FR clothing

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What FR or fire retardant clothing do you guys like? I've got some Bullwark, Wrangler, and Carhartt stuff myself and all are ok. Any other brands out there I'm missing out on?
Reply:I like the Carharrt stuff. It will still burn through from hot BBs but wont go up in flames. And I like the zippers on the legs.
Reply:I’ve tried a few different brands.. like the above poster said you won’t go up I. Flames, but BBs will still get through eventually, Anymore I wear just cheap 100% cotton blue jeans, a cotton tee, under either a cheapie Tillman green welding jacket for GTAW/GMAW, or a lightweight full leather (prefer the pigskin) for SMAW/FCAW. When using the later too, if you weld frequently you will be throwing FR cottons away more than you think, especially if you do much with 6010. I did try the black stallion hybrid jacket, it was nice to have the leather sleeves and cotton body, but it turned hole-y after about 3 weeks of welding.-Mark SmithMiller Bobcat 250Vulcan ProTig200Vulcan MigMax215Everlast PowerArc 210STLHypertherm PowerMax45 Xp
Reply:PLEASE read up on so called Fire Resistant garments before you rely on them.Nomex racing suits only provide 90 seconds of protection at best.Laundering FT garments downrates the protection fast.Many firemen are claiming the FR materials cause Cancer andnot just in California.
Reply:Carhartt and per their care labels they are not to be washed with non-FR items and are supposed to be retreated periodically.As I'm sure is common practice, I always wash them with regular garments and have never retreated so . . . MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:I have carhartt sweatshirts that are 8+ years old. Those don't have the cuffs anymore as they have been BB'd to death. I keep them for when welding alum or working under machines. I will only buy carhartt stuff for welding. Well for anything really.Sent from my 2PS64 using Tapatalk
Reply:Fire retardant only means it wont go up in as flames quickly Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Originally Posted by Virgil5PLEASE read up on so called Fire Resistant garments before you rely on them.Nomex racing suits only provide 90 seconds of protection at best.Laundering FT garments downrates the protection fast.Many firemen are claiming the FR materials cause Cancer andnot just in California.
Reply:Originally Posted by rlitmanRacing suits provide protection from burning fuel.  Around the shop, you just need a fabric that won’t catch on fire when exposed to embers and sparks. Fire retardant treated cotton fabrics can lose protection with washing. Some retardants can be toxic. Others are probably not. Nomex and Kevlar do not require treatment, as they are naturally fire resistant, but washing with other materials can contaminate them with flammable lint. FYI, wool also will not support the spread of flame.
Reply:I've got Bulwark, Carhartt and now using Tyndale stuff at work. Some of the Tyndale stuff is oddly sized (2" longer than my Bulwark, while being 1" too small in the waist) but eventually got it worked out. I like the Bulwark stuff the most, since it seems to hold up better but its all about the same.
Reply:You can make your own gear FR or retreat old stuff. Remember this is for NATURAL FIBERS like cotton shirts and various canvas/duck cloth and as long as it's not any poly blend material, which is like russian roulette welding, sooner or later it's going to catch fire. Take your fabric and soak it in a borax and water solution. Big 1LB box of "20 MULE TEAM BORAX" dissolved in a gallon of hot water. Hang dry. Instant Fire Resistant when dry.Then also you can make a spray with 7oz borax plus 3oz boric acid (yes they are different, basically two similar minerals, use both) dissolve in 2qt hot water and spray it in the outside surface of the materials. Hang dry. Now you're super duper FR. Cheaper, better and just buy whatever cotton clothing you like and treat it at home...or retreat your purchased FR materials after washing (FR chemicals do wash out of fabric)Stay safe.Remember, in the wilderness "cotton kills" in the shop it saves your life. Funny how wool and leather works everywhere. We should just stick to eating and wearing animals. Problem solvedLast edited by xryan; 01-18-2019 at 09:50 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by xryanYou can make your own gear FR or retreat old stuff. Remember this is for NATURAL FIBERS like cotton shirts and various canvas/duck cloth and as long as it's not any poly blend material, which is like russian roulette welding, sooner or later it's going to catch fire. Take your fabric and soak it in a borax and water solution. Big 1LB box of "20 MULE TEAM BORAX" dissolved in a gallon of hot water. Hang dry. Instant Fire Resistant when dry.Then also you can make a spray with 7oz borax plus 3oz boric acid (yes they are different, basically two similar minerals, use both) dissolve in 2qt hot water and spray it in the outside surface of the materials. Hang dry. Now you're super duper FR. Cheaper, better and just buy whatever cotton clothing you like and treat it at home...or retreat your purchased FR materials after washing (FR chemicals do wash out of fabric)Stay safe.Remember, in the wilderness "cotton kills" in the shop it saves your life. Funny how wool and leather works everywhere. We should just stick to eating and wearing animals. Problem solved
Reply:Originally Posted by n00bYeah basically being self taught n00b in welding and stuff, didn't really know this. I was rip cutting some metal with a grinder so the sparks with the really cheap hf zip discs which actually dont spin concentric but eccentric which means more sparks and heat got my jacket on fire. the really cheap ones have like a 11/16 id like wtf and the arbor is 5/8 so it spins elliptcal... I had crap on the floor so couldnt stp drop role. Basically have been in the burn place for a month and still am there typed this at the reception in the burn place. definetly need to make a batch of this borax stuff.
