Welding, although it looks and sounds a bit more complex than it actually is, could be a good hobby to have. Like woodworking, welding allows you to implement some improvements in and around the home.
Well-installed metal handrails, grills for windows, artful sculptures for display in the living area, and unique picture frames to decorate bare walls with are just some of the pieces that you can produce by connecting various pieces of metal together.
If you are new to welding, you might want to start with MIG welding first. This way of welding is one of the easiest types to learn. The other type, called TIG, is a bit more complex because it requires hand coordination, which basically is hard to come by for beginners.
Because welding involves the use of a lot of electricity and heat, there is a need for you to wear the appropriate gear so that you are protected. We lay out here some of the most important welding supplies that you shouldn’t forget to put on every time you weld to improve or repair parts of your home.
Gloves
Gloves are very useful pieces of safety gear. A lot of industries recommend its use. Surgeons use latex gloves to protect themselves from bloodborne infections. Kitchen workers, especially those who are assigned to cutting up big chunks of meat, wear metal mesh gloves to protect their hands from possible cuts. Woodworkers, even the most skilled ones, also use metal mesh gloves to protect themselves from the sharp machines and tools that they work with.
Gloves for welders are usually made of leather and other materials that are described as heat-resistant. They are there to protect your hands from burns caused by either the welding gun itself or the sparks that emanate from the metal melting process.
When buying gloves, it’s very important for you to pay close attention to the size. Like clothes, gloves can’t function as they should when they are not of the right size. Too big pairs will continuously wobble and make work difficult.
Too tight ones can disrupt blood flow in the hands, causing numbness and decreased control over your fine movements.
Welding Aprons
As mentioned in the previous subsection, welding generates a lot of sparks that can cause damage not only to your clothes but also to your skin. Because of this, it is recommended that you wear long-sleeved shirts when you work on a welding project. On top of that, you should also wear welding aprons, which like gloves, are usually made of heat-resistant leather.
There are different types. There are those that cover only the legs. Such types of aprons are best used when you are working on something on the ground. An apron that covers your torso down to your thighs are great for welding projects that are situated on a work table.
Welding Helmets
Welding helmets, especially those that are a bit technologically advanced, are to be worn to protect your eyes from the extraordinarily bright light that welding produces. Some of them have digital lenses so that you can still recognize colors and contrasts well when you view your work through them. Welding helmets also work to protect your face from sparks and some flying debris.
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