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 

Multi-currency payments have now been introduced on the Rapid Welding website.

With an ever-growing global customer base and over 35,000 products stocked online, we want to provide our customers with greater clarity on price and the facility to pay in their preferred currency.

This was an important move for Rapid now that the United Kingdom has entered post-Brexit status, and we hope this feature will enhance our customers' shopping experience with us. 

When welding outdoors, suitable protection is needed to safeguard welders and those in proximity, not only from the welding process itself but also from weather conditions such as rain, wind and sun - for our UK customers, if you can remember what the sun feels like, bonus points for you!

Outdoor working conditions are noticeably improved if a welding tent or umbrella are used, which can contribute to a reduction in sick leave and an increase in welder comfort, safety and performance.

 Rapid can supply a large range of Cepro welding shelters and umbrellas.

Welding Umbrellas

Flame retardant with water repellent canvases. Carrying bag included.

Heavy Duty Welding Tents

Available in a variety of widths ranging from 190 cm to 300 cm.

 Cube Shelter 

Width: 190 cm / Depth 200 cm / Height 200 cm / Ridge Height 220cm

As well as welding shelters and umbrellas from Cepro, Rapid also supply a wide range of welding curtains, plates and strips, welding blankets, screens, insulation products, grinding and welding booths.

Find out more: Rapid Welding - Cepro Shop

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

Trainee Welding Service Engineer

Job Overview

A Trainee Welding Service Engineer is required for our busy, expanding, welding machine supply company, Rapid Welding & Industrial Supplies Limited.

Based at their busy workshop at Hedge End, the focus will be: 

·        Servicing and basic repairing of welding and welding related machinery. 

·        General housekeeping of service department. 

·        As part of a small team there is a general level of additional support required for your colleagues. 

·        On the job and manufacture training will be provided. 

Ideal candidate requirements 

·        Experienced or interest in electronics. Would potentially suit a college leaver. We can teach the electrical requirements for welding machines, so experience working with welding plant, whilst desirable, is not essential. 

·        Qualifications in an electrical or mechanical discipline would be beneficial. 

·        IT literate. 

·        Calm under pressure. 

·        Excellent communicator across all colleague levels. 

·        The role will be fast-paced and challenging therefore you must have an adaptable and flexible attitude and approach, be prepared to work alongside your team and be driven to achieve a high level of service. 

·        Driving licence preferred*

Company clothing and PPE supplied. 

*Depending on age, you may be able to use company vehicles.

To be considered for this job vacancy, please submit your CV to vacancies@rapidwelding.com

Stores & Logistics Manager  

Location                       Portchester 

Contract                       Full time with six month probationary period  

Job type                       Warehouse/Logistics/ distribution 

Salary                          £25000.00 - £28000.00, subject to experience

Rapid Welding is expanding and we now have a vacancy for a Stores & Logistics Manager at our Portchester branch.   As a professional Company with 30 years experience, we are constantly evolving and expanding and are looking for new staff to support our worldwide distribution through our ground breaking and award winning website.  

Job description 

·        Stores & Logistics Manager required for our busy stores, warehouse and despatch area, reporting directly to the Operations Director, ensuring goods are delivered in the most effective and efficient manner and to exceed our customers expectations. 

·        Based in our Portchester head office, the focus will be ensuring our stock is accurate, in the correct location and our customers orders can be filled accurately and quickly and this role will also require over-seeing accurate stock receiving, picking and despatching in accordance with pre-set instructions and standards. 

·        Goods returns and stock rotation. 

·        Ensuring all items despatched are correctly packaged to arrive securely and without damage. 

·        Communicating with, reviewing and revising despatch couriers. 

·        This role includes managing and motivating other stores personnel and drivers, calls for encouraging a positive and encouraging environment and ensuring team members comply with all regulatory requirements, e.g. Health & Safety, security and product safety. 

·        The role includes serving members of the public, trade customers and working with our suppliers.  

·        Striving to continually improve quality of service. 

·        Clothing and safety boots supplied. 

·        Please note: this is a physically demanding role. 

Hours 

·        Monday to Thursday 7.00am – 5.00pm, Friday, 7.00am to 4.00pm, 46.5 hours per week.  30 minutes paid lunch 

What we're looking for……… 

Essential 

·        Experience in managing & motivating team members 

·        Working knowledge of warehouse processes and flows essential 

·        Calm under pressure 

·        IT Literate 

·        Full driving licence 

·        Excellent communicator across all colleague levels. 

·        Ideally have an engineering/welding background. 

·        The role will be fast-paced and challenging therefore you must have an adaptable and flexible attitude and approach, be prepared to work alongside your team and be driven to achieve a high level of service and cleanliness. 

Preferable 

·        ISO experience 

·        Forklift licence 

·        International shipping knowledge

To be considered for this job vacancy, please submit your CV to vacancies1@rapidwelding.com