Reply:Originally Posted by n00bYeah basically being self taught n00b in welding and stuff, didn't really know this. I was rip cutting some metal with a grinder so the sparks with the really cheap hf zip discs which actually dont spin concentric but eccentric which means more sparks and heat got my jacket on fire. the really cheap ones have like a 11/16 id like wtf and the arbor is 5/8 so it spins elliptcal... I had crap on the floor so couldnt stp drop role. Basically have been in the burn place for a month and still am there typed this at the reception in the burn place. definetly need to make a batch of this borax stuff.
Reply:For what the stuff costs and the level of protection you get for that cost I don't like any of it, ive only had to wear frc stuff on 2 jobs, none of it lasted any longer than any other clothing I think what I wore was rasco. Fortunately I don't need to buy that crap anymore. Its all a money racket and bull****, if you are looking for protection for just welding you are better off buying regular work clothing, heavy cotton shirts, blue jeans and a leather welding jacket for heavy stuff and overhead work. Unless you are required to have that stuff to work at a job don't waste your money, and if they do require it ask about reimbursement, most likely they wont but hey it don't hurt to ask.
Reply:Agreed!!
Reply:If it's over my head, it's nothing but leather with collar buttoned all the way,, and heavy long gauntlet style gloves over the sleeves.  I don't care how hot it is.  It's a dam sight hotter if something lands on your skin.
Reply:Originally Posted by farmersammmIf it's over my head, it's nothing but leather with collar buttoned all the way,, and heavy long gauntlet style gloves over the sleeves.  I don't care how hot it is.  It's a dam sight hotter if something lands on your skin.
Reply:Originally Posted by n00bBasically have been in the burn place for a month and still am there typed this at the reception in the burn place.
Reply:Originally Posted by n00bYeah basically being self taught n00b in welding and stuff, didn't really know this. I was rip cutting some metal with a grinder so the sparks with the really cheap hf zip discs which actually dont spin concentric but eccentric which means more sparks and heat got my jacket on fire. the really cheap ones have like a 11/16 id like wtf and the arbor is 5/8 so it spins elliptcal... I had crap on the floor so couldnt stp drop role. Basically have been in the burn place for a month and still am there typed this at the reception in the burn place. definetly need to make a batch of this borax stuff.
Reply:Best wishes n00b, I can definitely relate, although mine were not as severe. I was cutting the front cowcatcher off the front of a locomotive back i in 86, I had a pair of cotton/polyester pants on under a pair of treated cotton coveralls, the steel was 1 1/2 " so there was a lot of slag. Radiant heat ignited my pants UNDER my coveralls, I felt the heat and looked to see what was happening. I didn't see anything so I continued until I couldn't take it, I stopped and took a better look, I was flaming under the coveralls and smoldering the coveralls. long story short 2nd degree burn about 7" in diameter, I didn't have to go to a burn center but I had to scrub it daily till it bled, don't ever want to go through that again. SPEEDY RECOVERY MY FRIEND!IMPEACH BIDEN!NRA LIFE MEMBERUNITWELD 175 AMP 3 IN1 DCMIDSTATES 300 AMP AC MACHINEGOD HELP AMERICA!“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream".RONALD REAGAN
Reply:Very interesting xryan. Good old YouBoobTube doesn't have anything in this regard (Make Your Own FR Clothing), AMAZINGLY. I mean nowadays, if it hasn't been posted on YT, it never happened! BTW: Plenty of good info on how to WATERPROOF clothing is shown on YT, even under the same search parameters as FR. Time to go to the laboratory and give this a try.
