Tools for Graduating Welder

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Hello everyoneMy son will be graduating from vocational/high school in a few weeks. I'm looking for gift ideas for him, things he could use as he starts the working life. Mostly welding tools, but anything that might help him out as he gets started as a working man in a factory. He has already purchased himself a good welding helmet with some of the money he's earned. I'm thinking of a good pair of work boots, and whatever other clothing that might make his days out on the plant floor a little more bearable during the coming summer, and I'd like to hear some recommendations for boots/clothing, and whatever other ideas you seasoned pros out there are willing to share.Thanks in advance!
Reply:Biggest thing about boots and clothing is fit, especially boots.  Look for a good store that can propperly size boots. Often it will take a bit of looking to find a place that really knows what they are doing. Most "shoe stores" have no clue how to fit shoes and boots today. I use a place that sells orthodic foot wear, and a buddy of mine who has foot issues deals with a Redwing dealer to get his boots specially sized. I'd find a plce like this and get him a gift certificate so he can get a pair that suits him and fits well. In some cases a good set of custom inserts can be a life saver as far as how you feel at the end of a long day. A good solid, well fitting pair of boots is an invesment he will have for years if cared for right. Different jobs require different footwear. Some may require steel toes, some places slip ons and such, so it might pay to wait to find out what the employer wants and then have him choose a pair that fits well and suits both his taste and needs.Same goes in some ways with welding jackets and so on. Someone doing tig welding in a controlled enviroment will want a different jacket than someone welding stick overhead in confined spaces..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:Congrats on the future grad!!!! I wish my son would have done that too.  I would look into a set of tools for him to start building on.  a few wrenches, some pliers and clamps to help him set up his welds.  Might also wanna invest in a small welder he can continue to practice with at home.  Something like a small MIG or entry level Tig if you have the coin.  It will help him out and help keep his enthusiam up too.  Just the fact that you support and endorse him has many positive effects, so keep helping and encouraging  him to continue moving toward a goal.BobI'm spending my Kids inheritance, I dont like him that much anyway!!!!!!Enuff tools to do the job, enough sense to use em.Anybody got a spare set of kidneys?  Trade?
Reply:A gift card at a Redwing store ( the price of a pair of Redwings can be a shocker; but they are noticeably different and demonstrably better ).  I am retiired now, but I wore my last pair of workshoes for years and still have them handy "just in case".A lower cost alternate would be a gift card at his local welding supply,I offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor
Reply:Clamps.  You can never have too many clamps.Jack OlsenMy garage website
Reply:Far as tools, any of these will be needed sooner or later. 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:I agree with a really good pair of steel toe boots. Expect to pay at least $150 for a decent pair. Also, get the kind with  the smooth toe, not "Moc" to, with the ridge of stitching. That ridge can catch a ball of slag and burn into your foot. Hand tools, etc. that he may need will depend on his employer.
Reply:Originally Posted by Jack OlsenClamps.  You can never have too many clamps.
Reply:Originally Posted by Jack OlsenClamps.  You can never have too many clamps.
Reply:You all beat me to itCLAMPS..........you can never have enough clampsMaxus Pro-125 MigChicago Electric 90 amp DC flux-coreLincoln Electric AC 225 tombstoneO/A torchM/O mini-torch10 acres of flatland15 acres of holler
Reply:I'll agree you can't have too many clamps for personall use. However I doubt that will help the kid in many industrial sttings unless he works for himself. I'd expect the employer would supply most of the clamps he'd need on the job. Having one or two wouldn't hurt, but I wouldn't supply my employer with a ton of clamps for free..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:Originally Posted by CEPFar as tools, any of these will be needed sooner or later.
Reply:Originally Posted by Jack OlsenClamps.  You can never have too many clamps.
