Welding supplies are plentiful for all welding occupations. But here we discus the basic supplies one should consider for their welding shop.

Safety must be your number one priority when it comes to welding, there is a grisly array of health hazards and safety risks that await the careless and feckless welder. With the huge amounts of intense light generated during the welding process, basic protective clothing such as a welding mask is essential. A failure to wear one (either at all or properly) will result in permanent scorching of the eyes, which will over time result in blindness. More ergonomic models of welding masks are such that the visor of the mask is temperature sensitive, allowing for more darkness when the welding is taking place, and more opaque when in darker conditions.

The light does not just pose a threat to the welder themselves but indeed to anyone in the proximity to the welding area, so to better protect against this danger translucent welding curtains (commonly composing of polyvinyl chloride plastic film) are used.

Other risks, such as fire hazards, dangers of burns sustained to the flesh as well as sunburn because of exposure to the UV rays must all be taken into consideration as well, before you even begin contemplating welding, you must ensure that you have the relevant and sufficient protective clothing. Molten sparks of metal fly everywhere, so no part of the skin should ever be exposed.

Tempting as it maybe, do not simply go for the cheapest possible deal you see, research and be clear in your own mind just exactly what kind of material you want to work with, and then make a decision based on that as to the welding supplies you will need. If you aim to work in the spacecraft or automobile industries, then a TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding kit would really be ideal, due to its high level of precision and long lasting durability. However, for the amateur or hobbyist, TIG welding kits maybe a little beyond their needs and/or their means. With steep learning curves, and very expensive costs of even the most basic of kits TIG welding is best reserved for commercial enterprises only.

Another definite essential from the welding supplies is a welding cart. One of the most crucial elements and functions of a welding cart is for the proper storage of the gases such as oxygen that are used during the welding process. Oxygen itself poses a serious risk due to combustion dangers, but even inert gases (typically employed in the TIG welding process) such as argon also pose dangers as they displace the environment around them, meaning that oxygen becomes scarce thus putting the welder at risk of asphyxiation.

Discover quality articles that cover welding supplies, welding projects, and welding tips. Sample videos on tig welding and mig welding are available as well. Welding plans and projects are available for novice and advanced welders.