Choosing the Right Tillman® MIG Gloves
Because of its ability to weld many types of, and thicknesses of metals; MIG welding is perhaps the most widely used type of welding for both industry and personal use when it comes to gloves. There are two primary challenges a welder faces when MIG welding:
1. The amount of heat generated from the weld
1. The sense of touch needed for the welding gun
Tillman specifically tans the leather for MIG gloves for a softer leather offering the needed dexterity for the trigger and gun operation. Finding the right balance in a MIG glove is critical for a successful weld and a great welding experience.
Heat Protection
While the heat levels for MIG welding are less than Stick/Arc welding, MIG welding does generate a fair amount of heat and heat buildup. Not to mention after a weld, the metal is pretty hot. Leather for MIG gloves is slightly thicker than TIG leather to aid in reducing heat. To aid with heat protection, Tillman offers many lining options that work in shielding the heat – Fleece, Kevlar®, foam or a thicker leather
Sensitivity
Having a good sense of touch is key to executing a good weld. Different leathers offer a range of sensitivity. Goatskin and Deerskin are incredibly soft and supple with superior sensitivity. Cowhide and Pigskin are a bit thicker yet still offer good sensitivity. Sensitivity is also impacted by gloves that are either completely unlined, offer a lining on the back of the hand yet leaving the fingers unlined, or even a thicker leather.
Cut Protection
Having a good sense of touch is key to executing a good weld. Different leathers offer a range of sensitivity. Goatskin and Deerskin are incredibly soft and supple with superior sensitivity. Cowhide and Pigskin are a bit thicker yet still offer good sensitivity. Sensitivity is also impacted by gloves that are either completely unlined, offer a lining on the back of the hand yet leaving the fingers unlined, or even a thicker leather.
• Pigskin and Kevlar® lined palm with ANSI A2 Cut Resistance
• Top grain Cowhide with a Kevlar® lined palm and back with ANSI A2 Cut Resistance
Cuff Length
With MIG welding creating spark and spatter, you’ll want to make sure you have adequate protection above your wrist and forearm. All Tillman MIG welding gloves offer a gauntlet cuff in a range of lengths for protection above the wrist. Sometimes a cuff is just not long enough so Tillman offers both FR cotton and leather sleeves to further protect against sparks and spatter.
Leather
The leather you use for MIG welding is a personal choice based on the factors we’ve just touched on. All leather, in one way or another, will protect you from heat, sparks and spatter; it is up to you to determine what is the best fit and feel.
All Tillman gloves are hand crafted from the finest hides and specially tanned and treated for a softness to provide the best MIG glove. Each hide is personally inspected to ensure it is within Tillman specifications.
Here is a quick overview on the different leathers Tillman offers for MIG welding:
Cowhide
With its thickness Cowhide is perhaps the most popular leather for MIG welding. Its thickness offers some degree of heat resistance with really good dexterity.
Goatskin
Goatskin is a very soft and supple leather offers with a great sense of touch and great abrasion resistance. Yet without a liner, Goatskin might not offer the heat resistance you might want.
Pigskin
Pigskin is a tough leather that works great in wet and oily conditions and assists in enhanced cut resistance with the appropriate liner. Pigskin is a bit thicker of a leather and will harden quicker with continued exposure to heat yet it does offer good dexterity.
Deerskin
Perhaps the softest and most supple leather, Deerskin offers a superior sense of touch. Yet without a liner, Deerskin will not offer the heat resistance you might want.
When it comes to the right glove it is completely up to the welder. Heat, sensitivity, cut protection and cuff length are just a few factors to think about when choosing. After reading this, you’ll be a pro on what to look for when choosing the right Tillman MIG glove.
