Setting Up Your Welding Station? Essential Items You'll Need To Have
Now that you're going to be welding, make sure you have the right tools. In addition to the actual welding equipment that you'll use on a daily basis, there are some other tools and accessories that you'll need. Here are some tips to help you set up your welding station.
The Right Safety Gear
When it comes to welding, safety needs to be foremost on your mind. Accidents and injuries can happen fast when you're welding. That's why it's crucial that you have the right personal protection equipment.
Helmet
When choosing a helmet, don't settle for the first one you're shown. You want to make sure you choose a helmet that will provide you with maximum protection. First, choose a helmet with a movable face mask. You want to be able to lift the mask up so you can view your work. Second, choose a mask that provides auto-darkening. Auto-darkening allows your eyes to adjust to the decreased lighting.
Goggles
You'll have your helmet on, but you'll still need to wear safety goggles. The additional goggles ensures that your eyes are protected when you lift the face cover off your helmet.
Gloves
Gloves are another essential piece of safety equipment. Sparks and hot metal debris can do serious damage to your hands.
Magnets of Every Size
When you work in a welding shop, magnates are vital to your operation. You can't hold several pieces of metal at the same time while also holding your welding equipment. That's where the magnates come in handy. Use magnates to hold your metal in place while you weld. The magnates are easy to place and easy to move. Best of all, you won't need to worry about metal slippage.
A Sheet Metal Gauge
When you're welding, you'll use different settings for each gauge of metal that you're working with. Unfortunately, it's not always easy to identify gauge by a visual inspection of the metal, and it's not always labeled. That's why you need a sheet metal gauge. The gauge will allow you to measure your metal quickly and easily, which means you'll always have the proper settings on your welding equipment.
Portable Fire Extinguishers
If you don't have at least one fire extinguisher at your work station, you need to bring one in. You never know when a spark is going to start a fire while you're welding. Unfortunately, you don't always have time to search for a fire extinguisher. Placing a portable fire extinguisher at your work station will protect you and those around you.
