A plasma cutter is a versatile tool that can significantly enhance your welding capabilities, enabling you to cut through metals with precision and efficiency. If you're planning to invest in a plasma cutter, it's crucial to consider certain factors to make an informed decision. In this blog, we will explore the key aspects and also have handy links to purchase.

What to consider

• Budget
• Which gas you need
• How often will you use it?
• What material you will be cutting most often

When you decide to invest in a plasma cutter it is crucial to carry out research and understand exactly what you need. Plasma cutters range from £800 to £12,000 so you want to make sure you’re purchasing the one that suits all your requirements. Let’s explore both ends of the budget. 

The lower end:

Portable and efficient the GYS easy cut 40. This machine is packed with power and is capable of cutting all metal types up to 20mm thick. Ideal for use in your workshop. 

Middle of the road:

The Hypertherm powermax 65 is a ready to weld package. It comes equipped with interchangeable torch styles allowing you to carry out a wide range of cutting and gouging. It also has torch controls which allow you to adjust the amperage, change cartridges and applications on the go without returning to the power supply.  

At the higher end of the budget:

Hypertherm Powermax 125 combo is considered a professional plasma cutter and is capable of taking on the toughest cutting jobs. This machine can cut up to 44mm, sever 57mm and pierce up to 25 mm. It has lower operating costs than others in the market, without compromising on cutting speed. 

Gases 

Different gases are used depending on what metal you are cutting. 

• Oxygen is the main gas used when cutting steel as it offers a fast cut.
• Argon is perfect for cutting thick stainless steel. 
• Nitrogen is a good choice for cutting aluminium. 
• Compressed air works well for lower current cutting. It’s a versatile method and can be used on most metals. 

Usage 

Think about where you will be using your plasma cutter, at home as a hobby or at a workplace. This can determine whether you need a portable machine or an industrial version. It is also a good idea to think about future projects. Will you continue to use it as a hobby or do you need a cutter that is capable of adapting to harder projects?

Material

Plasma cutters are capable of cutting through any metal that conducts electricity such as stainless steel, aluminium, copper, brass and steel. It’s a good idea to think about what metal you will be cutting the most to ensure you have the appropriate power rating. 

• With low carbon steel - try the Jasic pro air cut the perfect match for cutting low carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminium.
• For aluminium and copper try the GYS 35KF Plasma Cutter 
• If you need all purpose cutting check out Hypertherm Powermax 45. 
• For tough cutting and gouging jobs, take a look at the Hypertherm powermax 125 combo.

We understand buying a plasma cutter can be overwhelming with the amount on the market. Hopefully this blog has given you some insight into what cutter would suit your requirements. If you have any further questions, get in touch with our team of welding experts on 01418 824514.

A welding helmet is an essential bit of kit for any welder. There are so many welding helmets on the market it can be tricky to know where to start. We have compiled a list of five crucial factors to consider when buying a welding helmet. 

1. Make sure your welding helmet meets the safety standards! 

A welding helmet is to protect your eyes and face from the intense light and heat generated during welding. They shield you from sparks, debris, and harmful fumes (they also double up as a brilliant way to watch the solar eclipse, but that's a story for another day). 

Having a welding mask is a crucial part of PPE. When selecting a helmet, ensure it meets industry standards and provides adequate protection against UV and infrared radiation. The most important standards to look out for are EN 175, EN 379 and EN 166 approved. If you would like to dive deeper into the standards, take a look at the worker health and safety standards article. You can rest assured all of the eyewear and helmets we supply meet the industry standards. 

2. Visibility 

Opting for a helmet with a large viewing area will give you a wide field of vision, enabling you to see your workpiece and surrounding area clearly. Look for helmets with anti fog coating or air vents that minimise lens fogging, especially when working in high temperature environments. In addition, to save time constantly lifting and adjusting your welding helmet, consider auto darkening lenses. They adjust the shade level, offering optimal protection, preventing eye strain and eliminate the need to adjust; letting you crack on with your work with no interruptions. 

