welding clothing 3 - Waylander Welding

What is the Best Welding Blanket for a Smoker?

September 8, 2023August 5, 2021 by waylander_fiona

Welding blankets are, first and foremost, for welding. But because of its heat-resistant properties, it’s been used for many other things. Others use it to protect the ground or patio surfaces under a fire pit while some people use it to retain the heat in smokers and grills when the temps fall below freezing. For smokers, in particular, you need one that is guaranteed to work well when you use it at home with friends or family. With that, here’s a guide that can help you choose the best welding blanket for your smoker.

Best Welding blanket for Smoker – Fiberglass Welding Blanket

In choosing the best welding blanket for smoker, you need to know the right material. It should be heat resistant and should be able to work in high temperatures.

Welding blankets are usually made of fiberglass, leather, and felt. While leather and felt are effective in insulation and can resist heat well, the best welding blanket for smokers are those made out of fiberglass.

Heat Resistance

When it comes to heat resistance, BGF Industries says “fiberglass or woven fiberglass fabrics have excellent hear resistance at a relatively low cost. They retain approximately 50% of room temperature tensile strength at 700°F (371°C); approximately 25% at 900°F (482°C); with a softening point of 1555°F (846°C) and a melting point of 2075° F (1121 °C).”

It is for this reason that is the best welding blanket for a smoker. The upper surface can resist cold temperatures while keeping the inside of it warm. This means the cooker will keep an optimum temperature for cooking once covered with a fiberglass welding blanket.

welding blankets — Waylander Welding Blanket/Photo by user on Amazon

High Temperatures

When it comes to working with high temperatures, a fiberglass welding blanket can definitely withstand the heat that the smoker gives off in the cooking process. This will create an insulation layer that will keep the heat inside. This means you won’t need that much charcoal whenever you cook in cold temperatures or during the winter.

While welding blankets can be used for smokers, one has to know how to properly handle them while grilling at home or anywhere outdoors. Extra care must be taken to avoid injuries and it is very important to make sure that you keep your food away from the blanket material. Do not use welding blankets for smokers if you do not have any knowledge of their proper use.

Waylander Welding Fiberglass Welding Blanket

Now that you already know the best welding blanket for a smoker, it’s time you get one made of high-quality fiberglass that is durable enough to last you years!

The Waylander Welding Fiberglass Welding Blanket has been the talk of the welding community on numerous websites.

When you use Waylander’s Fiberglass Welding Blanket with Vermiculite Treatment, you’re ensuring everyone and everything’s safety. This uses high-quality fiberglass, infused with vermiculite to add another layer of fire prevention plus it has the unique property of binding the fiberglass, which significantly decreases shedding and dramatically reduces skin irritation.

Hang the blanket to protect walls, drape it over your work surface or place it on the floor. It’s heavy-duty and durable. If your plumbing or welding crew or your mechanics need a high-quality flame retardant blanket in their toolbox or gear, this is the one to buy.

So, the next time you get a welding blanket for your smoker, make sure you have the Waylander Welding Fiberglass welding blanket at the top of your list.

Welding Gloves and Heat Resistance

July 27, 2021July 22, 2021 by waylander_fiona

A question you might have asked yourself would be, “Are welding gloves heat resistant?” The thing about welding gloves is that they are made of different materials. Some are made out of leather while some are out of Kevlar, carbon fiber, wool, and more. Each type would also be for the specific type of welding you do. So, to answer that question, yes. Welding gloves are heat resistant but are highly dependent on the kind or type of material they are made of.

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, as mentioned by the Safety and Health Magazine, more than ⅓ of the 370 welding and heating tool-related injuries which required days away from work in 2018 were related to thermal or heat burns. Are you sure your welding gloves are heat resistant?

Type of Materials that make Welding Gloves Heat Resistant

Kevlar

This synthetic fiber is extremely heat resistant. The best thing about this material is it doesn’t melt. Kevlar can withstand extreme temperatures of up to 800°F. It’s also cut-resistant.

Carbon Fiber

Carbon Fiber can withstand temperatures above 2000°F for as long as 2 minutes. Because of their high tensile strength property and high-temperature tolerance, these have been widely used in aerospace, civil engineering, and even in the military.

