Welding Tools Guide...

A welding shop without welding tools and metalworking tools is like a kitchen without utensils. You must have an array to metalworking tools for any welding project or you're going to be running to the hardware store or your local welding store every couple of hours.

Various welding projects will require different tools. But some tools are going to be used consistently. This article is a here to provide you with a basic framework of welding tools to consider and have in your welding shop. Lets begin...

You have decided to get into the 'welding-thing' for whatever reason. Perhaps you are an artist, or your repair list around the home is getting ever larger and you need some diy skills and equipment. Perhaps you are even venturing out into a career in welding.

Welders will agree and disagree on what welding tools are most important for a welding shop. It all depends what work you are doing. For example, pipe welding, fun welding projects, welding art, underwater welding, etc.

You can start off with the more basic welding tools and equipment, beginning with the safety aspect. These are what you need:

A pair of welding gloves. Leather lasts longer and gives more protection. They should fit snugly to give you maximum feel and control.

Welding helmet. Nowadays you get auto-darkening helmets in which the viewing glass darkens instantly as you strike up your welder. The latest innovation is a helmet with an eye window that adapts to the area where you are welding, such as a dark cellar or glaring sunshine, as well as darkening instantly when you begin welding. There are also a variety of helmets with different size viewing glass eyepieces available.

Protective eyewear. These safety glasses you should wear when you are working with metal, before and after welding, especially with grinders and metal cutting equipment.

Smoke elimination. The fumes from welding are toxic and you might like to use a welding plant with a smoke elimination system or a vacuum system while working in enclosed areas. Otherwise you should use a face mask to cover your nose and mouth. There are even some welding helmets that include a battery powered airflow to protect your face from fumes.

The welding plant you use depends on what sort of welding you plan to do. Here are some more commonly used types:

Electric arc welder, such as Inverter type AC/DC electrode welders, Mig welders, Tig welders.

Oxyacetylene gas welder. This is especially useful for fine work, brazing and thin metals, often used in artwork, as well as normal heavy duty welding.

Metal cutting welding tools are essential for working with metal:

• At the most basic level you get hacksaws, snips and shears.
• Angle grinders are useful diy machines for cutting metal as well as other materials such as ceramics, stone, etc.
• Standard metal cutting blades are available for jigsaws, reciprosaws and bandsaws.
• Then you get various types of cut-off saws, ideal for cutting angle iron and square tubing.
• Plasma cutter, a compact machine for cutting metal quickly and easily.
• Panibbler for cutting small shapes and tricky corners.

Other welding tools you are likely to need are:

• A good electric drill with metal cutting drill bits.
• Chipping hammer for tapping off slag from your welds.
• Various sizes of clamps to hold your work in place.
• Files for removing sharp edges and burrs.

Once you get into welding you will probably like to experiment with other metals and new methods, and equipment. For starters these welding tools will get you going and teach you your first steps.