Holding what you're welding

[spizzak]

Hey guys, I just got my first welder and started experimenting this weekend. For the most part everything I did was already in place and did not need to be held on to, until one weld that actually had to be held in place. It was then that I realized that I don't know what you're allowed to hold by hand while welding.

Say for example you were welding a threaded rod perpendicular to a sheet of metal. Would it be okay to hold the rod while you welded it?

I know this is very elementary but I'd like to make sure.

Thanks!

 

[Richm]

I would hold it while I tacked it, then fully weld. Do you have an auto darkening mask? Makes life a lot easier!

 

[pedrobedro]

Wear your gloves and make sure they are dry and you can hold it no problem. Make sure your earth is good and it's not you

 

[spizzak]

I'd obvoiusly be wearing gloves so I guess those insulate quite well, but for arguements sake, what would happen if I held it with bare hands? I'm guessing if my ground is good, it's going to be a way better ground than myself and I would be fine assuming my ground doesn't fail.

Like I said, just curious here, wont be trying it

 

[chunkolini]

NO problems.
I was scared to death of this one at first.
I spent ages fannying about with jigs and chicks. Then one day i figured what harm can I do? and gave it a go.
These days i am holding components about 30mm long while spot welding them together, with no gloves as they are too small. Set your welder fairly low, and pulse the trigger gently and quickly, the you are making an arc but not holding the trigger down hard.
You soon learn which burns merely hurt and which ones do the damage. Quite rare to get a blister but I get lots of tiny black dots and the odd plume of smoke.
you also learn when to hold on and when to let go. It also amazing how much you can ignore pain when you are focussed on the job.

Good luck, but go easy.

Chunko'.

 

[rich74310]

Not a good idea to experiment. like you said,electric travels the easiest path ie the earth clamp. if you take that away it will travel the next easiest path ie you,depending on the resistance in your body.

Best to wear gloves and make sure the earth clamp is on a nice clean area.

ps magnetic welding clamps come in handy,the ones that you can turn on and off are best as they dont get full of crap

 

[Tiggy_dorset]

I occasionally have to weld without gloves. As has been said, if the earth is good, you should have no problem with shocks. I have recieved the occasional shock, and that has all its been, just a shock that made me jump. I tend to get most shocks when using Tig, mainly when changing the tungsten and accidently knocking the trigger Most stupid was when I actually pieced my thumb with the tungsten and knocked the trigger. Point is, Im still alive

I have only ever had one shock from Mig which was a couple weeks ago....shame as i thought I had a natural immunity to Mig shocks

 

[gordon stephenson]

Just make sure everything is ground clean etc and the earth return is good, in your plate-rod scenario strike the arc on the earthed plate right next to the rod and carry on with the weld.

 

[metalspanner]

Havent had a MIG shock, but have had plenty from the ARC, normal when changing electrodes, it isnt too bad, makes the fillings in our teeth taste funny and other than a tingling sensation in your hand, arm, whole side of body depending on the AMPs being used.
But seeing I dont do much below 180amp with the ARC it is hardly surprising.

 

[dai]

theres only upto 80 odd volts in a welder

110 is considered safe on sites

 

[Wozzaaah]

Thread split as it was going way off topic - the other half is now here.

 

[mike os]

unless you have a dicky tickeur or other issue I dont think it is a real issue assuming you are being sensible about it & not standing in a puddle or summit daft

 

[pob125]

tack one side then the other to keep the rod in correct position,once tacked weld arond in two seperate welds,u will get a bit of movement