Welding question
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
As long as you have the ground clamp clamped to clean metal you shouldn't have a problem. Most guys weld using a metal table, grounding the clamp to part of the table and have the piece they're welding laying on the table. You will be touching the table as you're welding. You just don't want to become part of the grounding circuit.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,867
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From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
Why not? Other than making sure you have good ventilation so you don't breath in the smoke, it'll be OK. Again, if you're welding floor patches you either have to be inside or outside, either way you're going to be touching the metal. I would rather not be inside because your weight is going to affect the placement of the metal by having it flex under your weight, it's a lot easier to work from the outside. The cabs on the '48-52 trucks aren't that wide, you should be able to reach everything from the outside.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,093
Likes: 652
From: Brentwood, TN
Like water, electricity flows to the path of least resistance. Current from the electrode is looking to move towards the ground clamp and unless you are holding it in your other hand then you have nothing to worry about.
Welder User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,269
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From: northwest MT
Havi, what is that HUGE thing in your picture?..........and is that you welding on it?
John, when welding inside the cab, you may want to remove the gas tank if you havent already. T/M
John, when welding inside the cab, you may want to remove the gas tank if you havent already. T/M
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NM
Actually might be bad, from an electrical perspective, to be inside, because when you are holding the electrode but not striking an arc, your body could become the path to ground. Heavy, dry leather gloves, rubber soles, and don't touch the rod!
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 52
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From: Outbanks, NC
That is the most important part, no matter where you are. Think about all those guys welding skyscrapers. Ummm, they are definitely part of the structure.
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Senior User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 482
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mig
Its actually a mig so I might be a little safer then swinging that stick around. I laughed at the gas tank remark. How about the guys who smoked in the cab back in the day, cold outside, windows up.
I also have to tack some brackets up under the dash so I have no option but inside the cab.
I also have to tack some brackets up under the dash so I have no option but inside the cab.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,283
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From: NM
Good point; how did they change rods?! The gloves are a key element. On the other hand, have you seen the picture of them eating lunch? Not sure safety was foremost on their minds!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,138
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From: Marietta, Ohio
I'm 64 now and I started welding when I was 13. The majority of those years was stick welding. In that time I have had my fair share of jolts from arc welding. Most welders are required by law to not have a higher open circuit voltage, (OCV), than a preset standard. A few simple precautions will go a long way toward being protected from shock. Simple leather gloves will help more than anything. Stick welding is by far more likely to deliver an electric shock than MIGs or TIGs because you don't handle or change the electrode. In addition to that, current only flows during the actual weld process because there is a contactor relay tha closes only when welding. There is no potential present between welds. Most MIG welders have a lot lower OCV than stick welders. It's pretty hard to get nailed by a MIG welder. You kind of have to do it deliberately. Welding inside energized structures is a common practice. If you are inside your cab you biggest need is ventilation. A amall fan to just keep a fresh supply of air moving is all you need. Protection of your eyes and skin from ultraviolet rays is probably more important than protection against electric shock.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Middle Gawga
As far as welding I can remember the first couple of times when by brother said to "hold these two pieces while I weld it" and I'm thinking sure, he's not getting shocked he's got gloves on! But as time went on and I begin to weld I learned the basics of it. Think about the folks who weld under water now that's crazy!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Olive Branch,Ms
When you hook up the ground make sure the Current from the electrode is not going thru a bearing to get back to the grounding clamp. This can cause a arc in the bearing which leads to bearing failure.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Marietta, Ohio
good point !!!