If you’ve never welded before, it could be terrifying to pick up a welding torch and start work on fusing metal together! However, if you keep these things in mind you should find that you achieve great results while staying safe.
Staying Safe
The very first consideration before you begin welding is keeping yourself safe the whole time. Welding can be extremely dangerous if you don’t take care. You could get badly burned or you could damage your eyes so make sure to invest in welding gloves, some safety glasses, a jacket which is also fire resistant and, of course, a good quality welding helmet. Auto-darkening helmets are always best and will keep your face and eyes very safe as you work.
Ventilation
Don’t weld without having ensured you have enough ventilation. Also, never weld anywhere near any flammable materials. Sparks could fly, so make sure there’s nothing which could accidentally catch alight.
Type Of Welding
There are several welding processes you need to be aware of. MIG welding, TIG welding and stick flux core welding are all different processes which you should be familiar with before you get started. Wire welding involves using wire spools which are fed through the welding gun. With its constant wire feed, stops and starts are minimized to even an inexperienced welder can create an attractive joint. Wire welding is also cheaper and faster than other forms of welding.
MIG welding is one of the best kinds of wire welding process. It relies on shielding gas released in a constant stream so the weld can be protected from any contamination. There are some limitations involved in MIG welding. If you try it outside you can find that the wind may blow the gas away. Also, the gas bottle must be carried around and can be heavy. However, with its ease of use compared to other options, it’s well worth considering. Go to this page to find out more information.
Input Voltage
There are two options to choose from – 230v or 110v. Both are usually available in garages and homes. If you’re using a thinner material, a low input voltage will be sufficient. If you’re using thicker materials, you’ll need a high input voltage. A dual voltage machine is great for beginner welders as this will give you more versatility as you progress in your experience.
Ease Of Use
When you’re getting started with welding you need to choose a welding machine which is simple to use and intuitive. It can be hard for beginners to dial in the right welding settings, therefore it’s a good idea to choose a machine which can do this on your behalf with a clear progression allowing you to choose the process, thickness of material and type of material and also the form of consumable which you’ll be welding with. A good machine should know automatically the voltage input you’re using and will then adjust your settings to match.
Welding Materials
There are some consumables and processes which are best for use when welding particular materials. Aluminum, for example, can be welding using a MIG process, however if you use a spool gun rather than a wire feeder, you’ll get a better result. You should check out the manufacturer’s advice and consider the different projects which you’ll want to tackle. Will you want to weld lots of different types of materials from aluminium to steel? Will you be welding several thicknesses of metal? If so, you need to choose a machine which can adapt to suit your differing needs.
Consumables
This is the term which refers to the electrode, filler or wire material which is used when welding. You’ll have to match up the right consumable to the welding process which you’re using and the material you are welding on. There are many different brands of consumables, but as you become more familiar you’ll decide on which suit your needs best.
Are you ready to begin your first welding project? If so, it’s time to choose the right welding machine for you, choosing your materials and consumables, get equipped for safety and then start work! Good luck with your welding experience!
