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Posted by Jones on April 24, 2008, 5:13 pm
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Another newbie question, folks. I searched but didn't find this exact
question addressed.
I'm thinking of getting a stick (AC/DC) or wire-feed arc welder, but I
know there's a fair amount of other stuff I need too.
Can anyone advise me on the basics I'll absolutely need right away?
My list so far:
Auto-darking helmet (I was looking at one that darkens in 1/25,000 sec
from Northern Equip for $50)
Gloves
Slag hammer(s) ... is one enough, or do I need different types?
I have a 4" angle grinder, wire wheels, files, etc.
I have *some* clamps for woodworking
Do I "absolutely" need some kind of apron or body covering?
Are those funky "welder hats" that the ship builders wear necessary? ;-)
What else?
Thank you for any information.
Jonesy.
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Posted by Grant Erwin on April 24, 2008, 8:22 pm
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Jones wrote:
> Another newbie question, folks. I searched but didn't find this exact
> question addressed.
>
> I'm thinking of getting a stick (AC/DC) or wire-feed arc welder, but I
> know there's a fair amount of other stuff I need too.
>
> Can anyone advise me on the basics I'll absolutely need right away?
>
> My list so far:
>
> Auto-darking helmet (I was looking at one that darkens in 1/25,000 sec
> from Northern Equip for $50)
Nice to have, don't worry about the turnon time spec as the lens is coated
so that even if it never turns on your eyes won't get damaged
> Gloves
> Slag hammer(s) ... is one enough, or do I need different types?
One is enough - I use the hatchet-style type, also I use a small chisel and
one pound hammer when I care about cosmetics.
> I have a 4" angle grinder, wire wheels, files, etc.
Flap wheels are great.
> I have *some* clamps for woodworking
I use Vise-Grip clamps in the 6" and 10" sizes, and a variety of pieces of
scrap both flat and 90 (cut from angle iron) deburred, for clamping
> Do I "absolutely" need some kind of apron or body covering?
No. You can get away with heavy cotton clothes.
> Are those funky "welder hats" that the ship builders wear necessary? ;-)
No. Only for overhead or for high-up work where the sparks fly over your hood
and land in your hair. When you need one, you will know. :-)
>
> What else?
>
> Thank you for any information.
>
> Jonesy.
>
>
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Posted by Ernie Leimkuhler on April 24, 2008, 8:35 pm
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> Another newbie question, folks. I searched but didn't find this exact
> question addressed.
>
> I'm thinking of getting a stick (AC/DC) or wire-feed arc welder, but I
> know there's a fair amount of other stuff I need too.
>
> Can anyone advise me on the basics I'll absolutely need right away?
>
> My list so far:
>
> Auto-darking helmet (I was looking at one that darkens in 1/25,000 sec
> from Northern Equip for $50)
> Gloves
Heavy gauntlet style gloves, and some lighter gloves for just grinding
and shop work.
> Slag hammer(s) ... is one enough, or do I need different types?
One is usually enough.
I prefer the the straight peen type, but some prefer the cross peen.
Straight peen means the chisel edge is parallel with the handle.
> I have a 4" angle grinder, wire wheels, files, etc.
move to a 4-1/2" grinder.
4" grinders are just too tiny and really loud.
> I have *some* clamps for woodworking
Be careful of clamps with plastic or rubber jaws, or other plastic bits
that will melt.
> Do I "absolutely" need some kind of apron or body covering?
Depends.
I wear blue jeans and a heavy Carhart button up shirt for almost all of
my welding.
If I was doing a LOT of overhead work I would wear leathers.
> Are those funky "welder hats" that the ship builders wear necessary? ;-)
>
For a keen fashion statement, yes, or just to keep crap out of your
hair.
> What else?
Soapstone,
Wire hand brushes, both big and small.
A bunch of spare cover lenses for your hood.
High top, closed toe, all leather, work shoes. (steel toes are optional)
Spare shoe laces (hot metal eats laces)
A few pairs of safety glasses.
#5 Burning glasses if doing any torch work.
Ear plugs (I prefer the type on the plastic spring that sits around
your neck when not in use)
Channel locks
Visegrips.
Hammers of various sizes.
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Posted by John Miller on April 24, 2008, 9:14 pm
Please log in for more thread options Something to cut he stock with; hacksaw, band saw, chop saw and more clamps
(never enough). If you hair is challenged you'll appreciate the funky cap -
or even if your welding is done in a cold climate. Don't ask how I know<G>.
--
J Miller
> Another newbie question, folks. I searched but didn't find this exact
> question addressed.
>
> I'm thinking of getting a stick (AC/DC) or wire-feed arc welder, but I
> know there's a fair amount of other stuff I need too.
>
> Can anyone advise me on the basics I'll absolutely need right away?
>
> My list so far:
>
> Auto-darking helmet (I was looking at one that darkens in 1/25,000 sec
> from Northern Equip for $50)
> Gloves
> Slag hammer(s) ... is one enough, or do I need different types?
> I have a 4" angle grinder, wire wheels, files, etc.
> I have *some* clamps for woodworking
> Do I "absolutely" need some kind of apron or body covering?
> Are those funky "welder hats" that the ship builders wear necessary? ;-)
>
> What else?
>
> Thank you for any information.
>
> Jonesy.
>
>
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Posted by SteveB on April 24, 2008, 10:15 pm
Please log in for more thread options
> Another newbie question, folks. I searched but didn't find this exact
> question addressed.
>
> I'm thinking of getting a stick (AC/DC) or wire-feed arc welder, but I
> know there's a fair amount of other stuff I need too.
>
> Can anyone advise me on the basics I'll absolutely need right away?
>
> My list so far:
>
> Auto-darking helmet (I was looking at one that darkens in 1/25,000 sec
> from Northern Equip for $50)
> Gloves
> Slag hammer(s) ... is one enough, or do I need different types?
> I have a 4" angle grinder, wire wheels, files, etc.
> I have *some* clamps for woodworking
> Do I "absolutely" need some kind of apron or body covering?
> Are those funky "welder hats" that the ship builders wear necessary? ;-)
>
> What else?
>
> Thank you for any information.
>
> Jonesy.
You got the basics.
Autodark - that one will be good enough until it wears out or you start
making good money and want a better one.
Gloves - shop around. The most expensive aren't always the best.
Get some safety glasses or a face shield. THIS IS A NECESSITY.
Wear COTTON clothing with NO FRAYED EDGES. I like Wrangler khaki western
shirts with the snap ties. Get you some Wellington style (should be steel
toe) boots so the slag doesn't go down and burn your shoelaces, then your
toes.
The hats are necessary. The color is up to you. They have been known to
help you fight better. ;-)
GET EAR PROTECTION. I like the ones on the spring clip. A hot dingleberry
in your ear can end your welding career in two seconds. No lie.
Get soapstones and a holder. Get some squares, tri-square, adjustable bevel
square, etc.
One slag hammer is enough. Get a broken piece of hacksaw blade and use the
pointy part to scratch along the edge of your weld to get out the fine
stuff.
Irvin 11R are good welding clamps. Other depending on what you're working
on. You can't have too many clamps.
Then just do it. You'll fill in with more stuff. Most important rule: You
cannot have too many tools.
Steve
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> question addressed.
>
> I'm thinking of getting a stick (AC/DC) or wire-feed arc welder, but I
> know there's a fair amount of other stuff I need too.
>
> Can anyone advise me on the basics I'll absolutely need right away?
>
> My list so far:
>
> Auto-darking helmet (I was looking at one that darkens in 1/25,000 sec
> from Northern Equip for $50)