Leather Welding

Leather is known for its durability and ability to diminish heat. Leather can withstand 200°F before charring. Go for leather welding gloves that are either made out of cowhide or goatskin. Cowhide is resistant to abrasions while goatskin is known to be a more durable leather.

What is the best material for heat-resistant welding gloves?

The best heat-resistant welding gloves would be one that features a combination of these high-performing materials. Welding gloves made out of cowhide or goatskin leather that comes with a Kevlar liner. That way you get the durability of leather and more of the heat resistance feature of Kevlar.

Generally, welding gloves can withstand temperatures of up to 2000°F for short hold times. On the other hand, for longer hold times, welding gloves can withstand a temperature of up to 600°F.

As a welder, you are exposed to extreme heat, infrared radiation, ultraviolet rays, and electricity. That is why having the right welding protective clothing from the top of your head to the tip of your toes is important. This includes a reliable pair of welding gloves that protect your hands and arms from any serious burns while at work. Make sure you know if the pair you have now is heat resistant so you get maximum protection every day.

Flame Resistant Welding Clothing: What You Need to Know

July 9, 2021 by waylander_fiona

As welders, fire is something we deal with on a daily basis. This is why we go to lengths just to know more about welding protective clothing and equipment and how to get maximum protection while on the job. Here, we get to know more about flame-resistant welding clothing and why it is a need to have them.

What is Flame Resistant Welding clothing?

At first, when you see or hear the word flame resistant, you’d think that fire will simply bounce off that piece of clothing. Let’s get one thing straight. Flame Resistant clothing will still burn when it is directly exposed to flame. But, when that piece of clothing is taken away from the flame, it will stop or cease to burn.

Flame Resistant clothing is made from self-extinguishing materials that stop a piece of clothing from further burning. So, if you have a Flame Resistant welding shirt or Flame Resistant welding jacket, then it means when you get exposed to fire, you have time to pull away from the fire before it brings further damage.

Flame Resistant vs Flame Retardant

When you say FR clothing, it can be quite confusing. Why? Because this is usually split into two main groups. You have Flame Resistant clothing and Flame Retardant clothing. What’s the difference between these two?

Flame Resistant means the clothing or the fabric itself is literally made of resistant material. It isn’t just a layer or covering. This means, no matter how many times you wash the clothing, it will still be flame resistant.

Flame Retardant, on the other hand, is clothing with a coat of fire-resistant material. The difference it has from flame-resistant clothing is that once that coat of fire-resistant material wears off, then that piece of clothing will just be an ordinary piece of fabric or cloth.

This is why you should only purchase high-quality flame retardant welding clothing that can last for a longer period of time compared to cheaper FR clothing, which will only last you few months.

FR welding clothing is a must-have. If you need a welding hood to protect your head and hair, you need FR clothing so you won’t burst into flame while on the job. Make sure you choose only the best FR welding clothing that uses high-quality materials. Never settle for anything cheap when it comes to welding protection. In welding, safety is always a top priority.

Welding Spats and Why You Need Them

September 8, 2023June 25, 2021 by waylander_fiona

Welding safety starts with having the proper protective gear from top to bottom. Although more attention is given to protecting the welder’s head and body, it’s the legs that are being taken for granted. However, even your lower limbs need protection, without a doubt. So, to protect your legs while welding, you’ll need good quality welding spats that keep spatter and slag out of your shoes. This article will tell you more about welding spats and why you need them in any welding job you do.

What are welding spats and what are they for?

Welding spats are shoe covers that protect your legs from sparks, spatter, and extreme heat associated with the welding process. They’re strapped around your pant legs and boot tops to protect sparks from bouncing in the top of your boots. At the same time, they protect you from sparks that may fall on your feet. Remember, though, even if you’re using spats, it is still a good idea to make sure you have durable shoes under them to offer another layer of protection.

Some spats wrap entirely around your boot with special hooks that keep them in place. Others go up to your leg with coverings over the top of your toe. Whichever you choose, just make sure that they fit nicely over the shoes you are wearing to ensure full protection.

What to look for in welding spats

First things first, choose premium leather welding spats. You’ll want to go for cowhide split leather for this because it is lightweight and allows flexibility. It is also oil-resistant, moisture-proof, and is more durable. Since this protective equipment is used for all sorts of welding applications, including grinding, construction, torch, cutting, metal fabrication, and more, you’ll need spats that provide flexibility and durability with good heat and abrasion resistance.

