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Turning your home into a luxurorious sanctuary could be expensive. It can entail a lot of repairs and construction that may cost thousands of dollars. But you can save a lot if you choose to do some of the work by yourself. That is why this article explains some of the things you will need if you decide to do the welding part by yourself.
- Welding knowledge
Welding is all about fusing two metals using a welding machine. The energy required to do this job is so much so that it needs some skill and effort. Also, if the welding is not done correctly, it may result in an accident or cause some serious injuries. So getting some knowledge about the basics of welding could start you off. You can choose to attend a class where welding skills are taught. Alternatively, you may get attached to an expert who can show you the basics.
- An angle grinder
You will need to use a grinder to smooth out the welded joints. The grinder may also be used to clean the surface of metals that need to be welded together. You also need wire brushes, ball peen hammer, c-clamps, and slag hammer. Other items you will need to help you with the cleaning are flint strikers and electrode tip cleaner.
- Safety equipment
Welding utilizes very high temperatures. It can be lethal and dangerous if it is not handled correctly. So, you need to wear gears to protect you from the hazards of welding. Also, you need a welding helmet, to protect the head, ears and the eyes. Wear solid boots to ensure that your feet are protected from slag or spark. Other protective accessories you will need are hand gloves and leather attire. Note that the protective gear is essential and so you should not try to weld without it.
- Welders
You need a welder stick to be able to weld pieces of metals together. For DIY it is recommended that you buy the shield-metal arc because it is easy to use. Also, it can be used in any environment and allows you to easily replace electrodes when welding. You can choose metallic arc welder, tig, or tungsten arc machine.
- Shielding gases
They could be active or inert, but they are necessary when welding metals together. Inert gasses such as helium and argon may be used. They form an excellent shielding gas envelope around the area being welded. It helps to protect the weld from the effect of other gasses found in the atmosphere. Also, the gases change the composition of the weld and makes welding easier. They include carbon dioxide or oxygen mixed with carbon. The composition of the gasses depends on the metals you want to weld. But they are ideal when welding metallic steels together.
You may use the same welding skills on different types of metals. But there is a welding process to be followed depending on the material you’ll be using. Get some ideas from experts if you are looking forward to succeeding in a DIY job.
