitable not for industrial use, but for home use.

Professionals note that the devices of this company are very convenient, but during prolonged use they often suffer from unexpected breakdowns. Of course, the work may be different, and here you should not blindly blame the manufacturer. This is why there is a stereotype about inverters as amateur models.

The duty cycle of all devices is 70%. This indicator indicates the time of direct welding out of the total amount of time the device was turned on. It should be noted that the figure is not the lowest, given the low cost.

It is recommended for domestic use to pay attention to models of the SAI or SAI PN series. The Resanta SAI model is powered from a household network and can withstand small voltage fluctuations. According to the passport data, the device operates stably in the voltage range from 154 volts to 242 volts. If you really look at things, then at a voltage below 190 V some problems arise, the electrode sticks. The only way out of this situation is to switch to electrodes of a smaller diameter.

For those living in rural areas, voltage drop is one of the main problems of power supply. It also happens that the voltage drops below 190 V. In this case, you should choose one of the models of the AIS PN series, which will allow you to work even at 140 V.

If you need to have standard operating parameters with reduced dimensions, then a model of the “Compact” category is suitable. Let us remind you that the letter “K” will appear in the model name. The weight of such a welding machine is reduced by 1.5 times compared to similar models. The remaining categories are positioned as professional; they have additional functions that may not be useful in everyday life. And high power levels of welding current are of no use to novice amateurs.

Having decided on the category, you need to select a modification of the welding machine. The determining factor here will be the maximum value of the welding current. It is convenient to identify it by just one name. The value of the maximum current in amperes is written as an index after the abbreviation AIS. For example, SAI-160 is designed for a maximum current of 160 amperes.

The power of the device should be selected depending on the intended types of work. What matters is the thickness of the metal or the diameter of the suitable electrodes. 160 A inverters are suitable for welding with electrodes with a diameter of 3 mm. You can choose a model with a certain power reserve, otherwise the device will work according to marginal parameters, however, such a step may cost some money, because, in fact, the cost depends on the power.

The Resanta SAI-220 or SAI-250 models, as the name suggests, are considered more powerful. Indeed, the maximum current in them reaches 220 and 250 amperes, respectively. With such devices you can weld with five or six millimeter electrodes. Each device is supplied with a technical data sheet. All characteristics are included in it. Before choosing, you need to pay attention to the type of network, type of welding, additional functions, maximum current and power.

The lineup

Let's consider several popular models of welding machines, which differ in purpose and power:

SAI-220. The device is intended for use in professional workshops. It is often chosen by companies involved in processing and casting metal of various thicknesses and grades. The maximum current here is 220 amperes, a suitable electrode is 5 millimeters. Here you can adjust the current from 10 to 220 amperes. Continuous operation time - 7 minutes. Such a device costs approximately 9 thousand rubles.

Welding machine "Resanta" 190. This unit has earned commendable reviews. This compact equipment is suitable for both home and workshop. It is designed for manual arc welding. The required electrode is 5 mm. The workpiece must have a maximum thickness of 8 millimeters. The device is often used in foundries. It can operate at a voltage drop of up to 160 V, and has a continuously adjustable current from 10 to 190 amperes. The welder has overload protection installed. Built-in functions include: hot start, anti-stick electrode. tunnel cooling.

The price of the device is 5800-7000 rubles.

SAI 250. This is heavy-duty and reliable equipment for MMA arc welding. The covered electrode should have a diameter of 1-6 millimeters. The power of the device is 7.7 kilowatts, continuously adjustable current is 10-250 amperes. Can operate at 160 V. Has an auto-shutdown function when shorted or overheated. The cost is about 9400 rubles.
Welding machine "Resanta" 160. SAI 160 is household equipment. Manual welding requires an electrode from 1.5 to 4 millimeters. The device is equipped with a welding current regulator up to 160 amperes with a stable arc voltage of 26 V. The welder weighs only 4.5 kilograms. Works from a regular outlet. The unit has a fan to prevent overheating. The device operates almost silently and is considered the most compact. The price of a welding machine is from 5800 to 6000 rubles.

Models, their brief characteristics

Each model has a wide range of welding voltage adjustments, which allows you to work under almost any conditions. They are equipped with a dial for convenient voltage adjustment, thanks to which the current strength is set very accurately. They are marked with a digital designation that shows the maximum current that welding can produce during operation. For example, the SAI-190 welding machine, capable of delivering up to 190 Amperes.

The linear series has the following models of welding machines:

SAI
SAIPA
PROF
Mon

Now let's take a closer look at each of them. SAI is the first welding that the company began to produce; it has proven itself over many years with quality and stability of operation. Compatible with piece electrodes protected by a gas environment.

SAIPA is still the same SAI, only supplemented with a wire drawing mechanism and a gas supply control valve. The supply of welding material is controlled using the control panel; gas is supplied through the rear valve. The most common model is SAIPA165.

