Whether you're looking to try out welding first hand or simply have a job in mind for a professional service, it helps to know what you're getting into. Since 1959, people in the Waynesboro, VA, area have been turning to Wayne Oxygen & Welding Supply for everything a welder could need. Now that you know where to get all the necessary items, let's take a look at a few welding tips to get you started on the right foot. 

Welding 101: Top 3 Tips & Tricks

1. Practice Your Grip Without Welding

Today's technology makes things easier than ever for up-and-coming welders. That doesn't mean you should just jump right in, though. It helps to familiarize yourself with the tools first, so practice handling your instrument without doing any actual welding. 

Learn how to hold it properly, and adjust until you can move and work with a comfortable posture and grip. Follow that up with a light test weld, minding the angle at which the gun's wire meets the surface. A 30-degree angle is usually best.

2. Preparation Is Key

Before starting a welding job, it pays to prepare the metal. After cutting the metal at the welding point, you'll want to clean it with a degreaser for a stronger weld. Next, you should grind or file the edges with a slight bevel, which will allow for a deeper weld penetration. Take your time positioning the metal pieces for welding and tack them together along each joint to keep them in position. 

3. Don't Overdo It

While it's always a good idea to be thorough, it's entirely possible to overdo the actual welding. This may seem like a good way to create smoother, more streamlined welds, but you will end up needing to grind off some of that excess metal. Above all else, stay safe and follow all necessary precautions while working. 

From professional work to a simple welding hobby, it all comes down to experience. Follow these steps as closely as possible, and trust the knowledgeable team at Wayne Oxygen & Welding Supply to provide the best tools available. Call them at (540) 942-4145 to speak to one of their staff members, and visit their website for inquiries.