Welding is a hazardous activity that requires presence of mind and attention to detail. Welders are exposed to a lot of risks such as burns, bruises, and electric shock. That's why welders need to find a product that matches their attentiveness to detail, especially when it comes to safety.
Ironcat is a trusted brand that puts in a lot of work and attention in creating a welding glove specific to your welding safety needs. They accomplish this by putting together different combinations of materials into each welding glove design variation. These combinations ensure maximum safety specific to the type of welding you are doing, all without compromising your comfort and your ability to work the welding torch efficiently.
Let's get into the Ironcat gloves in detail below.
In Focus: The West Chester Ironcat Work Gloves 6000
Finding a welding glove that you can use in MIG and TIG applications can be a challenge. The design and materials used are oftentimes specific to either the MIG or TIG application. Both have specific requirements.
We’re putting the focus on the Ironcat 6000 model because it is a welding glove that can be used for both MIG and TIG welding, giving you maximum safety on both welding processes. Here’s what you'll get out of the Ironcat 6000.
Fit
Form Fitting - This type of fit offered by Ironcat is meant for Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG), which makes a snug fit suitable for more precise finger movement, which is essential for welders who are heavily using the tungsten welding torch.
Comfy Fit - These gloves can also be used by Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welders. The comfortable fit is meant to be breathable and easy to remove in case of exposure to extreme heat caused by the spatter sprays and molten metal.
Thread
Kevlar - A kind of Aramid, Kevlar is a standard material that’s used for stitching Ironcat 6000 gloves. It's the same tough material used for bulletproof vests, which ensures superior quality, long-lasting use.
Lining
Cotton - Ironcat gloves are lined with cotton for added protection against heat while it resists moisture on the interior of the gloves while also keeping your hands dry and comfortable.
Material
Cowhide Leather - The cowhide is a top grain material explicitly used to create a glove for MIG welding. It is a durable material meant to protect the hand from extreme heat and injuries while also providing comfort.
Split Leather - Ironcat uses several layers of leather on the cuff for added safety and protection. In addition, the split leather makes the wrist area comfortable and loose enough to help ease the removal of the gloves in case of exposure to extreme heat.
Features
Water and Dirt Resistant - The welding gloves exterior are made to be water and dirt resistant so they can protect you from electricity-conducting elements, which may increase the risk of electrocution while welding.
Abrasion Resistant - The gloves are fully welted and protect the gloves' seams from abrasions to prevent wear and tear and prolong the utility of the gloves.
Breathable - Heat exposure is part of the welding process, and the breathable materials (cotton) used on the welding gloves ensure your hand gets adequate ventilation so you can keep the gloves on and work longer.
Wing Thumb - The thumbs of the gloves are slightly angled outward for increased flexibility. This also makes the glove easy to put on and comfortable to wear. In addition, there's less resistance which allows for more movement and encourages longevity.
Reinforced thumb crotches - Some of Ironcat's welding gloves have reinforced thumb crotches that increase its resistance from abrasions while improving comfort, which effectively extends the life of the welding glove.
UV Light Protection - Ironcat gloves also protect your hands from the harmful ultraviolet rays coming from the light of the welding torch, which may cause skin cancer.
Pros
- Adaptable to both MIG and TIG welding applications
- Can be easily removed and worn
- The wing thumb feature encourages comfort due to the default open hand position
Cons
- The way the gloves are designed leans more on the MIG side
- Doesn’t offer as much flexibility compared to TIG-specific gloves
Other Ironcat Welding Gloves Variation
Ironcat MIG Welding Gloves
When to use:
This welding glove variation should be used when you're welding using a solid wire electrode. This glove is optimized to protect the entire hand and provides more stability for when your hands and fingers need to be steady when holding a welding gun.
Characteristics:
- Outstanding protection for the entire hand
- Loose fit for easy removal in case of extreme heat
- Protects from UV light exposure on the hands and
- Protects from excess spatter coming from weld gun
Ironcat Silicone TIG Gloves
When to use:
The TIG gloves with the silicone technology are superior for precision welding as it requires flexibility of the fingers to control the torch.
Characteristics:
- Thinner softer material for agility and flexibility
- Snug fit for precision welding
- Lightweight and durable
- Protects the hands from Ultraviolet rays
- Protects the fingers when grinding tungsten
Final Thoughts
The Ironcat welding gloves 6000 model has superior materials for TIG and MIG welders. West Chester offers a product that could cater to both welding processes, but the end result would more likely cater to the MIG enthusiast because it looks like a MIG glove at first glance. If you’re a novice or a beginner-intermediate TIG welder, you may look at this with a bit of skepticism, but we encourage you to try it on for size and see how it feels. You’ll find that this would deliver safety and comfort, which you’ll need when starting out practicing your TIG welding skills.
In terms of design, Ironcat makes it a priority that you get the best protection depending on the type of welding activity you do. MIG and TIG-specific welding glove varieties also have the same quality as welding gloves in fit, thread, lining, and material. These welding glove varieties are all tailor-fitted to suit your needs for MIG or TIG, giving you maximum safety, ease of movement, and zero worries when you weld.
August 8, 2022