New student going to need gear.

admin

Hey, I already introduced myself to the forum so its time for my first legit post. Here is what's going on. I'm going into my junior year of high school and I will be attending a Boces program for welding that my school offer's. Most people who know this program understand I will be able to learn basically everything about welding during the two years i will be in the program hopefully. I will get certifications, job shadow's, etc, also a very good chance of getting a job out of the course. As the school year is approaching I'm going to need welding equipment etc. They offer equipment there but I'd rather have my own because the school provided equipment isn't the best, as I have shadowed the class before and seen it first hand. I don't own a welder currently so I will need basically everything required. I'm looking for a generic list of everything i will need to get me started. Also if possible maybe some recommendations on a helmet, I would really like an auto darkening one. Also may I add I have minor asthma and depending on the metal I have welded before i have gained symptoms. A recommendation on a breather would be greatly appreciated. - Spentar.
Reply:You should soak up as much experience as you can for awhile and then worry about buying some equipment. That's what I would suggest.  I'm pretty sure the school will provide adequate equipment as I'm sure they don't want their students getting hurt in any of their classes.  But if you insist, just pickup some basics:  Welding helmet Leather welding jacket Welding gloves Safety glasses Steel toe boots MIG pliers or any kind of needle nose will do just fine  With those items you should be just fine for the time being until you put some hours in.
Reply:Yes I already own a pair of Red Wing steel toes. The guy at red wing hooked me up with 6 pairs of laces because i told him i will be welding. I'm probably only going to pick up a helmet and gloves to start. I weld occasionally at mu friends house so having a helmet anyways would be convenient. A jackets a jacket and I'm sure some of the school equipment is sub par.
Reply:Cape sleeve. 20 bucks well spent, and you stay cool. Jackets are jackets, but some of them are more flammable than others...If you fight long enough, you will win. The problem is it costs too damned much.- Lee Cheng
Reply:start with the basic safety gear. learn about welding and what your needs are and then buy what you need, as you need it. before long you will have a nice setup.I would start with the leather jacket and gloves(leather holds up great to the sparks and slag) I believe Jackson is having a rebate right now on their auto dark helmets. check out CHucke2009 on youtube. He has some reviews of it. You will want a good grinder. Dont cheap out. I have seen the $20 ones go up in smoke pretty quick. tape measure, square, soapstone, a good welding cap. vice grips are nice to have. brushes and hammers, and etc etc etc.- Christian M.C3 Welding & Fabrication - CNC Plasma Cutting-Mobile Welding-Custom welding and fabwww.c3welding.com
Reply:Most tools etc they provide. as well as grinders. I mainly will just need body gear.