Deciding to start out in the welding and metal working industry is a great choice of career path and a challenging, fun and addictive skill to learn as a hobby, too.

But what do you need to get started?

With so many products available on the market, we've cherry picked a handful of key items you might want to consider adding to your welding and metal working shopping list. All items are available from the Rapid Welding website, just follow the links for more detailed information and full specification. Alternatively, feel free to contact us to discuss your requirements in person: Tel. 02392 214214 or Email: webenquiries@rapidwelding.com

Multi-Process Welder

Choosing your preferred welding method isn't easy when starting out, and unless you're looking for a process specific unit such as an AC/DC Tig welder or MIG welding machine, then a great all-round multi-process welder covers all bases. The beauty of multi-process is that it can operate several different welding styles from one unit, such as MIG, TIG, STICK or flux-core, meaning you can learn different types of welding without needing to invest in multiple welding machines.

Probably the best multi-process welder on the market and a sound investment is the Fronius TranSteel 2200c. Robust, reliable and lightweight, the TransSteel 2200c is a compact, multiprocess-capable solution bringing together MMA, MIG/MAG and TIG in a single device. 

Rapid Welding stocks a wide range of welding machines from quality brands such as Lincoln Electric, Esab and Kemppi, for which we are approved suppliers. Top tip: When you view any welding machine on the Rapid Welding website, you can also click on 'buy parts' to see associated items such as wire, torches and contact tips relating to the specific machine.

PPE  

Obviously protective gear is a must.

High on your list of priorities should be the best quality welding helmet your budget will allow. A great example would be the ever popular Optrel Crystal auto-darkening welding helmet, offering a practically unclouded and clear view of your working environment. The correct helmet should provide complete protection, from flying materials to blinding lights as well as being right for your chosen welding application. We understand that selecting a welding helmet comes down to many factors including personal preference, so to help you make your choice we have put together a useful Welding Helmet Guide, so you can make sure your safety is never compromised.  

As well as welding helmets, Rapid also offers a full complement of safety-wear and equipment. Consider purchasing a pair of quality welding gloves, such as our best selling Ultima Gold Tig Gauntlet or the Red/Gold Premium Gauntlet.

Safety glasses like the Esab Warrior clear UV safety specs are also a worthwhile and inexpensive addition to your kit. 

While we're on the subject of safety, it might be worth looking into appropriate fume extraction. The Plymovent PHV - Portable High Vacuum - Welding Fume Extractor is fully mobile and compact enough for small workshops, garages or confined spaces.

Consumables  

Most people have a grinder these days, it's just one of those things you pick up while shopping, isn't it? But what about consumables? We stock a large range of abrasive products such as the great value 3M Cubitron Fibre discs; perfect for stainless and available in any size to suit your grinder. In fact, we have a whole section dedicated to all things consumable related, including MIG and TIG wire, flux and rods.  

Welding Table

The Nomad economy welding table is engineered to provide a safe, transportable, affordable and versatile welding surface. Ideal for small workshops or garages, the Nomad can be set up wherever you're working so you can bring your table to your work, not your work to your table. This excellent value welding table is also height adjustable for comfort.

Learning Your Trade

Finally, you could consider purchasing some welding reading material. Whether you're a complete beginner or a more experienced welder wishing to hone your skills, we have a great selection of books offering practical and comprehensive guides to welding projects, design ideas and day-to-day applications such as farm and workshop welding. 

Happy Shopping 

Christmas definitely isn't just for kids. So come on, with Santa almost ready to load his sleigh it's time to start thinking not only about your own Christmas wish list, but also what to buy the welder in your life.

If you're short on a few ideas, here's a little bit of festive inspiration from Rapid ......

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Welding Helmets

Welding Helmets are always a popular gift idea, but they are a personal choice and with advances in technology there are loads of different functionalities to decide upon. At Rapid we only supply products we are appointed by the manufaturer to sell, and there are some great products on the market at the moment such as (but not limited to) Kemppi, ESAB, Speedglass and 3M.

Kicking things off is the 3M 9100 Adflo Helmet systems with new Adflo Powered Air Respirator. The continuous airflow provides filtered air that takes much of the heat and sweat out of welding, and by using the Adflo Respirator, you will get both increased protection and comfort all day long - the perfect Christmas gift!

