Launching a new welding shop is an exciting opportunity whether you’re starting a business from scratch or expanding your fabrication capabilities. But setting up a successful shop takes more than just a few welders and some metal—it requires strategic planning, the right equipment, proper safety protocols, and a reliable gas and supply partner. At Dupuy Oxygen in Waco, Texas, we’ve helped countless welders across Central Texas get started with the tools and knowledge they need. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to set up your welding shop, from essential tools to safety requirements and ongoing support.
Choose the Right Location and Layout
Before you purchase equipment or start welding, it's crucial to choose the right location and layout. Look for a space with high ceilings, adequate square footage, and proper ventilation. You’ll need designated zones for welding, cutting, grinding, storage, and office or administrative tasks. Your welding shop should have access to 220V electrical outlets, reinforced concrete floors, and an area where gas cylinders can be stored securely and upright. If possible, layout your workstations to allow smooth movement of materials and projects between fabrication, welding, and finishing areas. Good lighting and adequate ventilation—whether through exhaust fans, fume extractors, or natural airflow—are non-negotiable for safety and comfort.
Essential Welding Machines and Power Tools
A welding shop without welding machines won’t get far. The core of your operation will revolve around the types of welding you plan to offer. At minimum, most shops benefit from having at least one of each of the following:
- MIG Welder: Ideal for high-speed fabrication and working with mild steel, MIG welding is a go-to for many general-purpose shops. These machines are relatively easy to use and work well for thick materials and larger assemblies.
- TIG Welder: For more precision or working with aluminum and stainless steel, a TIG welder offers clean, controlled welds. TIG welding is common in aerospace, automotive, and artistic metalworking.
- Stick Welder (SMAW): Stick welding is perfect for outdoor or structural work and can be done with minimal shielding gas setup. It’s less clean but incredibly versatile and effective for rough environments.
- Plasma Cutter: You’ll need a way to cut metal cleanly and quickly, and a plasma cutter gives you the speed and flexibility to handle a variety of thicknesses and metals with minimal cleanup.
- Angle Grinder: For prepping joints, cleaning welds, and shaping metal, a quality grinder is an indispensable tool in your workflow.
- Bench Vise and Workbenches: A heavy-duty vise and strong, steel-topped workbenches will keep materials steady while welding, cutting, and assembling.
- Clamps, Squares, and Layout Tools: Accuracy is everything in fabrication. Stock up on magnetic squares, clamps of all sizes, tape measures, and scribes.
Compressed Gas Supply and Storage
You can’t run a welding shop without a steady supply of gases like oxygen, acetylene, argon, or CO₂ depending on your welding processes. Partnering with a trusted gas supplier like Dupuy Oxygen ensures you have safe, timely, and cost-effective access to the gases you need. Decide early on how many cylinders you’ll need on hand and plan for safe storage. All cylinders must be stored upright, secured with chains or brackets, and separated by gas type. You’ll also need regulators, flashback arrestors, and high-quality hoses that match the pressure ratings of your gases.
Welding Accessories and Consumables
Once your main machines are in place, you’ll need consumables and accessories to get to work. These include:
- Welding wire and filler rods (choose based on your metal type and welding process)
- Tungsten electrodes for TIG welding
- Contact tips and nozzles for MIG
- Welding rods for stick welding
- Shielding gas and tank refills
- Ground clamps and leads
Stock up on backups and keep a supply inventory system in place to prevent downtime.
Ventilation and Fume Extraction
Welding produces fumes and particulates that can pose long-term health risks. Proper ventilation is required by OSHA standards and should be a top priority from day one. This includes:
- Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems near welding stations
- Fume extraction arms for TIG and MIG applications
- General ventilation systems or overhead exhaust fans
- Air purification systems in enclosed spaces
Dupuy Oxygen offers recommendations on ventilation setups that comply with safety standards and improve shop air quality.
Welding Safety Equipment
Safety is a critical part of your welding shop setup. Without it, you risk injury, equipment damage, or regulatory fines. Here’s a checklist of safety gear every shop needs:
- Auto-darkening welding helmets
- Welding jackets, gloves, and aprons
- Flame-resistant shop clothing
- Welding curtains or screens for shared spaces
- Fire extinguishers (Class D for metal fires)
- First aid kit
- Proper signage (flammable gases, PPE zones, exit routes)
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all gases and chemicals on-site
Provide every welder with proper PPE and conduct regular safety training sessions.
Electrical and Utility Setup
Ensure your shop has the proper electrical infrastructure to support your welding machines and lighting. You’ll likely need:
- 220V outlets for high-amperage welder
- Circuit breakers and disconnects for each machine
- Grounding rods and cables
- Lighting over workstations
- Compressed air lines for pneumatic tools and cooling
Consult with a licensed electrician to ensure your shop meets all local codes and is future-proof for expansion.
Inventory, Material Storage, and Workflow
Set up dedicated areas for storing raw materials such as sheet metal, tubing, and stock. Use labeled racks to prevent mix-ups and optimize your space. Create a workflow that moves materials from storage to prep to welding and finally to finishing or shipping. Label everything clearly and implement a system for job tracking to stay on schedule.
Hiring and Training Your Team
Even the best-equipped shop won’t succeed without skilled welders. Hire experienced fabricators and provide training on shop-specific procedures, safety practices, and equipment use. Encourage certifications through AWS (American Welding Society) or other recognized programs. When everyone in the shop knows what to do and how to do it safely, you’ll reduce mistakes, boost output, and improve your reputation.
Partnering With a Local Supplier for Long-Term Success
Having a local, responsive supplier makes all the difference when running a welding shop. Dupuy Oxygen in Waco is more than just a gas supplier—we’re your partner in safety, productivity, and growth. We provide high-quality welding gases, equipment rentals, safety gear, and on-site support to ensure your shop runs smoothly from day one. Our delivery services keep you stocked, and our experienced team is here to answer your questions and offer advice on everything from torch selection to cylinder safety.
Let Dupuy Oxygen Help You Build Your Shop Right
Setting up a welding shop can be overwhelming, but with the right plan and the right partner, it doesn’t have to be. At Dupuy Oxygen, we’re proud to help welders across Central Texas get started the right way—with expert advice, top-notch products, and unmatched customer support. Whether you're a one-person operation or a growing team, we’ll help you build a safe, productive, and profitable shop.
Visit us in Waco or contact Dupuy Oxygen today to get started on your new welding shop setup.
