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Best Welding Helmets of 2023 – Reviews & Buyer Guide

November 24, 2024May 3, 2018 by Welding Classes Near Me

A few decades ago someone had the genius idea to create welding helmets that shielded the user’s eyes from the bright and somewhat harmful flares of light, and slag that appears during most types of welding activities. The initial welding mask featured an LCD shutter that would immediately darken when it detected the bright light of the welding arc. The introduction of this filter into the design of the mask reduced both welding time and the level of risk that the welder takes on when they decide that it’s time to begin welding. The great thing about the introduction of this auto-darkening welding helmet technology is that it gave others something to build upon. Innovative geniuses (much like the one who developed this helmet) decided that it would be a great idea to build upon the initial design of the auto-darkening helmet and create designs of their own.

This is where we come in. Great designs for auto-darkening helmets are being put out everyday. In our effort to make sure that you are aware of the best (and sometimes worse) designs we have decided to put together a holistic review based entirely on auto darkening welding helmets. This review does more than simple go over the features that make up a good auto darkening welding helmet; it talks about the history of the helmet design, features included, and the way to use the helmet. Read on to find the reviews.

Below are the welders we review

Product Name	Editor Rating	Uses
Hobart 770753	4.7 /5 Stars	MIG, Stick, ARC, low amp TIG
Miller 251292	4.6 / 5 Stars	MIG, Stick, ARC
Jackson Safety BH3	4.6 /5 Stars	Stick, MIG, TIG, ARC
Lincoln Electric 3350	4.6 / 5 Stars	Stick, ARC, MIG, TIG
3M Speedglas 9100	4.5 /5 Stars	Stick, MIG, TIG, ARC
Antra AH6-260-0000	4.4 / 5 Stars	MIG, MAG, TIG, SMAW and Plasma Arc

What criteria do we use to rate welding helmets?

Switching time

Since the helmets are auto-darkening I’m sure that you would like to know how quickly the material in the helmet can switch between being light and dark. (I’m sure you wouldn’t want to wait for hours for the material to lighten back up after going dark initially.) What does switching time mean? It’s simply the time a helmet takes to transition from natural light to the darkened shade used when the torch is lit up. A fast switching speed should be desired over a slow one. A fast switching welding helmet will provide you with the least amount of exposure to the UV and infrared rays that result from your welding arc. Professional helmet lenses can darken at the speed of 1 / 16,000 of a second, while entry-level helmets typically have a switching speed of 1 / 3,600 of a second and up. As you get to a fast switching speed you generally see the price go up alongside it.

Heaviness of helmet

Light helmet = less body stress = more efficient work. You want to reduce stress and reduce pressure. A light helmet will reduce head, neck, and body stress thus reducing fatigue allowing you to work more efficiently and for a longer duration. Stress on the body can cause frequent breaks, dehydration, muscle tightening, etc. Aim for a goal of purchasing an auto darkening helmet with a weight of at most 10 pounds. Most of our recommended helmets are below that, so you should be okay.

Viewing size

Viewing size refers to the helmet viewing area that you look through when conducting welding jobs. Typically you will find a welding helmet view size of 5 square inches up to 10 square inches. It is typically recommended for professional welders to get a larger view port, while hobbyists get smaller ones simply to keep their budget in mind. Your view port will determine how easy it is for you to see while working, smaller viewing size helmets tend to be more difficult (I know, stating the obvious right?).

ANSI approval

National safety standards exist for welders and there are certain codes your equipment should be equal with. Don’t be a cheapskate and purchase a piece of equipment that introduces you to more long-term health risk. ANSI Z87.1 – 2003 is the newest safety standard for welders. Follow it, know it, and respect it. It has set a mandate that auto-darkening lens manufacturers will need to confirm their claimed specs (transition speed, dark shade settings, etc) with lab tests that are available to the consumer.

Number of sensors

Absolutely invest in a helmet that has a good number of sensors. Why? You ask? The number of sensors is directly related to the speed and amount of protection you have in case of spark or flame. You want to aim for 4 sensors to have on your welder helmet, but two will work (although not preferred). To reduce potential exposure, if you are a welder that frequently works on your back or side, go with the 4 sensors. If you traditionally work in a normal position you are exposed to less risk and can thus explore going with 2 sensor helmets.

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Firstly, you need to realize that every individual has a different preference towards the specifications of their helmet such as weight, sensitivity, etc. Ultimately, you want the perfect balance between safety, comfort, and results. Once you understand that not every individual wears the same type of helmet, you’ll be well on your way to finding the best welding helmet for you.

When deciding on what welding helmet is best for you, one absolutely crucial part is the amount of protection being provided to your face. You certainly need your full face covered no questions asked, and you need a helmet made out of material that is capable of shedding any molten fragment material.