3. Durability and construction 

Welding helmets have to put up with a lot. They are subjected to harsh working conditions, including extreme temperatures and sparks. Therefore, choosing a helmet made from durable materials is essential for longevity and reliable performance. Consider helmets with a sturdy shell and reinforced lens cover for extra protection. The lens is the part most used on a helmet which means this component tends to wear out over time. It can be beneficial to look for helmets with a high quality replaceable lens to save you money in the long run.  

4. Consider comfort 

Welding projects can be time consuming, before you know it, you’ve had your welding helmet on for hours! Consider comfort your top priority after safety. You are looking for a secure and comfortable fit. It’s good practice to find a welding helmet with an adjustable headband and good padding so you can customise it to fit your head size. To reduce strain on your neck and shoulders, look to get a welding helmet that is relatively lightweight. 

5. Price

Price is an important factor when buying any piece of equipment, and welding helmets are no exception. Set a budget that suits your needs and stick to it. Keep in mind, though, that price shouldn't be the sole determining factor. The cheapest helmet may lack critical features, compromising your safety and comfort. On the other hand, the most expensive helmet might have unnecessary bells and whistles you won't use. Find the sweet spot where quality and value meet.

So there you have it! Our guide on what to consider when buying a welding helmet. Remember to prioritise safety and comfort enabling you to perform welding tasks with confidence, safety and ease. If you would like any support on which welding helmet would suit your needs. Get in touch with our team of welding experts. 

Did you know welding is in the top 10 most dangerous jobs? There are the obvious hazards of heat, sparks flying and UV light. But if proper safety measures are not taken, there can be hazards linked to respiratory problems. In our latest article we explore safety tips for all types of welding, keeping you safe and let’s be honest, making you look the part. 

1. Suit up!

We’re talking about all types of PPE. Protective clothing that is heat and flame resistant (including boots), welding helmet, gloves and safety glasses or masks.

2. Ventilation 

Welding produces harmful fumes and gases, so it is crucial to work in a well-ventilated area or use exhaust systems or air fed packages to remove the fumes. This includes being aware of your surroundings and avoiding welding in areas where there is a risk of explosions or fires.

3. Keep it tidy

We’re not judging, but workshops aren’t renowned to be the tidiest of places, is that fair? Keep clutter to a minimum and ensure the work space is free from flammable materials and debris that can cause fires. 

4. Use the right tools

We’ve all improvised here and there, using an old spanner to get rid of slag rather than a chipping hammer or chisel. But where possible, use the correct tools to prevent accidents and to ensure you get the correct aesthetics you're looking for. Use welding accessories to your advantage such as welding curtains to create a heat resistant barrier between the welding area and yourself.

5. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby

This may seem extreme and let’s hope you never need to use it. But it’s always good to keep one handy, just in case! This goes for a first aid kit too, it’s sensible to keep one close by. 

By following these top 5 safety rules for welding, you can ensure that you are working in a safe environment and avoid accidents. Should you need any advice on safety equipment, or welding in general, contact our team of friendly experts on 0141 882 4514.

Do you need a shiny new spot welder for your workspace or factory? Our article will outline the pros and cons of spot welding, our best sellers, what to consider when purchasing and links to purchase. I know, we’re good right? 

We’ll start with the pros:

• Perfect for sheet metal fabrication
• Faster process than other forms of welding
• Great for welding those hard to reach places
• Multiple metal sheets can be joined at the same time
• No fillers or extra materials needed. (This makes it cost effective too!)
• The strength of a spot weld is fantastic (when carried out right of course)
• It’s versatile and can be used for hobbyist welders, in workshops or factories

And the cons:

• Really not good for use on thick metal
• Working in confined spaces can be hard
• A good electric supply is needed at all times
• It creates lots of splatter that must be cleaned after the project
• There is no easy way to identify if a good weld has been completed
• Alignment of the metal is critical - get this wrong and you’re up the river without a paddle.

