Deciding to start out in the welding and metal working industry is a great choice of career path and a challenging, fun and addictive skill to learn as a hobby, too.

But what do you need to get started?

With so many products available on the market, we've cherry picked a handful of key items you might want to consider adding to your welding and metal working shopping list. All items are available from the Rapid Welding website, just follow the links for more detailed information and full specification. Alternatively, feel free to contact us to discuss your requirements in person: Tel. 02392 214214 or Email: webenquiries@rapidwelding.com

Multi-Process Welder

Choosing your preferred welding method isn't easy when starting out, and unless you're looking for a process specific unit such as an AC/DC Tig welder or MIG welding machine, then a great all-round multi-process welder covers all bases. The beauty of multi-process is that it can operate several different welding styles from one unit, such as MIG, TIG, STICK or flux-core, meaning you can learn different types of welding without needing to invest in multiple welding machines.

Probably the best multi-process welder on the market and a sound investment is the Fronius TranSteel 2200c. Robust, reliable and lightweight, the TransSteel 2200c is a compact, multiprocess-capable solution bringing together MMA, MIG/MAG and TIG in a single device. 

Rapid Welding stocks a wide range of welding machines from quality brands such as Lincoln Electric, Esab and Kemppi, for which we are approved suppliers. Top tip: When you view any welding machine on the Rapid Welding website, you can also click on 'buy parts' to see associated items such as wire, torches and contact tips relating to the specific machine.

PPE  

Obviously protective gear is a must.

High on your list of priorities should be the best quality welding helmet your budget will allow. A great example would be the ever popular Optrel Crystal auto-darkening welding helmet, offering a practically unclouded and clear view of your working environment. The correct helmet should provide complete protection, from flying materials to blinding lights as well as being right for your chosen welding application. We understand that selecting a welding helmet comes down to many factors including personal preference, so to help you make your choice we have put together a useful Welding Helmet Guide, so you can make sure your safety is never compromised.  

As well as welding helmets, Rapid also offers a full complement of safety-wear and equipment. Consider purchasing a pair of quality welding gloves, such as our best selling Ultima Gold Tig Gauntlet or the Red/Gold Premium Gauntlet.

Safety glasses like the Esab Warrior clear UV safety specs are also a worthwhile and inexpensive addition to your kit. 

While we're on the subject of safety, it might be worth looking into appropriate fume extraction. The Plymovent PHV - Portable High Vacuum - Welding Fume Extractor is fully mobile and compact enough for small workshops, garages or confined spaces.

Consumables  

Most people have a grinder these days, it's just one of those things you pick up while shopping, isn't it? But what about consumables? We stock a large range of abrasive products such as the great value 3M Cubitron Fibre discs; perfect for stainless and available in any size to suit your grinder. In fact, we have a whole section dedicated to all things consumable related, including MIG and TIG wire, flux and rods.  

Welding Table

The Nomad economy welding table is engineered to provide a safe, transportable, affordable and versatile welding surface. Ideal for small workshops or garages, the Nomad can be set up wherever you're working so you can bring your table to your work, not your work to your table. This excellent value welding table is also height adjustable for comfort.

Learning Your Trade

Finally, you could consider purchasing some welding reading material. Whether you're a complete beginner or a more experienced welder wishing to hone your skills, we have a great selection of books offering practical and comprehensive guides to welding projects, design ideas and day-to-day applications such as farm and workshop welding. 

Happy Shopping 

TOP LEVEL PERSONAL PROTECTION FOR ALL KINDS OF WELDERS AND FABRICATORS

Kemppi's Gamma range is built to provide the highest possible standard of EU classification in terms of respiratory TH3 performances (filters 99.8% of airbourne fumes and particles), and is constructed from a user’s perspective to ensure top specification meets optimum comfort.