A well-dimensioned viewing area through your welding mask is extremely important. Generally, welders look for semi-long periods of time, so a small viewing port will be difficult to work with. A small viewing area may result in having to position your head or back in poor ways resulting in posture issues, unnecessary body strain, or flipping up the helmet frequently which slows down the speed of your work.
Location of helmet controls is also another important thing that is often overlooked. Why’s this important? Well, let’s consider that if the controls are internal controls, you’re going to need to likely remove your helmet in order to make adjustments. This slows down your work and can become annoying quite quickly. External controls are nice, but they too have their flaws in that they can be damaged by airborne debris.

Welding Helmet Reviews

Antra AH6-260-0000

At the time of writing this review, the Antra AH6-260 is rated over 4.5 stars by our editor. It comes with an auto shut off/on functionality that is fully automatic. A unique feature to this helmet is the fact that it comes with an adjustable darkness setting that you can tailor to your own needs.

Not only does the Antra AH6-260 work for welding, but it’s also versatile enough to withstand plasma cutting work. Measuring 9 x 8 x 12 with a weight of approximately 16 ounces (1 pound), it’s batteries included and capable of functioning with Plasma, Grinding, TIG, MIG, and ARC welding. Viewing specs of 3.86 x 1.78 inches and a variable shade inclusion of 4/5 – 9/9 – 13. While the price of the Antra AH6 may be somewhat low, it is by no means a “cheap welding helmet”.

Rhino RH01

Rhino-RH01-Large-View-Carbon-Fiber-Auto-darkening-Helmet

Weighing in at roughly 1 lbs 2 ounces the Rhino RH01 works great for SMAW, GMAW, PAC, FCAW, GTAW, and PAW welding. It features a switching speed of 1/25,000 of a second and is made of lightweight nylon shell. The RH01 is also known as the Rhino Large View + Grind Auto Darkening Helmet and features a massive 10 square inch viewing area. The headband has been known to loosen up at times, however, it also comes with a ratchet style headgear to aid in support. Replacement parts are extremely easy to find making this a popular addition to any welders equipment stock. Ah, one last thing – it’s also solar powered and features 2 arc sensors!

Jackson Safety W70 BH3

Jackson-Safety-W70-bh3
The W70 BH3 is among the most expensive helmet you’ll find on our list today, but it stands out amongst the competition in terms of clarity and light diffusion. Essentially, you get what you pay for with this particular product. Featuring an auto-on filter designed for auto darkening, it weighs in at roughly 2.1 lbs and provides superb protection for MIG, TIG, and ARC welding scenarios. A switching speed of 0.15 microseconds makes it extremely fast! Dimensions measure at 12 and a quarter inch x 9 and five-eighths x 9 and three-quarters inches with an EN379 rating of 1/1/1/1. That is fantastic, I am particularly fond of the viewing port on this helmet which helps aid in preparation ease and speed.

3M Speedglas 9100

If you’re looking to step your game up and weld like the pros the 3M Speedglas 9100 is probably the best bet for you. This welding helmet comes with a bundle of features such as the 3 sensors, Auto shut off capabilities, dual lenses, side shields. The switch speed of the Speedglas 9100 ranges from 40 to 800 ms, making it a decent choice by all welders standards. Another plus of this helmet is that it weighs in at only 20.2 oz, which reduces the fatigue you feel after a long day of using it. The feature I found to be the most useful is the solar-assisted sensor. This aspect basically saves both the battery life (reducing the effect on your pockets) and aids in switching speed.

Lincoln Electric 3350

Best Welding Helmets of 2018 - Reviews & Buyer Guide

Weighing in at 20 oz the Lincoln Electric 3350 is the best welding helmet for those who require something that’s both easy on the pockets and the neck. The Lincoln Electric 3350 features internal shade controls as well as 3 different sensitivity controls: variable shade, delay, light sensitivity. The viewing screen on this helmet measures at 3.74 in x 3.34 in. Considering the low price, the features included are kind of over-justified. For instance, I’ve rarely ever seen a model in this price range include 3 different sensitivity types nor this many sensors.
Of course, every decent product must have its downsides as well. The Lincoln Electric 3350’s lenses have a tendency to get scratched easily if cleaned with a rough material – make sure to clean it with a thin and porous nature such as linen.

Miller 251292

miller 251292 reviews

Considering that it’s one of the least expensive welding helmets on this guide, the Miller 251292 kind of surprised me. First off, it has 2 sensors, which isn’t really that outstanding considering that there are helmets on this guide with 3+ sensors. It has variable shade and light state sensitivity of #8-13 and light state #3. The view area on the Miller 251292 is 3.70 x 1.37 in and it weighs in at about 16 oz. While the viewing area may not be the largest you’ll see on a helmet, the associated weight more than makes up for it. In addition to it’s lightweight, the Miller 251292 meets high impact ANSI standards.