Since welding spats are designed to protect, the stitching is equally important. Check that the welding spats are stitched with fire-resistant thread like super-strong Kevlar thread because this provides an extra spark and abrasion resistance. Another essential thing to be particular with is the length. Finally, be sure that the spats give the most coverage for your welding boots. It is also better if your footwear is covered on both sides and from your toe to your leg.

Welding spats should also feel comfortable when wearing them. The rear of the legging should have adjustable hook-and-loop closures for superior fit. It is also ideal to have straps underneath that ensure that the shoe cover stays in place while maintaining coverage. But, again, it’s the little things that matter when it comes to safety.

Welding spats are essential for protection during the harshest conditions on the job. Using and wearing welding safety equipment is important because the job is hazardous. At any time, welders are exposed to metal fumes, UV radiation, cuts, shocks, abrasions, and burns. This is why it is important always to wear work gear that complies with set safety standards. You will also need to choose only the highest grade materials for protecting the most important part of the job — You.

Summer Welding Clothing

September 8, 2023June 17, 2021 by waylander_fiona

Summer is here! That means making sure that you have your summer welding apparel ready. Comfort is a top priority when it comes to welding in the heat. You need the right fabric and the right kind of welding clothing to make sure you get maximum protection while keeping yourself cool at the same time. Here, we give you a list of summer welding clothing that you must have to get the comfort and protection you need in this season.

Summer Welding Clothing

Light Weight Clothing

With the heat, it will be harder to move because of the discomfort one can feel. Wearing lightweight clothing under welding PPE helps you change that. This also gives you the opportunity to take in cooler air whenever the wind blows while you work. Lightweight khaki pants and khaki shirts are what you should be wearing while welding during this season.

Light-Colored Clothing

In terms of the color of clothing, go with white colors. As known to many, light-colored clothing reflects light while dark-colored clothing absorbs it. White welding shirts and white welding caps are great to have.

Wear a Pancake Hood

A pancake hood is potentially cooler than a shirt hood or a flip hood. Mainly, this is because air can pass through easily to the head as opposed to a hood that hinders or traps the air from getting in.

FR Welding Shirt

A breathable and lightweight flame retardant welding shirt is definitely a must-have. Working in the summer months doesn’t mean you compromise safety for comfort. With a high-quality FR welding shirt, you get maximum protection while being able to move freely. Get a consistent airflow to keep you cool in the hear while getting protection from sparks. Some even come in khaki color which all the more makes it better.

Welding Sleeves

A good pair of welding sleeves are also good to have in the summer months. If you need protection but can’t have a full-on leather welding jacket, leather welding sleeves can give you the protection you need for your arms. It also allows for more movement.

FR Cotton Welding Jacket

A leather welding jacket is definitely a must-have. But when you talk about working under the heat of the sun during the summer, you need an FR cotton welding jacket instead. It’s flame retardant so you get protection, it’s lightweight as compared to a leather welding jacket which allows a consistent flow of air to circulate and cool your body.

Hybrid FR Leather Welding Jacket

A hybrid FR leather welding jacket might just be what you need exactly when welding in the summer. You get the protection you need from leather welding sleeves but have the comfort of an FR cotton welding jacket. It’s having two pieces of welding protection in just one piece of clothing. This gives you the mobility you need while getting superior protection for your skin and the comfort of a lightweight cotton fabric that allows a consistent airflow. Perfect for the welder in the summer!

What Not to Wear When Welding

September 8, 2023May 6, 2021 by waylander_fiona

Although we have a pretty good idea as to what protective equipment welders should have, the better question to ask is, “What shouldn’t welders wear when welding?”

As a welder, you need to be choosy about what you wear when you’re working on welding projects. Your safety is your top priority, so making sure your clothes protect you from UV exposure, burns, and other harmful things is quintessential.

The Worst Material for Welding Clothing

Synthetic materials are the worst type of materials to use for welding clothing. They’re a big issue because they melt under heat and may potentially burn your skin. Synthetic materials like polyester or polyester blend easily and ignite and burn vigorously. Oil, greases, and combustible contaminants are other materials that welding clothing should never get in contact with. In addition, don’t wear rings or other types of jewelry while welding.

