Basics of Welding: Get a Clear Idea of What You’ll Need and What to Expect When You Pick Up Welding

Are you looking to get into welding but are too intimidated by the sheer amount of equipment and tools required? Don’t worry, I’ll show you how to get started with one tool. In this post, I will cover the basics of welding and explain what equipment is needed for a basic weld. I will also go over some tips on what not to do when first starting out so that you don’t waste money and time on something that won’t work.

Basics of Welding

Welding is the process of fusing two or more metals together by melting them with a welding torch, which is basically an acetylene torch on steroids. The term “weld” comes from the name of the liquid that is used in the process, which is called welded joints. Welds are stronger than melted metal because they have a crystalline structure after cooling down from the molten state. When you weld, you’re actually creating new crystals that form when the melted metals cool down.

Welding is a very important process in construction because it allows for things to be made out of stronger metals than before and without having to use rivets or other means of fastening. The first welding machine was invented in 1867 by French inventor Charles Pecard. It consisted of an oxygen tank, which produced the flame that would melt the metal during welding, and a handle to control the flow of oxygen. This machine allowed for two pieces of metal to be placed side-b by side and fused together.

welding torch
Source: fractory.com

Nowadays, welding is done with an electric arc welder. This machine uses electricity to create the heat necessary for welding metals. There are two types of welds that can be made with this machine: MIG (Metal Inert Gas) and TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas). The difference between these two types is how you control the flow of oxygen during the welding process.

With a MIG welder, there is no need for oxygen. The metal being welded is not exposed to air, so there will be no oxidization during the process.

With a TIG welder, you must have an inert gas (usually helium or argon) flowing through a small tube that is attached to your torch and welding electrode. This flow of gas helps control the oxidation of the metal while it’s being welded and allows for better penetration into the joint when welding.

What Welding Tools and Equipment Do I Need?

Ok, so now that you know the basics of welding, let’s talk about what welding tools and equipment you will need to get started with a basic weld.

What Welding Tools and Equipment Do I Need?
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  1. Welder – This is probably going to be your biggest investment when getting into welding. You have two options: an inverter welder and a DC welder. An Inverter welder (also known as MIG) uses metal inert gas (or “gasless”) welding and requires a cylinder of helium or argon gas to be stored in your shop. A DC welder (also known as stick) uses direct current and requires wires with an electrode at the tip that you connect to a power source (usually a generator).
    2. Helmets – You should always wear safety gear when welding, especially if you’re using an oxygen torch. The helmet will protect your face from any sparks or flames that get too close.
    3. Gloves – Welding gloves are different from regular work gloves because they have a thin wire coming out of the fingertips. These wires are connected to your welding machine and allow you to control the arc while welding. Make sure that the gloves you buy are meant for welding.
    4. Welding Table – The table is used to hold your equipment when not in use. You can either make one yourself or purchase one from a welding shop. I would recommend making your own because they’re usually cheaper than buying them at a store.
    5. Welding Rods – Your rods should be the same diameter as your welding machine. This will allow for easy replacement if one gets broken or lost.
    6. Oxygen Tank – The oxygen tank is what provides the gas necessary for welding. It’s usually stored in an insulated box to keep it cool when not in use. You will need a regulator and hose for your welder that attaches to this tank.

What NOT to Do When Welding

There are a few crucial things to keep in mind when welding in order not to damage your equipment or injure yourself.

  1. Make sure that all of the hoses, wires and cables coming from your welder are secure. If they get loose during use, it could cause injury and/or damage to your equipment.
    2. Never weld directly onto a steel beam or column. These structures are usually made with low-grade steel that is not meant for welding. It will result in a weak joint and possible collapse of the structure.
    3. Do not weld when there is any chance that oxygen could be present. If you’re welding on a steel beam or column, make sure that there is no air in the area around your equipment. Also, make sure there is no air when you’re using an inert gas welder because it will cause oxidation.
    4. Do not weld without wearing safety gear and making sure that everything is set up properly. Welding can be dangerous if you don’t pay attention to what you’re doing, so take your time to get things right.
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.