What exactly do I need? - A Checklist
Just getting started and need to gear up? Start here with our Welding Checklist before laying your first bead. Knowing what you to buy can be a little daunting especially for the beginner.
The military and NASA love checklists and so do we. We’ve compiled a listing of items to answer that along with recommendations from the pros.
Personal Safety
Don’t even consider turning on your welder before having your safety equipment in place. Taking a few precautions now will ensure that you’re welding this weekend
and not driving to the emergency room.
- Welding Helmet – Whether you get the latest Auto-Darkening model or prefer an old school version, a good helmet is critical. In fact mandatory. Remember to keep it clean too. You can’t weld what you can’t see.
- Welding Glooves – High heat, sparks, welding arcs, sharp edges. Enough said. Protect your hands.
- Welding Apron/Jacket or Sleeves – Unless you’re going for the ultimate farmer’s tan, you need to protect any exposed skin. Same reasons for gloves apply here too. Get yourself a good welding jacket.
- Safety Glasses / Shield – There’s dozens of ways for an object to get launched back at you when grinding, chipping or cutting. Protect your eyes.
- Ear Plugs – Optional but recommended. A typical angle grinder will exceed 95dB or more depending on the material, type of wheel, etc.
- Respirator – Recommended. The noxious witch’s brew of smoke and chemicals released in most welding processes isn’t pretty. Good ventilation is a must as well.
- Work Boots – Most things you’ll be working with have some decent weight to them. Get some good steel toed boots before your next gravity demonstration.
Site Safety
The ‘site’ in site safety applies to your garage, shed or full blown welding shop. A clean site is safer than a dirty one. Invest in a shop vacuum or at least a good broom. The slag, scrap or metal filings produced while welding will accumulate over time and create a hazard should you or someone else take a spill.
Keep your site free of clutter. There’s probably going to be a few fantastic ignition sources in your hands and having a working environment full of flammable items isn’t a good idea. Also watch out for sources of vapors (stored gasoline, paint thinner, etc).
- Fire Extinguisher – Put out the small fires before they become the big fires.
- Fire Blankets – Lots of protection uses for these. Pick one up.
- Eye Wash Bottle / Station – Every weekend welder or shop should have an eye wash station. Hang it someplace obvious and easy to reach.
- Welding Curtains – Optional but recommended. You never know when someone might come into the vicinity of the welding arc.
Welding Equipment
Tools
- MIG Welding Pliers – Indispensable for all processes.
- Chipping Hammer – You’re going to need one of these. Newer designs come with shock reducing handles and in your favorite weight.
- Wire Brush – Another must have for every welder.
- Soapstone + Holder – Essential for marking steel or aluminum.
- Clamps – You’ll need to hold things together before tacking. Get a few in various sizes or a kit.
- Table / Bench – Before you have the skills to make your own, you may want to invest in a nice steel table or bench.
Consumables
- Spare Contact Tips (MIG) – Have some replacement tips on hand. Cheap and you’re gonna need them.
- Nozzle Gel (MIG) – While on contact tips, why not protect them a bit in the first place.
- Welding Rod (Stick) – Never hurts to have a few pounds of the basics on hand (6010/11, 7018) if stick welding is your thing. Make sure to get a storage container too to keep out humidity and moisture.
- Welding Wire (MIG) – Better deals on the 10-pound spools but nothing wrong with the 2-pound ones for occasional use.
- Tungsten Electrodes (TIG) – You will need a few spare electrodes, especially when first learning. A dedicated sharpener is nice but pricey.
- Shielding Gas (MIG/TIG) – Mandatory and available even from online sources.
Specialties
- Tig Finger Heat Shield – Some swear by these little protectors
- Mag-Mate Magnetic Torch Holder – Super handy for any kind of welding
Accessories
- Welding Cart – Welding machines are getting lighter. Gas cylinders aren’t. Make your setup mobile with a quality welding cart.
- Welding Pliers – Indispensable for all processes.
- Angle Grinder – These go hand in hand with welding. Get plenty of extra wheels too.
- Chipping Hammer – You’re going to need one of these. Newer designs come with shock reducing handles and in your favorite weight.
- Wire Brush – Another must have for every welder.
- Scribe / PaintStick – Whichever you prefer. Scribes are more accurate.
- Clamps – You’ll need to hold things together before tacking. Get a few in various sizes or a kit.
- Table / Bench – Before you have the skills to make your own, you may want to invest in a nice steel table or bench.
- Electric Hoist – Optional but recommended. You just finished your new welding table and it weighs 250lbs. Ouch. Save your back with a good electric hoist.
Final Thoughts
There you have it. Our picks for every aspiring welder or hobbyist. We hope this time saving list helps on your next project. Keep welding and keep practicing!