Reply:N00b's post ought to be a sticky for first time welders.  N00b, hang in there.  The worst is behind you.Those FR patches move pretty easily from a worn out shirt to a new one.
Reply:I have carhartt everything. However my local Fleet farm carries all types and I actually like the wolverine (pretty sure thats what they are, will check when I get home) line better than carhartt. The zippers work better, the pockets are nicer, the cuffs fit tighter, and they are stuffed more so they are warmer (for us cold climate guys).12v battery, jumper cables, and a 6013.I only have a facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/VPT/244788508917829
Reply:Oh yeah, dickies for pants too. I have carhartt pants of all types but the dickies do just as well of job and are 1/3 the price.12v battery, jumper cables, and a 6013.I only have a facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/VPT/244788508917829No polyester, no polyester, no polyester,  . I don't trust any synthetics for that matter. Everything today is cool looking, lighter, warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, and cheap. If you work with sparks and flame it'll kill ya sooner or later. But at least you'll die wearing the latest fad material."The things that will destroy America are prosperity at any price, peace at any price, safety first instead of duty first, the love of soft living and the get rich quick theory of life." -Theodore Roosevelt
Reply:I have to hear frc's every day at work. They are not supposed to work any better for welding vs just wearing cotton. The intended purpose is to save you from a flash fire. The clothes are rated at a 5 sec flash fire. They are intended to smolder and not catch fire. Not to be a downer but proper use of the grinder and guards to shoot the sparks another way would be best. I personally like carhartt and that's all I wear. I might try ariot next.
Reply:Originally Posted by SandyNo polyester, no polyester, no polyester,  . I don't trust any synthetics for that matter. Everything today is cool looking, lighter, warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, and cheap. If you work with sparks and flame it'll kill ya sooner or later. But at least you'll die wearing the latest fad material.
Reply:Originally Posted by sbluke55I have to hear frc's every day at work. They are not supposed to work any better for welding vs just wearing cotton. The intended purpose is to save you from a flash fire. The clothes are rated at a 5 sec flash fire. They are intended to smolder and not catch fire. Not to be a downer but proper use of the grinder and guards to shoot the sparks another way would be best. I personally like carhartt and that's all I wear. I might try ariot next.
Reply:I completely agree. Don't waste the money if your not required to wear them. I don't personally think they are just stuffing their pockets with profits. Being that it's an osha or msha requirement and the insurance and liability of the clothing will cause it to be considerably higher. The hoodie I was just wearing tonight cost $250 before tax.
Reply:Thanks. I had researched on the internet and the posters all said the sparks cannot set anything on fire.   I was wearing a really cheap polyester/nylon jacket that my dad got for me from Sears for $10. Basically I had 3rd degree burn over 7% of my body. I was discharged from the hospital on 1/27 after being in the hospital for 38 days. Now my mom is taking me to the outpatient burn unit every week. I am home from school until the doc give me authorization to return to school. In the mean time I have to complete all the missed class assignments. I know it was a freak accident but am going to post on the web to correct that the sparks can start a fire. "It's always SPOOOOOOKY Season."    NJ- "Its only illegal if you get caught" - Chinesium welder Yoda: Overlord of Magic Smoke, I am
Reply:Originally Posted by n00bThanks. I had researched on the internet and the posters all said the sparks cannot set anything on fire.   I was wearing a really cheap polyester/nylon jacket that my dad got for me from Sears for $10. Basically I had 3rd degree burn over 7% of my body. I was discharged from the hospital on 1/27 after being in the hospital for 38 days. Now my mom is taking me to the outpatient burn unit every week. I am home from school until the doc give me authorization to return to school. In the mean time I have to complete all the missed class assignments. I know it was a freak accident but am going to post on the web to correct that the sparks can start a fire.
Reply:Originally Posted by 65 cromedomeVery interesting xryan. Good old YouBoobTube doesn't have anything in this regard (Make Your Own FR Clothing), AMAZINGLY. I mean nowadays, if it hasn't been posted on YT, it never happened! BTW: Plenty of good info on how to WATERPROOF clothing is shown on YT, even under the same search parameters as FR. Time to go to the laboratory and give this a try.
