Month: August 2016

[thrive_headline_focus title=”What is spot welding?” orientation=”center”]
Spot welding specifically involves heat generating directly at the interface utilizing the joint’s electrical resistance. This process joins two metal surfaces by relying on heat from the metal’s resistance to the flow of electric current, without the utilization of an arc. This process is also considered a form of resistance welding.
In the spot welding process, two sharp copper alloy electrodes are used to deliver a small current to a specific sight, while it fastens the workpieces simultaneously. This creates a noticeable current between the two pieces, eventually melting them for the welding process. The great part is that it’s a very quick process, only 10 milliseconds, not enough time to cause warping.

What should I look for when purchasing a spot welder?

Because a spot welder is so versatile, there is no need for component preparation.
When looking for the right spot welder, you will notice the market is well saturated. This can create some confusion for even the best of welders or metal fabricators. There is a wide range of prices, which again can be confusing, as some higher priced spot welders appear similar to those at lower prices.
Welding units come in the conventional air-cooled to industrial liquid cooled.

Make sure you purchase the correct welding gun

Do yourself a favor and don’t make a costly mistake by buying the wrong type of spot welding gun.
Using an improper unit can create a rupture in the fused area and create a tear off of the base metal flanking the weld. The correct spot welder for your specific needs are dependent on factors such as enabled duty cold by the unit, output needed, amount of welding you plan to do, and last, power supply.
Explore, your specific needs. Consider the types of metals you will be welding. A resistance spot welder is the preferred tool for welding metals such as galvanized steel, titanium, stainless steel, low carbon steel, and copper. This type of unit can weld clean, mild cold rolled steel sheet, wire mesh, and sheet metal. A key thought is some models can weld any type of metal, however, a few metals are welded by a specific spot welder.
You should consider the thickness of the metal or project to be welded. This is a very important step and factor when selecting the proper spot welder. All metals possess a different level of thickness, which can determine what power requirements a specific welder needs.
[thrive_text_block color=”red” headline=”Detailed Comparison And Buyer Guide”] [/thrive_text_block]

Product Name	Customer Reviews	Editor Rating
Electrode Electric Spot Welder Welding (30 Rated Duty)	Read Customer Reviews	3.4 /5 Stars
Chicago 120-Volt Portable Air-Cooled Spot Welder	Read Customer Reviews	3.1 / 5 Stars
Pulse Sparkle Spot Welding Machine 200W Welder	Read Customer Reviews	3.0 /5 Stars
US. Solid Handheld Spot Welder Machine	Read Customer Reviews	3.2 /5 Stars

Other things to consider when spot welding

Consider the type of material, the thickness, and the components shape prior to making your decision.
Also the need for single or multiple applications tools, which can help you buy an affordable welder in case you do not need it for multiple applications. Keep in mind, each type of welder is designed with a specific use in mind.
There are a variety of spot welders to consider depending on your work. A stationary single spot welding unit is not considered portable and come in 2 different types; rocker arm or horn and press.

