Welding - Student Required Tools, Equipment, and Clothing

In addition to the regular college expenses, students entering the welding program must possess hand tools and uniforms.  The cost of tools is approximately $1,000 and cost of the uniforms (not the required protective clothing) is approximately $150 depending upon where they are purchased.  It is recommended that all tools and equipment be insured under the parents' or the student's homeowner's insurance.

There are specific types of welding rod required for each of the semesters during the freshman year and are noted below.  The approximate cost of this welding rod is $700 for the freshman year.

The protective clothing must be made of flame-resistant material such as cotton or wool (NOT polyester or nylon). 

Please be aware that there are no lockers for the students to store their protective clothing and tools in.  Therefore, a roll around toolbox must also be purchased.  We recommend a size of 28"W x 18"D x 42"H.  This toolbox can be purchased anywhere as long as it meets the specified measurements.  Please remember it must be big enough to hold the tools, clothing, and welding helmet.

Ample parking is allowed on campus for registered student vehicles.  Parking lots are maintained and patrolled by University Police staff.  Mandatory student parking permits are available through the University Police Office at registration or in the Student Services Office on the Wellsville Campus after registration.

If you have any questions, please contact Karen Young, Chair - Computerized Design & Manufacturing Department at (607) 587-3182, the Wellsville Student Services Office at 1-800-4-ALFRED, or Mark Shaw, freshman instructor, at (607) 587-3142.

Freshman Welding Equipment List

The following items (unless otherwise noted) are to be furnished by each freshman.  Please bring these with you when you begin classes.  Tools are NOT available at the Campus Store.  It is strongly recommended that these tools be insured under the parents' or student's homeowner's insurance.

Safety Equipment

1. Approved safety glasses with side shields
2. Ear plugs and ear muffs
3. Approved welding helmet with 10, and 11 lens
4. Approved face shield clear lens
5. Approved face shield #5 and lens

Protective Clothing

1. Skull cap
2. Leather jacket
3. Leather gloves
4. Leather steel toe shoes
5. Two long-sleeved cotton shirts
6. Two pair of cotton pants

Required Tool List

1. Tool box 28" W x 18"D x 42"H (max)
2. Lock for tool box
3. 25 ft. tape measure
4. Adjustable tri-square
5. Calculator
6. Metal scribe
7. Lineman pliers size 9"
8. Slip joint pliers size 7"
9. Arc-joint pliers size 9 -1/2"
10. Bastard cut mill file 10"
11. Bastard cut flat file 10"
12. Two (2) file handles
13. #2 Phillips screwdriver
14. #2 slotted screwdriver
15. Adjustable wrenches 8" and 12"
16. Standard hex key set 5/64" - 3/8"
17. Tip cleaners for both propylene and acetylene cutting tips
18. Spark lighter
19. Chipping hammer
20. Cold chisel 5/8" x 6" and 3/8" x 6"
21. Center punch 3/8" x 4 1/2"
22. Ball peen hammer - 24 oz.
23. Hack saw
24. Wire brush (carbon steel, stainless)
25. Soap stone
26. Permanent metal marker
27. Fillet weld measuring gauge
28. Flashlight
29. Vise grip pliers
30. 4 1/2" right angle grinder
31. Grinder wheels
32. Steel protractor

Welding Rod Requirements (Call for rod recommendations)

1. Flux coated Brazing Rod 5 lb. 3/32
2. Shielded Metal Arc Welding Rod (SMAW)
   • 100 lb. E7018 - 1/8"
   • 10 lb. E6010 - 3/32"
3. 2% Thoriated Tungsten
   • 10 electrodes 7" long (red) 
4. (GMAW) ER - 70S-6
   • 0.35 diameter
   • 12 lbs. to 20 lbs.
5. (FCAW)  E71T-1
   • 0.45 diameter
   • 30 lbs. to 35 lbs.
   • DO NOT buy self shielding wire (we use 75% Ar-25% CO²Shielding Gas for our fluxcore wire)

Textbooks:  approximately $400/year