NOOBIE Welding Questions

[crashz]

Last year I bought a nice 120/240 Hobart wire feed/MIG welder. Since I'm really learning, I have just used flux core wire and spent a few hours working on some scrap.

This past fall I bought a SSQA attachment plate and made a mount for a plow, and even with a heavy winter, ice storms and a 9ft Western plow, I was not able to break my welds! They look like poop, but got the job done.

This summer I'd like to patch the floor and some other spots on my dump truck. The floor should be easy enough as it will all be horizontal in the bed, but what should I due to protect myself if I'm welding in the bed? If I am in the bed with kneeling over my patch, should I use some thing to prevent me from being fried? Like plywood? Just wondering how you guys do it.

 

[Sebculb]

Its counter intuitive but you won't get shocked scrambling around on whatever it is you're welding unless you get between the ground and the stinger. It's kinda difficult to shock yourself although it can be done.

Or do you mean for the heat? Then yeah, use plywood or whatever's around

 

[Ortimber]

Welding is really safe, very few ever get shocked. Make sure you are working in dry conditions, just as a precaution.

 

[crashz]

Yeah - I was thinking that I could get shocked from sitting/kneeling on the actual grounded piece. Normally I'm usually touching the work piece anyway as I weld, but through thick leather gloves. Didn't really think about the heat, but I won't be quite that close. I hope.

Good to know. Thanks!

 

[MatHaas]

Just watch for any old oil or fuel leaks under the cab and bed. Most fuel tanks are under the bed, and some of the hoses, sending unit & pump mount flange, etc tend to seep a little fuel on older vehicles. MIG spatter and sparks can light that stuff up QUICK. So just be sure to do a quick little inspection before welding and have an extinguisher or hose close by just in case. haha.

And like mentioned above, no worry of a "shock". The gun tip / wire complete the circuit to the metal piece which is grounded; it won't be spreading to you.

 

[Sebculb]

Just watch for any old oil or fuel leaks under the cab and bed. Most fuel tanks are under the bed, and some of the hoses, sending unit & pump mount flange, etc tend to seep a little fuel on older vehicles. MIG spatter and sparks can light that stuff up QUICK. So just be sure to do a quick little inspection before welding and have an extinguisher or hose close by just in case. haha.

And like mentioned above, no worry of a "shock". The gun tip / wire complete the circuit to the metal piece which is grounded; it won't be spreading to you.

Good point about lighting the fluids on fire, I don't weld on vehicles that much so it slipped my mind... aren't you also supposed to disconnect the battery so it doesn't pop open or something too?

 

[MatHaas]

Good point about lighting the fluids on fire, I don't weld on vehicles that much so it slipped my mind... aren't you also supposed to disconnect the battery so it doesn't pop open or something too?

hmm. good question! i never heard that recommendation. I haven't had issues for the past 12 years with battery connected. If anyone has an real information on that though, that'd be informative. It never has crossed my mind or been mentioned.

 

[yomax4]

Knee Pads.

 

[JLwoodworks]

Good point about lighting the fluids on fire, I don't weld on vehicles that much so it slipped my mind... aren't you also supposed to disconnect the battery so it doesn't pop open or something too?

It's recommended to disconnect the battery to protect the electrical circuits on the vehicle from a surge from welding.

 

[Evan03]

Weld away.
I have been shocked but when its raining, uve welded while inside dump truck beds with no issues