6 Essential Welding Supplies Every Welder Needs

The global welding equipment and supplies market is expected to be valued at over $8.7 billion by 2033. Amidst such a rapidly evolving landscape, it should be easy to find the right welding supplies for your pet project today. That said, if you’re a beginner who is just getting started, it helps to have a checklist of the essential welding supplies every welder needs. 

This way, you can make sure you choose the best welding supplies for your welding kit. To get started, take a look at this list, which gives you a clear idea of 6 essential suppliers every aspiring welder must-have for safe and effective welding. 

1.      Welding Helmets

Welding generates intense heat and light. If you’re not careful, you may suffer from flash burns due to the sparks from the weld pool. A welding helmet protects you from these dangers. Typically, the shields in welding helmets are made from materials that are resistant to high impacts, such as polycarbonate. 

Modern welding helmets make use of auto-darkening technology — which automatically adjusts the shade of the lens using a liquid crystal filter. This effectively protects you from infrared and ultraviolet radiation. 

2.      Welding Gloves

Your hands are often in the most danger during a welding operation, for the simple reason that they are closest to the weld pool. Welding gloves are essential welding supplies that you need to invest in as a part of the PPE kit required. 

Made from materials like leather, skins or other synthetic material, they protect your hands from burns, nerve damage and the like. Thick, heat-resistant welding gloves may be better suited for MIG welding, while thinner leather gloves may be ideal for TIG welding, which requires more precision. 

3.      Welding Goggles

Irrespective of whether you are using arc welding equipment or simply cutting metal before the welding begins, protecting your eyes must be your top priority. If the welding process you’re performing does not involve heavy splatter or severe sparking, you may be able to substitute a helmet for safety goggles instead. 

The lenses in safety goggles used for welding are also equipped to filter out UV and IR rays. They also protect your eyes from the intense heat generated during the welding process.

4.      Welding Brush

Before you begin welding, you need to ensure that the welding surface is clean and devoid of any major or minuscule debris. A cleaning brush can help you with this. Most welding brushes feature bristles made of wire, while some also come with metal bristles. Including a welding brush in your welding supplies kit can prepare you for clearing out dirt and other particles from the weld pool, so the metals fuse seamlessly.

5.      Welding Magnets

Welding magnets are essential welding supplies, particularly if you are fusing any kind of ferrous metals or alloys. They are used to hold pieces of metal in place, so you can focus on the welding process instead. You can find these magnets in different sizes and shapes, and depending on whether your welding process is light or heavy-duty, you can purchase magnets accordingly.

 6.      Welding Clamps

Like welding magnets, clamps are also welding supplies that help hold metal surfaces or components securely in place. There are different kinds of welding clamps available — such as C clamps, locking clamps, vice grips, pipe clamps and spring clamps. Each type of clamp has its unique function, so over time, you can add a variety of clamps to your welding supplies kit.

Conclusion

Having the right welding supplies around is crucial for efficient and successful welding. The available (or lack) of superior welding supplies can make or break the weld quality. Furthermore, it can also compromise your safety if you do not have the necessary welding supplies in place. For these key reasons, you need to first invest in the supplies listed above. Once that’s taken care of, all you need to do is hone your welding skills and practice to get better at it.


 

 

 

 

 

 

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