What Welders Should Wear Instead

Welders should go for clothing that is heavyweight, tightly woven or made of 100% cotton or wool to protect themselves from UV radiation, open flames, sparks, and hot metal. It is ideal to wear long-sleeved shirts that have buttoned cuffs and preferable a collar for added neck protection. The shirt pockets should be closed to avoid collecting hot metal or sparks. Covering pockets with flaps will also work. As to the color choice, wear dark-colored clothing to prevent light reflection.

If you’re wearing pants, be sure that the pant legs do not have cuffs because cuffs can collect sparks. Check all the frayed edges, holes, and tears in clothing – assure they’re all repaired. It’s best to wear gauntlet-type cuff leather sleeves or gloves to protect your forearms and wrists. Leather is a great insulator for electricity. Wear leather aprons, too, so your chest and lap are protected when standing or sitting.

Use high-top boots that are fully laced so you prevent sparks from entering into the boots. Fire-resistant boot spats or protectors strapped around the pant legs and boot tops are highly recommended.

Protection from Welding Radiation

To protect yourself from welding radiation, wear tightly woven fabrics that are a proper weight for work-related jobs. These keep UV radiation from reaching your skin. Your shirt should also be buttoned up to protect your throat and neck. Cover your head with a fabric cap so your scalp is protected from UV radiation. For the back of your head, use a hood. Protect your face by wearing an opaque welder’s helmet. A welder’s face shield is also good to use for protection against flying particles and radiation. Finally, use a shield that can keep sparks spray away from your clothing.

In all things welding, make sure that all fabric is resistant to heat, flame, and spark. The fabric should also be free from combustible materials. You don’t want to have any material on you that could get ignited by a spark.

How to Clean Leather Welding Gloves

September 11, 2023April 11, 2021 by waylander_fiona

Leather gloves are great for welding jobs but they aren’t the easiest to clean. If you keep your leather welding gloves in great condition, they’ll last longer. But cleaning your welding gloves involves some additional steps. The first thing to understanding is to determine your welding glove material.

All welding gloves are designed to be fire-resistant, flexible, durable, and waterproof. Two materials used for welding gloves are leather and synthetic. The more popular one, leather, is good for dispersing heat while maintaining flexibility, toughness, and resistance to water. The most common types of leather used for leather welding gloves are cowhide, sheepskin, goatskin, and pigskin. These types are cleaned the same way.

How to Clean Leather Welding Gloves

1 Rough Clean

Before washing your leather gloves, you would need to “rough” clean them first, most especially if they are filthy or have visible debris like metal, cleaners, and others. Take a dry cloth and wipe your gloves down. Another way to rough clean is to take a toothbrush or soft-bristled wire brush to take off large chunks of debris off the gloves.

2 Wash with cold water and Saddle Soap

After that, wash your leather welding gloves with cold water and saddle soap that is made especially to clean dirt and grime off of leather products, including welding gloves. Get your gloves into cold water and apply some saddle soap to the palm of the gloves. Work that soap into a lather and wash the gloves as if you were washing your hands. If there are areas with heavier grime, put some soap on the soiled areas and let sit for 30-45 seconds.

3 Wipe

Once done, remove the dirty water and take a damp clean towel to wipe off the gloves.

4 Rinse with cold water

Rinse the gloves with cold water in a utility sink. Cold water is important because it won’t affect the size of the glove. Hot water stretches the leather and might affect how the gloves fit.

5 Hang them to dry

Now that your leather gloves are cleaned, squeeze the excess water off gently in a downward motion. Hang them to dry with some clothespins. Massage the gloves so the leather doesn’t stiffen. Keep doing this until it dries completely. You can also wear your leather welding gloves until they dry. This ensures a fit that molds to your hands, bringing optimum comfort.

6 Apply a leather conditioner

The next thing to do after washing and drying is to apply a leather conditioner to keep the leather smooth and supple.

After all that, wash your hands. This might seem unnecessary but since you’ve got water inside your gloves while washing them, it is possible that the contaminants from the outside are now on your skin. So be sure to wash and dry your hands after washing your gloves. This helps you avoid chemicals or other debris from irritating your skin.