About the Horn Units

The horn units have a rocking or pivoted upper electrode arm activated by pneumatic or operators physical power. The rocking motion of the arm applies pressure today and left the upper electrode up-and-down the stationary electrode is mounted on a pivot arm which is then brought up and down onto the workpiece by the manual or pneumatic method.
This type is more affordable and easier to use but is limited to task not more than 50 kg volt amps it’s also great for metals having a high gauge and other words then metals for bigger jobs requiring more than 50 kg volt amps depressed type unit is the preference in this unit the upper electrode shifts in a straight line along the machine, motion in the pressure are given on the upper electrode by pneumatic or hydraulic means or by motor. These units have side position electrodes for giving you several wells in a short time.
[thrive_text_block color=”red” headline=”About Press Spot Welders”] [/thrive_text_block]
Press spot welders are usually the preferred in metalworking work areas due to their versatility and easy obtainable throat depth choice and transformer capabilities with required electrode forces. If you require a more portable unit a single spot welding machine should fit your needs. Smaller, and with a more compact design, they can be corded or cordless.
Spot gun machines: a number of welding guns are used to work with Spot welders and are designed to work with larger pieces. These units are also portable and are connected to transformers using a long cable, then moved to where the welding is taking place. The electrodes generate a contact area that renders the current density via the workpieces. In this type of welding gun, the welding pressure is delivered hydraulically, pneumatically, or manually, depending on the spot guns size and shape.
Multiple spot welding machines: The name says it all. These units are good for high-volume jobs, as in the automotive industry. They are available as press units in which separate guns hauling electrode tips are placed. To keep all electrodes from holding the current, sells are created sequentially. This equipment is relatively affordable and simple for flexible units.
Seam Spot Welding Machines: These units function with the help of sophisticated control technique featuring a travel speed as well as the current flow’s sequence to retain overlapping welds. The actual routine, welding tempo, and spots every centimeter are interdependent.
Spot Welding Machines: These units function with the help of sophisticated control technique featuring a travel speed as well as the current flow’s sequence to retain overlapping welds. The actual routine, welding tempo, and spots every centimeter are interdependent.
Bench spot welding machine: These are very versatile units and often used in production and workshop settings. They have a top quality welded steel body that occupies a minimum bench space. The top arm extension is combined with the frame, and the secondary sum at the bottom may have some tooling.
[thrive_text_block color=”red” headline=”Materials to be Welded”] [/thrive_text_block]
Steel
Low carbon steel is ideal for spot welding. Alloy steels and higher carbon steel result in hard welds that are prone to crack. However, tempering can bring these risks down. You can even spot weld austenitic stainless steels having the 300 series grade along with ferritic stainless sheets. However, the harder martensitic stainless steels are not apt for spot welding.
Aluminum
Aluminum is suitable for welding through a high power and neat oxide-free surface. You need to clean the surface which increases your cost. You can not spot weld dissimilar items due to different thermal conductivity points and melting properties. Chrome and nickel plated steels are simple to spot weld, although zinc, tin, and aluminum require an elite preparation, as is the case of coating metals.
Spot welding is specifically for joining metals having a thickness of up to 3 mm (0.125in).
Due to the high rate of production, a spot welder is bound to increase the productivity at a workplace as well as restore a metallic tool or vehicle to its healthy state before a mishap. One of the major applications of such a unit is in the industry of automobiles, wherein metallic sheets are used for making the body of cars. Other applications of spot welding include in designing stuff such as batteries, nuts and bolts, metal buckets, and batteries.
There are many spot welders for professionals, hobbyists, and several industrial applications. The biggest advantages of using spot welders are high speed, dimensional accuracy, adaptability for automation in highly productive tasks, and economical range.
[thrive_text_block color=”red” headline=”Choosing the Best Spot Welder: The Buying Factors”] [/thrive_text_block]
A spot welder is a versatile tool and does not need any kind of component preparation. However, the market is flooded with different spot welders and selecting the right one can be a bit confusing even for a somewhat experienced welder or metal fabricator. This is perhaps because of the price differences that are at times tough to comprehend as well as justify. The welding units are available from conventional air cooled to industrial liquid cooled ones.
Choosing the wrong spot welder can actually prove to a costly affair. With such a unit, instead of a proper spot weld, you will encounter a rupture in the fused zone along with a tear of the base metal flanking the weld. Selecting the right spot welder is actually dependent upon several factors such as the enabled duty cycle by the unit, output required, extent of welding that you wish to do, and power supply. Let’s explore all such influential factors.
[thrive_text_block color=”red” headline=”Your Major Requirements”] [/thrive_text_block]
Well, you should start by knowing your key needs without which you seriously cannot choose the right model with the required features. Following is what you need to find out or consider, even before finding out about the different spot welding units.

A list of metals that you will be spot welding

A resistance spot welder is preferred for welding metals such as galvanized steel, low carbon steel, stainless steel, titanium, and copper. Such a unit can weld clean mild cold rolled steel sheet, wire mesh, stainless steel sheet, and plates for tubing, nuts, studs, and bolts. A few models can weld any kind of metal but a few metals are welded by using a specific spot welder.

Consideration of thickness of the metal or product that is to be welded

This is a vital factor for selecting a welder. All metals possess a different level of thicknesses due to which power requirements differ due to which using a special welder might be indispensable. The required weld current, which depends on the type of material to be welded, its thickness, and component’s shape. The need for single or multiple applications of the tool, which can help you choose a more affordable spot welder in case you do not need it for a variety of applications.
In short, you should know the primary purpose for using the welder, which can be automotive, heavy production, fabrication, and farm-based. This is because each type of welder is designed for some specific use.

