What You Need for Day One
Helmet to boots to hand tools, organized by category with a product picked for each item.
The Checklist
Check items off as you buy them.
53 items
Personal Protective Equipment
Welding Helmet
RequiredYour most important piece of PPE. Get an auto-darkening model with a shade range that fits your process.
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YESWELDER Auto Darkening Welding Helmet, True Color
$33.99
Recommended: YESWELDER Auto Darkening Welding Helmet, True Color$33.99
Welding Gloves
RequiredBring a heavier glove for stick/MIG and a thinner one for TIG.
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DEWALT Premium Leather Welding Gloves
$34.98
Recommended: DEWALT Premium Leather Welding Gloves$34.98
Welding Jacket
RequiredProtects your arms and torso from sparks and UV. Often required even over FR clothing.
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Lincoln Electric Hybrid Shadow Split Leather Sleeved Jacket
$166.17
Recommended: Lincoln Electric Hybrid Shadow Split Leather Sleeved Jacket$166.17
Safety Glasses
RequiredWorn under your helmet and anytime you're grinding or near someone who is.
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Radnor Clear Safety Glasses, ANSI Z87+, Box of 12
$33.50
Recommended: Radnor Clear Safety Glasses, ANSI Z87+, Box of 12$33.50
Welding Boots
RequiredLeather boots with a steel or composite toe protect your feet from sparks and dropped metal.
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Timberland PRO 8-Inch Direct Attach Steel Toe Work Boot
$164.99
Recommended: Timberland PRO 8-Inch Direct Attach Steel Toe Work Boot$164.99
Hearing Protection
RecommendedGrinders and a loud shop floor add up fast, so protect your hearing early.
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3M Corded Reusable Earplugs, 3-Pair with Case
$6.97
Recommended: 3M Corded Reusable Earplugs, 3-Pair with Case$6.97
Respirator / Respiratory Protection
RecommendedWelding fume is a real health risk. Most schools require at least an N95.
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Moldex 2200N95 Disposable Respirator, Pack of 20
$34.02
Recommended: Moldex 2200N95 Disposable Respirator, Pack of 20$34.02
Welding Cap
RecommendedCotton cap under your helmet keeps sparks and hot slag out of your hair.
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Comeaux Caps Reversible Welding Cap
$17.33
Recommended: Comeaux Caps Reversible Welding Cap$17.33
Leather Welding Sleeves
Nice to haveExtra arm protection for overhead or heavy spatter work, without wearing a full jacket.
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YESWELDER Leather Welding Sleeves
$26.23
Recommended: YESWELDER Leather Welding Sleeves$26.23
Grinding / Face Shield
RecommendedSafety glasses alone aren't enough for heavy grinding. A face shield covers your whole face from flying debris.
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3M H8A Ratchet Headgear and Visor Combination
$48.69
Recommended: 3M H8A Ratchet Headgear and Visor Combination$48.69
Leather Welding Apron
Nice to haveA bib apron protects your chest and legs for bench work where a full jacket is overkill.
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Leather Welding Bib Apron, 36 x 24 In
$51.68
Recommended: Leather Welding Bib Apron, 36 x 24 In$51.68
Welding Ear Muffs
Nice to haveLow-profile cups sized to fit under a welding helmet, for anyone who finds foam plugs uncomfortable on a full shift.
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3M H505B Welding Ear Muffs, 17dB
$44.44
Recommended: 3M H505B Welding Ear Muffs, 17dB$44.44
TIG Welding Gloves
Nice to haveA thinner, more dexterous glove than a standard stick/MIG glove, for the fine control TIG welding needs.
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Lincoln Electric Grain Leather TIG Welding Gloves
$31.92
Recommended: Lincoln Electric Grain Leather TIG Welding Gloves$31.92
Leather Welding Hood/Cap
Nice to haveHeavier, spark-resistant leather head and neck coverage for overhead work or heavy grinding, where the cotton welding cap isn't enough.
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AP Cowhide Split Leather Welding Hood with Neck/Shoulder Drape
$18.79
Recommended: AP Cowhide Split Leather Welding Hood with Neck/Shoulder Drape$18.79
Hand Tools & Shop Tools
Welding Pliers
RecommendedA booth multi-tool: pulls slag, trims wire, cleans your MIG tip.
