Benchtop Welding Positioners – The Complete and Detailed FAQ Guide
Many welders consider benchtop welding positioners as the ultimate tool for welding. Its simplicity gives welders the ease-of-doing welds on round or circular objects. But do you need benchtop welding positioners? In case you’re not aware what it is, this guide is perfect for you. We’ll discuss everything you need to know about benchtop weld positioners. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the confidence of purchasing one! Plus, you get bonus knowledge on where you can get the highest quality of positioners in the market.
What are Benchtop Welding Positioners?
They’re auxiliary welding machines that can help you out in welding round and cylindrical workpieces. 
It functions by rotating or spinning the workpiece, passing the welding material. If you use them, you wouldn’t have to maneuver around the work surface to get the weld around the workpiece; the positioner will do it for you.
What is a Pipe Positioner For Welding?
Pipe positioners for welding can also be called pipe welding positioners, so don’t be confused. 
These are devices that can help you stay at a certain level while welding. They’re called “pipe” positioners because you can find useful for workpieces that are cylindrical, circular, and round.
Types of Benchtop Welding Positioners
The best way that you can categorize benchtop weld positioners is by its automation. There three (3) main types include manual, semi-automatic, and automatic. 
Benchtop weld positioners are the type that you’ll control. You can use a footswitch pedal or a hand crank to rotate the table. Secondly, semi-automatic benchtop weld positioners are positioners that you can use to work with another accessory; the most common one, would be a stationary or a standing torch. Lastly, automatic benchtop welding positioners are the most advanced of all. It’s the type of positioner that utilizes robotics and automatic machines. You have all these options in choosing the rotary weld turntable positioner you’ll purchase! And don’t confuse yourself, choose the positioner that would best fit what your projects need.
What’s the Best Welding Positioner You Can Use?
In the market, there are a ton of brands that offer promising weld positioners. 
The best ones are MK, MBC Welding, Koike, Ransome, among others. However, brands don’t dictate the functionality of benchtop weld positioners. You need to consider many factors including:
- Height of the table
- Diameter of the benchtop surface
- Rotational speed
- Electrical components of the machine
- Tilt angle
- Load capacity
These specifications would dictate the success of your project. If your workpieces weigh at an average of 500 pounds; and you purchase a small weld positioner that has a load capacity of 300, you wouldn’t be able to work on your objects. You would need to have full knowledge of your objects and workpieces. Also, knowledge with the benchtop welding positioners you’ll be purchasing.
Benchtop Weld Positioners For Rent
Besides purchasing, you can also choose to rent a benchtop or a portable welding positioner. The idea of renting is that you’ll receive the equipment, but only for a limited time.
Its cheap and affordable rates are good; but, if you’ll need it for future projects, the better option is to buy it.
How Much Load Do Benchtop Welding Positioners Usually Have?
Load capacity is one of the variables that are looked at by companies. 
Since it’ll dictate what you can and cannot work on, you need to know the load capacities of machines you’ll buy. Manufacturers of portable and benchtop weld positioners have specific load capacities; you’ll know it by looking at the specifications of the machine, or by contacting the manufacturer. But, the usual load capacity of these benchtop welding positioners sits between 25 pounds to 1,000 pounds.
What are Rotary Welding Positioners?
They’re a kind of weld positioner that you can use to weld round and circular objects. 
Using rotary weld positioners can help you produce accurate welds; even for workpieces that are inconsistent.
Is it Safe to Purchase Used Welding Positioners?
A lot of people oppose the act of purchasing used benchtop weld positioners. While there’s nothing wrong with it, you run the risk of it wearing out easily. Unless the entity selling it will tell you the truth about its age, you can be safe. Benchtop weld positioners that are just used for one (1) or two (2) years can be considered as brand new. Yes, it’s safe to buy secondhand benchtop weld positioners; just make sure that they’re not worn-out.
Portable Benchtop Welding Positioners
There are stationary benchtop welding positioners, as well as portable benchtop positioners. 
More often than not, benchtop weld positioners are small and can be transported. But, there are positioners that weigh more than 200 pounds. So, the only way of transporting them is to mount them to a device with wheels and a flat surface. Portable benchtop weld positioners are sold with its base; and the base is equipped wheels.
Can You Customize a Benchtop Welding Positioner?
There are suppliers and manufacturers that give you the option of customizing your machines. Customization in terms of specs, not just the physical attributes such as color, shape, etc. This would include the selection of motors, material, electric parts, etc.
