Learning to Weld-- Tips for Beginners on Welding and Gear

WJCO

Meme King
I just picked up the Weldpro 210 and now need a helmet and consumables. What websites are you guys going to for that stuff and any recommendations on a welding helmet.

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I would recommend something on the cheaper end but solar powered and has light sensitivity. With the helmet on, you can see everything but when you strike the arc, the lens darkens and protects your eyes. When battery gets low, you put the helmet in the sun to charge.
 

OverlanderJK

Resident Smartass
I would recommend something on the cheaper end but solar powered and has light sensitivity. With the helmet on, you can see everything but when you strike the arc, the lens darkens and protects your eyes. When battery gets low, you put the helmet in the sun to charge.

I wouldn’t. I would buy the best helmet your budget can afford. Don’t cheap out. You only have one set of eyes. You’ll really regret that harbor freight helmet when the lens doesn’t darken when you light up and have burned retinas.


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CalSgt

Hooked
I recommend getting an auto darkening hood with the biggest viewing area thats still somewhat affordable... I think the one I use was about $100 years ago, there are lots of decent ones on the market for that price range now. Miller makes some bad ass helmets that go for up to $400 but for that kind of money you can buy a new affordable helmet every few years when they break or wear out and still be ahead.
 

J&k_Overland

Active Member
Just bought a new helmet wish I could remember the brand. I went to my local welding shop and talked to them about what i wanted. He recommended one with adjustable darkness cause I was having a issue seeing puddle. It also had a grinding setting so I can use it for that too.


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MericaMade

Active Member
Yeah all Harbor Freight stuff is off the tabel. I'll go give the Lincoln a look. I know you can get consumables at HD but was also looking for a good website for like weldcarts and other accessories.

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WJCO

Meme King
I wouldn’t. I would buy the best helmet your budget can afford. Don’t cheap out. You only have one set of eyes. You’ll really regret that harbor freight helmet when the lens doesn’t darken when you light up and have burned retinas.


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I'm not talking harbor freight cheap. But there are plenty out there with great reviews on the cheaper end of the spectrum. I've used a couple around 100 dollar range that have worked as designed.
 

MericaMade

Active Member
You don't have a local shop near you?.. look for "Airgas" or "Miller" or "Sims"
Apparently I do LOL, did a google search and boom theres three. I'm gonna swing by tomorrow and check one out. Looking online I see alot of reviews on the Lincolns and Yes helmets. I feel this is the one tool you dont cheap out on.

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jesse3638

Hooked
You don't have a local shop near you?.. look for "Airgas" or "Miller" or "Sims"
Yeah I go to California welding supply. They have decent prices. The one by me also set me up with what I need and not what they wanted to sell me...haha
A weld art can be made with your new welder. It’s the perfect first project.


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Yeah I was going to say the same thing.
Apparently I do LOL, did a google search and boom theres three. I'm gonna swing by tomorrow and check one out. Looking online I see alot of reviews on the Lincolns and Yes helmets. I feel this is the one tool you dont cheap out on.

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Also look for local steel and fab yards. They have scrap they'll sell you for cheap so you can practice and learn. Weldingtipsandtricks.com has great tutorial vids with great camera work so you can see what they're talking about.

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MericaMade

Active Member
Yeah I go to California welding supply. They have decent prices. The one by me also set me up with what I need and not what they wanted to sell me...hahaYeah I was going to say the same thing.Also look for local steel and fab yards. They have scrap they'll sell you for cheap so you can practice and learn. Weldingtipsandtricks.com has great tutorial vids with great camera work so you can see what they're talking about.

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Sweet, California Welding Supply is the place down the street from me.

I've never welded before but I have stayed at a Holiday Inn Express and watched a ridiculous amount of welding videos on YouTube Lol.

Told myself I was going to learn this year and at least I'm following through finally.


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Speedy_RCW

Hooked
I have the Miller Digital Elite and it’s a great helmet for the price. If you’re looking for online sales Bakers Gas and Cyberweld are good. I generally just stop off at Praxair or a local welding supply we have here. As others mentioned, building a welding cart is a great first project.


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Sweet, California Welding Supply is the place down the street from me.

I've never welded before but I have stayed at a Holiday Inn Express and watched a ridiculous amount of welding videos on YouTube Lol.

Told myself I was going to learn this year and at least I'm following through finally.


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Welding is so much fun. Great decision. If you have any interest in metal, physics, gear, mechanics etc; welding is just the coolest shit. Never gets old. I’m finally working my way into a job with more office time after being on the floor for years and I still cut out to the shop at the end of the day to run beads for fun. Enjoy yourself, man.

...plus you can weld stuff onto your Jeep non-stop

Edit: reading back to some of the first posts on this thread, I do want to echo: if you have the means to take an inexpensive night class even one night a week for a couple months, it makes the experience more enjoyable because you get to bounce ideas around and learn techniques . 2 cents..
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