PROF - designed for the needs of professionals, they can operate at very low voltage and in overloaded power transmission networks. The minimum voltage consumption threshold is 100 Volts. They are used in large industries and construction sites.

PN is the simplest, easy to use and relatively inexpensive. Designed for domestic use, they can operate at a voltage quite low for a home - 140 Volts. Very well suited for areas with poor electricity supply. They show high stability and proper quality of work. Can be used to repair metal structures or create new ones.

All models have an official guarantee and the possibility of technical support on all issues. Repairs are carried out in any warranty case. The body is made of metal; the design may contain plastic elements, such as handles, toggle switches, power switching relays

Resanta SAI 160

Technical characteristics of SAI 160:

The operating load at which the device functions normally is 150-260 Volts.
Weight is four and a half kilograms, provides very high mobility.
The supplied operating current varies in a very wide range from 10 to 160 Amperes.
It has the following functions: anti-sticking, arc forced, hot start.
Able to work without interruption at unstable voltage. At the same time, the quality does not suffer at all.

Resanta SAI 190K

Technical characteristics of SAI 190:

It operates at a normal voltage of 220 Volts and is capable of continuous operation during sudden voltage surges over a fairly wide range.
Operating current from 10 to 190 Amperes.
Has the same additional functions as SAI 160.
A thermostat is installed that protects against overheating. During continuous operation, every 7-10 minutes, you must turn off the device for 3-5 minutes to cool.
Dynamics of operating temperature from minus 10 to plus 40 degrees Celsius.

Features of operation

Before connecting the device, you need to check the correct connection of the power cable, ground cable, as well as the position of the start switch, which should be turned off. Then, using the adjustment knob, the minimum current value is set, after which the equipment itself can be turned on.

When working in the room there must be sufficient air flow. The space near the device should not be cluttered. You should regularly clean the unit from dust, which will prevent its possible overheating.

If the welder has been in the cold for a long time, then before working indoors you need to let it warm up enough. Only after this can you turn on the device.

Features of use

Before connecting the inverter to the power grid, you need to connect it to the connectors of the ground cable and power cable. In this case, the switch relay should be in the off position. Before starting the equipment, you need to set the device to the minimum welding current.

In order for the inverter to serve you as long and efficiently as possible, you should follow a few simple rules:

Near the welding machine, you should not use a grinder or other devices that could fly metal shavings and dust, as metal particles can cause the device to lose its functionality.
There should also be enough space around the welding device, and its structure should not be covered with fabric materials or other objects. Equipment of this class requires effective ventilation.
Inverters are afraid of high humidity, so they need to be stored and used in rooms with dry air. The equipment must also be protected from the effects of climatic precipitation.
In this situation, if you brought the welding installation into some heated room straight from the cold, then you can use it only after the condensation that appears on the internal parts has completely dried (after about two hours).
The “insides” of the welding machine must be systematically cleaned of accumulated dust and other contaminants. This way you can increase the service life of the installation and reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns.

As you can see, Resanta welding inverters have an optimal ratio of quality and cost. This is evidenced by positive reviews.

Operation and repair

The inverter often fails for the following reasons:

moisture getting inside the housing;
accumulation of dust inside the unit, which prevents it from cooling in a timely manner;
failure to comply with the operating mode specified in the instructions.

To identify faults, the housing is removed and the electronic components are checked. If there are cracks, dark spots, carbon deposits and swollen capacitors, these elements need to be replaced. If everything is visually in order, but the device does not work, it is recommended to look for the problem using measuring instruments, periodically checking the electrical circuit.

If it is not possible to repair the device yourself, you should contact the service specialists.

Reviews

To be honest, there are reviews, both positive and negative. Each user emphasizes the relatively inexpensive cost of the device, the availability of additional functions and compactness. However, many complain about the frequency of breakdowns. This is especially true for models released after 2012. Everyone noticed that the quality of the products had dropped significantly, although the price had also dropped.

In repair shops, experts give their verdict. Most breakdowns are due to non-compliance with operating rules. It clearly states that you cannot keep the device next to a working grinder, sharpening or grinding machine. If dust gets inside the housing, the device may burn. It is also not adapted to humid environments. Do not cover the housing, thereby impeding air circulation.

Those who are lucky consider Resanta brand equipment to be quite good, provided that the conditions and basic operating requirements are met.

User reviews

Resanta SAI welding machines receive not only positive reviews. Along with high efficiency, some users note that the stated characteristics of the units do not correspond to reality. For example, some models from the PN series stop working with a slight voltage deviation, although they should function according to the instructions.

Welders pay attention to the need to pre-clean the metal from water, dust, rust and paint. Otherwise, the seam may simply come apart. Also, despite the stability of operation, sometimes the equipment breaks down, but it is difficult to find the necessary parts for replacement, since the manufacturer produces them for a specific volume of production, so there is practically no surplus for repairs. Judging by the reviews, the Resanta welding machine can only be repaired by taking it to a service center.

Otherwise, there are no particular complaints - with careful use and proper care, the equipment will last quite a long time.