Notes for DIYers: Basic Manual Arc Welding Kit

Memo for beginners, which will simplify the selection of special stages

Buy a welding inverter is only half of the task in mastering manual arc welding. As a novice welder, you will need tools and accessories - a welder's mask, magnetic squares, a welder's hammer, gaiters and much more. Each welder selects accessories for himself, depending on the type of work. We will tell you about the basic set for beginners.

1. What are the welding masks?

The mask is the most important element of the welder's outfit. The welder's mask protects the eyes and face from harmful infrared and ultraviolet radiation and from hot metal splashes. Welding masks are of two types:

• Welding mask with a chameleon liquid crystal light filter. At the chameleon welding mask, the light transmittance of the screen is adjusted and flexibly adjusted, and the glass itself is automatically darkened when a bright welding arc appears. This is convenient for novice welders.
• Electric welder's shield with protective glass, with a constant degree of shade, for example, 10-11 DIN.

2. What are the advantages of the chameleon welding mask?

The main advantage of the “chameleon” is that the mask does not need to be lifted during welding in order to assess the weld seam, beat off slag or fix the workpieces. The screen of the chameleon welding mask, when an electric arc appears, is darkened in 0.000033 seconds. and returns to a transparent state 0.25-0.8 seconds after the arc disappears. The "enlightenment" speed of the "chameleon" welding mask is regulated by the welder. The time of darkening and clearing the mask is written in the technical specifications. The degree of shading is indicated, according to the international classification, in DIN. For example, 9-13 DIN. The higher the number, the more darkened the mask glass. An important point - the "chameleon" provides constant protection from UV and IR radiation. These masks are equipped with optical light sensors that are powered by solar panels, batteries or non-removable batteries.

3. 2 main advantages of a conventional welder's shield

The main advantage of the face shield is its low cost and weight, compared to the chameleon welder's mask. The main disadvantage is that during work, the mask or shield will have to be raised and lowered by hand or nod in order to visually assess the weld. There are models of welding shields, where the light filter can be changed, choosing the best option depending on the type of work - electric or gas welding.

4. How many optical sensors should a chameleon welding mask have?

Two optical sensors are put on simple models. More advanced models are equipped with three and four sensors. The more optical sensors a mask has, the better. Practice shows that for ordinary household work - welding a fence, simple metal structures, etc. “Behind the eyes” is enough a welding mask with two sensors. Choose “chameleon” masks, which are powered by a solar panel and regular replaceable batteries.

5. What are welder's leggings for?

Welder's gloves or gaiters protect hands during welding. The welder is threatened by:

• Ultraviolet and infrared radiation.
• Spray of hot metal.
• Hot metal.

When welding, do not work in ordinary cotton gloves, as they burn through at once, or even without hand protection. In addition to glued metal, ultraviolet light is harmful, which can cause so-called. Welder's tan and damage to exposed skin.

High-quality welder's leggings are made of split leather - a material obtained by separating genuine leather into layers. A cheaper, but also less convenient option is tarpaulin mittens.

6. Why do you need a welding suit?

As we have already said, hot metal spatter, high temperature and harmful ultraviolet radiation appear during welding. The welder's suit provides reliable protection, as it is made of refractory impregnated tarpaulin and fire-resistant split.

If you weld metal in a conventional overalls, then the material, without refractory properties, is quickly burned by sparks and becomes unusable.

7. What is a slag hammer for?

The welder's hammer is useful to kick slag off a fresh weld. After removing the slag, you can visually check the seam and assess its quality. The welder's hammer has a spring handle that reduces recoil when hitting metal and a bump stop, on one side of which there is a sharp sting, and on the other side a chisel.

A slag hammer can be bought, they are inexpensive, or made with your own hands from fittings and an unnecessary chisel.

8. Why does a welder need a magnetic square?

A magnetic square is an indispensable item for any welder. In fact, this is the "third and fourth hand of the welder" who works alone. With its help, metal parts and workpieces are fixed at the desired angle, and then welded. The number of angles depends on the geometry of the magnetic square. The triangular magnetic angle has three angles: 45 °, 90 ° and 135 degrees. The hexagon set allows you to set five angles: 30 °, 45 °, 60 °, 90 ° and 135 degrees.

9. How to choose a magnetic welding angle?

Apart from geometry, magnetic squares differ in the degree of maximum force. For example, powerful magnetic squares attract workpieces with a force of up to 22 or 34 kg. Such devices are useful when welding heavy-duty structures where heavy square or round pipes, corners, metal sheets, strips, profiles, etc., for example when welding a fence or gate.

Less powerful magnetic elbows develop a maximum force of 4 - 11 kg. They are required when welding relatively small, lightweight steel structures.

10. The key benefit of a switchable magnetic welding angle

There are switchable and non-switchable magnetic squares. It is easier to work with a detachable magnet, since you do not waste effort to lift the magnet off the metal surface. Squares with a non-removable magnet are cheaper and more readily available to a wide range of consumers. In the welder's arsenal, there should be several types of magnetic squares, with different geometries and maximum attraction forces.

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Also, beginners will find it useful several welding life hacks. The video shows a master class for beginners.