Welding is not just a popular hobby for enthusiasts but also one of the more viable jobs and industries moving forward, with experts expecting a 6% growth in the sector within a decade and providing workers with more employment. Welding and cutting are dangerous tasks on their own, but going high impact poses its own risks. So make sure you’ve got the right equipment to hit the next level. Here are some to take note of:
A durable helmet you can count on
Even though you likely have some basic gear with you if you’ve dabbled in welding, going for more intensive projects would require an investment in some upgraded variations that can carry more protection and functionality.
If you go for a darkening welding helmet that provides full coverage, you can focus on your welding project without worrying that some sparks and impact won’t hit any part of your head. These auto-darkening variations adjust the tint in the eye area automatically, becoming clear when you are not actively welding and appropriately darkening as you use it. Make sure you get a lightweight one so that you don’t get tired out from wearing it for a long period. This can also be helpful if you’re working without a hood and you need that all-around safety net.
Heavy-duty gloves that will last
In particular, it’s best to get ones that are heat-resistant and made of leather. This ensures that you won’t get into harm’s way. Even though it isn’t as breathable as other fabrics, its material is perfect for heat exposure. It can also handle possibly sharp sheets of metal and materials that could tear into different types of cloth and the like.
Leather heavy-duty gloves also tend to last longer with care yet provide dexterity and ease of movement while you wear them. When searching for the perfect pair for yourself, make sure to get ones with a long gauntlet. As is within guidelines set by an American safety council for welding, this element is a necessity to ensure protection against sparks and such.
A sturdy metal gauge
Being able to measure the thickness of the metals you have is crucial to get all the specifications asked for. This can help you make necessary adjustments and plan everything that needs to be done beforehand. To allocate enough resources and time for the final product you have in mind, you need to be able to measure your materials correctly and remember those for reference. Whether you are going MIG, TIG, stick, or flux-cored welding, having this reference point can save you some time and avoidable mistakes during the creation process. This is one of the constants throughout different projects, even when you start mixing different metals.
Having the right equipment for welding is a substantial investment not just for professionals but also for those who have a keen interest in the activity and want to dive into it a little more. As long as you make these investments, you’ll be good to go for quite some time.