Designed for all types of welding procedures, the Gamma GTH3 ready to weld package includes the GAMMA GTH3 welding helmet with auto darkening XA 47 welding filter and a shade range of 5, 8, 9-15, and the PFU 210e powered air purifying respirator system: 

Everything you need for the ultimate protection. 

Designed with the welder in mind, the Gamma GTH3 models includes optimum visions through the lenses thanks to state-of-the-art features such as Axis regulation and the GapView function. In low light working conditions, the XFA line optimises 70 lumen LED lights to provide the best of welder safety and maximum comfort.

Features include:

•  Able to filter more than 99.8% of airborne particles
• Helmet pressure design makes breathing easy and effortless
• Clarity of visions improved thanks to LiFE+ Colour ADF Technology
•  ADF adjustment made easy, even with the helmet still on
• XFA models exclusive with integrated LED work lights
• Designed for all welding procedures

Visit Rapid Welding online for more information about this excellent product range from Kemppi

The new MasterTig, available from Rapid soon, sets new records for weld quality, usability and power efficiency. Designed with the professional welder in mind, this new range of machines offer a choice of power variants in 230A and 300A with 400A and 500A models following in 2020.

The modular design of these models allow you to build a machine to your required specifications. These features include alternative control panels, wireless remote controls and various transport cart options. 

With a stylish, practical and robust design the MasterTig can absorb knocks and everyday welding life. The MasterTig is the ideal component for workshop and site use, constructed from tough injection moulded plastic, featuring impact bridge protection structures.

Key Features

60% Faster Setup – Weld assist guides you towards the optimal setup. Tell the machines what you intend to weld, and it sets the correct parameters for easy and productive welding.

30% Increased Welding Speed – Double pulse function accelerates travel speed in DC applications and lowers heat input by 20%. Faster welding and lower material distortion.

20% Lower Noise Levels – MasterTig reduces noise levels compared to leading competitors in ACDC welding applications, allowing you to quietly concentrate on quality.

Enhanced Welding Features

Experience fast and accurate welding thanks to MicroTack. A revolutionised feature designed for multiple and repetitive tacking on thin sheet applications.

The iTec features is an engineered ignition technology tool designed for a reliable arc start that is useful for large torch extensions.

A weld time clock features enable workers to establish weld cycle measurements and job data records.

 Product Brochure: Click Here

You can’t have a new machine without a Tig torch to go with it . . .

FLEXLiTE

Kemppi presents the latest in their Tig torch range; the Flexlite TX series. These Tig torches are designed for the best reliable welding performances with a focus on the process of everyday welding. All Flexlite TX products feature tremendous technical performances lifespans and there is plenty of different sizes and types to choose from to fit your welding needs. Flexlite TX welding torches provide excellent user comfort and lowers the chance of welder fatigue. A firm grip is made from silicone rubber and the torches’ innovative design reduced time in wrist loading, allowing more time to concentre on welding tasks.

Product Brochure: Click Here

 For more information on these machines or torches please contact our sales team: sales@rapidwelding.com or on +44 (0)23 92 214 214.

CECAMM - The New Centre of Excellence

Welding Bays at CECAMM

Opened by HRH The Countess of Wessex in September last year, the exciting Isle of Wight College CECAMM facility in Whippingham offers students specialised education and a broad experience of engineering skills. The aim is to prepare students to enter their chosen field, help secure careers, and in some cases go on to higher study. 

Located at the Island Technology Park, the world class training facility includes workshops and classrooms for study programmes such as Boat Construction and Design, CNC Programming, Fabrication, Marine Engineering and MIG, MAG and TIG Welding, and it was for the latter programme that the college purchased six new Kemppi welding machines from Rapid.

Kemppi MasterTig 3003 MLS AC/DC

Having heard about Rapid through an existing customer based on the Isle of Wight, the order for three Kemppi FastMig X, and three Kemppi MLS 3003 AC/DC Tig for CECAMM soon followed, as well as further orders for PPE and consumables.

