Genfitt's Top 5 Essential Must-Haves Needed In Every Workshop

Oct 15 2021

Genfitt’s Top 5 Essential Must-Haves That Are Needed In Every Workshop

By: Aoife Gallagher
Date: 15th October 2021

Workshops are a place where technological and engineering works are carried out. Workshops can be used for a range of purposes including: an area to store tools or equipment, a designated place to repair or produce parts, or just a safe place to do welding or woodwork. Of course there are many different types of workshops-garage workshops, engineering workshops, woodwork workshops and so on. Mechanics, farmers, carpenters and engineers use these workshops to store their specialist tools and equipment needed to fix or manufacture parts.

At Genfitt, we understand the importance of having a well-equipped and organised workshop space for all specialties. In this week’s blog, we highlight a range of essentials that a well-equipped workshop must have, plus the new tools you're going to want.

Before we delve in, it is important that you are familiar with the necessary safety precautions in a workshop.

Now that you have been given a gentle reminder of the necessary safety precautions, let’s find out our top five essentials that are needed in every workshop.

1. Compressor

A compressor is a very important tool needed in every workshop. It has many purposes but a compressor mainly provides high pressure of clean air. This clean air may be used to inflate vehicles, tractor and bicycle tyres, or to fill a gas cylinder. Compressors come in all shapes, sizes and capacities-depending on what you are using it for. When buying a compressor it is important to take note of the compressor capacity and the pressure. One will indicate “how much” whilst the other will determine “how strong.” Nevertheless it is an essential tool in any workshop.

2. Inverter Welder

The next important tool any workshop should have is an inverter welder. A welder as we know has the ability to join two pieces of metal together by melting them at very high temperatures, by means of an electrical current. The inverter ensures more efficiency and stability as they use much less input power to get the same output power than the older transformer type machines. This means they are more environmentally friendly and also have excellent arc properties. An inverter based welder also has the added benefit of allowing you to control the welding power output. When shopping for an inverter welder, it is important to ensure it is RoHS compliant.

3. Welding Shield

An essential must-have needed for welding is of course a welding shield. A welding shield will provide protection for your eyes, face and neck from things like flash burn, ultraviolet light, sparks, infrared light, and heat. There are two types of welding shields available-a passive and an auto-darkening variable shade. Passive shields have a standard lens with a fixed shade of #10 coated with UV and IF protection. An auto-darkening shield, as the name suggests automatically adjusts the lens to light or dark upon detection of the brightness of sparks from a welder. At Genfitt, we recommend that beginners using a welder should use the auto-darkening welding shield. Before purchasing a welding shield, it is important to consider the cost, purpose of the shield, power source used and ensuring the welding shield complies with international recognised safety standards.

4. Grinder

A grinder is a must-have in all types of workshops for DIY, metal fabrication or upcycling purposes. It has the ability to cut, grind, debur, finish and polish all kinds of metal fabrication jobs. Grinders are usually electrical, battery operated or corded and are the most versatile tool in the box. With the right disc, a grinder can make any job less strenuous, time efficient and effortless. The type of disc you use all depends on the material you are working with and what you are doing with the material. It is important to check you are using the most appropriate speed when using a grinder as all grinding discs have a maximum safe RPM that they should be operated at. As always safety is key, so don’t forget gloves, a dust mask, safety glasses and a full face shield.

5. Tool Box

In order to be organised in the workshop, it is worth investing in a decent tool box. A tool box can store tools neatly, allows you to carry tools easier and reduces workplace injuries. For DIY purposes, a small sturdy toolbox will suffice. For professional tradesmen, a rolling tool cart with wheels may be more beneficial in order to get from job to job easier. When buying a toolbox of any size, it would be worthwhile getting one with a few compartments to make it more organised. You should also consider fitting a lock to ensure safety. Mcanax are a popular brand for tool boxes, tool chests and tool carts that have a reputation for sturdiness, durability and convenience.

To see our full range of workshop supplies, please click here.

To conclude, workshops are ideal for DIY purposes or for storing tools. Workshops at home are not always supervised, so it’s your job to ensure safety and protection to yourself and others. Get in touch with us if you have any questions or if you need some assistance!