Metalwork has been in existence for a long time. With the latest technology and innovations, better-fabricated pieces are being created. The welding process fuses fabricated pieces to create shapes and even incorporate other materials. While looking to start welding at home or for professional services, you need these three things first:
1) Quality Welding Extension Cord
A welding cord is used to power an electrode and create the heat used for welding. A quality extension cable should be durable and flexible. It should also have a copper cable for efficient power transmission.
It should also be UL- Listed and have a standard plug and receptacle. There are standard and heavy-duty cords. You should use the correct one to avoid risky, substandard creations. The cords should be well insulated to prevent abrasions and chemical exposure that can catalyze rusting.
Cords come in different brand names, lengths, and prices. However, not all welding extensions out there are quality or meet the minimum stipulated standards. Quality welding extension cords can all be found on RateMyWelder.com. Here, you can compare prices, brands, and lengths before purchasing the cord that suits your needs and budget.
2) Welding Helmet and Glasses
Safety should be applied at all times when welding to ensure the process continues smoothly. A welder should wear a welding helmet or welding glasses to protect their eyes and face from the harsh and hot sparks emitted by the arc. The sparks can cause blindness or burn the welder if they get in contact with the eyes or body. Welding glasses should cover the eyes completely to protect the eyes from the sparks. The glasses come in different shades and sizes. Choose the perfect fit for you that will not keep on falling off. They protect the users from the excess light from the fusion process.
With recent technology, the welding helmet has significantly improved. You can now find helmets and glasses fitted with the latest LCD screens that are safer. They also come fitted with earplugs at no extra cost making it a cheaper option. Welding helmets and glasses come in different sizes, colors, and varying battery life. Choose the best piece that best fits your welding needs.
3) A Welder
No welding can take place without a welder. The quality of a welder depends on many factors. One of the factors is the power consumption. For home use, a welding machine can have powers of 100-160 amp since it does not do much. For commercial purposes, the power should vary to offer the best heat application and fusion required. A good welder should also offer the type of welding you are looking for.
Whether stick welding, TIG, or metal inert gas welding process, the handler should achieve this without distortion. A weld should ascertain proper penetration and fusion for quality products. Welders are powered by different power sources such as gas, generator driven and electric and you should find the most ideal. The welders have different interface controls. You can choose between the digital and the analog interface controls.