Considerations when buying a spot welder

• Do you need your spot welder for your home workshop, workplace or factory? 
• Spot welders in factories are typically not portable, however, consider portability as an option when working outside a factory. 
• Do you need a water cool feature? This is to decrease the temperature, preventing  premature wear. 
  
  

Bring on the welding machines!  

Once you’ve answered the questions above you should have more of an understanding of what machine you need to purchase. This article will now take you through each of the points above, with handy links to purchase.

Workshop, workplace or factory?

Hobbyist welders in a workshop or garage

Most hobbyist spot welders will use a hand held machine for their automotive repairs and sheet metal fabrication. 

We have a range of handheld welders on offer including:

• The Portaspot 230v 16Amp is perfect for mild steel sheets like metal furniture or for vehicle restoration.
• Tecna Spot Welder 2KVA is ideal for automotive and light sheet applications.
• Tecna Spot Welder 6kVA Pneumatic 400V Water Cooled has an extensive range of optional arms and electrodes available to suit this model. 
• The Tecna Auto Spotter with Puller 230V is a multi purpose welder and is good for sheet straightening and has sheet localised heating. 

Workplace 

If you need your spot welder for work in automotive garages, engineering, and construction take a look at our welders below:

• GYS POT 32 D.X great for car body welding as the aluminium made clamp is lightweight and easy to handle.
• Tecna Mantis 10kVA includes multi-function and water cooled systems. 
• Tecna RHINO Inverter Spot Stn 400V with 8679TS (450daN) features automatic recognition of sheet types and thicknesses. 
• Tecna COBRA Evolution E2 comes equipped with an automatic proportional valve for managing the force at the electrodes. 

Factory or large premises

If you are looking to get a new spot welder for a factory that carries out construction, automotive or aerospace engineering, these are the welders for you:

• Tecna Column Spot Welder Pedal Operated - Featuring adjustable arm length allowing a better working flexibility.
• Tecna Column Spot Welder Pneumatic - New design with the pneumatic commands and the compressed air pressure gauge placed at the top for easier reading and adjustments.
• Tecna Column Spot Welder Pneumatic - Designed for heavy duty services and  designed for straight and angled fitting. 

Consider portability

Let’s start with the most portable that can be used in a hobbyist workshop or automotive workplace.

• Featuring the handheld Tecna Spot Welder 2KVA with Timer. This is ideal for light sheet metal applications.
• The Tecna 36EZ Modular Inverter Spot Welder is portable on wheels. Featuring easy programming and performs with high quality on basic steels.

Water cooled machines

Decrease the temperature and increase the lifespan of your welder by opting for a watercooled machine. 

• Tecna Mantis 10kVA Water Cooled Spot Station
• Spot Welder 6kVA Pneumatic 400V Water Cooled

Well there you have it. Our guide to buying a shiny new spot welder. Should you need any more support on specific features of a spot welder or recommendations on the right welder for you, contact our team of welding experts, on hand to help you. 

5 things to consider when buying a welder

Are you looking to buy a welder but don’t know where to start? In our latest article we explore the different types of welding, amperage needs, workspace considerations, budget and warranties. Basically, everything you need to think about before you buy. 

1. What type of welding suits you best?

ARC welding 

• Suitable for outdoor, windy conditions.
• Works wonders on dirty or rusty materials.
• Best for heavy equipment repair, it’s not the best on thin materials!
• Used across a range of industries including automotive, compact construction, agriculture, and ship building. 

MIG welding 

• All rounder for thick and thin metals.
• Good for newbies as it's easy to learn.
• Good for fixing small structures where speed and quality of the weld is needed. 

TIG welding

• One of the most difficult types of welding to learn.
• Useful for welding wagons, lawnmowers & bike frames.
• Can be used on a huge range of materials including gold.
• Great for precise jobs and gives a higher quality of weld than other types of welding. 

