Setting up a Home Welding Shop

This isn’t a comprehensive list, but it does include some items that I have found particularly useful. If you have a Harbor Freight near you, you should visit it to check out the welding supplies—and for hobbyists, you might consider one of the Harbor Freight welders as an economical option. You can see a tour of my home welding shop here.

Millermatic 215 Welder

This is the welder I use, and it falls into the “buy once, cry once” category because of its cost… but it works on 110 and 220, it does stick, mig, and tig welding, and it welds materials up to a half inch in thickness. So, I figured that covers every application I can imagine. Rebates often available, so check out Miller’s website. Don’t forget extra contact tips!

Hobart Handler 140

If I had not purchased the Miller, it would have been this Hobart Handler 140. At under $500 it is a fantastic machine and well built. Supplies are industry standard, available at welding shops and at Tractor Supply if that’s more convenient.

Cold Cut Saw (aka Dry Cut Saw)

I did a detailed review of this Skil SPT62MTC Dry Cut Saw on YouTube. After months of use, I can attest to its quality and durability… and I remain surprised that Skil (a brand I don’t normally trust) has produced something so good. Conveniently, this is also one of the least expensive cold cut saws available. If the Skil isn’t available, I’d recommend the Evolution Powertools 15inch Model.

Welding Cart

My cart is from Harbor Freight, but this one from Amazon seems like a better deal. Welding spaces are MESSY, so I recommend something with closed drawers.

Hobart “Creator” Welding Helmet

This is the helmet I use and it remains the best price/performance option I can find out there.

Welding Hat

You’ll want a welding cap to keep sparks from landing in your hair or on your neck. There are LOTS available out there—mostly adorned with flames, skulls, or sports logos of some sort. If you want something a little more plain, these caps by Comeaux are a good choice.

Hobart 2-Axis Welding Clamp

A must have tool for creating perfect right angles.

Locking Pliers

You’ll want a cheap set like this so you don’t mind when they get covered with welding spatter.

Welding Curtain

In my home welding shop I have a window to the outside. I covered the window with this material as a precaution—to ensure that a passerby wouldn’t be surprised by me striking an arc. Similarly, I’ve considered hanging one of these on the “open” side of my shop as an additional barrier to sparks and dust—and to provide a way for visitors to come to the shop safely.

Welding Blanket

You should have one of these on hand. It can be used to cover anything you worry about burning with sparks (e.g. imagine you are doing a repair on a lamp… you need to weld the metal but protect other portions of the piece). Also, I’ve cut a piece to cover my welding machine itself when I’m grinding: might as well protect my most expensive metal shop tool from debris.

MIG Torch Holder

If you don’t want a standard issue one from Amazon, you might consider picking one up from Jimbo’s Garage (a great YouTube channel for aspiring welders).

Lincoln Electric Whelpers aka MIG Pliers

Don’t cheap out on these: you will use these pliers constantly, and you want a good set. These from Lincoln Electric are quite nice and not too expensive.

Nozzle Gel Tip Lubricant

Nice to have and lasts a long time. Keeps the gas flowing by preventing spatter from clinging to the tip of your MIG gun. Saves you time too, since you don’t need to clean the nozzle as much.

Magnetic “Clamps”

Magnetic “clamps” are handy in all sorts of ways, and you’ll want a variety of sizes. This variety pack is good to get you started.

Sticky Mat

You step on it and whatever’s on your feet (like bits of metal) gets stuck to the mat. When one sheet fills up with gunk, you peel it back and a fresh sheet is exposed. Good for cleaning the bottoms of your shoes off before leaving the shop and heading into other sections of your house.