Glove up — choosing your leathers
One crucial aspect of welding safety is the use of the right protective gear, and leather gloves and aprons play a significant role in safeguarding your hands. Many members choose to store their personal gloves on the hooks in the makerspace locker room, we value safety and so this is storage Manchester Makerspace provides with no additional fee.
Length. Up to a point, the longer your gloves, the better! Gauntlet-length gloves are designed to protect not only your hands but also your wrists and forearms from sparks, splatters, and radiant heat. These gloves are typically made with an extended cuff that can be pulled over your welding jacket or shirt sleeves for complete coverage. A secure fit is crucial to keep any potential entry points for heat and debris to a minimum.
Material. For welding, most makers choose split cowhide.
- Durability: Split cowhide is rugged and durable, making it resistant to wear and tear from the harsh welding environment.
- Heat Resistance: This leather type can withstand high temperatures, protecting your hands from extreme heat and sparks.
- Dexterity: Despite their thickness, split cowhide gloves offer good dexterity and flexibility, allowing you to handle tools and workpieces effectively.
Specialty Gloves. While welding gloves are the go-to choice for most hot metal jobs, casting molten metal calls for specialized protection. Reflective metallic gloves are designed for this purpose. These gloves are typically made of aluminized materials that provide exceptional heat resistance.
- Radiant Heat Protection: Reflective metallic gloves excel at deflecting radiant heat, ensuring your hands remain safe from the extreme temperatures encountered in metal casting.
- Comfort and Flexibility: Despite their unique properties, these gloves offer excellent flexibility, allowing you to work with precision and confidence.
- Extended Length: Like welding gloves, reflective metallic gloves are available in gauntlet lengths, offering full-arm protection.
Manchester Makerspace encourages members to invest in safety equipment which properly fits you, and to inspect your equipment before each use. Any glove with excessive gaps or holes should be properly discarded.