Taking care of your leather welding jobs this way is paramount to keeping your working environment safe. With these steps, you’ll preserve the comfort and versatility of your leather welding gloves while extending their lifespan.

Waylander Leather Welding Gloves

What You Should Know About Proper Welding Blanket Upkeep

September 8, 2023April 4, 2021 by waylander_fiona

Having a welding blanket is helpful for workshop safety. Since sparks, spatters, and flying metals tend to fall on you or your surroundings while welding, that protective cover is the very thing you need to safeguard your body. But keeping it in good condition to last for a few more years takes some work.

Waylander Welding Fiberglass Vermiculite Blanket

Welding Blanket Upkeep

Washing Your Welding Blanket in a Washing Machine

As a general rule, when you wash your welding blanket in a washing machine, do not mix the welding blanket with other heat-resistant or non-heat-resistant clothing items. Separate the load to prevent chemicals from non-heat-resistant materials that may contaminate your welding blanket.

Next, remember that heat-resistant blankets should be carefully washed with specific detergents that won’t ruin the blanket’s protective layer. The detergent should be bleach-free since bleach can tarnish the blanket’s integrity. If you are using a home laundry detergent, check the label. Just be sure it doesn’t contain any chlorine or bleach. Some examples of bleach-free detergent are Neutral ph-balanced formula, USDA Certified Bio-based product, and Fragrance-free formula.

Also, don’t use fabric softeners and soaps since these can destroy the structure of the welding blanket’s protective layer. These chemicals leave a flammable coating behind.

When it comes to water temperature, the best temperature for washing welding blankets is 104ºF (40ºC) and less. Avoid using the hottest temperature on your washing machine. When in doubt, always check the label on the welding blanket for the preferred temperature.

Finally, don’t let the welding blanket soak too long in the washing machine. If you do, detergent and water can damage the blanket’s protective layer. You can also wash your welding blanket by hand. Simply dampen it to get it cleaned. Do not soak it.

Washing Leather Welding Blankets

If your welding blanket is made of leather, use saddle soap for cleaning. Saddle soap leaves no residue and has a neutral ph-balanced formula. It is also fragrance-free.

To begin cleaning, take a clean damp cloth and clean the surface of the leather. Rub the fabric across the leather blanket’s surface to remove some debris and dust. After that, take a second clean cloth and apply a small amount of saddle soap. Rub that cloth gently in a clockwise motion across the surface of the leather blanket until it disappears from the leather. Once the surface is covered, take the third cloth and use this to remove saddle soap excess.

Removing Stains from Your Welding Blanket

Once you see a stain, clean it at once. Common stains on welding blankets include paints, solvents, oils, and other flammable substances. Because if you don’t, these stains can reduce the blanket’s heat protection.

To remove stains begin with filling your sink with hot water, then wet the welding blanket. Rub dish detergent or liquid laundry detergent on the stained spot. Let that detergent rest on the blanket for about 3 to 5 minutes. After that, rinse the detergent off and check if the stains are clean. If the stain is still there, take it to a professional cleaning service.

How to Clean Leather Welding Jackets

June 14, 2024March 28, 2021 by waylander_fiona

Among all the must-have PPE for welders is the welding jacket. Whether you’re a pro welder or made welding a hobby, you will need to take care of your welding jacket to prolong its service life and get the best out of it. But some welders find it difficult to clean their jackets and feel that it’s such a chore. To help out, here are some easy and practical tips on how to clean your leather welding jacket to help out.

How to Clean Leather Welding Jackets: Step by Step Process

Since welding jackets are heavy leather jackets, the dirtier the leather material is, the stiffer the jacket becomes. Also, if left unkempt, the smell will become unpleasant. So cleaning your welding jacket on a semi-regular basis is essential to prolong wearability.

To begin cleaning, be sure you have the necessary materials: moisturizing bath soap or a mild detergent, leather conditioner, and cleaning rags.

welding leather jacket — Waylander Welding Jacket

How to Clean Leather Welding Jackets: Step 1

The first step is to moisten your rag. Get it completely wet with lukewarm water, then wring it out. You want it barely damp.

How to Clean Leather Welding Jackets: Step

Second, place a few drops of moisturizing bath soap on the rag. Once the soap makes its way into the rag, knead it to spread the soap evenly.

