Welding is often required for repairing metal objects or binding metal surfaces. If you’re a hobbyist or someone who has a workshop at home, you may be thinking of picking up some welding equipment. That way, you can handle welding jobs yourself.
But is that the right move? Is welding something I should do myself or should I hire a professional for welding?
Find out the answers to those important questions below.
Welding Can Be Very Dangerous
Why should I hire a professional for my welding needs? Well, one reason would be keeping yourself safe.
As you’ve probably guessed, welding can be a very hazardous activity. The torches welders use typically produce flames that go up to 4000 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t know how to properly handle a torch that is producing that much heat, you can injure yourself easily.
You could also position the torch incorrectly, which could lead to injury or property damage. Forgetting that the torch is lit could also cause trouble.
Amateur welders also don’t know how to protect themselves properly. They could be exposing themselves to toxic fumes without realizing it.
Simply put, you are putting yourself at great risk by welding solo. Leave that job up to the professionals and avoid any unnecessary accidents.
Welding Requires Plenty of Equipment
If you are planning to weld by yourself, you will need to pick up some equipment. Pieces of equipment that you need include cutting torches, the welding cart, welding magnets, welding clamps, welding wire, and the welding framing jig. Additional tools that welders commonly use include angle grinders, chipping hammers, pliers, and markings.
Don’t forget about the safety gear when you are purchasing welding equipment.
You need a welding helmet, welding gloves, safety glasses, and headphones for your ears. Some welders also wear special sleeves and steel-toe boots for improved protection. Keeping a fire extinguisher on hand is also highly recommended.
That’s a long list of items you’ll need to pick up if you want to weld solo. You may already have some of them, but chances are you will still need to spend significant money to purchase all the essential items.
Are you willing to invest that kind of money just so you can weld at home? If that doesn’t seem like a good use of your money, feel free to hire a professional instead.
Welding Solo Can Lead to Poor Results
Welding is not something you can take up on a whim. Just like any other skill, it must be honed through hours and hours of practice.
If you’re welding something by yourself for the first time, you should expect the results to be poor. There is no substitute for firsthand welding experience. Even watching YouTube tutorials and reading how-to articles can only help so much.
Don’t risk having the final product turn out badly by not hiring a professional welder to handle your project.
Get a professional to take care of your welding needs because doing it yourself can lead to an undesirable outcome. In some cases, welding solo could have disastrous consequences. Entrust the job to a professional and rest assured that it will be done properly.