Electrode Material and Geometry

Electrodes are a critical factor to consider for best resistance welding process although they are the most abused ones. In fact, you need to consider their material, cooling power, tip profile, shape, and size. Technically, the shape and size of individual welds depend heavily upon the shape and size of the electrodes. Electrodes tend to differ in terms of electrode geometry or shape and consequently in terms of function. For example, the right electrode boosts the electrical, mechanical, and thermal performance due to the increase in the cross-sectional area from the workpiece.
Even the electrode contact area’s diameter has a role to play. If it is too small, it gives shorter welds with inadequate strength. Similarly, if it is too large, you get unstable as well as inconsistent welds. In short, the electrodes should conduct current to the metal piece, constrain it, and conduct heat from the piece. To ensure all these three functions, it is essential to choose the right electrode material.
The electrode material needs to maintain high loads at elevated temperatures as well as retain sufficient thermal as well as electrical conductivity. A variety of refractory- and copper-based materials are suggested, as per the application. Resistance Welding Manufacturers Association (RWMA) has prescribed materials for electrodes and has split into three groups or classes:
Group A: Includes copper alloys and is split into two classes. Class 1 includes materials made using 1% cadmium and 99% copper and is recommended due to great electrical and thermal conductivity. These alloys are suitable for spot welding bronze, brass, magnesium alloys, and aluminum alloys. Class 2 includes 0.8% chromium and 99.2% copper. These materials are general purpose ones and are suitable for production seam and spot welding of maximum metals.
Group B: Includes refractory metals as well as metal composites.
Group C: Includes special materials.
Conductive materials such as copper and dispersion strengthened copper (specialty material) are ideal for resistive metals such as stainless steel and nickel. These higher conductivity alloys are beneficial while welding coated steels because the ensure less heating due to low contact resistance. On the other hand, resistive materials such as molybdenum are for welding conductive stuff such as copper and gold.
Described by International Organization for Standardization – ISO 5182, electrode materials can vary. Mostly, copper alloys are used for boosting hardness as well as retaining good conductivity. Some of the commonly used materials belong to Class 2, which are copper with chromium or zirconium. They are preferable for high strength and low carbon steels to be welded.
For spot welding, harder sheets such as stainless steels, lower welding current but higher electrode forces are needed. Thus, they are better welded with the harder electrode materials belonging to Class 3, such as an alloy of silicon, copper, and nickel. Refractory materials, such as molybdenum, tungsten, and tungsten with copper, are ideal for projection welding inserts. This is because the electrode contact area is thrice of that the weld size and that the materials feature more hardness and lower conductivity than those of Class 2. However, these are not meant for spot welding because they localized heat at the contact’s tip that can invite electrode’s cracking. The exception is for using them for high conductivity metals, where the heat comes from within the electrode tip and conducted into the metals to be joined.
[thrive_text_block color=”red” headline=”RWMA Recommendations”] [/thrive_text_block]
Following these recommendations is essential for choosing the right welder. The RWMA have committed to improving industry standards for more than 50 years. At present, it represents around 40 manufacturers selling resistance welders, components such as controls and transformers, and electrodes.

Performance Measures

Any spot welder is rated in its thermal rating measured at KVA. The RWMA rates it by considering a 50% duty cycle for standard units. Nevertheless, not all manufacturers meet these standards. So, you need to check that out. Short-circuit current of the unit is another performance measure to check out. RWMA states this current as per the unit’s size, throat dimensions, KVA rating, and permissible duty cycle under short-circuited situations.
For adhering to this standard, a spot welder should possess sufficient copper areas in the secondary loop, KVA rating as per 50% duty cycle, and sophisticated water cooling system. You should also consider the weld force, which contributes to the overall strength of the weld. Most modern welders are run with air cylinders of different diameters, which apply the force via a lever mechanism (rocker arm) or directly (press). The press-type unit’s force is calculated from the cylinder’s diameter as well as from the applied air pressure.
In case of a rocker arm unit, extending the length (throat deep) of the arm affects the maximum welding force, as the latter decreases proportionately as the throat depth increases. RWMA states the maximum force to gain from both these types or from the frame size of the unit.
Lastly, you also need to consider the durability and the frequency of using the welding machine. You can discuss this with the manufacturer who can accordingly aid you in choosing the right spot welder.
[thrive_text_block color=”red” headline=”Spot Welder Reviews Below”] [/thrive_text_block]
Electrode Electric Spot Welder Welding (30 Rated Duty)

This unit is designed for home jobs. You can rely on it for spot welding up to 16 gauge steel, over 1 mm rails into AK47 receivers of 1 mm, and 2mm thick sheet metal. Consider it if you need a spot welder to operate from a typical 115VAC circuit within 15A. Except for power switch and insulators, all parts are metal, which indicates a fairly solid metallic build. The four copper tongs are also solid and thick and have a length through which the tips can reach around 7.5 inches into a piece. The unit has two sets of tips, which are readily available. This unit is for welding two metallic pieces each up to 1mm thick, which means it is not for 1/16′′ thick sheet metal. You can consider using thinner sheets for welding, of plain, stainless, or galvanized steel or even of tin.
[thrive_link color=’red’ link=’https://amzn.to/2KlPboS’ target=’_self’ size=’medium’ align=”]Click here to see the lowest price for the Electrode Electric Spot Welder Welding (30 Rated Duty)[/thrive_link]

Chicago 120-Volt Portable Air-Cooled Spot Welder

This one is ideal for a hobby type people and individuals performing little jobs. The unit is perfect for welding nickel terminals of high temperature to the nickel-based wire. You can even use it with uncoated stainless, galvanized, or mild steel sheet. The unit is portable enough to carry it easily anywhere. It features six tongs with standard tips, locking firmly onto the workpieces.
[thrive_link color=’red’ link=’https://amzn.to/2OU2Vrx’ target=’_self’ size=’medium’ align=”]Click here to see the lowest price for the Chicago 120-Volt Portable Air-Cooled Spot Welder[/thrive_link]