Hobart 770753

hobart 770753 reviews

Last but not least we have the Hobart 770753. This helmet somehow manages to fall right in the middle when it comes to price and much like the previously mentioned helmet has features that make the low price stand out. This helmet features a Grind mode as well as an Auto shut off feature. It’s also approved by the ANSI which basically means that you will be receiving an item that has been tested for its ability to actually provide you with protection during a weld. The switch delay on the Hobart 770753 is between .1 and 1 seconds depending on the settings. The best thing about this particular helmet are it’s sensitivity controls and its ability to adjust to a multitude of light conditions.

How do you use a welding helmet

Video credits to MrAdkinsAuto. It discusses how to use a welding helmet.

Welding Helmet Common Questions

What is a passive style welding helmet?

Let’s start off by saying, that generally speaking a passive welding hood isn’t something we would suggest for a beginner welder. However, most experienced welders will generally have no problem using them. In general, we recommend not to use these for beginners because they will have trouble seeing the electrode part of the torch (yeah, you learn with experience).

About the only benefit to a passive welding mask is that they are cheap and affordable, however to us the risk of injuries and difficulty for a newbie just isn’t worth it.

What is a filter lens for a welding helmet?

A filter lens is the part of a welding helmet used to protect the welder’s eyes. They are a crucial part of a helmet because they’re responsible for protecting your eyes from the UV and infrared light exposure. We call these key non-impact dangers that a welder is susceptible to.

How long do most auto-darkening welding helmets last?

There is no exact length of time. However, factors that can influence helmet lifetime include, but are not limited to:

The quality used for the helmet material
How well you take care of the helmet
How often you use the helmet

How much should I expect to spend on my welding helmet?

We suggest at least $100 USD (as it wouldn’t be the best thing to get a cheap welding helmet), but here’s a better perspective on the price tiers you can expect.

$0 – $100 beginner helmets
$100 – $200 decent helmets
$200 -$300 good helmets
$300 + exceptional helmets

Are mask, hood, and helmet all synonyms for welding helmets? Are there any other common synonyms?

Yes, when you see any of these referenced in regards to welding they are all referring to the same thing. It’s confusing, but it’s something you should just become used to.

What’s the purpose of a welding helmet?

Arc Eye & Retina Burn Protection

Welding helmets are headgear utilized to perform different types of welding and to protect eyes, neck, and face from flash burn, sparks, UV light, heat, and infrared light. Ultraviolet emissions produced from welding arc can cause damages to exposed skin as well as eyes; hence, workers use helmets with filters called lens shades. Radiation, splashes, and gasses are hazardous to skin and eyes hence helmets are designed to protect welders from exposure to these hazards.

They are used to prevent retina burns and arc eye which are caused by too much exposure to the sparks. They are usually used with arc welding processes such as gas tungsten welding, shielded metal welding, and gas metal welding. A decent welding helmet is crucial for welders and apart from the additional safety precautions, a helmet could help with overall welding performance. Welding helmets are available in a variety of optical densities particularly designed to filter the light intensity produced by the arc.

What’s the history of welding helmets?

The Evolution Of Welding Helmets

Welding can be traced back to the ancient times as early as the Bronze Age. During this age, small gold boxes were used and are estimated that these gold boxes were made more than 2000 years ago. The Egyptians and the eastern Mediterranean people learned the art of welding iron pieces together during the Iron Age. Further, the art of blacksmithing became popular during the middle ages and iron items were produced by hammering. Welding has been done since the Bronze Age, however, using of welding helmets came only in 1905.

Frederick M. Bowers was the man who invented the first welding helmets. He got the inspiration to make welding helmets when he saw that welders in his hometown needed improved protection while working in ships, pipelines, and railroads. He founded the Fibre-Metal Products Company and manufactured the first ever welding helmet in 1905. Later, the company pioneered in the production of face shields, fiber metal caps, and goggles. Industrial Revolution demanded more welders in the 1930s; therefore, welders used face masks and goggles to protect themselves. However, the proper use of welding helmets started only in the year 1937.

The early helmets were simple with a polarized lens or dark tinted glass without UV radiation filter. During the First World War, the high demand for weapons production pressured companies to manufacture electrodes and welding machines. This may have further influenced for the establishment of new welding helmet manufacturers. Later, welding helmets kept developing with better technologies and the first auto darkening helmet was introduced. In the 1940s the most recent type of welding helmet was introduced and since then it has evolved significantly.

In 1981, Swedish manufacturing company Hornell created the first auto darkening welding helmets under the brand name Speedglas.

In 2004, the company Hornell was taken over by another welding helmet company called 3M. In addition, Frederick M. Bower’s company Fibre-Metal Products Company was sold to North Safety Products in the year 2005. Today, both companies manufacture and sell standard helmets as well as auto-darkening helmets. 3M Company was previously known as the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company. Today, it operates in more than 67 countries across the globe. Some of the best-renowned welding helmet manufacturers today are the Miller Electric, Lincoln Electric, 3M, Jackson, and Hobart.

What are the types of welding hoods?

