FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the WASP Supplies FAQ. Here you'll find answers to common questions about Welding Equipment, Plasma Cutters, Welding Consumables, Magnetic Drills, Abrasives, PPE, Power Tools and Metalworking Equipment.

Whether you're a professional fabricator, engineering company, workshop, tradesperson, educational establishment or DIY user, our team can help you choose the right equipment and consumables for your application.

If you can't find the answer you're looking for, contact the WASP Supplies team on 01582 566560 or email sales@waspsupplies.co.uk.

Welding Equipment FAQs

1. What welding equipment does WASP Supplies sell?

WASP Supplies stocks a comprehensive range of professional welding equipment, including MIG, TIG and MMA/Arc welding machines, laser welding equipment, welding accessories, consumables, torches, cables and welding machine spare parts.

We supply equipment from leading manufacturers including Lorch, ESAB, Miller, Jasic and Parweld.

Need help choosing a welder? Contact our team for expert product advice.

2. Which welding machine is best for me?

The best welding machine depends on the material you are welding, material thickness, welding process, power supply and how frequently the machine will be used.

WASP Supplies can help you choose the right MIG welder, TIG welder or MMA/Arc welder for your application.

Tell us what you're welding and we'll help you find a suitable machine.

3. What is the difference between MIG, TIG and MMA welding?

MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding is a versatile and productive process commonly used for fabrication and general metalwork on steel from sheet materials to heavy steel structures using a continuous reel of filler wire. A shielding gas is used to stop weld oxidisation.

TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding provides precise control and is often selected where high-quality, clean welds are required, normally used in welding thin steel, stainless steel and Aluminium where the filler wire is manually fed into the weld pool. A shielding gas is used to stop weld oxidisation.

MMA (Manual Metal Arc) welding is a flexible process suitable for a wide range of applications, including heavier fabrication and site work. A consumable electrode is used that matches the material to be welded, no gas is required.

If you're unsure which welding process is right for you, speak to WASP Supplies before purchasing.

4. Do you sell MIG welding machines?

Yes. WASP Supplies stocks a wide range of MIG welding machines, including professional machines from leading manufacturers such as Lorch, ESAB, Miller and Jasic, in Single and 3 phase supplies from 150 amp through to 500 amp output.

Options are available for different power supplies, applications and welding requirements.

Browse our MIG welding equipment or contact us for advice.

5. Do you sell TIG welding machines?

Yes. We supply professional TIG welding equipment from leading manufacturers, together with TIG torches, foot pedals, water coolers, welding wire and other accessories. In Single and 3 phase supplies from 150 amp through to 800 amp output.

6. Do you sell MMA and Arc welding machines?

Yes. Our range includes 110/230V single-phase and 400V three-phase Arc welding machines, as well as battery-powered Arc welding equipment and accessories. in Single and 3 phase supplies from 150 amp through to 500 amp output.

7. Can WASP Supplies help me choose welding consumables?

Yes. We supply MIG welding wires, TIG welding wires, MMA electrodes, welding torches, contact tips, nozzles and other welding consumables, to match the material you need to weld.

If you're unsure which consumable is compatible with your machine, contact us with the make and model and we'll help identify the appropriate product.

8. Do you sell welding machine spare parts?

Yes. WASP Supplies stocks and sources a range of welding machine spare parts and replacement components, including items for MIG and TIG equipment.

If you can't find the part you need online, contact our team with your machine make, model and part number where available.

Plasma Cutting FAQs

9. Does WASP Supplies sell plasma cutters?

Yes. WASP Supplies is an authorised Hypertherm plasma cutting equipment dealer and supplies a wide range of Hypertherm plasma cutters, consumables, torches, cartridges and spare parts.

Our range includes Hypertherm Powermax 30, Powermax 33 XP, Powermax 45 SYNC, Powermax 65 SYNC, Powermax 85 SYNC, Powermax 105 SYNC, Powermax 125 and MaxPro 200 systems.

Looking for a Hypertherm plasma cutter? Contact us for help selecting the right system.

10. Which Hypertherm plasma cutter should I buy?

The right Hypertherm plasma cutter depends on the material you need to cut, material thickness, required cutting speed, power supply and whether you need a hand or mechanised torch.