Pulse Sparkle Spot Welding Machine 200W Welder

This is a small-scale welder dedicated to making jewelry. It is not for those who have no experience in welding but for those who have can use it easily. The unit can weld alloys of precious metal such as Titan, Palladium, Silver, Gold, Tungsten, Platinum, and high-grade Steel. It can even weld most brass alloys, tin, and aluminum with some limitations along with alloys having differing properties. You can make thousands of welds without any issues. Because it is a gas-less pulse welder, avoid using it on precious stuff such as gold if you do not know about how to use the welder on them. It is easy to weld 1.6mm stainless steel with this unit. Consider it for welding for purely ascetic purpose or on less significant objects, as the chain is strong even at 1/4 weld pen. While welding 1.0mm stuff on max setting, a single weld can give you 100% weld pen.
[thrive_link color=’red’ link=’https://amzn.to/2DRJbnx’ target=’_self’ size=’medium’ align=”]Click here to see the lowest price for the Pulse Sparkle Spot Welding Machine 200W Welder[/thrive_link]

US. Solid Handheld Spot Welder Machine

This one is another spot welder dedicated for precision welding of batteries of laptop and mobile phones. You only need to hold the battery and raise it up to one of the welding needle butts at the right spot. Each needle applies reliable pressure, as it is regulated independently. The welding current is quite stable for offering a clean spot with smaller sparks but without blackening. There is also no moisture emission in the case of lithium models. The unit comes with a single chip microcomputer that enables dual pulse welding. Further, the LED controls make it easy to set up several parameters accurately. You can use this welder for welding high-grade batteries such as lithium, nickel-hydrogen, and nickel-cadmium.
[thrive_link color=’red’ link=’https://amzn.to/2S5SGSL’ target=’_self’ size=’medium’ align=”]Click here to see the lowest price for the US. Solid Handheld Spot Welder Machine[/thrive_link]

Accessories

Battery Pack:

This lighter unit is dedicated to hold spot weld batteries as well as recharge them. The charging function is reliable, which can recharge any voltage batteries for mobile gadgets. While the instructions are no obvious, it takes no time to get used to this unit. The welder cannot be beaten in terms of price and functionality. It comes with achieved precise micro-computer, MCU start control, wider current range ability, single/double pulse soldering modes, digital battery recharge function, touch digital control, short circuit protection, and temperature display with accurate spot soldering.

The purpose of this guide is to introduce you to Arc welding as well as to introduce to you the best Arc Welders on the market right now. Arc welding is a type of welding which uses electricity for creating a weld between two different metals. In this process, an electric arc is formed between the electrode and the grounded metal which causes the metal to melt and fuse to form a weld. The electric power used can be either DC or AC power, and the process can be manual or automated.
The welding region in arc welding is protected by some inert material to prevent contamination. Contamination may result in weak joints which can interfere with the integrity of the welds. Today we discuss in brief how to select the right welding machine based on usage as well as some tips and how-tos for arc welding.

Detailed comparisons and buyers guide

Product Name	Customer Reviews	Editor Rating	Voltage
Amico Power - DC Inverter Welder - 110/230V Dual Voltage IGBT Welding Machine - 160 AMP Stick Arc	Read Customer Reviews	4.5 /5 Stars	160 Amp
Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder 100ST, 120-Volt, 90-Amp	Read Customer Reviews	4.4 / 5 Stars	90 Amp
C.M.T Pitbull Ultra-Portable 100-Amp Electric Arc Welder - 110V https://amzn.to/2DO7YIP	Read Customer Reviews	3.5 /5 Stars	100 Amp
Karomch ARC 200 Welder IGBT AC DC 110V Inverter Welding Machine 200 AMP	Read Customer Reviews	3 / 5 Stars	200 Amp

Things to consider when looking for an arc welding machine

With the huge variety of arc welding materials available, it becomes very confusing to choose the right product based on the need. Hence, today we look at some prerequisites as well as different options available in the market for arc welding nowadays. The factors to consider when searching for the best arc welding machines are:

Power of the machine

 It is very important to know what type of arc welding one is going to do- whether he/she wants to weld small things for a short time or do large scale welding for a longer period of time. Thus, depending on the usage, an appropriate powered welding machine is selected. Power of arc welding machines typically ranges from 100A to 300A. It is very important to choose a proper powered welding machine, as under-powered machines lead to bad welds as well as longer times for completing the same amount of work.

Duty Cycle

A very important factor while selecting a welding machine, but is often overlooked. Duty cycle refers to the uninterrupted operation that can be done by a welding machine safely without overheating in unit time. It is often given in percentage form with higher being the percentage, higher the time will the machine be able to work.

Size and Features

Another important factor to consider, especially if one wants to weld for a longer period of time. A machine that is lighter, as well as ergonomic, will be a lot better for welders in enhancing their productivity and saving money and time in the longer run. Also, more features equal better usability as well as greater value for money.

