Welding Machines
A comprehensive welding education starts by understanding the different types of welding. Each type has its own pros and cons, needed materials, and final results. You may choose to have a variety of different types of welding machines in your classroom, such as Miller Syncrowave stick welders, MIG or TIG welders, or spot welders. Or, you may choose a multiprocess welder such as the Miller Multimatic. All types of welding can be useful depending on the metals being used and skill level of the welder. Teaching students several ways to weld can help them discover the method that works best for them.
Welding Classroom Furniture, Supplies & Tools
Designing a successful welding classroom comes down to having an efficient layout and the right supplies. Whether you’re building out a brand-new classroom or overhauling an existing space there are a variety of welding supplies and tools you’ll want to look for.
Welding benches come in all shapes and sizes so you’ll want to carefully measure your space before making any purchases. Make sure you have plenty of open table space, as well as individual booths. For added safety, welding curtains and frames provide an extra barrier between the student in the booth and others outside observing. To design or supplement your curriculum, welding resources can provide the clear plan you need to guide students on the basics of welding, safety precautions, and different welding techniques.
Having a quality electrode oven in your welding classroom will ensure the rods maintain an ideal temperature and avoid moisture so your students can achieve better results. A BOFA or Miller fume extractor is vital to keeping the air you and your students breathe clear and clean. Oxy-acetylene welding kits help students cut, weld, braze, and solder efficiently. For something a little different, plasma cutters expand your students’ welding techniques, and wire feeders are nearly essential for robotic welding. When a project is complete, your students can use a weld bend tester to ensure they’ve done quality work.
Wearable Welding Safety
Ensuring your students know how to weld safely is the first step to a successful welding classroom. They need to understand the importance of being safe, how to use the equipment to avoid injury, and how to protect themselves when they’re near the welding equipment, whether they’re using it or observing someone else.
All students should wear safety glasses or goggles, and it’s even better if they also have faceshields. Proper welding clothing and gloves should be fitted for each student. Topping it all off with a respirator and welding helmet will go a long way towards protecting them from injury.