WASP Supplies can help you compare the Hypertherm Powermax range and identify a suitable machine for your application.

11. Do you sell Hypertherm plasma consumables?

Yes. Wasp Supplies stock a wide range of genuine Hypertherm plasma consumables, including SmartSYNC cartridges, Duramax consumables, torches, filters and replacement parts.

12. How do I know which Hypertherm consumables I need?

The correct consumable depends on your Hypertherm model, torch type, amperage and cutting application.

If you're unsure, contact WASP Supplies with your plasma cutter model and we can help identify the correct consumables.

13. Do you supply Hypertherm Powermax spare parts?

Yes. We supply spare parts and consumables for a wide range of Hypertherm Powermax Legacy systems, including Powermax 30, 33 XP, 45, 65, 85, 105 and 125 models.

14. Do you supply consumables for Swift-Cut CNC plasma tables?

Yes. WASP Supplies can assist customers with plasma consumables for Swift-Cut CNC plasma tables.

Contact us with your machine and consumable requirements and we'll help you find the correct parts.

Magnetic Drill & Hole Cutter FAQs

15. What is a magnetic drilling machine?

A magnetic drill, or mag drill, is a portable drilling machine that uses a magnetic base to secure the machine to ferrous metal the drill is then fed into the workpiece from a stable base.

They are widely used for steel fabrication, structural steelwork, engineering, installation and maintenance applications.

16. Does WASP Supplies sell magnetic drills?

Yes. We supply magnetic drilling machines from manufacturers including HMT and JEI.

Our range includes compact, cordless, low-profile and heavy-duty magnetic drills.

17. What is an annular cutter?

An annular cutter, also known as a mag drill cutter, broach cutter or hole cutter, is designed to remove material around the circumference of a hole rather than drilling out the entire centre.

This can make hole production faster and more efficient in suitable applications.

18. Which annular cutter do I need for my magnetic drill?

The correct cutter depends on the diameter and depth of hole required, material being cut and the type of magnetic drill and arbor being used.

WASP Supplies stocks High speed Steel (HSS) and Tungsten Carbide Tipped (TCT) and specialist cutters in a wide range of sizes and depths.

Contact us if you're unsure which cutter is compatible with your machine.

19. Do you sell HMT magnetic drill cutters?

Yes. We supply a comprehensive range of HMT CarbideMax, VersaDrive and other magnetic drill cutting systems, including cutters for demanding materials and specialist applications.

20. Do HMT magnetic drills come with a warranty?

Many HMT magnetic drills are supplied with a manufacturer's warranty. For example, the HMT range currently listed by WASP Supplies includes machines with a 2-year warranty when registered online.

Always check the individual product listing for the warranty applicable to the machine you're purchasing.

Abrasives FAQs

21. What abrasives does WASP Supplies sell?

WASP Supplies supplies a broad range of metalworking abrasives, including cutting discs, grinding discs, slitting discs, fibre sanding discs, abrasive belts, surface conditioning products, Roloc-style discs and polishing products for applications including large stock removal to fine finishing and polishing.

22. Which cutting disc should I use for metal?

The correct cutting disc depends on the material, machine, disc diameter and application.

WASP Supplies stocks cutting discs for a variety of metalworking applications from established abrasive manufacturers.

If you're unsure which disc you need, contact our team for assistance.

23. What is the difference between a grinding disc and a cutting disc?

A cutting disc is designed to cut through material, while a grinding disc is designed for grinding, shaping and material removal.

Using the correct disc for the intended application is essential for safe and effective operation.

24. Do you sell stainless steel polishing products?

Yes. WASP Supplies stocks specialist stainless steel finishing and polishing products, including abrasive systems designed for grinding, blending and achieving polished finishes, with both specialist machines and consumables available.

25. Which abrasive is best for stainless steel?

The best abrasive depends on the required finish and the stage of the finishing process.

WASP Supplies offers products for grinding, blending, linishing, surface conditioning and polishing stainless steel.

Tell us the finish you're trying to achieve and we can help you select the right abrasive.