Work Area and Ancillary Equipment

It is very important to have a large as well as a well-ventilated area for welding, as it is a hazardous process. Also, there needs to be a proper amount of equipment like clamps and holders for proper hassle-free welding.

Safety

In my opinion, the most important point for any machine to perform well is its ability to ensure 100% safe operation at full load. A safer machine will give peace-of-mind to the welder as well as lead to lower costs and good ratings from agencies.

Cost and Depreciation

We need to keep in mind the costs accrued not only at the buying cycle of the new machine but also along its lifetime in the form of service and spares. Also, as every other thing, even welding machines have a depreciation rate, so we need to buy the machine which is suitable for our usage so that it doesn’t feel overpriced in the long run. We also need to check warranties and labor costs, as these things consume a lot of money in a long time.

How arc welders judged? 

Output Signal

There are 3 main types of output signals available for today’s arc welders: DC, AC, AC/DC. Each of them has their individual pros and cons. For example, AC (alternating current) arc welders tend to be a bit more responsive to the level of voltage that is running through the welder. It’s for this reason that AC Arc welders can be a bit tedious for use when you’re just beginning to learn the welding craft. On the other hand, DC (direct current) Arc welder tend to provide a bit more stability in regards to the electric current. For those who would like to have the advantage of both the AC and DC current you can opt for the AC/DC welder.

Amperage

The average level of output would be 140 amps. The amperage capability of the welder plays a large part in the type of rods that can be used with the Arc welder. For example, the above rod type has the capabilities to weld rods of up to 3.2 mm. As the amperage goes down, the rod capabilities goes down as well. For example, a welder that has amperage capabilities of 100 amps would be limited to welding rods up to 2.5 mm. We will be looking at the amperage of the machines in this review to base each of their versatility.
Take the video below for a better point of reference on how to choose rods for welding.

Video credits to Kevin Caron. It discusses ways to select rods for Arc Welding.

Thermal overload protection

The protection that the machine provides against thermal overload is also a very important factor to consider when it comes to it’s viability for use. Not all machines include this capability and thus don’t have the features necessary to provide safety when the output power to the torch overheats. With that in mind, those machines that have this feature will receive a higher rating than those without.

Arc Welder Reviews

Amico Power – DC Inverter Welder – 110/230V Dual Voltage IGBT Welding Machine – 160 AMP Stick Arc

If you’re looking for a highly mobile, yet powerful arc welder, your best bet would likely be to try out the Amico Power DC Inverter Welder. This welder has a compact design yet, holds enough power to allow it to work for the larger stick welding materials. A cool feature of the Amico Power DC Inverter Welder is that its amperage can be adjusted – it has a knob which can be turned to adjust to the needs of the materials you’re welding. Let’s also not forget that this tool can be used for a wide range of strong metal materials as well.
Price: People typically like to hold to the old adage that if something is inexpensive it is likely cheap. It would be fair to say that that statement does not apply to this specific Arc Welder.
Advantage: Compact welding machine for the individual who doesn’t like to haul around the larger variations.

Video credits to Chris Does What. This is a video review of the Amico 110/230V.

Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder 100ST, 120-Volt, 90-Amp

Weighing in at an astonishing 6 lbs, the Easy Weld by Forney is on this list because of its practical usage and its versatility. While it was decided to feature the Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder because of its Arc Welding capabilities, it made much more sense to include it on the guide because of its ability to be used as a TIG welder. To use it in such a way all that one would need to do is purchase the torch needed for that activity. With that being said, the Forney Easy Weld 29 can be used for rods up to 1/8 of an inch wide. It is also corded/electric with a cord measuring roughly 6 ft long.
Price: This model is yet another that manages to be relatively inexpensive due to the fact that it’s so compact.
Advantage: Versatile and very easy to use.

C.M.T Pitbull Ultra-Portable 100-Amp Electric Arc Welder – 110V

This Arc welder would work extremely well for the individual who is just getting started/has a tighter budget. It has all of the capabilities that other welders in its class have, with just a few areas that may need improvement. For starters, the voltage on this model is a bit less than that which one may need. With that being said, the voltage is also relatively low because of the lower pricing point that it comes at. On that same token, the lower performance capability of this particular item is justified by its price. This is a starter item.
Price: As mentioned in the above sections, the price of the C.M.T. Pitbull is relatively low. It’s a very affordable option for those individuals who are just entering the field.
Advantage: Great starter item.

Karomch ARC 200 Welder IGBT AC DC 110V Inverter Welding Machine 200 AMP

It may not look like it initially but, this mini Arc welder packs quite the punch. The Karomch Arc 200 has a 110V inverter and is highly mobile due to its small size. It comes with all of the necessary tools and, for the price, will serve any beginning or novice welder well while they are picking up the skill. It has an adjustable which allows the item to go up to 200 amperage – more than enough to serve you with the functionality you need while welding. The Karomch Arc Welder also uses a ferrite material that allows the machine to basically save energy.
Advantage: Powerful machine with a low pricing point.