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SPEEDWOX 7" MIG Welding Pliers, Multi-Function
$9.99
Recommended: SPEEDWOX 7" MIG Welding Pliers, Multi-Function$9.99
Chipping Hammer
RequiredKnocks slag off a stick or flux-core weld before you inspect or grind it.
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YESWELDER Welding/Chipping Hammer, 28oz
$21.99
Recommended: YESWELDER Welding/Chipping Hammer, 28oz$21.99
Wire Brush
RequiredCleans metal before and after welding. You'll use it constantly.
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US Forge Welding Steel Wire Brush #00302
$19.28
Recommended: US Forge Welding Steel Wire Brush #00302$19.28
Tape Measure
RequiredFor layout, fit-up, and checking your work against a print.
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Klein Tools 9225 Heavy-Duty Tape Measure, 25-Foot
$29.98
Recommended: Klein Tools 9225 Heavy-Duty Tape Measure, 25-Foot$29.98
Soapstone / Marking Tools
RequiredMarks cuts and layout lines on metal, since pencil doesn't survive the heat.
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WYPO Flat Soapstone Holder with Soapstone
$9.99
Recommended: WYPO Flat Soapstone Holder with Soapstone$9.99
Welding Magnets
RecommendedHolds pieces at an angle while you tack, freeing up both hands.
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YESWELDER 4-Piece Welding Magnet Set, 50 lb
$19.79
Recommended: YESWELDER 4-Piece Welding Magnet Set, 50 lb$19.79
Angle Grinder
RecommendedFor cutting, beveling, and cleaning up welds.
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DEWALT Angle Grinder, 4.5-Inch, 11 Amp (DWE402)
$89.00
Recommended: DEWALT Angle Grinder, 4.5-Inch, 11 Amp (DWE402)$89.00
Grinder Discs
RecommendedConsumables for your grinder. Get both cutting and grinding discs.
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DEWALT 4-1/2" Cut-Off Wheels, 5-Pack (DW8062B5)
$5.97
Recommended: DEWALT 4-1/2" Cut-Off Wheels, 5-Pack (DW8062B5)$5.97
C-Clamps
RequiredClamp pieces in place before you tack them, so nothing shifts mid-weld.
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PONY Malleable Iron C-Clamp Set, 3-Piece
$15.99
Recommended: PONY Malleable Iron C-Clamp Set, 3-Piece$15.99
Combination Square
RecommendedMarks square lines and 45-degree angles on metal before you cut or weld.
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Swanson 12-Inch Combination Square
$11.63
Recommended: Swanson 12-Inch Combination Square$11.63
Center Punch
Nice to haveMarks a starting dimple for drilling so your bit doesn't wander on smooth metal.
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Automatic Spring-Loaded Center Punch
$7.99
Recommended: Automatic Spring-Loaded Center Punch$7.99
Metal File Set
Nice to haveKnocks down sharp edges and smooths welds after grinding.
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ABN Hand Deburring File 3-Piece Set
$13.98
Recommended: ABN Hand Deburring File 3-Piece Set$13.98
TIG Finger
Nice to haveA heat shield for your back hand on long TIG passes, so you're not resting bare skin on hot metal.
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Weldmonger TIG Finger XL Heat Shield
$31.95
Recommended: Weldmonger TIG Finger XL Heat Shield$31.95
Welding Table
RecommendedA dedicated steel table with fixture holes gives you a flat, grounded surface to clamp and tack on instead of a wood bench that can catch fire.
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VEVOR Welding Table 36"x18", 1200lbs Capacity, on Wheels
$107.91
Recommended: VEVOR Welding Table 36"x18", 1200lbs Capacity, on Wheels$107.91
Welder's Angle Clamp
Nice to haveHolds two pieces at an adjustable angle hands-free for tacking frames and brackets, which magnets alone can't do on odd angles.
