Welding Galvanized Material... Safely (Video)

ChuckE2009 · Jun 1, 2013

Goodevening, everyone!!

Here's another video for y'all... Its on welding galvanized material without ya know, dying...

Zinc fumes given off can be harmful or even fatal, but in this video, I discuss how to limit your exposure to these fumes and easily maximize the protection you give yourself...

And theres also a few tips on roasting that coating if you can't grind it off

I remember the first time I welded galvanized anything, it was an exhaust pipe for a tractor... I was somewhat terrified, but now that I have some decent equipment and a basic understanding of what's going on, Im not afraid to weld it, with the right precautions, of course...

Hope y'all like the video, have a nice weekend everyone

Midniteoyl · Jun 1, 2013

Good film

wroughtn_harv · Jun 1, 2013

Its on welding galvanized material without ya know, dying...

Zinc fumes given off can be harmful or even fatal

Do you have anything supporting that statement? I've been welding galvanized for over forty years and have suffered nothing more than an occasional case of zinc sickness.

Shield Arc · Jun 2, 2013

The first time I got nailed, I was working in a oil refinery. I had to O&A weld something galvanized. Apparently it was thin or I would have just stick welded it. Made me sick as a dog. Went years without welding anything galvanized again until getting into marine construction, then I would get steady diets of it at times. Welding it didn't seem to bother me as much as cutting it with a torch. I never had the luxury of an exhaust system, just had to depend on the wind and rain to knock the fumes down:laughing:! I'm sure it effects people in different ways, but the way it always got me. After getting home, taking my shower, eating dinner, and setting on the couch catching up with the family. It never failed, all of a sudden it was like someone stuck an ice pick in my right knee

! Once I was over that, then it felt like someone stuck an ice pick in my nuts

! Then the cold sweats, and high fever would set in. Every once in awhile I would get the ice pick feeling in other parts of my body. Next day you would think nothing ever happened to me, other than a little tired because I didn't get a good night sleep.
In marine construction we always had to use this stuff to cover our welds, a lot better than the cold galvanize you get in spray cans, but very expensive! Just heat the area with a torch, melt one of these sticks in the heated area, and wire brush in.

stuckmotor · Jun 2, 2013

I watch Chucke's videos and enjoy them but, I'd feel better about following his advise, if I knew his qualifications. He looks mighty young.

Shield Arc · Jun 2, 2013

stuckmotor said:
I watch Chucke's videos and enjoy them but, I'd feel better about following his advise, if I knew his qualifications. He looks mighty young.

He is young, and doesn't have a lot of experience yet. But he's a very sharp kid, he just needs to get out in the field and see it done a thousand different ways, then pick which way works best for him. He'll make a good one in time!

CNC Dan · Jun 2, 2013

stuckmotor said:
I watch Chucke's videos and enjoy them but, I'd feel better about following his advise, if I knew his qualifications. He looks mighty young.

He's in hobarts welding school.
He often makes videos of something he learned in class.

stuckmotor · Jun 2, 2013

CNC Dan said:
He's in hobarts welding school.
He often makes videos of something he learned in class.

Thanks. I suspected it might be something like that.
Stuck

ChuckE2009 · Jun 2, 2013

Yup...

Im currently going through the Hobart School of welding (top of my class)

I also went through two years of vocational school, am 6G SMAW certified, and have three years of welding, and 5 years of video production expierence. Good enough for what I do

k0ua · Jun 2, 2013

ChuckE2009 said:
Yup...

Im currently going through the Hobart School of welding (top of my class)

I also went through two years of vocational school, am 6G SMAW certified, and have three years of welding, and 5 years of video production expierence. Good enough for what I do

I think you are doing very well. You may be young, but this 50+ old guy learns things from your video's. Keep making them. You are never to old to learn something, and you are never too young to teach something to others. (that was an original quote, and you can have it for free

)

James K0UA

patrick_g · Jun 2, 2013

Two thumbs up from this self taught welder. I think it is very nice that someone would go to the effort to share with us.

I weld galvanized and haven't been sickened but I do try to have proper ventilation. Want a real eye opener? Have someone video you welding a little bit in a no wind situation. View the video and note that the fumes/smoke you are making surround your head so completely that you are definitely breathing them. Repeat the process with a fan behind you to try to blow the fumes away. The fan will blow much of the fumes away BUT... you will still be bathed in them and will be breathing them. Try a third time with the fan off to one side blowing 90 degrees from directly toward your back or directly toward your face. This will clear the air around your helmet and virtually eliminate the fumes from your breathing. Orienting the fan properly will virtually eliminate fumes from your breathing space, even with a fairly light breeze, too light to be detrimental to your shielding gas coverage of the weld.

Patrick

stuckmotor · Jun 2, 2013

Thank you, ChuckE. I'd looked for your qualifications but, didn't spot them. I especially appreaciated the one you did on welding respirators. You seem to have lots of drive and should go far.
Stuck

Arc weld · Jun 2, 2013

Chuck if you want to be a master craftsman, good enough doesn't cut it. Some of your video's are good, some show your lack of experience. You would do good to get some real world experience so all your training will be put to better use. 3 years of doing your own stuff at home isn't equivalent to 3 years working in the welding trade. You have the talent and desire to learn. That's half the battle. It would be a shame if you didn't try to get an apprenticeship. You have a big advantage over lots of other guys.

Midniteoyl · Jun 3, 2013

k0ua said:
I think you are doing very well. You may be young, but this 50+ old guy learns things from your video's. Keep making them. You are never to old to learn something, and you are never too young to teach something to others. (that was an original quote, and you can have it for free)

James K0UA

Ditto :thumbsup:

ChuckE2009 · Jun 3, 2013

Wow, thanks guys

deereman75 · Jun 12, 2013

The one time I did galvanized, it was welding a piece of galvanized pipe to some plate. I had a fan at my back, and did it outside. Hit it quick, and got out of there. Worked fine. If I do any more I will get filters for my 3m mask that will fit under my hood.