Top Welding Tools Available on nexAir NOW for Hobby and Professional Welders

Finding quality welding tools used to mean visiting multiple suppliers, calling around for availability, and hoping your local shop carried what you needed. nexAir NOW eliminates these hassles by stocking everything from basic consumables to specialized equipment that many local shops don’t keep on hand.

Consumables That Keep You Welding

Contact tips wear out quickly under normal use, and having the right replacements matters. Standard tips handle most MIG welding jobs, while heavy-duty versions last longer when running flux-cored wire or working at high amperages. Keep a variety of sizes on hand to match your wire and gun setup.

Tungsten selection makes a huge difference in TIG welding performance. Pure tungsten works well for aluminum but doesn’t start easily on steel. Lanthanated tungstens provide reliable arc starting across different materials without the radioactive concerns of thoriated varieties. Stock 1/16″, 3/32″, and 1/8″ sizes to cover most applications.

Helmets and Protection Equipment

Modern auto-darkening helmets have improved dramatically from early models that were slow to react or inconsistent in performance. Entry-level units provide adequate protection for occasional welding, while higher-end models offer variable shade control and faster switching speeds that reduce eye strain during long sessions.

Respiratory protection varies based on what you’re welding and where. Simple dust masks don’t provide adequate protection from welding fumes, especially when working with stainless steel or galvanized materials. Half-face respirators with appropriate cartridges offer better protection for most shop environments.

Cutting Equipment

Plasma cutters now deliver professional performance at prices that make sense for smaller operations. Units that once cost thousands now sell for under a thousand while cutting cleaner than older models. Compressed air plasma works fine for most fabrication, while nitrogen plasma provides even cleaner cuts on critical applications.

Oxy-fuel cutting still has advantages for thick steel sections where plasma cutters struggle. Cutting torches handle material thicknesses that would challenge even expensive plasma units. The equipment costs less upfront, though gas consumption adds to operating expenses on high-volume cutting jobs.

Support Equipment

Welding tables provide stable work surfaces that improve weld quality and reduce fatigue. Basic steel tables work fine for most jobs, while modular fixture tables with holes and slots provide more setup options for repetitive work. Even simple pipe rollers make cylindrical welding much easier.

Angle grinders see constant use for cleaning welds, removing slag, and preparing joints. Corded models provide consistent power for heavy grinding, while battery versions work well for cleanup and light material removal. Having both sizes – 4.5″ for detail work and 7″ for heavy grinding – covers most situations.

Hand Tools and Accessories

Chipping hammers remove slag from stick welding operations, but quality varies significantly. Comfortable grips reduce hand fatigue during extended use. Spring-loaded hammers work faster than solid versions for heavy slag removal.

Wire brushes clean joints and remove surface contamination, but use stainless steel brushes on stainless and aluminum work to prevent carbon steel contamination. Standard carbon steel brushes work fine for mild steel preparation and general cleaning tasks.

Ready to upgrade your welding tool collection? nexAir NOW stocks the consumables, safety equipment, and specialty tools that help you Forge Forward with better results and fewer interruptions. Browse our complete selection online and get professional-grade welding supplies delivered to your shop, all backed by our expert KnowHow™.