Welding Lecturer at CECAMM, Chris Wright said, "We are very pleased with the welding equipment supplied by Rapid Welding.The equipment is easy to use and it's always good to have industry standard equipment for the learners. I am very impressed with the level of help and support we have received from Rapid Welding. It's all good :)." 

With close ties to the Isle of Wight and a strong customer base, we are delighted to have had the opportunity to supply CECAMM with welding machines and equipment for this project. As a company, Rapid strives to bring our customers the products they really want, combined with the most up-to-date technology in the industry. This enables businesses as well as individual welders to safeguard quality and productivity, and in this case, will allow the future generation of welders and engineers to develop their skills with the most current equipment available, helping them prepare for the future and hopefully successful and rewarding careers.

They will certainly have an excellent start at CECAMM!

For more information about CECAMM and how to apply for engineering courses and apprenticeships, please visit their website: www.cecamm.co.uk. 

The Future Generation of Welders!

Christmas definitely isn't just for kids. So come on, with Santa almost ready to load his sleigh it's time to start thinking not only about your own Christmas wish list, but also what to buy the welder in your life.

If you're short on a few ideas, here's a little bit of festive inspiration from Rapid ......

 🎄

Welding Helmets

Welding Helmets are always a popular gift idea, but they are a personal choice and with advances in technology there are loads of different functionalities to decide upon. At Rapid we only supply products we are appointed by the manufaturer to sell, and there are some great products on the market at the moment such as (but not limited to) Kemppi, ESAB, Speedglass and 3M.

Kicking things off is the 3M 9100 Adflo Helmet systems with new Adflo Powered Air Respirator. The continuous airflow provides filtered air that takes much of the heat and sweat out of welding, and by using the Adflo Respirator, you will get both increased protection and comfort all day long - the perfect Christmas gift!

⛄️ 3M Adflo Welding Helmet ⛄️

The ESAB Sentinel A50 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet has been a very popular choice with our customers this year. Where comfort and usability meet next generation technology, the sentinel features new ergonomic headgear, colour touchscreen controls and an external grind button! 

⛄️ ESAB Sentinel A50 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet ⛄️ 

The BETA Welding helmet 90mm from Kemppi is another great welding helmet providing full protection without compromising visability or comfort. Weld with optimum visibility without the need to intermittently remove your helmet or make adjustments, making it easier for you to operate in tight work spaces without compromising your safety. The Kemppi BETA comes with a spring mounted flip front lens; just lift the filter lens and keep working! The 100% clear safety lens underneath is also safety assured for grinding.

⛄️ Kemppi BETA 90 Welding Helmet 110mm x 90mm lens with Flip Front for Grinding ⛄️ 

The list goes on, so if you want to view our full range of welding helmet options, visit Rapid online > HERE 

🎄

  We've touched on Welding Helmets, now let's talk clothing - and I don't mean Christmas Jumpers!

Be prepared for those Christmas cooking disasters (apologies to all the chefs out there!) by adding a few items from ESAB's fantastic range of flame resistant clothing to your wish list. The new flame resistant range is the very latest technology in inherent flame retardant garments, and you can choose from welding jacket, trousers, jumper, polo shirt or coverall styles.

⛄️ ESAB Flame Resistant Welding Clothing ⛄️ 

ESAB's leather protective range is also helping to redefine welder protection, with garments that provide optimal fit, comfort, performance, style and durability, resulting in safer and more productive working environments. The leather protective range includes jackets, trousers, sleeves, aprons and gaiters - all ideal for every welding application for the professional welder. For more information on ESAB welding clothing, visit Rapid online HERE.

⛄️ ESAB Standard Leather Welding Jacket ⛄️ 

 If nothing so far tickles your fancy, we also stock an extensive range of other safety products that will make great stocking fillers. Take your pick of head protection with Balaclavas, Insulated Helmet Liners, Proban Hoods as well as welding gloves, goggles, ear protection, glasses and visors.  

