safety equipment ?

[coastiejohn]

Hello

This is my first post but i have been lurking for awhile.

At my station i am learning to weld on a lincoln SP-135T I am taking a class and have a pretty good teacher at work so i would like to keep this equipment related only.

First this machine is only setup for flux-core, we are currently not allowed to to hook up a Gas tank to it due to our regulations so no MIG in the foreseeable future. I will be purchasing a millermatic 180 type machine in the future (2-3 years) when i transfer from chicago and out of the condo life. My welding will be based around custom fabrication for off road application on my jeep, with a dream of building my own tube chassis in 10 years or so. I included this info in-case it affects what equipment i should buy.

I am looking to invest in a few saftey items because the stuff at work is mostly harbor frieght minimum protection type stuff, and i want to build my own welding kit.

While my budget is not unlimited i do believe in you buy quality and cry once, buy cheap and cry often.

The helmet i am using seems to be the $60 basic auto darkning, i find it uncomfortable and kinda lacks in the window field of view depatment. I am kicking around between the MIller elite black, and performance black. My question is if the extra 55 bucks is worth the extra arc sensor and almost an inch of viewing. And in the $240 range should i look at spending the $260 for the speedglas entry level 9100. I am going to my local welding shop to try on all three for fit and comfort but wanted opinion and experince from those they may be using them here.

I am using tillman blue gloves. They are OK but if i am buying my own i wanted to know if their are any that are better as far as protection and durability. Are the miller welding gloves a good choice? looking for recomendations in the under $40 range on gloves.

i have been welding in jeans and leather welding jacket.I have a full nomex assault jumpsuit, will this provide enough protection or should i stick with the leather welding jacket or use both.

I have resperatior, saftey glasses/goggles, and boots covered. Is their anything else i should be looking for?

Sorry for the long post and Thanks.

[tresi]

For welding purposes you'll find that the leathers will due you more good than the nomex. A single layer nomex is good for flash fires but little else. For light welding the nomex would be OK but I would just use a jean jacket. there are dozens if not hundreds of glove suited for your purpose under $40. My last pair of gloves I spurged and bought some Black Stallion gloves with the aluminum/wool lining for 18 bucks or so. I like them for heavier stuff. A tube chassis I would wear regular leather work gloves but that's me. Good gloves can be found for 10 or12 bucks. Find whatever feels good to you. OK gloves can be for $7or$8. Like gloves helmets are a highly personal choice. Some of the best welders I know use a $30 fixed shade hood.

[tanglediver]

Fixed shade hood, cotton jacket, Elkskin gloves and the same model leather hiking boots I've been wearing for the past ten years!
"YEAH, that's the ticket! Fixed Cotton Elk Boots!"

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Welcome to the shop!

[Ian-MetalSmith]

Hey Coastiejohn,

Good to see you on here. What are you? MK, DC?

I see you are taking a class and have some instruction, that is always the best way to go.

As far as the compressed gas bottle is concerned, there is no regulation against it unless it is a local station policy but I can't see why unless they don't want the hassel or expense of having a bottle and never need welding done.

I went all out for the speedglass large center window with the side view as well. I should of bought a nice shield long ago.

Keep up the good work, I am at 23 years and still counting.


By the way, I like the BT and NNN. Nice touch.


Ian

[coastiejohn]

BM1 here, with 10 years,

It has something to do with both our command, and local regulations because of the park we are located in and, our hazmat genarators license. Will be going today to try on helmets and see what i like.

Fair winds a following seas.