Spot welding

• Comes in hand held and industrial types.
• Faster process than other welding methods.
• Good for welding thin metals such as stainless steel and nickel.
• Most commonly known for being used by robots in automotive manufacturing lines.
• Used for welding two or more sheets of metal together without using filler material.
• Can be trickier than other welding methods when using different thickness of materials. 

2. What are your amperage needs? 

To work this out you need to know what type of material and thickness you will be working with. For light repair work, a 130 amp unit with a 30 percent duty cycle will do the trick. For heavier jobs, think about getting a 200 amp with a duty cycle of 30 percent or more. Before investing in a welder, keep in mind that your needs may change over the years, and future projects may need a higher amperage. 

3. How portable do you need your welder to be?

Think about where you will be welding, your workshop or site work? Or even both? Consider if you would prefer your welder on wheels to make it that little bit more moveable. Take a look at our other blogs which cover portable and nonportable machines for MIG, TIG and ARC. 

4. Think about your budget

Pricing is always something to consider. Do your research, work out exactly what you need. Do you need a welder with all the bells and whistles, or will a more standard version suffice? And with anything you purchase, if the price seems ridiculously low, it’s probably too good to be true! 

5. Warranty and brand reputation 

Following on from above, always purchase from a trusted supplier or brand. The most popular brands of welders are GYS, Cros Arc, Jasic, Kemppi, ESAB, Miller and Lincoln who provide reliable and durable machines. When you buy from a popular brand you can rest assured that you get a guarantee and the parts can be replaced when you need them. 

Once you have decided which welder you would like to invest in, take at our huge range we have on offer. We have welders to suit all needs and budgets including MIG, TIG, SPOT and ARC.

If you need any more assistance with which welder to purchase, contact our team of welding experts on 0141 375 2124. 

Want to be a pro at ARC welding? Don’t know which machine you should buy? Luckily we’re on hand to make that task a little easier for you. We’re breaking it down with what to consider when purchasing, unveiling our top sellers and we've also added in some handy links to purchase. 

First, you need to consider a few things:

• How often are you going to use your ARC welder? Occasionally for maintenance or professionally? 
• What is your budget?
• Do you only have a generator as a power source?
• Do you need a multiprocess welder? (Making it possible to carry out various jobs which saves you changing power sources)
• How portable do you need your machine to be?
• Do you need hot start technology? (This helps ignite bad electrodes when welding rusted metal)

Once you’ve answered the above questions you should have a much better idea of what you’re looking for. Below, we’ve boiled it down further, including all of the above with our best sellers. 

ARC welders for occasional use

First up we have this gem, the Jasic Power Arc 180 SE - 230V. It is perfect for maintenance and light fabrication. It offers easy start and self adaptive ARC force. 

The Bundle PRO (240V) is an extremely versatile welder, being able to weld any kind of electrode. It also comes as a package with a helmet. What more could you want? 

Lincoln Electric Speedtec 200C Multi Process (240V) is another great option for occasional use. It is also a perfect choice for beginners to start their ARC welding journey. 

ARC welders for professional use

The Cros-Arc 200 Multi-Function (110v/230v) is superb in any environment making it perfect for professional welders. It has a built-in high resolution, full function, microprocessor control panel. That’s a mouthful!

The Kemppi Master S 400 (415V) was made for high performance professional welding, so you know you're on to a good one here! Reliable, durable and great for heavy duty. Perfect!

Built to withstand hard use, the ESAB Fabricator EM401i Welder 415V is ideal for industrial and professional use. It is capable of using solid and flux-cored wires together with a fabricator feed and has wide voltage tolerance. 

The slightly more expensive ARC welders

Yes, the Miller XMT 350 Multi-Process (415V) may be on the pricier side, but it has so much to offer! It is one of the most popular welding machines in the industry due to its flexibility and ARC performance. Its reliability, welder friendly control panel and infinite arc control could be why this one is selling like hotcakes!