PPE & Safety FAQs

26. Does WASP Supplies sell welding PPE?

Yes. Wasp supply a wide range of welding PPE and safety equipment, including welding helmets, gloves, flame-retardant clothing, leather protective clothing, safety footwear and eye and face protection.

27. What PPE do I need for welding?

The appropriate PPE depends on the welding process and working environment.

Typical welding PPE can include a suitable welding helmet or headshield, protective clothing, welding gloves, safety footwear and appropriate eye and respiratory protection.

Welding and cutting operations should also be properly assessed for hazards such as fumes, radiation, heat, sparks and noise.

28. Do you sell welding helmets?

Yes. Our range includes light-reactive welding helmets, air-fed welding and grinding helmets, passive welding headshields and replacement welding lenses.

29. Do you sell welding gloves and protective clothing?

Yes. We supply welding gloves, flame-retardant clothing and protective leather clothing suitable for a variety of welding and fabrication environments.

30. Do you supply welding fume extraction equipment?

Yes. WASP Supplies offers welding fume extraction and environmental protection equipment, helping businesses manage welding fumes and improve workplace conditions. These are available as mobile and fixed installations

For advice on selecting appropriate extraction equipment, contact our team.

Power Tools & Metalworking FAQs

31. What power tools does WASP Supplies sell?

We supply professional cordless and corded power tools, including equipment from manufacturers such as Metabo, Makita and Bosch, alongside specialist metalworking equipment.

32. Does WASP Supplies sell Metabo tools?

Yes. WASP Supplies supplies Metabo power tools and is also recognised as a UK authorised Metabo Inox finishing specialist, with access to the complete range of Metabo Inox finishing machines.

33. Can you help me choose the right power tool?

Yes. If you're unsure which tool or accessory is suitable, contact our team with details of the material, application and job you're carrying out.

We can help you identify suitable products from our range.

Ordering & Delivery FAQs

34. How do I order from WASP Supplies?

You can order directly through the WASP Supplies online store.

Select your products, add them to your basket and complete the checkout process.

If you need advice before ordering, call 01582 566560 or email sales@waspsupplies.co.uk.

35. Can I speak to someone before placing an order?

Absolutely.

For technical product advice, product compatibility, availability or help selecting equipment, contact our experienced team before ordering.

Telephone: 01582 566560

Email: sales@waspsupplies.co.uk

36. Does WASP Supplies offer technical advice?

Yes. WASP Supplies has trained staff and engineers who can assist with product and technical enquiries.

Our engineers can also provide welding equipment calibration to IEC 60974-14 standards, either at your premises or at our Luton workshop.

37. Where is WASP Supplies based?

WASP Supplies is based in Luton, Bedfordshire, and serves customers throughout the UK and internationally.

Our address is:

WASP Supplies Ltd
Unit 1 Ribocon Way
North Luton Industrial Estate
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU4 9UR
United Kingdom

Our trade counter is also open during our normal business hours.

38. Can I collect my order from WASP Supplies?

Yes. Customers can contact our team regarding collection from our Luton premises.

We recommend contacting us before travelling to ensure your order is available and ready for collection.

39. Does WASP Supplies deliver across the UK?

Yes. We supply customers throughout the UK and also have experience supplying equipment internationally. WASP Supplies has been supplying customers since 2003.

Delivery options and charges depend on the product, order and destination.

40. What if I can't find the product or spare part I need?

Don't worry. Our website contains a large range of welding equipment, plasma cutting equipment, abrasives, PPE, power tools, magnetic drills, consumables and spare parts, but if you can't find what you need, contact us directly.

We work with more than 50 manufacturers and may be able to source the product or identify a suitable alternative.

Call 01582 566560 or email sales@waspsupplies.co.uk.

Need Help Choosing the Right Equipment?

Not sure which welding machine, plasma cutter, magnetic drill, abrasive, consumable or PPE product you need?

Speak to WASP Supplies before you buy.

Our experienced team can help you identify the right product for your application, check compatibility and answer technical questions.

Call: 01582 566560

Email: sales@waspsupplies.co.uk

WASP Supplies – Welding Equipment, Abrasives, Safety Products & Power Tools.