What are you wearing !! For fab work

[moglite]

So what are you wearing for welding and grinding etc in the garage.

It is getting colder, and I'm bored of burning holes in my diminishing hoodie collection.

I've got an old military jacket, that is cotton, and seems relatively flame proof (ish) but the zip has gone on that.
Bu before buying another military jacket, I'm looking for other options.

Anything recommended from the likes of Dickies
Or am I best looking for a leather welding jacket ?

Thanks

[tonycocacola]

Where I work the lads who do the welding by hand (as in not operating auto welding machines) wear work supplied denim affairs. Which come from either Arco or Cromwell as that's where a majority of out stuff comes from.
Something like this...

www.zoro.co.uk/shop/personal-protection-and-clothing/coats-jackets-and-fleeces/biz2-bizweld-xxl-navy-jacket/ps/ZT1172712X?utm_campaign=pla-Personal+Protection+%26+Clothing+-+&utm_source=google&utm_medium=pla_css_3&utm_keyword=ZT1172712X&istCompanyId=6aa6787b-063e-4414-802d-129f235df603&istFeedId=8719e243-9ed6-485d-b654-4023447f0a65&istItemId=wximlqwmi&istBid=tztx&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI066bksmQ4gIVqLXtCh2sWQOGEAQYDCABEgIWqPD_BwE&mkwid=jAHVlp8s-dm&pcrid=314501958898&prodid=ZT1172712X&pgrid={groupid}&ptaid=pla-393534721080&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0brtBRDOARIsANMDykZsEGf7i2ZB39OL5LrliFU_xwyrB7POJTNn1_y_p-8Bwwx0jNQw-e8aAnpUEALw_wcB

Blimey, that's a big link.

[colnerov]

Hi, What about a leather welding apron? Then you can wear whatever warm clothing you want underneath or just your undies in the hot weather.

www.ebay.co.uk/p/Leather-Welder-Welding-Protective-Gear-Apron-Work-Safety-Workwear-Blacksmith/21029669432?iid=173887952427&chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-134428-41853-0&mkcid=2&itemid=173887952427&targetid=594652327120&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9045120&poi=&campaignid=6466521308&mkgroupid=76196181743&rlsatarget=aud-629407025185:pla-594652327120&abcId=1140486&merchantid=113633171&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImojVzLCw5QIVSrTtCh0ifAouEAQYBSABEgKDl_D_BwE

Colin

Edit: Ooh, why are all the links so big?

[ProjectBobcat]

I find jeans to be the most hard wearing on the lower half. I got some cargo type trousers from aldi and they arent very resistant to welding sparks. upper half I don't have a good answer, like you ive got a collection of fire damaged hoodies and fleeces.

[moglite]

Blimey - those are some big links.
A welding apron certainly has its place, but I think that jacket might be a winner :-)

[dodgerover]

Make sure whatever you wear is cotton not polyester or nylon as they both melt and burn far too easily..

[Dez]

I used to buy/get bought a ~£30 dickies fleece every year and invariably set it on fire a bit, but it would about last though the cold months, albeit with a big hole in the front by the time it was done.

This year I was treated to a carhartt chore coat for my birthday. Heavy cotton canvas/denim outer and lined with really heavy blanket (like horse blankets) for warmth. I can see it lasting a good few years tbh as it seems quite fireproof.

[igor]

The company I work for provides boots and overalls.

[gtviva]

When doing the weldy/grindy stuff I have a nice pair of heavy cotton overalls, when your finished you can just peel them of and leave the mess in one place! make sure you get them big and baggy so you can get winter layers underneath them!

[skkylinedave]

The first blue jacket is sort of industry standard , eithe jacket and trousers or as said big blue overalls which you get big for movement and layers underneath. All made from some sort of cotton that's treated to be flame retardant. It will slightly smoldering but not ignite . Bare in mind its gets less with each wash.
It's all cheap as well. Carhartt stuffs ok I would consider it if your going to be doing it every day and making some bucks .it does stand up to abuse for a good amount of time.
I have worn all sorts , generally a combination of comfort , warmth and cost. I really would go with blue overalls or jacket with layers under for warmth if needed.
Also consider a grinding/welding hood , like a protective balaclava or hood like the royal navy where that covers your head and shoulders. Stops UV light on your neck and grinding dust weld etc going down your neck. Much nicer at the end of the day not being covered in muck.

[neilsdavies]

At school I wear the Aldi work wear trousers and Lidl steel toe cap boots - I have to wear a shirt but I'd like to go for polo shirts like the PE staff. As @projectbobcat said earlier, the trousers aren't fully fireproof and I have got a couple of tiny weld burns in them. I generally wear a white lab coat or a proper welding jacket which looks like sheepskin - it's not branded as far as I can remember. The students are given overalls which are cotton, brands vary but I think the latest ones are Dickies.
At my unit (which is much colder than my classroom) I wear overalls because they keep the cold off my back, which helps stopping an old back injury flaring up, and Aldi rigger boots, so I can fit more socks on!

[Deleted]

For welding I have a good quality fire retardant welding jacket - I don't like the leather ones has they are difficult to move around / work in - for general comfort through winter you cant fail with a set of 'Norde' thermals - about £25 - £30 on Amazon and worth every penny (I look like an Olympic skier in them) - fully breathable will keep you just at the right temperature - Over these I wear my normal polo shirts & work trousers - Dewalt boots are often on offer at Costco and are my preferred brand @ circa £35 and last me a full 12 months of constant use

[LowStandards]

If you must wear a hoodie, be sure to cut off the tassles for the hood.


My mate was using a 9inch grinder wearing a hoodie and now he has no front teeth!

[loudsam]

I use Nomex coveralls/boiler suit they are flame proof/retardant and mine have a hood on them so if you are welding over your head it doesn’t go down your neck and back. The nomex keeps me very warm I only wear shorts and t shirt under them and working out side all year round and haven’t been cold and they are good for moving around in

[moglite]

Thanks for all the input. Most appreciated.

I think it is the BizWeld cotton jacket for me.

Oh and I cut the strings off of my hoodies yesterday - I don't fancy a grinder in the teeth !!

[madmog]

Cheapest tatty old combat jacket, if graded, the lowest grade. I'm currently using a Dutch one that's similar to the pre-camouflage W. German parkas. Nice warm liner in winter or worn backwards without liner in summer