Welding is one of the oldest professions, and just like any other skill, it takes time to perfect. All the same, you can go through the learning curve much faster by taking the time and mastering the basic mechanisms about welding in general. Read on to discover what you need to know.
The introduction of inverter technology in the welding industry has made it a bit easier for beginners to learn how to strike the weld. Usually, that is the trickiest part of the learning process, and with the technology, it’s less frustrating.
Safety First
Welding is a hands-on skill and so, your safety comes first. With equipment such as the auto darkening welding helmet, you can protect yourself from the fumes and heat generated during welding activity. This gadget comes with an adjustable darkness setting, depending on the level of brightness. This makes the learning process even easier compared to the time when such gadgets were not available.
However, even with protective gadgets, there are some of the most important tips and facts about welding, which many beginners do not know. Thanks to the technological innovations in the welding industry, it’s now safer to conduct the activity than before. For instance, inverter welders deliver more energy efficiency and reduce the risk of fire or electrocution by a greater margin.
In the same way, the auto-darkening helmets eliminated the danger flash burns, popularly referred to as Arc Eyes and other injuries. As a beginner, you should always use gloves and helmets. A rule of thumb is to avoid any standard welding helmet. Instead, use the auto-darkening model.
Keep the following in mind:
- Helmet – make sure you get one that covers a bigger portion of the head. Fortunately, most of the good helmets do.
- Gloves and overall – adequate skin cover is important. The heat generated from welding activity can give you a horrid skin tan.
- Additional hat – this protects your facial hair and upper head
- Welding apron – this protects your lower legs
- Safety boots – you can use at least leather shoes that prevent conductivity just in case of short circuit
Inverter Welders
These machines are available in three types
- Professional MMA ARC inverter welder
- Semi-professional MIG Welder (comes with a built-in wire feeder)
- Professional machine with DC/AC output
These machines are available in the welding industry for good reasons. Unlike the machines before their invention (oil-cooled devices), they use the DC current output. As the alternating current (AC) goes into the machine, it changes it into a DC voltage, which results in a much lighter and energy-efficient machine.
Besides, the DC current causes less sticking and spattering, compared to the traditional machines. Importantly, inverter machines deliver excellent duty cycles, depending on their size and cost.
Final Thoughts
Adequate safety precaution is necessary for the welding workshop to minimise accidents that arise due to gas and power supplies. Most of the welding accidents are caused by fumes, heat, sparks and rays (both visible and invisible), which arise from the heat source. In most countries, there are laid down regulations and guidelines for the welding industry and other hot work activities, including the equipment used and the safety of the operator.