Conclusion

Although there are machines made by several different companies, it is better to stick with a brand that provides all of the above features in a small and convenient package. It is also very important to check user reviews from different sources, as they paint a nice picture of the product and how are consumers feeling about the product over a longer period of time.

Video credits to Howcast. It discusses how to arc weld.
Watching videos describing the product are a huge plus too, as one can see what the machine looks like in real life. Price is also an important factor, and one should not hesitate to find the best prices both online and offline for the best deal on the machine

Safety is an essential part of any industrial process, more so for the dangerous process of welding. Welding involves lot of hazards, the most apparent being the hazard of things catching fire due to the sparks generated during welding. Thus, it is very important to make sure that flammable items are kept as far away as possible during welding. The clothes we normally wear, due to their organic nature, are naturally flammable and pose a risk if worn during welding. With that being said, it’s imperative that you make sure that you have access to the best welding jackets on the market – that’s what this guide was designed for.
To get a solution to the above problem, special clothing is made which is to be worn exclusively during the welding process. The upper body faces the sparks first due to its position, and to protect it we use welding jackets. But these jackets need to be lightweight and comfortable too in order to be worn by welders for longer durations. So, today we look at some welding jackets to see whether they really stand up to the needs of the welder while protecting him from the hazards of welding.
Below are the welding jackets to be reviewed

Welding Jacket Reviews

Miller Electric Cotton/Nylon Welding Jacket

The Miller Electric welding jacket is the cheapest of all the welding jackets mentioned here. Also, unlike other jackets, which are made up of leather, this jacket is primarily made up of Cotton which is mixed up with Nylon. The jacket has a length of 30 inches and is available in Large as well as X-Large sizes.
The jacket is lightweight to allow for comfortable wear. The cotton used in the jacket is of a fire-retardant variety. The jacket also features an inner pocket and the buttons are of the snapping on-off type metal ones so that wearing and removing the jacket becomes easy.
The Miller Electric Cotton/Nylon welding jacket comes in a dark navy blue color and is generally available online and in stores for around $20 to $26.

Black Stallion 30 inch Hybrid Cowhide Welding Coat

The Black Stallion 30 Hybrid Cowhide Welding Jacket is made up of a combination of cow leather and cotton material, with the cotton treated with fire retardant material to make it fire resistant. It features a 30-inch length and is available in Large and X-Large sizes.
The jacket has an inner cotton lining too for superior comfort during long work hours. It features a unique dual-tone shade, with the torso part having a blue finish while the arms part having a brown finish. The jacket feels durable and can take a rough beating easily. Like other jackets, it also has the snap-on snap-off type buttons.
The Black Stallion 30 Hybrid Cowhide Welding Jacket is available in stores and online for $50 and has generally good reviews with users.

Caiman 3030-5 30 inch Boarhide Welding Coat

The Caiman 3030-5 Welding Jacket features boarhide for extended protection against heat as well as rough industrial usage. The shoulder line is lined with satin while the back region and underarms are vented to allow for air transfer for better comfort.
The jacket is sewn using Kevlar threads which ensures a tighter fit and finish. The jacket has snap type buttons and also has an inside pocket for keeping small stuff like wallets or money. The length of the jacket is 30 inches and it is available in large as well as X-Large sizes.
The jacket comes in a dark yellow color and comes at prices ranging between $65 to $75 both online and in hardware stores.

Hobart Cowhide Welding Jacket-770486

The Hobart 770486 Welding Jacket is primarily made of split cowhide leather and is very lightweight for comfort even for longer usage periods. It features reinforced stitching to stand up to higher levels of wear and tear which is pretty common in industrial fields.
The jacket has dual reinforced snap buttons to allow for a tighter fit while worn. It comes in a dark brown color and is available in Large as well as X-Large sizes for a wide range of body sizes. It also features heavy-duty materials to provide enhanced protection against heat and sparks.
The Hobart 770486 Cowhide Welding Jacket can be found in stores and online for a price of $75 to $85.

Miller Electric Pigskin Leather Welding Jacket

The Miller Electric Pigskin Welding Jacket is the costliest jacket we have up for review today. The jacket is made of pigskin, and the advantage of pigskin over other types of leather is its ability to withstand rough use and abuse in a lighter overall package. The jacket comes in a jet-black color which looks understated as well as smart.
The jacket is sewn using Kevlar threads for better durability and comes with an inner cotton lining for superior comfort while working. The length of the jacket is 30 inches and is available in Large and X-Large sizes for appealing to a wider range of people.
The Miller Electric Pigskin Welding Jacket is priced between $150 to $200 depending on the purchase location both online and in stores.

