Monday, January 20, 2014

The Benefits of Welding Blankets



Welders come into contact with extremely hot metals and must protect themselves and their work surfaces from sparks, spatter and slag. The most efficient way to protect various surfaces and equipment in the work area is with welding blankets. Not only can welding blankets be used as protection for the equipment and floors in the work room, but they can be used as a vertical curtain to shield sparks and spatter from leaving a small area.

Welding blankets are flame and heat resistant because they are composed of fiber fabric developed from NASA technology. The blankets are easy to clean and lightweight. They can be fit around any equipment in the work room. Welding blankets can withstand high temperatures and won't burn or melt.

A variety of jobs could require a variety of welding blankets. They come in thicker, larger sizes for big jobs with a lot of sparks and slag showering the area. Lightweight welding blankets should be sufficient for small jobs with less heat and sparks.

It's essential that welders assess the job before beginning to choose the correct blanket size and thickness for the amount of sparks and to protect the equipment and work space

Friday, January 10, 2014

Must Have Gas Welding Accessories

Any professional welder will attest to the fact that gas welding accessories can not only make or break your project, but save your life. In the right hands, welding can be a fairly simple process. Yet the safety hazards are maximized when welding is approached without caution and education.
Here are some products every welder should find:
  • A good pair of fire retardant heavy duty welding gloves.
  • A Flashback Arrestor which prevents flames from burning back into equipment. These are designed to keep you safe and ensure equipment isn't damaged.
  • Cutting Torches are a welder's best friend. There are many types such as v-style, straight and hand cutting. You should have a good idea which is best for your project.
  • Welding regulators and flowmeters are critical to the welding process for gauging pressure ranges and maintaining a safe environment.
  • Cutting Tips come in a wide selection for an array of applications. Acetylene, natural gas and propane are all available from leading manufacturers and ensure quality and safety.
  • Circle Burners are tools that help with straight lines and cutting circles.
  • Cylinder Wrenches are versatile tools that ensure your critical components are always sealed and/or attached appropriately.
Of course, this list is only the beginning. A responsible welder will have other hardware like goggles, exhaust systems, the proper attire and more.

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Welding Jobs 101

A career in welding opens an array of opportunities for welders looking for jobs. They can find work in many capacities and the possibilities for advancement are vast. You would be hard pressed to find an industry that isn't utilizing welders in their daily processes.
If you are leaning toward welding, here are a few of the services you can provide.
  • Sales - Who else would you trust with your welding products and supplies than another welder?
  • Military - There will always be a need for good welders in the armed forces. These opportunities are typically run through contracting companies and involve everything from outfitting vehicles to repairing tanks.
  • Pipeline Installation - Welders in the pipeline business go where pipelines are being repaired and installed. This could consist of long periods of time temporarily living in other territories.
  • Certified Welding Inspector - For this position, you would have to take specific courses and exams to get the appropriate certifications. These steps ensure you can provide the high level of safety and security the position requires.
  • Ship Building & Repair - There are welding positions for on-board and on-shore welders. You could be paid well and visiting a new country every week.
  • Underwater Welders - This is a specialized field that can take you from job site to job site around the globe. While you can stay in one place, there is a demand for experienced welders willing to travel.p; 
Which welding job are you most interested in? Let us know by leaving a comment below.