Middle of the road

Another popular choice of welder is the ESAB Renegade Es 300i 415v. It has an extremely good power to weight ratio, providing you with a high duty cycle. It comes equipped with 3 memory settings, helping you get straight into your work. It can also be used in high ambient temperatures, without compromising on the quality of your weld. 

Cheaper ARC welders 

On the cheaper side we have the Cros-Arc 160s ARC Welder (240V). Don’t be put off by its price. It’s highly portable, weighing a mere 8kg. As it’s a single phase stick welder it’s perfect for DIY, light fabrication and site installations.

Generator friendly ARC welders: 

• Jasic Pro Arc 400 ARC Welder (400V)
• Jasic Power Arc 180 SE 230V
• ESAB Rogue ES 200i Pro CE 110, 240v (check out the reviews on this one!)

Multi purpose welders 

When we say multiple purpose we mean it! All of these super machines are capable of excellent performance on MIG/MAG, TIG and MMA.

• ESAB Rebel Emp 235ic Multi Process Welder | 110/240V
• ESAB Rebel Emp 320ic Multi Process Welder | 415V
• ESAB Rebel Emp 205ic AC/DC Multi Process Welder | 110/240V
• Miller XMT 350 Multi-Process Air Cooled MIG/ARC Welder (415V)

Portable machines

These days, the majority of ARC welders are made to be portable. We’ve cherry picked two of our most portable, best sellers:

• The Kemppi Minarc Evo. It is designed for the professional welder who is on the move. Don’t be put off by its size and weight, this 240V welder packs a punch. 
• Next up is the Rustler EM 280C Pro. This easy to move welder comes on wheels allowing high performance, wherever you want it. 

Is hot start technology what you need?

We have a range on offer:

• Jasic Power Arc 180 SE 230V
• Jasic Pro Arc 160 PFC (110/230V)
• Rogue ES 150i 240v - featuring adjustable hot start to help you find the right arc for your job.

Well there you go. Our guide to ARC machines. This should give you the kickstart you need on choosing the right machine. If you need any more support, get in touch with our specialist team. They can advise on the benefits of the machines, operation and welding processes. 

A guide to buying a TIG welder

Are you looking to buy a TIG welder? Well you've come to the right place! Our latest article will take you through the best selling TIG welders, what to consider when buying and handy links to purchase.

TIG welding is a popular choice because the welding process is typically stronger and more precise than those produced by other welding machines.

Consider:

• How portable do you need your machine to be?
• Do you need a pulse feature
• Do you need an air cooled torch or water cooled torch
• What frequency do you need
• What is your budget?

The list of questions above may seem daunting at a first glance, luckily, we are on hand to help you make these decisions with our handy guide below.

Portable machines and the not-so-portable machines

Portable welding machines

Let's start with the smallest, most portable machine. Compact but durable. Lightweight and on wheels! Introducing the Lincoln Electric. Known as the "all rounder" as it can perform MIG, TIG and stick welding.

Next up is the Rogue ET 200i Pro CE, still very portable, but not on wheels. It comes equipped with a handle and shoulder strap, perfect for site work. Don't be put off by its portability, this TIG has excellent high frequency start which ensures it works every time on ignition.

Unportable welding machines

If you're looking for an industrial welder then this is the one for you. The 250 AC/DC Water Cooled Tig Welder with a high duty cycle. It features easy and pro mode with access to every parameter, meaning you can control the metal deposition rate and quality of the weld.

Finally, the Maxstar 400 DC, also not very portable but it has been classed as the finest DC TIG/stick machine available. It provides fantastic performance and durability.

TIGs with pulse features included

We have a range of these on offer:

• Cros Arc 200 DC-HF Pulse Tig Welder (110v/230v)
• Pro Tig 200 Pulse PFC Wide Voltage TIG Welder (110V-230V)
• MinarcTig Evo 200 MLP Pulse Tig Welder (240V)
• Renegade Et 300i Pulse DC Tig Welder | 240, 415v

Air cooled torch VS water cooled torch

Choosing air cooled or water cooled torches is totally down to personal preference and where you will be using your torch.