Best Welding Jackets Wrap-Up

The above jackets rehash the fact that one does not need to spend a fortune on keeping safe, especially during the dangerous process of welding. The jackets are available in different price ranges suiting all kinds of budgets. It does not matter whether one is an amateur or a pro, welding jackets will provide safety no matter what type of welding you do. One will feel safe and assured of zero burns while using these jackets, which will increase work productivity and lead to an overall boost in the morale of the workforce. It is thus, very important not to skimp on safety and buy these jackets as normal clothing is flammable and is a hazard while welding.

Welding helmets are an important part of the welder’s toolkit, as it allows the welder to see what type of welding he/she is doing without damaging their vision. It is, therefore, very important to shop for a helmet which gives the required performance and ruggedness along with maximum protection against the flashes and fumes of the welding process. Many companies make welding helmets to cater to various budgets, but today, we take a closer look at 3M’s SpeedGlas welding helmets range, which promises to give the best performance which is second to none. Our sole purpose with this guide is to introduce you to the Speedglas brand as well as show you the best Speedglas welding helmets on the market today.
In case one didn’t know, 3M is a US-based company specializing in industrial equipment, tools and implements, ranging from simple adhesives and tapes to complex electronic products. They’ve been in business since 1902 heavily invest in the research and development of their products so that it stands the test of time while retaining its build quality. Like their other products, their welding helmets also feature the end product of tons of research and feedback from their users, which shows in every new iteration of the product.

Below are the Speedglas Welding Helmets to be reviewed

Speedglas Welding Helmet Reviews

3M Speedglas Welding Helmet 9100 FX

The 9100 FX SpeedGlas welding helmet by 3M is probably the best SpeedGlas helmet, featuring all the bells and whistles in a compact package. For starters, it features an auto-darkening filter which activates itself with 0.1 milliseconds of detecting flashes of welds. The viewing area has the dimensions of 2.1 inches in length with 4.2 inches in width, which gives a clear view on the welding work being done without causing any damage to the eyes.
It also features user-selectable dark ranges from 5,8 to 13. The welding helmet also consists of filters to protect against the harmful IR and UV rays emanating from the welds. The flip-up design of the helmet allows to lift up the shield for other tasks to get a clearer view without lifting off the whole helmet. The helmet offers selection modes to make it ready for different kinds of welding like arc welding, MIG welding as well as TIG welding.
The helmets have ventilation holes to allow for easier breathing as well as to keep the head cooler and free of sweat. It also features straps which support the neck and allow the welder to weld with ease. The battery in the helmets have a life of around 2500 hours and are easily replaceable.

Video credits to 3M Worker Health and Safety. It discusses the #M Speedglas Welding Helmet 9100FX

3M Speedglas Welding Helmet 9100 XX

The 3M SpeedGlas Welding Helmet 9100 XX features a large viewing area, with a length of 2.8 inches and a width of 4.8 inches. It also features auto-dimming technology and like other 3M welding helmets, dim within 0.1 milliseconds of detecting an arc weld flash. It also features a dark range from 5 and 8 to 13 which can be configured by the user of the helmet.
The helmet features the similar flip-up design to allow for lifting up the front part of the helmet without lifting the whole helmet off the head. It also has vents, to allow for passage of air for ventilation as well as for temperature control.
The battery of the SpeedGlas Welding Helmet can run up to 2000 hours with ease and are user replaceable to reduce stress and costs.

Video credits to 6SpeedFab. It’s a review of the 3M Speedglas 9100XX.

3M Speedglas Welding Helmet 9100 V

The SpeedGlas Welding Helmet 9100 V by 3M features viewing area spanning from 1.8 inches in length to 3.7 inches of width. It also has an auto-dimming filter like other 3M SpeedGlas welding helmets, which allows the display to be tinted within 0.1 milliseconds, protecting the eyes of the user in an instant. The helmet features a dark range from 8 to 13 which can be set according to the user’s preferences.
The front part of the helmet can lift up when not in use, allowing the welder to see other things easily without lifting off his helmet. It also has vents to allow for the warm air to get out of it and for cool air to enter allowing for better temperatures inside the helmet for the welder.
The helmet has a battery life of around 2800 hours, and can be replaced without hassles by the user himself/herself.

3M Speedglas Welding Helmet 100

The 3M SpeedGlas Welding Helmet 100 is a helmet with a classic design. It features an auto-dimming filter, which automatically dims the display when any arc weld flash is detected. It also features a dark range from 8 to 12, which is configurable by the user.
The helmet has viewing dimensions of 1.73 inches length and 3.66 inches of width. The vents provide for ventilation and for keeping cool. The helmet also has a flip-style function to see nearby things easily without lifting off the complete helmet.
The battery of the 3M SpeedGlas Welding Helmet is rated for around 1500 hours and is user replaceable.

Video credits to iEngineer. It talks about the 3M Speedglas 100.