Standard or Passive Welding Helmets

This type of welding helmet is made of molded plastics and is coated with infrared lights. The shield is durable and its extended front protects users from physical hazards. One can clearly view various angles and is also provided with adjustable sensitivity. They are popular for being cheaper than auto-darkening welding helmets. Generally, they come with a 10 lens shade that does not change whether a welder is welding or not. They give effective protection and is easy to put and easy to take off as well.

Auto-darkening Welding Helmets

Auto-darkening welding helmets are lightweight and designed to minimize neck discomfort. When a welder strikes the arc, these helmets automatically darken and many injuries have been reduced by Auto-darkening helmets. They are proved to be especially useful for modern welders working under poor light conditions. It comes in three different types, the fixed lens shade, professional and intermediate, and battery and solar powered. These helmets are designed to have light sensors present near the lens that helps welders in viewing like sun-glass shade.

The sensors are utilized in order to get better coverage. This type of welding helmets is known to be the best ones which also provide clear vision. In the professional and intermediate helmet, the amount of brightness depends on the intensity of the lens. The brightness will be dimmer if the intensity is lower. Battery helmets are rechargeable as it is made of lithium and it can be charged in the sunlight because of the solar panels. The solar panel supplies backup power if the battery suffers low power. Solar power helmets are known to be most useful while working outside and battery-powered helmets for underground or inside large structures. Both utilize the sensors in order to identify when the light brightens, and when it is time to adjust the glass in the face shield to block only the right amount of light.

Auto-darkening helmets basic models develop darker shade with any contact to arc light no matter where the light comes from. Auto-darkening deluxe model helmets have special sensors that can detect the difference between a co-workers arc and operator’s arc. The advantage of an auto-darkening welding helmet is that it allows the welder to accurately see the area that needs to be welded.

The lenses are available in glass as well as plastic, and glass lenses are said to be better for not containing color distortions. It is known that a conventional welding helmet can blind a welder if the welder is too abruptly welding and killing the arc, leaving the welder in total darkness and vulnerable to fall or harm. This is why many construction companies at present require welders to use auto-darkening helmets.

Best Welding Glasses 2023 – Reviews Inside

November 24, 2024August 21, 2017 by Welding Classes Near Me

Welding is a dangerous profession that exposes welders to quite a bit of risk. Fortunately, there are pieces of welding equipment that exist to mitigate the risks – assuming you follow protocol. Having the best welding glasses possible will cause your welding career to be prolonged immensely.

The Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) states that roughly 200 US workers receive medical treatment every day due to eye-related injuries that occur on the job. This is why it’s essential for welders to wear proper eye protection that protects them from flying metal fragments, glare, heat, UV rays, etc.

Below are the welding glasses to be reviewed.

Product Name	Customer Reviews	Editor Rating
Miller Electric Shade 5.0 Welding Glasses		4.4 /5 Stars
Jackson Safety V30 Nemesis Safety Glasses		4.3 / 5 Stars
Servore Auto Shade Darkening Goggle Arc-513		4.5 /5 Stars
Miller Electric Welding Glasses		3.8 /5 Stars

How do you choose welding glasses or goggles?

There is nothing worse than thinking you did a good job of protecting yourself, only to find out you ended up with sub-par equipment. Our goal is to minimize the chance of that.

Sizing & Fit

You obviously need to make sure your eye protection is sturdy, comfortable, and fits around your head and eyes properly. Another very important thing to be aware of is that you should aim to purchase glasses with side protection (one reason welding goggles are popular over glasses).

Dangerous particles rarely come at you directly, instead, they float into the air and are pushed by wind or a breeze into your eye area from the peripheral side. Make sure you have side shields or wrap-around framed eyewear.

You also want to make sure that the fitting is not too tight around your head. This could create pressure and stress which in turn creates headaches and reduces your working efficiency and quality.

Impact Resistance

The American National Standards Institute z87.1-1989 states that clear polycarbonate lenses are the standard for industrial impact resistance. Essentially this means that your lenses can handle a shard of something flying off and hitting them and that they won’t weaken or crack due to it. This is all about keeping your eyes safe.

UV Protection

Welding gives off a very high volume of light that is capable of producing severe eye damage if you do not use proper protection. Welding also gives off potent UV rays, so make sure you purchase eye protection with proper shading and filters for the job. Auto-darkening welding glasses and goggles are becoming more and more popular specifically for this reason.

Dust Protection

Dust protection can potentially be remedied when ensuring a proper fit. Foam liners are a great way to protect from dust while still providing comfort.

Anti-Fog Coating

This is specifically key if you are in a high humidity area or a place where condensation can form. The welding safety glasses are typically labeled if they use this coating.

Welding Goggle Reviews

Each of these items will be checked for their ability to follow the guidelines listed above as well as for their overall functionality.

Miller Electric Shade 5.0 Welding Glasses

If you’re looking for an inexpensive option that will provide adequate protection for your eyes with ease, a possible purchasing option would likely be the Miller Electric Shade Glasses. These may look like basic welding goggles but, they have features that directly transfer over to the welding practice. Of these, a few very important ones to make note of would likely be the UV protection, Electric lens, and the polarized lens featured in the item.