Reply:Jesus wept. Glad you are alive N00b, old stuff like Borax works for hundreds of things (i never new it was FR) but it's safe  Old stuff is good stuffLast edited by John Chrysostom; 02-06-2019 at 06:04 AM.looking for an old cheap Engine drive
Reply:Originally Posted by CAVEMANNBest wishes n00b, I can definitely relate, although mine were not as severe. I was cutting the front cowcatcher off the front of a locomotive back i in 86, I had a pair of cotton/polyester pants on under a pair of treated cotton coveralls, the steel was 1 1/2 " so there was a lot of slag. Radiant heat ignited my pants UNDER my coveralls, I felt the heat and looked to see what was happening. I didn't see anything so I continued until I couldn't take it, I stopped and took a better look, I was flaming under the coveralls and smoldering the coveralls. long story short 2nd degree burn about 7" in diameter, I didn't have to go to a burn center but I had to scrub it daily till it bled, don't ever want to go through that again. SPEEDY RECOVERY MY FRIEND!
Reply:Originally Posted by n00bThanks. I had researched on the internet and the posters all said the sparks cannot set anything on fire.   I was wearing a really cheap polyester/nylon jacket that my dad got for me from Sears for $10. Basically I had 3rd degree burn over 7% of my body. I was discharged from the hospital on 1/27 after being in the hospital for 38 days. Now my mom is taking me to the outpatient burn unit every week. I am home from school until the doc give me authorization to return to school. In the mean time I have to complete all the missed class assignments. I know it was a freak accident but am going to post on the web to correct that the sparks can start a fire.
Reply:Originally Posted by xryanYou can make your own gear FR or retreat old stuff. Remember this is for NATURAL FIBERS like cotton shirts and various canvas/duck cloth and as long as it's not any poly blend material, which is like russian roulette welding, sooner or later it's going to catch fire. Take your fabric and soak it in a borax and water solution. Big 1LB box of "20 MULE TEAM BORAX" dissolved in a gallon of hot water. Hang dry. Instant Fire Resistant when dry.Then also you can make a spray with 7oz borax plus 3oz boric acid (yes they are different, basically two similar minerals, use both) dissolve in 2qt hot water and spray it in the outside surface of the materials. Hang dry. Now you're super duper FR. Cheaper, better and just buy whatever cotton clothing you like and treat it at home...or retreat your purchased FR materials after washing (FR chemicals do wash out of fabric)Stay safe.Remember, in the wilderness "cotton kills" in the shop it saves your life. Funny how wool and leather works everywhere. We should just stick to eating and wearing animals. Problem solved
Reply:Originally Posted by irishOther choice is to use starch. Make starch solution , pour in spray bottle , coat shirt, iron it on hot setting, quickly, add more if need to, its makes sparks harder to burn thru your shirt.. Use duck cotton like carharts for best results
Reply:Another vote for Borax.No less than 3 times have my clothes caught fire during my years in construction.2 pairs of old jeans, grinder and roofing torch, and a blue poly Christmas sweatshirt (forgot the source of ignition)Lucky to beat out the fire on my legs, only hair and sunburn, and the sweater was OVER some cotton t shirts so nothing hit my skin.Then I started welding, and almost got sucked into the frc bs, till I saw the prices! LOL'd and poured some borax/water over the ugliest denim pants I own. Done!Worth noting, borax is also a fungicide and insecticide, I use it on leather, wood, mixed in latex paint (with benzimidazole and chlorothalonil)If you are selling a lathe that swings 22", and live in Central FL, please PM me a price and some pics.
Reply:Originally Posted by rlitmanRacing suits provide protection from burning fuel.  Around the shop, you just need a fabric that won’t catch on fire when exposed to embers and sparks. Fire retardant treated cotton fabrics can lose protection with washing. Some retardants can be toxic. Others are probably not. Nomex and Kevlar do not require treatment, as they are naturally fire resistant, but washing with other materials can contaminate them with flammable lint. FYI, wool also will not support the spread of flame.
Reply:I do prefer Wranglerand Carhartt to when it comes to such matters. They provide you good comfort and you are safe in case there is real cold out there. I tried to buy the best possible and avoid polyester or synthetic materials as I have an allergy that would make the whole experience quite uncomfortable.In fact, I don't wear anything synthetic at all and even when it comes to simple clothes like matching couple hoodies that my girlfriend likes to buy for us, she uses matchinggear.com since they have the best quality when it comes to materials and for a very good price too, I have to say.