Reply:Originally Posted by Xtreme FabricationOnly thing I see missing in that pile of tools is a fall protection harness and spud wrenches.  A set of 1 1/4" williams superwrench spud wrenchs are must have tools for a welder/ironworker.  They are for a 3/4" A325 structural bolt.  Which is what used 90% of the time in connection points in buildings.    If the sticker shock is too much for the williams, klein makes a nice set of spud wrenchs too.  But everyone has them so they get lost easily on a job side.
Reply:Originally Posted by tenpinsmy spud wrenches are the ONLY tools that have never been stolen at work. Last 5 years, every building Im on is using 7/8 bolts. So get your boy a 3/4 and 7/8. A crescent that opens to 1" is also very useful..
Reply:Word. grinding the tips of the spuds to a chisel point is not only functional for the job...they are a deterrant for ****heads.Weldanpower 225 G7Ironworkers Local #24
Reply:Originally Posted by tenpinsWord. grinding the tips of the spuds to a chisel point is not only functional for the job...they are a deterrant for ****heads.
Reply:Another vote for good boots if not supplied by the employer. Note that some shops do not allow lace up boots so check first. Tools can change for shop to shop but you always need good boots.Tough as nails and damn near as smart
Reply:A 1" spud makes a 3/4 " look like a toy, I hate having them in the frog and a bag full of 1" bolts.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:I am thinking safety gear, couple pairs of clear  glasses, burning glasses, face shields clear and tinted plastic.  Also, good leather work gloves along with good welding gloves and good leather jacket or vest.Best of luck to your son, I am sure he will enjoy a good career with the support he is getting from his family.
Reply:Originally Posted by TozziWeldingA 1" spud makes a 3/4 " look like a toy, I hate having them in the frog and a bag full of 1" bolts.
Reply:Whatever wrench you choose, have at least one adjustable that will go 1 1/8" for changing gas cylinders.
Reply:Thanks for all the suggestions and encouragment! It is appreciated. I think there's a Redwing dealer in town that I'll stop by and pick up a gift certificate so boy wonder can get himself some comfy boots. Around the house all he needs is a soft chair haha. And if he is lucky, maybe I'll throw in some of your other suggestions too. Thanks again!
Reply:Hi got to have a OTC connecting bar , not the POS Klines and a B & O  and a  bull dick and some 3/4 & 7/8 drift pins ,  should be supplied by the company but nice to have your own . A stinger of your liking as some company stingers of 500 amps are not good for 1/8  rod !!!
Reply:Originally Posted by PavinsteelmanB & OI was lost on "frog". Now add to that "B & O" and "bull dick"."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:I have 2 B&O's a small one and a big one, I also use them when welding decking, to knock down the high spots.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:"...boy wonder..."   love that!
Reply:Originally Posted by TozziWeldingI have 2 B&O's a small one and a big one, I also use them when welding decking, to knock down the high spots.
Reply:Yup, great for track pins on dozers too.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:A stinger of your liking as some company stingers of 500 amps are not good for 1/8 rod !!!
Reply:Originally Posted by farmallI need me some Acme thread "handle stock". It has a much greater Cool Factor than rebar!
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPLook anything like this? They are priceless when breaking a boom down in a crane.
Reply:Hi Woodings-Verona makes them B & O's also bars , hammers and more stuff , Kline tools , Williams ,Armstrong make all ironworker stuff but the best connecting bars are from OTC !!!!  My favorite stinger is a Barnard Shortstub and a Duro 250 amp from Lenco . I have been looking for a special bull dick fron a company in phila.  with a square head and a hole to hold on ???  John
Reply:How about a Hell Dog ???  And a Old Man  ???  Bull Stick ??? Bell Man  ??? John
Reply:http://www.westcoastshoe.com/wesco/home.aspThese boots are pricey up front, but real cheap in the long run.  I've heard of lot's of guys getting 5 years out of them, then sending them back for a rebuild at half the cost of new.  10 years of quality, custom fit, hand built boots for $700 total (including rebuild price).I have a really hard time finding boots due to some shrapnel I picked up in Iraq.  These boots are night and day between anything else out there.  I, literally, can't work without them.