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Strong Hand Tools WAC45 Multi-Axis Welder's Angle Clamp
$212.00
Recommended: Strong Hand Tools WAC45 Multi-Axis Welder's Angle Clamp$212.00
Flashback Arrestor Set
RequiredA cheap check-valve pair that stops a flame from traveling back into the hose or tank, a required item on any oxy-fuel torch setup, not an upsell.
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VAPHY Oxygen & Acetylene Flashback Arrestor Set, Regulator End
$16.22
Recommended: VAPHY Oxygen & Acetylene Flashback Arrestor Set, Regulator End$16.22
Spool Gun
Nice to haveFeeds soft aluminum wire without the birdnesting a standard MIG gun liner causes, needed the first time your program covers aluminum.
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Weldpro 130A Aluminum Spool Gun, 15 ft
$145.49
Recommended: Weldpro 130A Aluminum Spool Gun, 15 ft$145.49
Wire Cup Brush for Angle Grinder
Nice to haveMounts on your angle grinder to strip mill scale, rust, and heavy spatter over a wider area than a hand wire brush.
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AUPREX 5-Pack Wire Wheel and Wire Cup Brush Set for Angle Grinder
$35.98
Recommended: AUPREX 5-Pack Wire Wheel and Wire Cup Brush Set for Angle Grinder$35.98
TIG Torch Cup/Collet Accessory Kit
RecommendedSpare cups, collets, and gas lens parts for a WP-17/18/26 TIG torch — consumables that crack or wear out mid-project.
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WeldingCity TIG Welding Torch Accessory Kit, Stubby Gas Lens Setup
$22.99
Recommended: WeldingCity TIG Welding Torch Accessory Kit, Stubby Gas Lens Setup$22.99
Welding Ground Clamp
RecommendedA spare/replacement ground clamp for your booth's machine, since the factory clamp is the first thing to wear a bad connection or lose its spring tension.
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Forney 54410 Welding Ground Clamp, 300-Amp, 8-Inch
$18.99
Recommended: Forney 54410 Welding Ground Clamp, 300-Amp, 8-Inch$18.99
MIG Contact Tips, .035" (30-Pack)
RecommendedReplacement contact tips for a MIG gun — a consumable you'll burn through and clog with spatter regularly, not a one-time purchase.
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TimelyDu MIG Welder Tips, .035", 30-Pack, Copper
$9.99
Recommended: TimelyDu MIG Welder Tips, .035", 30-Pack, Copper$9.99
Welding Paint Marker / Pencil
Nice to haveA silver paint pencil that marks metal for cutting or layout and stays visible through heat, smoke, and slag where soapstone can rub off.
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Markal 96101 Silver Streak Welders Pencil, Pack of 12
$16.13
Recommended: Markal 96101 Silver Streak Welders Pencil, Pack of 12$16.13
TIG Tungsten Electrodes, 2% Lanthanated, 1/16"
RecommendedThe TIG torch's consumable electrode — you'll grind and replace these constantly as you practice arc starts and puddle control.
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Midwest Tungsten Service 2% Lanthanated (WL20) Tungsten Electrodes, 1/16", 10-Pack
$27.49
Recommended: Midwest Tungsten Service 2% Lanthanated (WL20) Tungsten Electrodes, 1/16", 10-Pack$27.49
Flap Disc Assortment for Angle Grinder
RecommendedBlends and finishes welds after the cut-off wheel and grinding disc have done the rough work, leaving a smoother transition than a straight grinding wheel.
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LotFancy 4-1/2" Flap Discs, 40/60/80/120 Grit Assorted, 20-Pack
$22.35
Recommended: LotFancy 4-1/2" Flap Discs, 40/60/80/120 Grit Assorted, 20-Pack$22.35
Argon Regulator and Flow Meter
RecommendedSets and reads shielding gas flow for TIG (and MIG with a compatible gas mix), the equipment every TIG station needs before you can strike an arc.
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SPARC Argon Regulator & Flow Meter, CGA580
$45.00
Recommended: SPARC Argon Regulator & Flow Meter, CGA580$45.00
Fillet Weld Gauge Set
Nice to haveChecks bead size and throat thickness against spec before an instructor or inspector does.
