I just bought a welder. What else do I *need*? (1 Viewer)

[canman]

Good fan if you are welding in a confined space like a garage. Also get a nice metal scrib and deburing tool. I also got a 10ft heavy duty extension cord as it is sometimes nice to weld stuff just outside my garage door opening. If you end up fabbing stuff, get yourself a nice little 220V plasma cutter for a few hundred on eBay.

 

[cruiserfj45]

his is my new favorite helmet.
Jackson Safety W40 Insight Variable Auto Darkening Welding Helmet, HaloX, Black (40713), 1 Unit: Amazon.com: Home Improvement

 

[Weber Sarge]

A decent carbide tipped scribe is a great starter tool , beats trying to use any markers . For bright , white lines try using one of the quick-dry paint type correction pens - they are invaluable .
Best advice - buy a good hood like that Jackson or a similar well-known brand . Stay clear of those imported , junk Harbor Freight units - you only get one set of eyes and have no choice but to take care of them .
Sarge

 

[cruiserfj45]

ALWAYS wear safety glasses under your hood. You will be surprised how far a spark will bounce.

 

[canman]

ALWAYS wear safety glasses under your hood. You will be surprised how far a spark will bounce.

Good advice. I got a few nice scars from molten metal after deciding to weld in tracks pants patching an exhaust under a friend's car. I have a nice leather jacket but no pants. Also got a nasty metal fragment in one eye, luckily no damage, but I got it treated right away (the next day). It had already started to rust by the time I got to a specialist. Now I always wear safety glasses when I do anything.

 

[e9999]

not to mention that if you forget to lower your helmet the plastic safety glasses will save your retinas... (not that I would ever do that of course... )

 

[Zookifj661]

Saw someone else's post about getting a fire extinguisher. Please do the same. A welding blanket would help to when you're trying to use your own vehicle or something you value as a welding jig haha

 

[Zookifj661]

Oh forgot if you can spare a couple bucks
.. a welding cap. Nobody likes hot metal sinking thru a skill

 

[duggy]

Oh forgot if you can spare a couple bucks
.. a welding cap. Nobody likes hot metal sinking thru a skill

Works great for welding and grinding under the car. My hair definitely appreciates it.

 

[ihadmail]

Was able to try the welder out finally. Had some assistance from a friend who has been welding 8-9 years.

They're not perfect but he says they'll hold up as well as anything he would have done.

 

[BabetheBlueOx74]

A little late but maybe invest in either some ear plugs or ear muffs if you plan on welding upside down... Nobody would want there ear drum burned up by a spark.

 

[Weber Sarge]

If you do use ear plugs - be wary of some types of foam as it catches fire really easily , got the scar tissue on one ear lobe to prove it . Imagine using a pair of early Gerber multi-tool pliers on yourself in a big hurry...
Sarge

 

[tyama]

good advice & inputs. My two cents. I like having two small grinders too: one with a cutoff disk and another with a grinder. thought about getting a flapper disk but haven't done it yet. Eye & ear protection is up there in importance too. i made a small welding table with 1/4" steel and 4" legs I can stick on top of my workmate and store when not needed. I also really like my metal chop saw and a metal cutoff disk for my circular saw.

developing a good relationship with the welding and metal supply house, as well as the local junk metal guys helps a lot too.

Have fun!
ty