As we all know, welding is an activity that exposes one to the harmful level of UV rays. These rays can deal an immense blow to one’s skin health and overall well-being if not properly checked. Let’s also not forget the fact that they can easily cause damage to one’s eyesight as well. This is where the ArcArmor UV protection comes in handy – it provides one with the coverage that one would need for their eyes to be fully protected which results in the individual prolonging the overall health of their eyes. Also, if scratching was an issue with your other glasses, or you simply don’t want to deal with the trouble of buying an item that will likely scratch up easily after being used for a period of time.

The price of the Miller Electric Shade 5.0 is reasonable – if not cheap. It can be found in various places for well under 50$; for a pair of welding glasses, this is a steal. These would be a great option if what you’re looking for are cheap welding glasses.

Jackson Safety V30 Nemesis Safety Glasses

The Jackson Safety V30 Nemesis is a great option for an individual who likes to make sure that they have coverage in case anything happens. These glasses come in a pack of 12 which basically means that if something happens to a single pair, you have 11 more of them left over. The great thing about the high count of the item is that Jackson still made sure to place care into their production. They come with a standard mirror coating which aids in providing protection for the pupils and preserving one’s overall eye-health. Also, make note of the fact that they have a design that is up to the standards of the ANSI (American National Standards Institute).

For those price conscious individuals, the Jackson Safety V30 Nemesis Safety Goggles will definitely make sure to provide one with a level of value. A package of 12 of these glasses sells for just under 50$; meaning that each pair costs roughly 4.17$.

Servore Auto Shade Darkening Goggle Arc-513

The Servore Auto Shade Darkening Welding Goggles are chock-full of useful features. While they may not have the simplicity to be utilized in the way that one would like, they do have a design that allows them to be used in a wide variety of circumstances though. For instance, for those individuals who wear prescription glasses, the Servore Auto-Darkening glasses have a frame that can have prescription lenses fit into it. They may not have an auto-powering feature but, their design does have a power button included into it that can easily be switched on. Not to mention that they have auto-darkening features that can easily be utilized to their maximum potential with a quick perusal of their instructions.

These items have a price that is actually well-justified by the features included in the item itself. They can be found on various different sites as well as in various different stores for less than 160$.

Miller Electric Welding Goggles

This is definitely an item that “comes with it all”. It features a dual-lensed design made up of both an outer and inner lens. The outer lens provides UV protection as well as an extra layer for prevention against flying pieces of material from popping into one’s eyes. They also feature a full-facial covering that allows the item to provide one with a more protection from stray materials – something that isn’t afforded by more minimal welding covers. This protection is one of the things that qualifies these Miller Electric goggles as one of the best welding goggles on the market currently.

The glass ABS frame material also ensures that the item provides full-coverage for one’s facial features during the activity. The goggles also have an adjustability feature for sensitivity, which can be helpful for protecting more sensitive eyes from welding activities that give off violent light or radiant energy.

For the functionality, one should fully expect to pay a low price for an item that provides full facial coverage for welding activities. With that being said, for the features, the price range of below 180$ is definitely nowhere near where it should be listed – it has more value than that.

Welding Glasses & Goggles Wrap-Up

It isn’t always the easiest thing to find welding goggles/ glasses that effectively protect the eyes while also having functional qualities added to their design. Many of the goggles on this list have auto-dimming or visual coverage properties that basically allow the item to protect not only the outer area of the eye but the actual site of the user as well – this is incredibly helpful simply because of the fact that the eye is an essential tool for welding. It’s suggested that you view the items on this list as sort of basic to exceptional tools(starting from the bottom up).

Best Welding Clamps of 2023

November 24, 2024August 11, 2017 by Welding Classes Near Me

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Having a good quality welding clamp is critical to getting a good weld… sounds simple enough, right? Unfortunately, many first time welders either don’t use a clamp at all and end up with a poor quality weld, or they use a cheaply made c-clamp that gets them nowhere.

We’ve seen stories of both situations, and don’t want either of those situations happening to you. For this reason, we have compiled a list of the best welding clamps on the market – which can be seen if you look below.

Welding clamp uses:

Holding two pieces of metal together for tacking
Pressing a piece of material to your welding table
clamping items for non-welding related tasks

Popular clamp styles for welding:

C-clamp
F-clamp
Angle Clamps
Bar clamps
Pipe clamps

Popular brands:

Bessey
Vise grips
Cleco
Kant twist

What is Spot Welding – Reviews & Buyers Guide

November 24, 2024August 18, 2016 by Welding Classes Near Me

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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.

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

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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.

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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 cannot 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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/44EkgLV’ 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/3Le1tQJ’ 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.

Best Arc Welders – Reviews & Buyers Guide

November 24, 2024August 16, 2016 by Welding Classes Near Me

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

Video credits to Forney Industries. This video is an unboxing of the Forney Easy Weld.

