Welding is a powerful craft, whether you practice it as a part-time hobby or a full-time career. The equipment you use does not determine the level of your skill, but your skill could be dependent on the tools you use since to perform more sophisticated welds, you must use advanced techniques that cannot be carried out with basic instruments. Still, to begin welding in the first place, you need to take care of that you have everything necessary for the welding process to go as smooth as possible, thus, read the following lines and see what are the best welding equipment and accessories all beginners need to own.
Protective Gear
Before you start welding, you need to make sure you and your surroundings are adequately protected. Every part of your body needs to be guarded against harm by appropriate accessories. Thus, you can use protective glasses or even better, a welding helmet to protect your head, while welding gloves and a welding jacket should be used to cover your torso and your upper extremities. Adequate shoes should be used to safeguard your feet, so make sure you pick the ones with steel in the toe. Do not forget about a fire extinguisher and keep it close at all times.
Welding Machine
You cannot weld without a welding machine, right? Well, yes, unless your contractor provides one. Otherwise, you will have to pick the right tool to do the job. What you will have to figure out is whether you need a MIG or TIG welding machine, since both types have their advantages. Experienced welders claim the type they use is the best, so we can say the decision falls to you. Otherwise, what you would like to consider as plus or minus features are the arc type, weld quality, performance velocity, and ease of manufacture. If you are yet to buy your first welding machine and additional gadgets that will make your work both easier and more appealing to the eye, visit welding.com.au and find additional info on what are the must-haves.
Welding Magnets
Although you might think this is an advanced tool, it is both useful for beginners and master welders. Namely, the magnets allow the welder to position the material he intends on processing the way he wants, without fearing anything will move while he performs. Also, a welder can manipulate the material any time in any direction easily, achieving precision and clean welds without hassle.
Angle Grinder
If you want to make clean and firm welds, you need to get rid of the surplus material causing unevenness that could compromise endurance and stability. To do so, you must use grinding tools. Now, a bit obsolete way is to do it by hand, so we recommend you opt for an angle grinder, a powerful tool that can either cut or polish any surface you need with ease.
Hand Tools
Good old hardware actually never gets old, especially when you need to focus on details. On the other hand, grabbing on to certain hot materials would not be as easy as it is without vice grips. Use your hacksaw for small cuts and help yourself with a hammer rather than powering the mechanical one up. In a nutshell, hand tools are the extensions of the welder’s hands.
The list is not long, but it should inform you about everything you need to have to start your welding adventure. Just remember that safety comes first and while good welds follow!