What it is?
A spotter is a unique tool that is used for spot welding, while showing excellent results. It is mainly 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 releases a large amount of heat at the place (point) where the materials being welded come into contact. Electric current is used to release the required amount of energy.
The tool makes it possible to repair any body elements, however, it is more effective only when working with large parts where access to the inside is impossible.
The main advantage of the spotter is that it is able to straighten the material without the use of dismantling.
To do 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 body panels is only 1.5 mm.
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The main difference and technical parameters
Most models are presented in the same form:
- A device by which the contact welding process occurs;
- 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 attachments, so the user can make any repairs without any problems.
There are controls on the front panel that make it possible to adjust the tool by power and current, which is very useful for working with some parts. Modern models have an informative screen that allows you to see the current technical parameters, which allows you to keep the process under control.
Device for resistance welding from a welding machine
A resistance welding device works according to a similar scheme. It does not use arc electrodes with a carbon additive. The welding process is based on the flow of high currents at the point of closure of the contacts of the welding gun.
If you have a welding machine, making contact welding based on it is not difficult. You just need to assemble the control unit and the contact welding gun, which will be connected to the working wires of your electrical appliance.
The control unit is designed to quickly connect the supply voltage to the primary winding of the working transformer. It can be assembled using a powerful relay, thyristor or triac circuit.
Please note: The main condition is that the start button must be at hand on the contact gun, and it must not be fixed. Otherwise, you can create a short circuit in the secondary winding, which will lead to overheating of the device. The operating voltage supplied to the button must be safe for the operator
Since the voltage on the electrodes of the contact gun does not exceed a few volts, the entire welding process is safe from an electrical point of view. Potentially you can only get burned on hot metal
The operating voltage supplied to the button must be safe for the operator. Since the voltage on the electrodes of the contact gun does not exceed a few volts, the entire welding process is safe from an electrical point of view. Potentially, you can only get burned on the hot metal.
The entire structure of the contact gun must be brought into an open and disconnected state under the action of springs. That is, as soon as you release the handles of the pliers, the electrodes will immediately be de-energized and removed from the welding spot.
The gun can be made in any configuration, the main thing is ease and safety of use. Let's take a factory device as an example.
The contacts must be copper or brass, otherwise they will be welded to the surface being treated. Thickness (diameter) 5-15 mm. Since the electrodes wear out, it is necessary to provide for the possibility of replacement.
IMPORTANT! It must be remembered that a conventional welding machine, adapted for spot welding, operates in non-standard modes for its design.
Therefore, it is necessary to monitor possible overheating of the transformer, and, if necessary, take breaks in operation.
Types of spotters
There are 4 main representatives in stores who will allow you to carry out work of any complexity:
- Inverter. This device is equipped with an excellent converter, which allows 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 made quickly and accurately, since the current strength is stable.
- Transformer. This option requires constant recharge, so it is connected to an alternating current network. The main advantage of such models is their low cost compared to inverter models. Their functionality is sufficient to perform simple repairs. Three-phase options are in wide demand, as they have increased power, which means they expand the list of work performed. The only disadvantage 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, appropriate equipment is needed for the work. Because this is the only way to perform the operation quickly and efficiently.
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 the worker needs to do is clean the problem area. Install the mass and secure it with a special clamp; you can also weld it using a contact.
Elements are selected for work in accordance with the classification of damage, depth and size of the dent.
The spotter can work with the following elements:
- Washers;
- end;
- Wire, which is made in the form of a wave;
- Small hooks;
- Hairpins.
It is also necessary to take into account the area of the dent, because the operating technology depends on this.
Small dents. This is the most common problem and can be dealt with without much difficulty. To eliminate it, the reverse hammer method is used.
This option will easily cope with most of the damage that is found everywhere. The work proceeds as follows: the end of the device is welded to the problem area, after which it is straightened with weak blows from the internal element.
In order for the job to be done perfectly, such manipulations must be carried out along the entire perimeter where there is a dent. When welding, it is important to maintain a distance between points of up to 8 mm, then the result will be visible immediately.
It should be understood that small spots will remain on the surface of the repaired product, which can be easily removed using a grinding machine; this increases the 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 provide a load on the entire area; of course, the cost of such a device is high, but it pays off immediately.
When working with a spotter, you can use various elements that promote straightening, even wavy wire, a hairpin or small hooks. For an ideal result, it is recommended to place the auxiliary part over the entire damaged area. Then the plane is leveled efficiently and looks great, because the load is evenly distributed throughout the entire length of the dent.
To eliminate damage caused by collisions with large objects, reverse suction cups are used. Thanks to this part, 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 housing, it is necessary to use surface preheating technology, which makes it possible to remove some of the stress and significantly facilitate work.
The spotter can be used not only to eliminate defects on a flat surface, it is also used to connect 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 product, 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 minimal time expenditure.
