5 Things to Consider When Purchasing Welding Equipment and Supplies

Welding is one of those skills to have that will come in handy time and time again. From working on home construction projects to making repairs – and even if you want to practice creating sculptures from metal – welding will give you insurmountable freedom to complete many different types of jobs. Whether you are an inexperienced welder or an advanced welder, you will certainly need a few basic supplies. Without this equipment, it will be difficult to accomplish some of your welding goals. Before you purchase your equipment, however, you want to make a few considerations. Here are five things to consider when purchasing welding equipment and supplies.

1. What specific welding job are you trying to complete? There is a multitude of welding jobs that you may be trying to complete. For instance, you may be working on very basic architectural welding or perhaps you are creating the architecture of a pre-fab wall or other structural element. You may also be creating trying to weld minute and precise equipment for industrial practices. Before you head to a welding supply retailer, like Lincoln Electric, you want to make sure you know what your specific project entails.
2. What type of metal are you trying to join? Not all metal is created equal – some metal is thicker or thinner in physical properties; other metal is more dense and hard to join. If this is the case, you want to make sure you get the right tools for the type of metal you are working with. Only some base alloys and arc heat levels work for certain metal properties. The last thing you want is to create a risk for structural unsoundness.
3. What kind of power source does the equipment need? Some welding machines and arc suppliers need different types of power. Some high powered – and higher temperature arcs – need more electricity. Other welding arcs can work from a low voltage generator. If you only have a generator, the project you are working on may be limited unless you purchase an arc starter that doesn’t need that much power. If you are working on a project that needs more heat, you will need a source of ample electricity.
4. What is the environment like where you are welding? There are many different environments where you may be welding. If you are working on-site, you will be working with welding equipment that makes it easy to work outdoors – in a busy construction environment. If you are working inside – either in a factory or studio, you will need to purchase equipment that is cut out for indoor projects and jobs.
5. What is the complexity of the project? Some jobs are more complex than others. For instance, some welding jobs may need tools that focus on completing complex welding connections – either you need different alloys or you need an entirely automated welding system. When it comes down to it, the complexity of the project will be the basis of how much you will spend on equipment and how much time will be dedicated to installation.