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Ally Tools 7-Piece Fillet Welding Inspection Gauge Set
$15.97
Recommended: Ally Tools 7-Piece Fillet Welding Inspection Gauge Set$15.97
MIG Gun Liner & Consumables Kit
Nice to haveReplacement contact tip, nozzle, diffuser, and liner for a MIG gun that's clogging or arcing erratically from wire dust buildup.
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WeldingCity MIG Welding Gun Accessory Kit, .035"
$30.99
Recommended: WeldingCity MIG Welding Gun Accessory Kit, .035"$30.99
Clothing
Work Clothes
RequiredCotton and denim resist sparks; synthetics can melt onto skin.
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Bulwark Flame Resistant 7 oz Cotton Work Shirt, Khaki
$68.19
Recommended: Bulwark Flame Resistant 7 oz Cotton Work Shirt, Khaki$68.19
FR Jeans
RecommendedRegular denim works, but flame-resistant denim adds a treated layer of protection for the legs.
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Bulwark FR Straight Fit Jean
$98.99
Recommended: Bulwark FR Straight Fit Jean$98.99
FR Hoodie
Nice to haveShop floors and parking lots get cold. A flame-resistant layer keeps you warm without melting.
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VATRENUS Flame Resistant Hoodie
$52.95
Recommended: VATRENUS Flame Resistant Hoodie$52.95
Welding Neck Protector
Nice to haveA fire-resistant cover that presses onto your helmet to shield your neck and ears from spatter.
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Fire Resistant Welding Neck Protector, U-Press Seal Design
$9.99
Recommended: Fire Resistant Welding Neck Protector, U-Press Seal Design$9.99
Storage
Tool Bag / Toolbox
Nice to haveKeeps your gear together and protected between classes.
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YESWELDER Welding Backpack
$59.49
Recommended: YESWELDER Welding Backpack$59.49
Cylinder Cart
Nice to haveMoves oxygen and acetylene tanks together with safety chains instead of walking or rolling loose bottles one at a time.
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Dual Cylinder Tank Cart Dolly, 440lb Capacity
$135.00
Recommended: Dual Cylinder Tank Cart Dolly, 440lb Capacity$135.00
Other Basic Supplies
Other Basic Supplies
Nice to haveA notebook, marker, and small extras that make shop days easier.
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Welding & Metal Fabrication Notebook with Reference Materials
$13.95
Recommended: Welding & Metal Fabrication Notebook with Reference Materials$13.95
Fire Extinguisher
Nice to haveSparks and hot metal start fires. Worth having one within reach if you practice at home.
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Kidde Full Home Fire Extinguisher, Garage/Workshop Rated
$49.94
Recommended: Kidde Full Home Fire Extinguisher, Garage/Workshop Rated$49.94
Welding Screen/Curtain
Nice to haveA rolling privacy/flash screen keeps arc flash off coworkers and bystanders in a shared shop, which a fixed booth doesn't always cover.
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2-Panel Welding Screen with Frame, Portable
$177.99
Recommended: 2-Panel Welding Screen with Frame, Portable$177.99
Welding Blanket
Nice to haveDrapes over a bench or floor to catch sparks and slag so you're not cleaning burn marks off everything nearby afterward.
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KANHIRO Fiberglass Welding Blanket, 4x6 ft
$25.99
Recommended: KANHIRO Fiberglass Welding Blanket, 4x6 ft$25.99
Anti-Spatter Spray
Nice to haveSprayed on the nozzle and workpiece before welding so spatter flakes off instead of building up and clogging your MIG tip.
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Akfix A90 Anti Spatter Welding Spray, 12 oz, 2-Pack
$19.49
Recommended: Akfix A90 Anti Spatter Welding Spray, 12 oz, 2-Pack$19.49
High-Temperature Aluminum Foil Tape
Nice to haveSeals purge dams and masks adjacent surfaces during TIG root passes or heat-sensitive work, holding up where regular tape melts or peels.
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Impresa High Temperature Aluminum Foil Tape, 30 ft x 1.5 in
$14.99
Recommended: Impresa High Temperature Aluminum Foil Tape, 30 ft x 1.5 in$14.99