Air cooled - the benefits

• No water source needed
• Usually cheaper than water cooled machines

Take a look at our most popular air cooled welders, Tig 220 AC/DC, Maxstar 280DX DC) and MasterTig 325 DC.

Water cooled - the benefits

• No interruptions to your work because the torch doesn't become too hot to hold.
• Easy control

Browse our best selling range, Maxstar 400 DC, Tig 250 AC/DC and Dynasty 280 DX AC/DC.

TIGs with varying frequencies

Get more control and a focused arc by increasing the AC frequency. Alternatively, decrease the frequency to broaden and soften the weld. We have cherry picked our finest TIG machines with varying frequencies. Breaking them down into high, medium and low, just to make buying your TIG that little bit easier.

• High - Pro Tig 180 TIG Welder (240V)
• Medium - Pro Tig 200P AC/DC TIG Welder - Digital (240V)
• Low - Dynasty 280 DX AC/DC Water Cooled Tig Welder (110/415V)

A budget for everyone

What budget do you have in mind?

The quality and performance of each product is fantastic all through the range of the cheapest to the most expensive TIG welders. However, as you would expect, the pricier welding machines have a few more tricks up their sleeves.

We have broken it down into the cheapest TIG machines right up to our most expensive including a handy breakdown of why they are so great.

On the cheaper side

Coming in as the cheapest TIG welder we have on offer is the Pro Tig 180 (240V). Don't be put off by its outstanding price, this machine offers powerful IGBT components, reliability and it is extremely user friendly.

Middle of the road

The Tig 250 AC/DC Water Cooled (415V) has a built in water cooler, giving a high duty cycle and protects against dust. Another bonus is the welder has full control of the settings which can be adapted to suit the way you weld. These settings can also be saved to make future welds a breeze!

We can't leave air cooled TIGs out so, we introduce the MasterTig 325 DC Air Cooled 415v (300 Amp). It combines alternative pulse cycles to provide fast welding speeds with a reduced heat input. Ideal for welds that need to be consistent and visually pleasing.

On the more expensive side

The Dynasty 400 AC/DC (415V) is packed with smart technology including pre-set controls for balance, frequency and pulse. It offers fast travel speeds, plus it's compact and powerful. It connects to any voltage or frequency worldwide and uses only half of the power of other welding machines.

Well there you have it. Our guide to TIG welding machines. Should you need any more support on purchasing the right TIG welder, contact our team of welding experts, on hand to help you.

How do you distinguish a good weld from a bad weld? The skill to spot a bad weld can be crucial within your work. This guide will take you through what a good weld looks like on a TIG, MIG and ARC welder, the inspection process and common factors in faulty welds.

Welding on a MIG

One of the most common and easier methods of welding is MIG welding. But what does a good weld look like?

Look out for:

- A smooth consistent weld
- A weld with no discolouration or patterns
- No lumps or dips
- Straight and neat
- No cracks down the middle of the bead
- No holes
- Flat with no concave or convex

Signs of a bad weld on a MIG welder include:

- A thin line or welding bead
- Cracks with the bead
- Undercut
- Crooked or bent line
- Lack of strength in the joined structure
- Spatter

Welding on a TIG

TIG welding is more complex and requires high skills and experience to perform to a good level. It can easily create an illusion of a good weld. Here are some things to look out for.