⛄️ ESAB Heavy duty Welding Gloves ⛄️ 

For more information on any of the products listed above, or if there is something else you are after for your welder, then please visit Rapid online. Alternatively, if you want to speak with one of our team in person, feel free to call us on 02392 214 214 

Happy shopping, and may we take this opportunity to wish our past, present and future customers seasons greetings from the Rapid Team.

 Big Power, Small Package, Quick Ignition! 

A perfect solution to tack welding with large, heavy machinery, in busy or confined areas, and with difficult to move or position equipment. As a Kemppi Premium Dealer, and a company dedicated to bringing to market the products our customers really want, Rapid is delighted to announce that the Kemppi Fitweld Evo 300 is now available to order. 

 Powerful, robust, and light weight, it is suitable for many MIG/MAG applications, but it's quick ignition and high efficiency make it especially fast, safe, and economical for tacking and for welding with ferrous, stainless steel and aluminium filler materials. Perfect for use in demanding environments, the Fitweld 300's case is made of reinforced fibre plastic. As yet another practical solution, it also comes with wire feed cabinet illumination to enable adjustments in dark working conditions.  

So what are you waiting for?

To learn loads more about the Kemppi Fitweld 300 and to view the range at Rapid, click here. 

To discover more about Kemppi, visit the website here. 

As always, Andy is ready and available to answer all your questions regarding this or any other product solution. Chat with him online at www.rapidwelding.com or contact us on 02392 214 214.

Welcome To The Rapid Experience 

A little while back we let you in on the exciting news that Rapid had won one of the top prizes from Kemppi for the European Kemppi Dealer competition, the prize being tickets to attend the F1 Grand Prix in Belgium.

Well, as all you F1 fans will know, that weekend has been and gone, and the lucky member of the Rapid team chosen to enjoy the prize and the fabulous experience was none other than Portsmouth based Richard Noyce.

We're very proud of the  whole team at Rapid, and in the spirit of letting our customers know us all a little better, I bothered Richard with a little q & a to found out more out him ......

Our Richard - A worthy recipient of the Kemppi prize

Hi Richard. Your role at Rapid is Web Assistant, what does that entail and how did you get to be so bloody clever?

My job is to assist in the day to day running of our website. I am responsible for the adding/updating of all our products on the site, taking and editing pictures of our stock, creating graphics and banners for the website, and producing our monthly newsletter and monitoring our website traffic levels. The IT skills originated from when I got my first computer and a bit of a quest to learn all I could really. I also have a degree in computing.

  What did you say when Roy presented you with the prize?

Not a lot really, it didn’t really sink in at the time. It is a really great gift for the work I’ve done on the website and greatly appreciated.

Clearly you're a bit of an F1 Fan. When/where/how did you get the bug?

I have always had an interest in cars and first got hooked on F1 after watching a race. From then on I’ve watched nearly every race probably from 10 - 11 years old. I only attended my first race this year at Budapest in Hungary, it was a great first race to go to, mainly due to the great fan atmosphere with so many different nationalities there, 30C + heat and Budapest making a great base/city break. Witnessing a Hamilton win, taking part in the post race track invasion and seeing the podium celebration was pretty incredible. I feel very lucky in getting the chance to attend my second race back to back.

 How will you be getting to Belgium and who are you taking with you?

It will be myself and those generous folks from Kemppi. I will be taking a flight there

 Do you plan on going to any other races in the future?

I would like to go to Barcelona for the Spanish grand prix and Monaco

 Do you have any other hobbies, sporting or otherwise?

Aside from formula 1 I do have an interest in other sports like football, tennis, cricket. Other interests include computer games, films and spending time with family & friends

 Do you do any welding?

Unfortunately not, Some welding skills would have been very useful with some of the old cars I’ve owned.

 The best thing about Rapid ..... ?

The Rapid Experience!

