Basic Welding Tools

admin

I am recently about to graduate college this spring with my 2 year degree in Associate of applied science in Welding and Fab.  With that been said, Im on a mission to start purchasing all my tools I will need as an apprentice.  Can somebody make a list or recommend what every welder should carry with them to work.  I don't mean to sound dumb but I don't want to miss anything.  I want my employer to know I am serious about my job.Calculators, T squares, grinder, etc.....Can any veteran welders square me away with must haves.  Also I have a 5 gallon bucket with the thing that lines the outside of it to put your tools in.  I want to know even the basic stuff....I basically want a checklist of everything I will be needing.Also I want to TIG weld in the future but where I am located at the moment Im gonna get certified with stick and flux core(dual shield) as this is what is predominantly being used where I am.
Reply:An Iron Worker Welder will carry much different tools than a Machinist Welder and an Aerospace Welder will carry no tools. You need to be more specific with your questions.Two turn tables and a microphone.
Reply:Just an ironworker dude.  My bad
Reply:Most shops hiring entry level workers will not expect you to show up with a full kit. During each interview that you attend, make a point of asking the interviewer what tools you will be required to have should you land the job. If you are applying within a specific industry, you will soon have an idea what tools are used, and what will be supplied by the employer. You will most likely find that there will be a large varience due to the specific work that different shops perform.
Reply:Well, I'd at least have a tape measure, small square, combination square, torch striker (if you use torches), 3-lb hammer, centerpunch, silver pencil or soapstone, welding shield, pair of safety glasses, work gloves and welding gloves, and steel-toed boots.  That's what I personally would have available for my use no matter where I went.  I'd probably leave most of it out in the car.The bucket with pockets will be OK if no flaming bits of metal get into it or the pockets.  I usually carry my tools in an old milk-pail-looking steel bucket.  Keep in mind thieves will find a bucket full of tools tailor-made for walking off with.
Reply:i agree 98% with tbone, soapstone should be provided by the shop.Maybe add an adjustable wrench that will go to at least 1 1/8"
Reply:Here's a start. Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Take the rod tools and stuff em'    I did my time in the rod patch, welding for me now.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:An apprentice is going to see a little bit of all of it.Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Pad and pencil to write down coffee and lunch orders. .No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:This is probably more on the lines of what a novice welder would need.   Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:You need a tactical wheelbarrow..Buy American, or don't whine when you end up on the bread line.
Reply:I may be in the minority here but,don't show up on the job site with all brand new tools/clothes and a Home Depot bucket with the tools in a bucket liner. I think it just screams "FNG - rookie". Get a Klein canvas tool bag or something that at least looks like you're serious. Then, drag it behind your pickup on a dirt road for a mile or two. Just my not so humble, possibly offensive opinion.EP.S. Best Wishes on the job hunt.
Reply:Never hired a guy with new boots.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPThis is probably more on the lines of what a novice welder would need.
Reply:bro, are you in one of the ironworker locals or unorganized outfit? You've already been hired to be a weldor? Hardhat and hood. Gloves, chipper, wire brush. Rod pouch. You should get issued a harness and lanyards.Being an apprentice you need to also carry a tape meausure, spud wrench, crescent wrench, a bullpin, and a 4lb beater (why? cause the journeymen never carry one but always need one). The above lists are nice....but I see a lot of rust on the ironworker tools.Weldanpower 225 G7Ironworkers Local #24
Reply:Tool belt,bolt bag,spud holder, for your spud crescent,hammer,tape,striker, lineman pliers etc,etc, is also a given. Can't tell you how many times I've worked with people and they say " Hey can I borrow your ......."  Then you ask... Don't you have one??? Their reply is always the same. " Yeah its back in my truck or tool box.
Reply:i dont have much experience and i'm currently going through the same process at the current moment i've got an angle grinder, chisel, hammer, big bastard file, a tool bag thats been beaten up a bit, and a small socket set, also the obvious stuff like shield, gloves (both leather and welders), glasses, dust coat never hurts and steelies then its just marking out and measuring equipment ruler, square, marker, chalk or soap but thats all i'm thinking till i find out if i need anything else i hope i've been of some help and good luck.
Reply:the company supplies all tools and ppe but i like using my own. adjustable spud wrench,vise grips with ring welded on end,ball pien hammer,25'tape measure,12"square,center punch,striker, 12"chisel,large file for sharpening soapstone. metal bucket to carry it.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:How much ironwork will you really be doing? Have you started an apprenticeship as an Ironworker? If not, you won't be needing bolt pins or spud wrenches or wire spools for tying rebar. If you are apprenticing as an Ironworker, you will require all Ironworker tools.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Wait a minute.You are  Originally Posted by ShabbySalamiabout to graduate college this spring with my 2 year degree in Associate of applied science in Welding and Fab
Reply:Originally Posted by KelvinWait a minute.You are and you don't know what tools a welder uses???