Signs of a good weld:

- A pattern of beads
- No signs of burnout
- No signs of slag
- Visually pleasing
- No metal particles in the weld
- Neat welds

Look out for signs of a bad weld including:

- No pattern
- Beads out of line
- Flat beads
- Sins of burnout and slag
- Signs of undercutting
- Tungsten in the weld

Welding on a ARC

ARC welding, also known as stick welding, is one of the more versatile types of welding enabling you to work with many materials including carbon steel, iron, nickel and even aluminium. Signs of a good ARC weld are:

- The weld having a consistent thickness
- No breaks or cracks in the bead
- Straight and uniform

Signs of a bad ARC weld may look like:

- Breaks in the beads or cracking
- A bead that looks consistent
- Spatter on the weld
- Undercutting

Welding Inspection

Welding inspections should take place before, during and after the welding process. There are many types of weld testing but visual testing, also known as VT and destructive testing are the most common. Checking your weld before and during the process keeps the welder safe. The welding checks that take place after the welding process keep the user safe, ensuring the weld has been completed to a high standard.

Inspection before the weld

Make sure all the safety precautions have been followed, read and understand the explanation of the job and gather and prepare the tools needed.

Inspection during the weld

Ensure you clean between each weld and keep track of the heat source. Monitor your weld throughout as many problems can be seen once the weld has finished and cooled, which could have been prevented during the welding process.

After the welding process

Carry out visual checks including checking the welding size meets the requirements of the job, testing the weld strength, and looking for the signs mentioned above, in the ‘what does a good weld look like? section. Destructive testing happens after the weld has taken place, it can be done for many reasons but usually a piece of the weld is broken off and assessed for strength and performance.

Common faulty welds

There are many factors that can cause a faulty weld, including:

- Burn through - The welding from one side melts through the parent metal
- Corrosion - Leads to weld failure
- Lack of fusion - Also known as overlap
- Porosity - A gas absorbed in to the weld
- Undercutting - Usually happens if the source is too hot or the arc is too long
- Lamellar tearing - A form of cracking, preheating can reduce the risk of this

In conclusion, it is essential to check your weld before, during and after the process. This will keep you safe and prevents common faulty welds from happening, ensuring you are creating the best weld possible. If you have any further questions, contact our team of welding experts, on hand to help you.

Is your welding torch misfiring, difficult to start or has the cutting quality dropped off? The torch consumables could be the culprit for the torch not working correctly. This guide is broken down into hand and machine torches, GYS plasma and Jasic plasma torches. Our welding experts will help you identify wear and tear, tell you what to consider when replacing your torch consumables, plus there are some handy links so you can purchase the spare parts you need.

Hand torches and machine torches

To achieve a flush cut, gouging and a fine feature cut, it might be time to replace the parts in your torch. When to replace the parts is down to how you use your torch and for how long.

It's a good idea to inspect your torch for wear and tear on a regular basis. Keep an eye on its performance, if parts needs replacing the performance can look like:

- Cutting quality is poor
- Not being able to cut
- Discoloration of the arc or fumes
- The arc is misfiring
- The torch is difficult to start
- If you need to slow down considerably

When to change electrodes and nozzles

As mentioned above, there is no exact time-frame in which to change your electrode. However, it is important to look for signs that it may need replacing. On the electrode, look out for dips in the tip - the deeper the dip, the more wear it has been through.

The nozzle is the most frequently replaced consumable. On the weld inspect for dross appearing on your cuts. On the nozzle itself, look out for signs of a distorted shaped hole which indicates excessive wear.

It's good practice to replace both the nozzle and electrode at the same time to take the guesswork out of replacing.

Spotting a broken swirl ring

The swirl ring is often forgotten, but it also needs to be changed if you are noticing your welds are out of shape. Look out for cracks or clogged holes. Through regular use of a torch, a swirl ring can last for up to 15 electrode changes. This can differ with excessive use.

Signs you need to change your shield

The drag shield and mechanised shield are really important parts of the torch that need to be looked at. It helps if you hold the shield up to the light to see if any of the holes are clogged. These holes are the outlet for gas, if they are clogged it can misshape the arc. Also keep an eye out for the shield shape being distorted, if it looks worn out, or there are signs of excessive dross.

