Welding question

[Rob]

I feel kinda stupid asking this, but here it goes.

I have a small wire-fed welder, but not much experience with it.
My first question is about safety: I've seen guys on TV getting a shock from the welder ? How would this happen ?
Does this happen when you don't have a good ground ? I always thought you could not touch the metal you are welding, but again, it looks like that's not a problem ?

Anybody know any good books on welding ?

Thanks,

Rob.

[MrSelfDestruct]

"My first question is about safety: I've seen guys on TV getting a shock from the welder ? How would this happen ? "

Hold the earth clamp in one hand, put your tongue on the end of the torch and pull the trigger!
I always ensure I have a good ground regardless, for the quality of the weld as much as any safety concerns.
To avoid any risk of shocks, I'll physically unplug the welder if I have to do anything to it, including cleaning the spatter off the nozzle. And NEVER open the side of the welder without unplugging it!

I don't know of any welding books, but the key to it is just practice practice and more practice! Get a load of scrap steel and lay down run after run. You can tell if there's not enough, or too much current/heat etc. Don't know where you're based, but almost every college does evening courses in welding.

Keep at it mate and you'll do ok!

[Panelfantastic]

Along with everything Mr. Destruct says add:
It is as easy to avoid shock as it is to get shocked.
If you understand the basic principle of electric welding ( and I know you do), it is using the arc to melt the metal and fuse it together. The key is NOT to place yourself in between the ground and the positive. It sounds simple enough but you have to always be very very aware of where you are in relation to the current path. If you are holding the torch with the trigger pulled, don't have your other hand on the work!
Wear the appropriate clothing. Bare skin anywhere during welding is a no-no. Gloves are really smart. Do I even have to say eye-protection? Mig produces little "pops" of hot slag that will bounce on you! If it lands on the top of your sneaker, it won't stop burning until it gets to the bottom of your sneaker!
Water and electricity, not friends.
You will know when you are in the sweet spot when mig welding, it sounds just like bacon frying. After a little fooling with the temp range and wire speed, you will begin to get the feel for the settings, as soon as it hits that wonderful, even, frying sound, you know. Just make sure the frying isn't your own skin.
Be safe, have fun, and BE SAFE.


Jeff-

[Mikey]

Hey Rob,

Everything said so far is good advice. I'm in school right now to be a welder. Safety is everything. Something coving your bare skin is better than nothing. But you should Idealy use tight woven fabric. A denem jacket or a welding jacket. Avoid all synthetics. 100% cotton, don't have any frays on the bottom of your jeans. They do catch on fire. Leather gloves too.

My advice about welding is take your time and be patient. Teaching yourself isn't impossible, it just takes time. Also, be comfortable, get in a comfortable welding position.

Good luck.

[Scotts73SB]

I saw a bunch of books on welding today that may help.
They are all the Monster Garage series. One is "How to weld anything" all tips by Jesse James.. i know not the safest guy in the world but probably some good tips. Theres also a few custom motorcycle welding having to do with Tig Mig and regular stick stuff. I saw em in a small bookstore and also at Borders. First chapter is always on safety so im sure there are good tips in there for that kinda stuff. Cheap too! like 12 bucks or so.
Hope that helps!
P.S. Great holiday present!

[Panelfantastic]

Hey Mikey,
If you're taking classes, you gotta have some good stories!
Places hot slag went that it shouldn't.
Classmates on fire.
What happens when I do this...
When I took it in high school (early 80's), we were really lucky we didn't hurt somebody. Our teacher was very very safety minded but also the biggest kid in the bunch!


Jeff-