Any heavy industrial work requires proper tools to be able to continue the work in a fast, efficient and comfortable manner. It is more so required in a precise procedure such as welding. People often give focus to the welding device as well as the protection equipment, like helmets and gloves, but they often forget to give focus to their working space. An improper welding table results in many inefficiencies in the welding process, along with many safety hazards.  Thus, it is very important to look around for a good welding table (the best welding tables, in fact), and this fact has even been confirmed by renowned plasma cutters. It has been proven innumerable times that a welder can do a lot more when he/she is provided with a good plasma cutting table, and on that note, we look at the top welding tables available at the market today.

Below are the welding tables to be reviewed

Best Welding Table Reviews

Strong Hand Tools Nomad, Model-TS3020

The Nomad Welding Table TS3020 is one of Strong Hand Tools’ best welding tables amongst several models. The TS3020 is made using thick 14 gauge stainless steel and is very lightweight for easy portability. The table features tilt adjust to allow for vertical and horizontal adjustment to varying degrees. The work surface of the table has dimensions of 30 inches in length and 30 inches in width.
The best part of the table is the presence of 3 slots on the surface, which allows for clamps to be placed at any location without hassles. The frame holding the surface is also made using rugged yet lightweight stainless steel and is coated in thick paint to hold up to the elements as well. It also folds to fit in narrow spaces when not in use, reducing clutter and enhancing usability. The frame is quite tall to allow for working without bending over it.
The table has generally good reviews from customers overall and can be a perfect companion for DIY welders as well as pro welders. The table is pretty affordable and can be purchased online or from stores costing between $160-$200.

Miller Electric ArcStation Workbench

The ArcStation Workbench by Miller Electric is a foldable welding table, featuring stainless steel construction. The table surface has a thickness of 3/8″ and can be folded for easy portability. The ArcStation can also be tilted in various orientations for easier working in different spaces with different kinds of welds. The dimensions of the table are 29 inches, both by length as well as width.
The frame of the ArcStation Workbench also features a flexible yet lightweight frame. The frame is built using 1-½ inch diameter tubular stainless steel. It is painted blue to infuse a bit of style as well as protect the frame from everyday wear and tear. The table also features holes to allow for clamps to be placed.
The table is a bit pricey for DIY-ers, though standard for places which require heavy duty welding tables. The table can be purchased both online and in stores for around $280 to $350, depending upon location.

Strong Hand Tools Nomad, Model-TS3020FK

The Nomad Welding Table TS3020FK is the other Strong Hand Tools’ branded welding table to feature in our review and is one of the best welding tables available in the market today. Though being very similar to the Nomad TS3020 mentioned above, there are few notable differences between the TS3020FK and the TS3020. The biggest difference is the size, with the TS3020FK smaller and having dimensions of 20 inches length and 30 inches in width.
The table is also made of carbon steel and has a thickness of 14 gauge. It can be tilted up to 30 degrees in any direction and can adjust from 26-32 inches in height. The table also features holes for securing clamps from any direction. Like the table, the frame also sports a carbon steel construction and is foldable for portability.
The Nomad TS3020FK is best suited for newbies and DIY welders, as it is small and light and is also affordable. The table can be purchased for around $140-$180 both online and in stores.

Strong Hand Tools FixturePoint Table, Model-TBHK200

Last but not the least, we have the Strong Hand Tools FixturePoint table, which has a lot of features but costs more than all the other tables mentioned here. The table is big, with dimensions of 36 inches in length and 24 inches in width. The steel used in the construction of the table is alloy steel, which is well known for its lightweight nature along with excellent durability. The thickness of the table is 4mm and the best part of the table is the presence of clamping holes every 2 square inches of the table, which makes it flexible to the n-th degree.
The frame is also made up of heavy-duty alloy steel and is covered in black paint to protect against normal rough usage. The table can also be used standalone or with the included legs for greater adjustability. The reason for the higher cost of the table is due to the fact that it comes with an included clamping equipment along with a 24 piece component starter kit.
The table is suitable for professionals as well as those people who have heavy-duty welding applications. The Strong Hand Tools table can be bought both online and in stores for around $450 to $500.

What criteria do you use to choose a welding table?

Video credits to Jeffrey Santo. It discusses what you want to consider if you’re building (or buying really) a welding table.
Through the above reviews, we can easily see the level of comfort offered by these welding tables compared to the normal flat surfaces we use for welding. They are designed after taking into account years of user experience, and all of the tables featured above have little features which add up to provide the best experience for the welder which in turn increases his/her productivity and decreases frustration and fatigue. Contrary to popular opinions, the tables are priced reasonably and while there are tables which cost big bucks, the tables mentioned here are done so specifically keeping in minds the average budget constraints of the welder as well as the owner. Therefore, there remains no rational reason to give these tables a miss and checking these out is recommended if you’re a welder, no matter a professional or an amateur one at that.