Reply:1" spud and the baby 3/4" spudDisclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Tozzi I saw yours and I just ran out to take a picture of mine.   Theses are a 3/4" and 1" williams tools co spuds. Attached ImagesLincoln 300 Vantage 2008300 Commander 1999SA250 1999SA200 1968Miller Syncrowave 200XMT350MPA/S-52E/xr-15Xtreme 12vs Millermatic 251 w/30A  Millermatic 251 Dialarc 250 Hypertherm 1250 GEKA & Bantom Ironwokers
Reply:Williams on the 1" Klein on the 3/4" and 7/8", sleever bar is an OTC, B&O is an old green Woodings& Veronia. Beater is a 4 pound head with number 8 rebar welded in as a handle and a 16" Crescent, bull pricks are Klein and Ajax, I could go on for days.......Last edited by TozziWelding; 06-09-2011 at 06:17 PM.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Originally Posted by TozziWeldingWilliams on the 1" Klein on the 3/4" and 7/8", sleever bar is an OTC, B&O is an old green Woodings& Veronia. Beater is a 4 pound head with number 8 rebar welded in as a handle and a 16" Crescent, bull pricks are Klein and Ajax, I could go on for days.......
Reply:Spud wrenches are made with a tapered end for fit up and alignment for bolt holes, both fixed and adjustable versions (think Crescent wrench); sleever bars  are usually round with a taper on one end and a flat area set at a small  angle  to the bar, again for alignment and prying;  a B&O is a backing out punch, used for driving out bolts and pins, among other things; a beater is another name for a BFH,  anything less than 4 lbs. is used to make watches; #8 rebar refers to the diameter used to make the handle; bull pricks or bull pins are tapered pins of varying sizes and with broad or smooth heads that are driven into bolt holes with a beater or BFH for alignment purposes.  Different trades and/or regions of the country have slightly different names for basically the same tools.  All of this gear is carried around on your rigging belt/safety harness along with bolt bags for bolts and various other items and may way up to a hundred pounds.  Also you are expected to climb where there are no ladders or stairs, on the ground or to a thousand feet or more in the air.  Don't forget your double lanyard hanging from your belt for 100% tie off, with a beamer (a clamp that attaches to the flange of a beam and slides along as you walk).  If the weather is warm you'll only have a tee shirt, jeans and all the sweat that can drip to contend with.  If it's cold, figure on long johns, Carhart bibs, jackets and/or coats.  A real comfortable outfit to wear."The man of great wealth owes a peculiar obligation to the State, because he derives special advantages from the mere existence of government."  Teddy RooseveltAmerican by birth, Union by choice!  Boilermakers # 60America is a Union.
Reply:Originally Posted by Bob the WelderSpud wrenches are made with a tapered end for fit up and alignment for bolt holes, both fixed and adjustable versions (think Crescent wrench); sleever bars  are usually round with a taper on one end and a flat area set at a small  angle  to the bar, again for alignment and prying;  a B&O is a backing out punch, used for driving out bolts and pins, among other things; a beater is another name for a BFH,  anything less than 4 lbs. is used to make watches; #8 rebar refers to the diameter used to make the handle; bull pricks or bull pins are tapered pins of varying sizes and with broad or smooth heads that are driven into bolt holes with a beater or BFH for alignment purposes.  Different trades and/or regions of the country have slightly different names for basically the same tools.  All of this gear is carried around on your rigging belt/safety harness along with bolt bags for bolts and various other items and may way up to a hundred pounds.  Also you are expected to climb where there are no ladders or stairs, on the ground or to a thousand feet or more in the air.  Don't forget your double lanyard hanging from your belt for 100% tie off, with a beamer (a clamp that attaches to the flange of a beam and slides along as you walk).  If the weather is warm you'll only have a tee shirt, jeans and all the sweat that can drip to contend with.  If it's cold, figure on long johns, Carhart bibs, jackets and/or coats.  A real comfortable outfit to wear.