Holding the workpiece

[monkeyonboard]

I am just about ready to start practicing some welds but I have a daft noobie question.

Is it safe to hold onto the workpiece while I tack on another piece?

my first project will be welding some angle iron to box section and I cant think of a way to clamp it together whilst I tack it together.

thanks

 

[peterd51]

HI,

yes, assuming it's an electric shock that you're worried about. Just ensure that the metal is grounded and your arm isn't providing the path between the work and the bench!

You also have to remember that the work gets hot very quickly and there's spatter flying about so you should be wearing gloves anyway. The gloves will provide some insulation too.

Regards
Peter

 

[monkeyonboard]

thanks, yes it was risk of shock I was thinking of.

I will definately be wearing gloves.

It was only to hold one of the pieces in position while I tacked it in place so heat build up shouldn't be a big issue. Once its tacked then I wont need to hold it and can complete the welds.

Cheers

Stu

 

[Sparkey]

Don't worry Stu! the only risk you have is to burn your fingers!
Besides, when you're welding you normally put your free hand on the part (or on the bench, whatever makes you feel comfortable) to support your other hand with the torch to keep it steady...
Tacking with one hand can be tricky tho, it needs a bit of practice and a steady hand! But i'm sure you'll manage!

 

[Hitch]

As long as you are wearing your gloves there wont be an issue. The major one would be burns from the spatter/contact burn anyway. electric shock risk is minimal with a mig. Keep the metal and gloves dry though

 

[Sparkey]

As long as you are wearing your gloves there wont be an issue. The major one would be burns from the spatter/contact burn anyway. electric shock risk is minimal with a mig. Keep the metal and gloves dry though

Hehe, yea good advise! otherwise it CAN tickle a bit!

 

[runnach]

Hehe, yea good advise! otherwise it CAN tickle a bit!

I remember those "TICKLES" as I was being peeled from either the wall or roof

 

[madkayaker]

try getting a tickle of my stick 79V!

 

[weldingscotty803]

i was once kneeling on the workpiece i was arc welding. knee was wet . no glove on. went to change rod or bend it a bit and wow. it was like somebody squeezing me really really tight. dint hurt but i wont be doing it again anytime soon. that was with a 160 amp set, on about 130amps

 

[Hitch]

Hf from a tig is quite a shock,..., making some stainless tables, had my backside rested on the edge of workbench, holding two bits together, along comes matey, big kemppi tig set, earthed out through mt behind! Made i jump

The moral of that story, always make sure your each is attached

 

[monkeyonboard]

thanks guys, you have put my mind at rest.

Always good to get some 'real world' safety tips, you know, things to watch out for when you aren't in perfect classroom conditions.

 

[chunkolini]

I can remember the first time I tried this one, fed up with fannying about with clamps etc, deep breath hold the piece and fire up the welder, nothing happened no shock etc. How boring. I was half expecting to get a shock. How sensible to ask others.

Chunko'.

 

[Bullyterrier]

Chunko I can remember years ago my mate asking me to hold something while he tacked it. I told him where to go...I was sure he was playing a joke on me, and I would get a belt.

 

[monkeyonboard]

I can remember the first time I tried this one, fed up with fannying about with clamps etc, deep breath hold the piece and fire up the welder, nothing happened no shock etc. How boring. I was half expecting to get a shock. How sensible to ask others.

Chunko'.