Typical shopping list

In this section, we assume you are starting from scratch in welding, and will list the necessary equipment and typical prices as of 2024.  You of course may find other equipment that meets the criteria from different vendors and at different price points.  This list does not intend to promote any one brand or model of machine or accessories.

Think carefully if you deviate significantly from the specifications shown in the documents below.  Make sure that you are not losing important capabilities that satisfy the criteria, or if you must compromise, be aware of what you are giving up.

Here is a list of equipment for a functional welding setup:

• Welder
• Torches
  • Air cooled: #9
  • Water cooled: #20
• Water cooler
• Welding cart
• Gas bottle
• Regulator / flow meter
• Helmet -- auto darkening
• Welding fixture table
• Hold down clamps and jigs
• Welding gloves
• Consumables
  • Gas lens kit
  • Tungsten electrodes
  • Filler rods
  • Flux coated welding rods for SMAW (stick) welding
  • Argon gas
• Band saw
• Bench grinder
• Tungsten sharpener
  • Dedicated angle grinder
  • Diamond abrasive wheel
  • Armature / guide for tungsten
• Angle grinder