Replacing the retaining cap

The most durable of the consumables, and the consumable that needs to be changed the least, is the retaining cap. Look for physical signs appearing such as cracking, clogging or corrosion due to heat exposure.

In need of new hand torch consumables? Shop our wide range, PowerMax 30 Air consumables, 30 XP consumables and 45 XP consumables.

Looking for machine torch consumables? Duramax 180 consumables, Duramax mini machine consumables, Hypertherm Hyamp consumables.

GYS plasma and Jasic plasma torches

Plasma torches have a lot of the same parts as the hand and machine torches, so replacing the consumables still applies as mentioned above. However, there are some parts that are specific to this tool.

When to change the air diffuser

This plays a vital role in air regulation. Look out for any chips, melting or burnt parts on the air diffuser. Any damage to the air diffuser can cut vital air flow down. It can also cause other parts of the torch to wear out prematurely if this part is not replaced.

Replacing the cutting tip

This is one of the fastest parts to wear out. You may notice the hole in the centre becoming larger. This allows the arc to wander, making you lose precision, in turn making your cuts less clean. You may also notice more slag if the cutting tip needs to be replaced.

So there you have it, a guide of when to replace your welding torch consumables. After making these adjustments you will notice your torch working at a much higher standard, leaving you with a better quality finish. If you're in need of any more expert advice on welding or replacing your torch consumables, contact us today.

Looking for GYS plasma consumables and Jasic plasma consumables including, Pro Air Cut 45, Pro Air Cut 60 & 80 and Pro Air Cut 100 & 160? Shop our wide range including, cooling tubes, double pointed spacers and cutting diffusers.

There are many benefits to maintaining your welding helmet and respirator parts, including comfort, safety, and saving money!

To help you keep on top of welding helmet maintenance, we will guide you through each component, and reveal what parts to replace and when.

When should I replace my welding helmet?

Most auto darkening helmets should last a good 8-10 years if looked after correctly.

Maintaining the parts and replacing them when needed will also increase the lifespan, give lasting comfort and enable it to perform at its best at all times.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends having a competent ventilation engineer to test and examine the system every 14 months.

How often should I change my lenses in my welding helmet?

Out of all the parts within the helmet, the lens is probably the one that needs to be replaced the most. It's no wonder this is the case as it puts up with flying debris and sparks on a regular basis!

Look out for signs of damage including:

- Scratches, dents or cracks.
- The lens becomes uncleanable.
- If the inside lens changes in colour.
- The vision has become poor.
- For auto darkening lenses - if the battery is charged but you are noticing the auto dark is not working.

When to replace the lens depends on how much you use it. For regular use we recommend replacing the outside lens every 3-5 days and the inside lens every month. Anti fog lenses should be replaced every 2-4 weeks.

When should I change the filters in my PAPR system?

Most PAPR systems will let you know when you need to replace the filter. However it is good practice to have scheduled filter changes to prolong the life of your system.

Look out for signs that the filter needs replacing, such as:

- The battery is not lasting as long as you would expect.
- Your breathing becomes difficult.
- You smell any pollutants.
- The filter has been damaged.

If you don't see any of the above signs, we still recommend changing the filter after every 40 hours of use.

When should I replace the face seal on my welding helmet?

The face seal is a crucial part of the helmet which can easily be forgotten. It is essential to clean this part as well as the helmet after each use. Not only for comfort, but to keep polluting gases at bay.

Replace your face shield if you notice:

- Any rips or damage.
- Any fumes are seeping into the helmet.
- It has become unhygienic.

It is recommended to change the face seal after 2 months if you are working in a dirty environment and 3-4 months if you're not using it every day.

The tips above go hand in hand with ensuring your welding helmet is well cleaned after each use and is stored in a clean and dry place.

If you need to replace the parts in your welding helmet, take a look at our wide range of welding helmet spare parts. Or for more information on when to change the parts in your welding helmet, contact our team of experts.