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

Best Welding Jackets – Reviews & Buyer Guide

November 24, 2024August 12, 2016 by Welding Classes Near Me

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

Product Name	Customer Reviews	Editor Note
Miller Electric Cotton/Nylon Welding Jacket		Cheap, but quality option
Black Stallion 30 in Hybrid Cowhide Welding Coat		Cotton inner liner
Caiman 3030-5 30 inch Boarhide Welding Coat		High heat & heavy duty use
Hobart Cowhide Welding Jacket-770486		Leather welding coat
Miller Electric Pigskin Leather Welding Jacket		Leather + kevlar

Video credits to Miller Welders. It’s actully a review of one of Miller’s Jackets, the WeldX

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.

Best Speedglas Welding Helmets – Reviews & Buyer Guide

November 24, 2024August 12, 2016 by Welding Classes Near Me

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

Product Name	Customer Reviews	Editor Note
3M Speedglas Welding Helmet 9100 FX		Most popular
3M Speedglas Welding Helmet 9100 XX		Huge viewing area
3M Speedglas Welding Helmet 9100 V		Front lifts up without needing to take off Mask
3M Speedglas Welding Helmet 100		Old school

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.

Best Welding Tables of 2023 – Reviews & Buyer Guide

November 24, 2024August 10, 2016 by Welding Classes Near Me

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

Product Name	Customer Reviews	Editor Rating
Strong Hand Tools Nomad Welding Table, Model-TS3020		Most Popular
Miller Electric ArcStation Workbench		Great Foldable Welding Table
Strong Hand Tools Nomad Welding Table, Model-TS3020FK		Small and Sturdy
Strong Hand Tools FixturePoint Table, Model-TBHK200		Quality But Pricey

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.

What are the best boots for welding?

November 24, 2024August 8, 2016 by Welding Classes Near Me

Specialty Welding boots may sound like something that is easy to overlook when it comes to establishing your welding accessory list, am I right?

The truth is, just about every professional welder knows how important a solid pair of welding boots truly is. Just ask any welder who has had to weld overhead, I can almost guarantee you when they speak in saying that they were or were almost burned, it’s from experience, not hearsay. This is where having one of the best welding boots comes into play. You need to have something that can withstand the heat, stay durable, and not reduce your efficiency on the job.

A couple of key things you need to make sure your choice boot has:

A metatarsal guard – protects the top of your foot and laces
Steel toe cap – protects against any bump you may encounter

Below are the boots to be reviewed

Product Name	Customer Reviews	Editor Rating
Dr. Martens Men's Ironbridge MG ST		Preferred
Timberland PRO Men's 53580		Great Protection
Rocky Duty Men's Modern Paraboot		Affordable
Caterpillar Mens Assault Work Boot		Heavy Duty

Dr. Martens Men’s Ironbridge MG ST Met Guard

Extremely tough and rugged, these are sure to last. They have specifically been built with a tough sole to prevent slippage in damp working conditions. The Dr. Martens MG ST is built with double stitching and heavy duty laces and lace eyelets. Shall we go on?

The uppers on these boots are water resistant and built of full grain leather designed to withstand the elements that mother earth gives us. Expect a nice bit of ankle padding and a removable insole designed to provide that extra comfort that you wouldn’t expect. A steel toe guard rounds out the list of awesomeness about this particular welding boot.

Pros

Excellent non-skid tread
Lightweight vs other steel-toe boots

Cons

The sole can be soft
Consider adding to gain arch support

Timberland PRO Men’s 53530 Metguard Steel Toe Boot

Developed specifically for welders, this Timberland 53530 as a fantastic metatarsal guard that provides exceptional protection. Designed to conform to the wearer’s natural foot shape, they’re much more comfortable than what you’d expect from a welding boot. Waterproof and high-quality kevlar stitching help to round out the fantastic characteristics of this boot. Roomy steel toe caps help keep your toes safe in a violent and dangerous work environment, and rubber sole makes this great for working in wet and oily workspaces.

These boots are a bit heavier than others on the market, but it’s because they’re designed to be so durable. A downside to these boots is that users have reported of the backstitching slowly coming apart, causing them to have a shorter lifespan than some are hoping to achieve for the price.

Pros

Immediately comfortable
Full-coverage protection

Cons

A little heavy
Can be sized slightly narrow

Rocky Duty Men’s Modern Paraboot

This surprisingly fashionable pair of hardened leather boots is made to protect. They have a patent leather cap toe that will prevent splatters from harming your foot as well as an all leather design. Their long 10” design is meant to fully cover the leg and provide a level of full-coverage of sorts. The EVA footbed will also ensure that the foot is incredibly comfortable during any o your welding activities. Considering the fact that you will likely spend a great deal of your time welding on your feet, this can be a great help. The rubber lugged outsole is also helpful for allowing you to maintain your grip during work.