- 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 minor operations to level out household dents.
general information
A spotter is a welding machine used in body repair. At its core, a spotter is very similar to spot welding, but externally these are two completely different devices. Spot welding has two metal electrodes with sheet metal placed between them. In the case of a spotter, the technology is different. Let's take a closer look at it.
The spotter has two terminals: ground and a wire with a working “gun”. The mass must be attached to the car body (do not forget to remove the battery from the car in advance). At the end of the “gun” there is a special clamp where you can install a special nozzle. When you press a button on the working “gun”, the welding current begins to flow. During the process, the welding site begins to gradually heat up. The resistance increases and the metal begins to melt in a certain area. At the same time, the rest of the body does not overheat. Metal is stuck, which can then be pulled out.
Let's explain it more simply. The spotter does not heat the entire part, but only a certain point (as is the case with spot welding). The heating is small, slightly less than the melting point of the metal. The fastening nozzle is pressed against the metal surface and at the moment of resistance it is securely attached, thanks to which you can then pull out the same dent in the opposite direction. Later the nozzle can be easily detached from the metal.
From spot welding there is both heat and force. The heating is carried out by the device, and the force is carried out by the master, who presses the nozzle to the metal. Therefore, this type of welding is not called spot welding, but resistance welding.
There are two types of spotters: inverter and transformer. A transformer spotter can be made at home from a transformer. But an inverter spotter can only be assembled in a factory setting. Because its construction uses complex, expensive components.
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 metal being welded should not exceed 4 mm, then the device will reveal its capabilities by 100%. Two sides are used for welding, the duration is adjusted automatically.
The peculiarity of the device is the manual compression drive. With dimensions: 440x100x185 mm and a weight of 10 kg, the device can be transported to any place without any problems. 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 damage the device.
Sold in many online stores at a price of 45,000 rubles.
TELWIN DIGITAL MODULAR 400
Advantages:
- Good protection against dust penetration;
- Power;
- Quality;
- The assembly is made to last for many years;
- Functions with 4mm metal.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Fubag TS 3800T
Another great device for repairing minor damage that will impress the user with its impressive appearance and efficiency. 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 unhindered transportation, but it is worth knowing that the weight of the tool is 26 kg, with dimensions of 360x225x235 mm. Normal frequency is 50 Hz. The control is carried out manually, so it is necessary not to be distracted while working. The manufacturer provides a two-year warranty on the product, which shows the quality and reliability of the device.
The average cost is 32,000 rubles.
Fubag TS 3800Ti
Advantages:
- Three phases;
- The set includes a reverse hammer;
- Durability;
- Good protection against dirt;
- Suitable for steel and sheet metal;
- Good technical characteristics;
- Possibility of transportation.
Flaws:
- Weight – 26 kg.
WIEDERKRAFT WDK-5000
An excellent professional product that is intended for everyday use. Perform 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 10,000 W. One side is used for welding; this is important to consider when purchasing. 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 make this task easier. Dimensions - 600x500x950 mm, weight - 63 kg. For convenience, the device is equipped with an informative display that indicates the current status and allows you to adjust the power and current. It is used for sheet metal and shows high efficiency. Used in large service centers.
The average cost is 35,000 rubles.
WIEDERKRAFT WDK-5000
Advantages:
- Availability of display;
- Convenient control;
- Easy to transport;
- Air cooling system;
- Nice build.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
ELITECH ATS 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 scope 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 cannot cope with complex materials. Acceptable operating frequency is 50 Hz. The manufacturer also paid attention to the configuration and added elements that will make welding better.
Sold at a price of 5,500 rubles.
ELITECH ATS 5
Advantages:
- Convenient manual model;
- Good power indicators;
- Design;
- Efficiency;
- Equipment;
- Suitable for welding steel;
- Weight only 4 kg.
Flaws:
- Not found.
FoxWeld KTR-8
A model from a top manufacturer that will immediately recoup the investment and get the job done without wasting time. Tool power – 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. Intended for professional and frequent use only. The manufacturer has selected a reliable element base that will allow the tool to serve beyond the established period and without failures at the wrong time.
The average cost is 12,200 rubles.
FoxWeld KTR-8
Advantages:
- Low price;
- Efficiency;
- Ergonomics;
- Designed for professional use;
- Welds sheet metal.
Flaws:
- Not found.
Nordberg WS4
A branded element that will perform welding at the highest level. The current value is 3500 A, while the equipment power reaches 12300 W. The spotter can easily work with material whose thickness does not exceed 2 mm. One side is used for welding. It is adjusted automatically, 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.
Nordberg WS4
Advantages:
- Performance;
- The work is carried out efficiently;
- Durability;
- Transportation will not take time;
- Single phase.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Redhotdot HAMMER T-26
A reliable spotter designed for high-speed body repairs 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 preserve the tool for as long as possible, the manufacturer has equipped it with 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.
Redhotdot HAMMER T-26
Advantages:
- The spotter is designed for body work of any complexity;
- High reliability indicator;
- Build quality;
- Convenient operation;
- An excellent option for service centers.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