⛄️ 3M Adflo Welding Helmet ⛄️

The ESAB Sentinel A50 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet has been a very popular choice with our customers this year. Where comfort and usability meet next generation technology, the sentinel features new ergonomic headgear, colour touchscreen controls and an external grind button! 

⛄️ ESAB Sentinel A50 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet ⛄️ 

The BETA Welding helmet 90mm from Kemppi is another great welding helmet providing full protection without compromising visability or comfort. Weld with optimum visibility without the need to intermittently remove your helmet or make adjustments, making it easier for you to operate in tight work spaces without compromising your safety. The Kemppi BETA comes with a spring mounted flip front lens; just lift the filter lens and keep working! The 100% clear safety lens underneath is also safety assured for grinding.

⛄️ Kemppi BETA 90 Welding Helmet 110mm x 90mm lens with Flip Front for Grinding ⛄️ 

The list goes on, so if you want to view our full range of welding helmet options, visit Rapid online > HERE 

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  We've touched on Welding Helmets, now let's talk clothing - and I don't mean Christmas Jumpers!

Be prepared for those Christmas cooking disasters (apologies to all the chefs out there!) by adding a few items from ESAB's fantastic range of flame resistant clothing to your wish list. The new flame resistant range is the very latest technology in inherent flame retardant garments, and you can choose from welding jacket, trousers, jumper, polo shirt or coverall styles.

⛄️ ESAB Flame Resistant Welding Clothing ⛄️ 

ESAB's leather protective range is also helping to redefine welder protection, with garments that provide optimal fit, comfort, performance, style and durability, resulting in safer and more productive working environments. The leather protective range includes jackets, trousers, sleeves, aprons and gaiters - all ideal for every welding application for the professional welder. For more information on ESAB welding clothing, visit Rapid online HERE.

⛄️ ESAB Standard Leather Welding Jacket ⛄️ 

 If nothing so far tickles your fancy, we also stock an extensive range of other safety products that will make great stocking fillers. Take your pick of head protection with Balaclavas, Insulated Helmet Liners, Proban Hoods as well as welding gloves, goggles, ear protection, glasses and visors.  

⛄️ ESAB Heavy duty Welding Gloves ⛄️ 

For more information on any of the products listed above, or if there is something else you are after for your welder, then please visit Rapid online. Alternatively, if you want to speak with one of our team in person, feel free to call us on 02392 214 214 

Happy shopping, and may we take this opportunity to wish our past, present and future customers seasons greetings from the Rapid Team.

Introducing the ESAB Sentinel A50 Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet

 The ESAB Sentinel A50 - Auto Darkening Welding Helmet

If you're after crystal clear visibility and amazing comfort from your welding helmet, then it might be worth checking out the new ESAB Sentinel.

Incorporating next generation technology, the Sentinel features adjustable 5 point head gear ensuring an individual fit for a range of different head sizes, intuitive colour touchscreen controls, an external grind button, and a low profile, streamlined exterior providing maximum head clearance - ideal if you're working in confined spaces! The sweeping design across the helmet also means extra light is allowed in when welders are in grind mode, further enhancing the 100 x 60 mm visual field/viewing area by increasing visibility and clarity.

This product is also supplied with both a clear and a yellow lens. 

Features

Revolutionary shell design. High impact resistance Nylon.

Ergonomic, infinitely- adjustable 5 point head gear for comfort and balance. 

Low profile design and central pivot point allows for maximum head clearance while helmet is in the 'up' position.

Externally activated grind button. Shade 3 Grind Mode.

Colour touch screen control panel.

Specification

Viewing area 100 x 60 mm

Lens shade: DIN 5-8/9-13

Power Supply: Solar cell plus battery (2*CR2450 Lithium) Alerts when battery low. 

Switch Time: 1/25,000 s. from Light to Dark

Classification: 1/1/1/2

Standards: DIN plus, CE, EN175, EN 379, EN166, ANSI Z87.1, CSA Z94.3, AS/NZS1338.1

Weight: 640 g

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The ESAB Sentinal A50 Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet is now readily available from Rapid.

ESAB is a world leader in welding and cutting, and we are proud that Rapid has been officially appointed as a distributor of this and other major brands.  

If you require further information on this or any of the products we supply, please click HERE to visit our website. Alternatively why not contact an experienced member of our team who will be happy to help answer all your questions, you can do this via our website/online chat facility, or by ringing +44 02392 214 214.

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