Pros

Padded footbed
Knee-high coverage

Cons

Not very supportive
Order half a size down

Caterpillar Men’s Assault Work Boot

The assault 6 in steel toe is designed to provide full coverage for your forefoot during work; these boots are meant to provide excess security for those who work the more hazardous jobs. They feature CAT’s climasphere inner lining and insole, making them another incredibly comfortable option for those who use them. Also, the slip-resistant outsole of these boots gives adequate grip – a feature that will definitely come in handy during work. These are a great option for those individuals who require a bit more durability from their boots.

Pros

Heat resistant
Durable

Cons

Ample room between sole and toe
Outer steel tongue damages some

How do you choose the best welding gloves?

November 24, 2024August 5, 2016 by Welding Classes Near Me

In an industry that exposes the body to high levels of heat and danger – such as welding- it is of the utmost importance that one places a high degree of importance on finding adequate protection for their body. Not only does welding put one’s lungs and facial features in danger of but it also places the hands at the mercy of the heat. With that being said, welding can be dangerous, if the body doesn’t have sufficient gear protecting it.

Thus, it is very important to use safety tools while welding so that one can take out the best from the process without causing diseases. It is very important to protect one’s hands while welding, as the sparks, can cause critical burns and even make the person disabled and losing function of his hands. The list of the best welding gloves of 2018 has been compiled to make sure that our readers have access to the highest quality material there is on the market. Not only do we want to make sure that you have access to the best welding gloves but, we also want to make sure that you stay away from those gloves that protect nothing – not even themselves – from the hazards of welding.

Below are the welding gloves to be reviewed

Welding Glove	Customer Reviews	Editor Rating
US Forge 400 Lined Leather Welding Gloves		5 / 5 Stars
Lincoln Electric KH641 Leather Welding Gloves		4.9 / 5 Stars
Lincoln Electric Traditional MIG/Stick Welding Gloves		4.9 / 5 Stars
US Safe Sparks Welding Gloves		4.8 / 5 Stars
Miller 263343 Arc Armor MIG/Stick Welding Glove		4.8 / 5 Stars

What criteria do you use to judge welding gloves?

Comfort

One of the major issues that many gloves were experiencing decades ago is that they lacked any level of comfort. For example, unlike gloves that were made before the start of the 21st century, the gloves that welders wear nowadays feature things such as custom linings (cotton, fur etc.) that greatly enhance their comfort levels. One of the major reasons why gloves weren’t worn (and welders were getting damaged so often) was that the gloves fit horribly. Fit is another criteria that we have to put a lot of emphasis on during our reviews – because of the important part that it plays in providing wearers with a comfortable experience.

Video credits to Kevin Caron, Artist. It goes over how to pick the safest welding gloves.

Flame Resistance

While the entire purpose of having welding gloves on during a weld is to make sure that your hands are protected from flames, not all gloves are created equally in this respect. The majority of welding gloves are created from a leather material with the most prominent materials being: Elkskin, Cowhide, Deerskin, Pigskin, and Goatskin leathers. Of course, throughout the review we will make sure to inform you of the type of leather that each glove is made of (because of the importance that it plays in making sure that you are safe.

Density

The denseness of the welding glove plays a much bigger part in your safety than making sure that your hands are protected from the flames. The denseness of the glove’s materials lets you know what they are meant to be used for. Look below to see the denseness of each glove material particular denseness and what they are meant to be used for.

Elkskin: Relatively soft compared to the other leathers that welding gloves are made of and is best used for stick welding
Cowhide: When you think of cow skin leather think of the leather that footballs are made of. It’s one of the thickest leather materials for welding gloves featured on this guide and is best for MIG welding.
Deerskin: Fine grain deerskin leather typically comes in at 1.25mm to 2mm thick and is best for MIG welding.
Pigskin: Grain lining pig skin leather is typically .5-.7mm thick and gloves made of this material is best for stick welding.
Goatskin: Goatskin leather is traditionally 1 mm thick and is suitable for TIG, MIG, and Stick welding

What do you check when you purchase welding gloves?

We can keep our hands safe while welding by using heavy-duty gloves which are fire and heat resistant to allow for continuous welding even when there are lots of sparks.
The gloves should be made out of lightweight material in order to allow for continuous use without tiring the hands.
We also need to check the ventilation of these gloves so that our hands do not reach uncomfortable temperatures due to the heat generated during the welding process.

Welding Glove Reviews

US Forge 400 Lined Leather Welding Gloves

The US Forge 400 aims to provide complete comfort as well as protect the hands from the dangerous sparks and molten metal coming from welding processes. The gloves are made using soft and supple leather to provide for ease of use while welding for longer periods. US Forge has used its years of experience to further make the Forge 400 an excellent welding glove by adding an internal cotton liner for increased comfort and protection. The multi layering effect that the US Forge gloves have ensures that they are able to provide ample protection to your hand, which makes them great for MIG welding.

