newbie needs safety equipment?

[Shield Arc]

I've been using these for a few years now, super clear.:thumbsup:
ArcOne T240-10 Tradesman Auto-Darkening Filter 2-Inch x 4-1/4-Inch x 2-Inch - Horizontal - Amazon.com

 

[SquirmyPug]

I still want to try those fancy "smoke n' spatter" rods you used SA, my hoods are too clean

 

[Shield Arc]

my hoods are too clean

Throw them in the mud then! :laughing:

 

[Fifelaker]

Go online and see if they have a copy of the syllabus. Ours lists the required materials. The college only supply's metal, gas and filler. Hood, safety glasses, jacket, gloves, Chipping hammer, soapstone, tip cleaner. combo square..... is up to you.

 

[Arc weld]

Look for a welding supply that is part of the IWDC. They have Weldmark auto dark helmets with adjustable shade, sensitivity adjustment and battery back up for about the same price as a good lens insert. Apparently designed by the same guy that designed the Miller helmets. Around $110.00 here. Also have Steiner and Revco gloves and jackets that are quite reasonable.

 

[rilesdav]

Thanks again,
I am not too concerned with price of items like the shade, will go auto darkening cause seems like the consensus. Would rather pay a little more now for quality products than skimp on junk that will not last.
Dave

 

[SquirmyPug]

My suggestion would be to start with a 2x4 passive lens. You need to learn to drop a shield, you can't always use auto darkening. When i want the most visual clarity i use a passive lens with green GLASS not plastic. Shade 8-12 depending on what I'm doing.

 

[Oliver1655]

I have had expensive auto darkening hoods & I have the inexpensive Harbor Freight $40 auto darkening hood. If you are just starting out, The HF will do you just fine. I can normally get a couple years out of one before the rechargeable lithium battery goes out. The HF sheild adjusts from a 9 to a 13 shade. You can also get 3 pr of welding gloves from them for $8-12 depending on sales. Occasionally I will get a pair which don't hold up well, but when you get 3 pr for the price of one, I can't complain. They will also have chipping hammers, soapstone holders & leathers.

I agree with prior post recommending not sharing equipment for health reasons when ever possible. A grinding shield is fairly cheap and a cap to wear with your welding shield is a very smart investment.

Not to discourage you, I applaud anyone who tries to better themselves, but it is not uncommon to start a training program & find for one reason or another, it is not a good fit for you. I would not go over kill buying accessories/tools for welding until you feel confident it for you. Light sensitivity, wearing contacts with history of dry eyes, fumes from welding & grinding especially dirty/painted/galvanized metal can really effect one especially if they have a history of respiratory problems.

I wish you the best!

 

[rilesdav]

Hey Oliver,
You make great points, I guess I will look at the harbor freight stuff to make sure welding is a good fit for me, I can always upgrade equipment as I out grow and or wear out.
Thanks
Dave

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Those 3 pair for 10 bucks or 8 bucks or whatever are a waste of money imho. I've bought them myself and, yep....I used 3-5 pairs of gloves to one good pair. They don't provide adequate flexbility and dexterity when they start to "cook". They never fit me right. There were annoying seams and unfinished edges inside for me. Largers were barely mediums in other brands. The lining did not hold up...etc. Get one good pair of gloves. YOu cannot go wrong on spending 10-15 more dollars for a good pair of gloves...If you don't like welding, you can always use them with your barbeque grill. The HF gloves should come on a paper towel roll to dispense them because after a good day of welding, you'll need to rip another off the roll. I agree though on the HF helmets. Good to start. Vision is adequately clear. Face shielding surface area is a little small, but can be worked around. There are other places online that have them fairly cheap.