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. 

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. 

Hi all,

After many years of successfully selling the Jackson range of Air Fed Helmets it's now a case of ‘all good things must come to an end' as the Airmax Blower Unit sold with the Jackson Helmets is in the process of being discontinued??

There are very limited stocks of the Airmax's available, but as the Main Filters will also be discontinued I have taken the decision sadly to not promote the Jackson range anymore.

We do however have excellent stocks of both Filters and Helmet spares to enable us to supply our existing customers for some time yet, so all is not lost!!

The good news however is the two new ranges I've sourced.

The Malina Clean Air & Horizon Momentum helmets, Both offer fantastic & unique products, with the more competitively priced Horizon Momentum System offering a price similar to that of the Jackson, but with far more features and benefits such as True Colour Technology and TH3 Certification and already these are flying out the door to my local customers who have numerous Jackson Systems that need to be replaced.

So have a look at them on our website where there is a presentation highlighting these benefits and if you have any questions please don't hesitate to get in touch

As always thank you for your continued support and custom.

Thanks

Alan

Alan J Young

Director

PREMIER WELDING LTD

T: 0141 882 4514 F: 0141 810 4659 M: 07836 764105

EMAIL : alan@premierwelding.com www.premierwelding.com

Unit 5 Carberry Court,

28 Queen Elizabeth Ave,

Hillington Park,

Glasgow G52 4NQ

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