How to Clean Leather Welding Jackets: Step 3

Third, scrub the jacket with the rag gently. If, for example, the jacket is heavily soiled, rinse the rag and apply more soap. Do this periodically, so you don’t end up rubbing the dirt around. The soap helps soften up the leather where it has gotten stiff. Of course, the soap will definitely make your jacket smell so much better!

How to Clean Leather Welding Jackets: Step 4

Fourth, rinse off the soapy areas of the jacket. Use a separate barely damp rag to rinse off the soaped areas. Do this every time you finish scrubbing a spot. This cleaning system helps keep the soap from drying on the jacket. Remember that you do not want to use water directly on the jacket, which is why a damp rag is a way to go. Don’t forget to give that “rinse rag” a good rinse now and then.

How to Clean Leather Welding Jackets: Step 5

Fifth, once done with the soap-and-water step, it is time to condition the welding jacket. For this step, use a leave-on leather conditioner. A leave-on leather conditioner makes your welding jacket supple and comfortable again. Work the conditioner with a clean and dry rag. Let it remain on the weather to prevent the leather from cracking. This step is crucial because it makes your leather welding jackets pliable and easy to work in.

If your welding jacket already has mildew, spot treat the mold and mildew first—mold and mildew build-up when a welding jacket is old but can quickly be restored. Use rubbing alcohol before starting the cleaning process.

Your leather welding jackets require a good cleaning now and then. Since the jacket is made out of leather, the cleaning procedure is a lot more delicate. Proper maintenance not only gets rid of layers of grimes from building up, but it is the best way to reduce costs in terms of purchasing welding equipment and PPE.

Welding Apron vs Welding Jacket: What’s the Difference?

March 22, 2021 by waylander_fiona

Welding aprons and welding jackets are clothing items of personal protective equipment (PPE) made specifically for welders. This equipment is made of fire-resistant and thermally insulating materials that protect welders from metal splatter, high heat, and radiation that cause painful and unpleasant burns. But, which one is best to use? What are the differences between the two? Which one offers better protection for welding? Read on to find out.

Welding Apron vs Welding Jacket

Overall Things to Know about Welding Aprons and Welding Jackets

Generally, welding aprons are better to use for warmer climates since they tend to be more comfortable when it’s warm because the open-cut doesn’t result in heat build-up. In contrast, jackets are preferred for colder climates. They keep you warm and safe, making it more comfortable. But if the fabric used is too stiff or thick, then this naturally reduces comfort.

Welding aprons are the best option if the main requirement for the welding project is mobility. It is easier to put on and take off. Welding aprons come in different models, from those with more coverage to half-aprons that protect only the legs. Since these adjustable, they can be used by multiple employees, saving on inventory cost.

Welding jackets are best when you’re doing some overhead or vertical work. Since it’s close to the body, you can’t get easily tangled in the equipment. In addition, jackets have good sealing and integration with other welding equipment like helmets, helmet bibs, and others. Jackets come in different sized so it is not easily transferable from one employee to another.

Welding Aprons vs Welding Jackets: Main Differences

Perhaps the most significant difference between welding aprons and welding jackets is the coverage they provide. Since a welding apron is similar to a conventional kitchen apron, you get partial coverage at the chest area. There will be no protection for the arm, shoulder, or neck coverage making the apron only suitable for light-duty work.

However, since your back is exposed when using the welding apron, your arms are open to allow uninhibited mobility and precision work. Also, aprons offer protection for the upper legs and knees. If you’re working with knee-height tasks, aprons are more suitable.

Welding jackets or coats, on the other hand, provides coverage for the whole upper body. You get full-on protection from the waist to the neck, this includes coverage for your arms, shoulders, chest, and neck. This, then, is the best option.

Welding Apron vs Welding Jacket: Which is the Better Safety Option?

Remember, safety comes first. This means all other things like comfort and mobility come in secondary. As a general rule, when welding jackets and welding aprons are made of leather, the jacket is always preferred because it provides full coverage and better integration with other protective equipment. But then, for experienced welders who will only do light-duty work, a welding apron will be enough even if it does not provide full coverage.

In conclusion, there is no single piece of equipment that is sufficient for all welding scenarios. You’ll need additional Welding PPE for optimal protection.