Recommended Equipment
Ready to continue welding after your class? Here is the gear we recommend for beginners. These are the same brands and tools our instructors trust. Click any product to view it on Amazon.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Legacy Welding Academy earns from qualifying purchases. This helps support our school at no extra cost to you.
MIG Welders
Start building at home with a reliable flux core MIG welder
Best OverallHobart Handler 140 MIG Welder
Our top recommendation for beginners. 140-amp output, runs on 115V household power. Perfect for flux core and MIG welding.
Budget PickLincoln Electric K2185-1 Handy MIG
Compact, affordable, and easy to use. Great entry-level welder for home projects and learning flux core basics.
Most PortableForney Easy Weld 261 MIG Welder
Lightweight and portable. 140-amp, infinite voltage and wire feed speed control. Excellent for beginners.
Welding Helmets
Protect your eyes and face with a quality auto-darkening helmet
Premium ChoiceLincoln Electric 3350 Viking Helmet
Premium auto-darkening helmet with 4C lens technology. Crystal clear optics, wide viewing area, and superior comfort.
Best ClarityMiller Digital Infinity Auto-Darkening
ClearLight lens technology for true color view. Comfortable headgear, excellent for extended welding sessions.
Best ValueYESWELDER Large View Auto-Darkening
Incredible value. True color view, large lens, solar powered. Best budget auto-darkening helmet on the market.
Safety Gear & Accessories
Essential protective equipment for safe welding practice
EssentialLincoln Electric Leather Welding Gloves
Premium grain leather, heat resistant, excellent dexterity. The standard for MIG welding hand protection.
Top ProtectionMiller Welding Jacket (Leather)
Full leather welding jacket for maximum protection. Fire resistant, comfortable, and durable for years of use.
Must HaveDEWALT Safety Glasses (Anti-Fog)
Clear lens, anti-fog coating, rubber temples for comfort. Wear under your welding helmet for extra eye protection.
Beginner Welding Kits
Complete starter kits with everything you need to begin
Complete KitHobart Welding Starter Kit
Complete kit including helmet, gloves, welding pliers, tip cleaner, chipping hammer, and wire brush. Everything a beginner needs.
AccessoriesLincoln Electric Welding Accessory Kit
Includes MIG pliers, chipping hammer, wire brush, tip cleaners, and contact tips. Essential maintenance tools.
ConsumableFlux Core Welding Wire (10 lb Spool)
Lincoln Electric NR-211-MP flux core wire. The same wire we use in class. 0.035" diameter, all-position welding.
Have Not Taken the Class Yet?
Learn the fundamentals first. Our MIG Welding Intensive gives you the skills and confidence to make smart equipment choices.