The gloves feature a unique lock stitching process, which ensures a tighter grip and allows the gloves to be used roughly. The gloves also have reinforced frictional areas which make the glove durable and wear and tear resistant. The gloves are flame-resistant and the leather is thicker to protect the hands from heat and burns. The US Forge 400 gloves also protects the hands from the dangerous ultraviolet rays which can be fatal for the skin and is found to cause cancers.

Advantage:

Lightweight (weighs only 11.2 oz)
Has a thickness of 0.5 in

Lincoln Electric KH641 Leather Welding Gloves

The Lincoln Electric KH641 gloves have a long-style design to give the wrists as well as the upper arms protection from welding sparks and flames. They are made of soft leather with lining in the inner parts of the gloves to allow for more grip and comfort while working those long hours. The fully welted seams featured on these gloves keep the KH641 from tearing apart prematurely-a feature that’s especially important for a heavy-duty activity such as this. Another plus for these gloves is that they have a frame that measures in at 13-1/2 in long, which gives added protection to the wrists from spattering.

The gloves feature lock-stitch construction and are very durable for heavy-duty usage. The seams are welted to make sure that the gloves do not tear off even in the application of a large amount of force. The gloves are flame and heat resistant while also lightweight for an easy usage process.

Advantage:

Ample coverage for the wrists from splattering and heat.

Lincoln Electric Traditional MIG/Stick Welding Glove

The Lincoln Electric Traditional Welding Gloves feature a dual-tone black and red color scheme with flame decals for those welders who like to be stylish everywhere every time. The gloves are made up of high-quality cowhide for easy use as well as for fire and heat and heat resistance. The inner part of the gloves has a sock lining for more comfort as well as for proper ventilation.

The gloves have a special Kevlar stitching with welted seams to ensure durability even after years of usage. They also feature protection against ultraviolet rays and also feature OSFM technology. They are suitable for welders with MIG setups too.

Advantage:

They have a cool design
Spacious features

US Safe Sparks Welding Gloves

The US Safe Sparks gloves have a dual-toned color scheme and is made up of superior quality cowhide. The gloves feature extra padding for support to the hands while working and the interiors are also lined with cotton for extra comfort. The lining also provides ventilation to keep the hands at a normal temperature while working on hot welds.

The gloves feature Kevlar stitching which is also double-stitched to ensure that the gloves can take a rough beating without any wear or tear. The gloves are also fire and heat resistant for protection against welding hazards. They also feature ultraviolet protection which protects the skin from various types of dermatological diseases. The Kevlar stitching also allows these glove to provide ample functionality in a multitude of other areas. For example, how often do you find welding gloves that can perform their primary function as well as work for gardening, wood cutting etc. The longer than normal design of the Sparks welding gloves also keeps the wrists safe during a weld – splattering isn’t a worry when these are worn (at least not as much as when other gloves are worn).

Advantage:

Multi-purpose design

Miller 263343 Arc Armor MIG/Stick Welding Glove

The Miller 264433 Welding Gloves are made using the best quality cowhide with inner lining for superior grip as well as increased comfort. They also have a two-toned color scheme consisting of black and blue colors. The gloves also have a double padded palm and wrist regions for greater support for long hours of welding. The ergonomic placement of the leather in the Miller Arc Armor ensures that you are able to retain finger motion while they are in use.

The gloves feature double stitching for keeping up with prolonged usage. The gloves are made of a flame and heat resistant materials for added protection and also features a longer length to keep the wrist as well as the lower arm safe from welding sparks.

Advantage:

Ergonomic design
Made of quality materials
Comfortable

Why is it important to protect your hands while you’re welding?

Of course welding can be fun, if it’s done correctly. As a people we tend to focus on the enjoyable aspects of activities and forget about the negatives that come along with it. When you weld you can create beautiful, useful things – if you take care of yourself while doing it.

Listed below are the reasons why having proper hand protection is so important.

Open current

An open current of electricity is always near when you’re welding – that’s what an arc is. When you weld you do not want to have your flesh bare and able to be affected by the current. I’ve heard that death by electricity isn’t the most enjoyable thing in the world.

High heat

Again, when you’re welding you’re exposing your hands to high levels of heat – you’re blending 2 or more pieces of metal together. The obvious issue with this is that when you don’t have proper (or sufficient) hand protection you open your body up to the possibility of taking on high degrees of burning. On that same note, splatter from the weld is another big issue that comes up during the weld.

Welding Glove Review Wrap-Up

Overall we see that the gloves mentioned here fulfill the criterion given above and provide the required comfort, protection as well as ventilation to work for longer times without tiring our hands. These gloves are cheap too, so there is ultimately no reason left to work bare-handed while welding. A bit of safety can go a long way in making lives better and the same thing applies here too – they can likely be considered the best welding gloves on the market. A $20 glove will go a long way to keep the welder safe, comfortable which will result in productivity peaking as the worker can work freely without fear of getting harmed by the process of welding. He can instead use the welding process to his advantage, by completing his work fast and also will experiment to find the best weld for the given metal.