welding

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Doc Sprocket

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how dangerous is welding?
if you have glove,mask,welder

At risk of sounding like a jerk, we have a whole internet full of info about this! We also have a section for this, which I will move this thread to.

That said, there ARE risks associated with welding. If you're talking about any form of arc welding, there are electrical (duh) hazards. You could electrocute yourself, or burn your house down. If you're gas welding, you could blow the place up. You could blind yourself, get skin cancer, and destroy your lungs. You could also get killed crossing the street.

Like anything, you need to do your homework and inform yourself. Arm yourself with the appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and processes like ventilation, and you're fine. Knowledge is power, in this case the power to smartly carry out a task with little or no danger to yourself.

EDIT- 11? Wow... Make sure you do not undertake any of this without a competent person at your side.
 

r_chez_08

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I would say welding is reasonably safe, providing you have the correct safety equipment.
A good, preferably auto darkening helmet is a necessity.
Also, get some good heat proof gloves, and either some old clothes like heavy jeans, or an overall.
Wearing goggles under the mask isn't a bad idea either, especially if you plan to be grinding down the welds.

Make sure you weld in a well ventilated area with no flammable items near by, and keep a fire extinguisher close by too.
Make sure the kit you have is suitable for what you are welding on, and you know the settings your welder should be on. Ideally you should get some guidance from somebody experienced.
Wow. I am such a hypocrite!

In short- done with the correct precautions, welding can be reasonably safe. However, at worst if done incorrectly it can cause damage.
 

OzFab

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if your are having to ask thises questions
1.you dont no how to weld or any one that can teach you
2.you really dont have a welder

What the ....?
1. That's why he's asking us
2. How can you possibly know that & why would you even say that.

The kid is 11 & trying to learn something. I was taught "if you can't say something nice, say nothing at all"

I have an arc welder. what is the safest way to weld?

... On a sturdy bench in an open, well lit, well ventilated area where nothing is likely to ignite from flying bits of red hot metal.

Always use your gloves & mask as well as (if possible) long, non flammable sleeves & pants.

I suggest you go watch some you tube vids on arc welding to get an idea on technique & settings then run some beads on some scrap until you get the hang of it.

Good luck, have fun & don't burn yourself :thumbsup:
 

VQ35s14

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Hey, Just a couple tips, but before that i just want to say its great youre taking an interest. First off i wouldnt do anything unless there are parents or guardians around because the fire hazard mostly. Secondly all forms of welding are technically arc welding unless youre speaking of brazing or soldering, i believe youre talking about SMAW.

the danger of it isnt significant enough that you could could kill yourself but you could be shocked, or burned pretty badly. just keep a good pair of gloves on. Also something i wish i was more careful with is youre eye protection is SOOOO imparitive. I was casual about it, now i walk into walls at night with the lights off, and driving with out my high beams on is rather difficult.

To start, youre going to want to have full pants on and a sweatshirt at least. When i was 11 i probably wouldnt be able to handle the slight burns you get from splatter but who knows, just be ready for that. get some gloves and a good shield. put your ground on your work and put an electrode into the stinger. Make sure the electrode is in one of the groves in the singer. To strike your arc just drag the electrode across the work until the arc stablizes. then watch the pool of metal and make little circles.

A personal favorite of mine is watching welding tips and tricks on you tube, its a great informative channel and im still learning from some of his videos, here is a link:

http://www.youtube.com/user/weldingtipsandtricks
 

Doc Sprocket

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I pretty much agree with the above, but- Under the wrong circumstances, you certainly could get killed. Not to scare you, but there is such thing as a healthy respect for the output current of the machine, which is probably a minimum of 75 amps. Did you know that less than ONE amp can kill you under the wrong circumstances?

Also- I caution against sweatshirts. Synthetic fleeces can burn pretty well.

Nevermind what we CAN get away with. Start by doing things correctly, and feel your way out from there. A good welding mask, leather gloves, leather jacket or apron. Jeans are good, they don't ignite easily as long as they are not torn/frayed.

Please, please, please, please, do not attempt to start into this without an adult.

With a bit of fear comes repect. With these come a longer, less painful life.
 

Amped

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Get you mom , dad , or grandparent to take you to your local highschool and talk to the shop teacher. Ask for some lessons. I never met a shop teacher that didn't want to share their knowledge. Good luck kid.
 

fowler

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the regualtions at our work place comply with the highest level in west australia

we must wear leather steel cap boots (the steel cap bt is only needed if u are lifting really haevy stuff

hi viz drill cotton pants that are non flamable
hi viz drill cotton long sleave collared shirt (the collared bit is important if u weld over head

an auto darkenig helment complying to some long winded regulations

a leathe jacket with button front and collar

id try to get as best u can to these items

leather work boots are just good thing to have, u dont have to worry about getting wet feet when working outside in the garden or somthing

any 100% cotton cloths are good they do burn but they dont melt
iv set myself on fire and been set on fire a few times and never been harmed other than getting a bit exited

an auto darkening helment is also good as its alot easier to start the weld

if u dont have a leather jacket then an old woolen jumper is also good

i wouldnt consder welding to be dagerous at all
the biggst issues are the hot metals once u have finished and flameable stuff around u
the only reason i burnt was because i was soaked in oils and solvents and there was other welders and grinders working around me
 

tapkoote

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Get you mom , dad , or grandparent to take you to your local highschool and talk to the shop teacher. Ask for some lessons. I never met a shop teacher that didn't want to share their knowledge. Good luck kid.
Some comunity colledges have welding schools also.They might have an age/insurance issue though.
 
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