Richard has taken some fab photos of his weekend at the Grand Prix, and we'll be posting those at a later date along with a report of the weekend -  think meeting Pastor Maldonado from the Williams team and rubbing shoulders with other famous faces !

See you soon!

An amazing prize from Kemppi - Thank you!

Rapid has won the silver prize in the European Kemppi Dealer competition, and one of our lucky team has been chosen to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Belgium Formula One Grand Prix race weekend, lapping up the atmosphere and sipping on champagne in the exclusive paddock club.

The winning businesses were the top twelve dealers with the highest net value of incoming orders (during the period of 1st June to the 31st July 2013). Included in the prize is hotel accommodation in Maastricht and transport between the hotel and race track, - meaning all the hospitality can be enjoyed to the max. The flights to and from Brussels are also included.

It's going to be an amazing weekend, and of course we'll be letting you hear all about it.

A big thank you to Kemppi for such a wonderful prize!

For more info on Kemppi and the Williams F1 team, check out this website:

http://www.williamsf1.com/Team/Media/News/The-Williams-F1-Team-and-Kemppi-Upgrade-Sponsorship-Agreement/

 International iF Product Design Award 2012 for the Kempact RA

The news just in is that the Kempact RA by Kemppi has won the esteemed International iF Product Design award 2012 at the annual competition organised in Germany. The competition is hosted by iF International Forum Design which has been globally recognised as a ‘hallmark of design excellence’ for almost 60 years. Each year a team of international design experts rigorously test the products entered.

'The Kempact RA product range creates a 'completely new standard' for compact MIG/MAG machines' Kemppi

The Kempact RA product range was designed to meet the demands of modern day welders, making welding ‘efficient, accurate, and productive’. With a user survey implemented as part of the design process and involvement from participants in various countries and operating environments, the end result was a welding machine breaking boundaries in terms of usability, adaptability and design standards.

‘Completely new and innovative’ Kemppi

Kemppi made some radical changes to the architecture and functionality: the new machine is high and openable at the front, as opposed to the old design which was low and opened at the side. Other new features include an integrated gas cylinder transporter, eliminating the issue of the user having to manually lift it on and off. Robust handles and big wheels mean transportation of the machine and the cylinder is ergonomically friendly, as does the design and positioning of the new control panel.

And this isn't the first award Kemppi have won based on design and usability. In 2006 the MinarcMig Adaptive won the Red Dot Design Award and in 2009 the FitWeld Welding Machine and SuperSnake GT02S Subfeeder achieved Red Dot honorary mentions.

Congratulations Kemppi

Buy the Kemppi Kempact RA from Rapid Welding Supplies. See our Full Range of Welders & Welding Equipment on site & Buy On-line Now for great discounts!

http://www.rapidwelding.com/dynamic/TextSearch.aspx?t=1

For more information try:

http://www.kemppi.com/inet/kemppi/en/akp.nsf/frameset/Frameset?OpenDocument&left=/inet/kemppi/en/akp.nsf/WEB_Nav?OpenView&navcat=Search&main=/inet/kemppi/kit.nsf/0/44EE37374F8F5AB7C225798B003E051F?opendocument&top=/inet/kemppi/en/akp.nsf/Top?ReadForm&topcat=Product Info

The Kemppi SuperSnake Protection Frame for the SuperSnake Subfeeder is now available from Rapid

• Made of hot galvanised steel, the frame protects the feeders wire feed casing from damage in heavy environments and when device is pulled across the floor.

• Can be used for carrying and hanging the SuperSnake Subfeeder.

• Weighs in at 2.3kg.

• Replaceable display protection piece.

• Support for opened hatch.

• Can be used with all GT02S/6153XXX and GT02SW/6154XXX models (the liquid-cooled models must have a new water hose connector (W004227) according to version A. It can be obtained as a supplement part for old products.

Visit Rapid's website for further details by clicking on: http://www.rapidwelding.com/dynamic/DisplayItem.aspx?c=6185276

Order ref: 6185276