Safety Tips for Welding With Helium

Posted on October 17, 2011 by mpittman

The primary use for helium in welding is to protect the molten metal from contamination from oxygen and nitrogen that are found in the air. It can also be used to prevent carbon dioxide and water from entering the arc weld and leave the weld weak. But just like any other type of gas used in welding, it does present certain hazards when the proper safety guidelines are not followed. This is why we have compiled a list of safety guidelines to remind you of the proper way to use helium when you are welding.

  • Whenever you are using helium when welding it is important that you read and thoroughly understand the safety precautions on the cylinder neck label and the warning label located on the side of the tank.
  • Always store your helium tanks in a well-ventilated area in an upright position where they cannot be knocked over.
  • When you’re welding with helium you should do so in a well-ventilated area with access to plenty of fresh air.
  • Helium tanks should always be stored securely either with chains or in a safety stand.
  • After you have finished working with your helium tank it is important that you close the cylinder valve. This should also be done with empty tanks.
  • Before transporting your helium tanks you should always remove the regulator and replace the protective cap over the cylinder.
  • When moving helium cylinders from location to location you should always use a cylinder cart.
  • When preparing to weld you should always open the cylinder valves very slowly. You should also stand to the side of the tank when you’re opening the valve. It is important to not stand directly in front of any cylinder when you are opening the valve.
  • Do not inhale the helium from the cylinder or any other item.
  • Before opening the cylinder valve you should always attach a balloon regulator on the cylinder valve.
  • Do not allow anyone who is not familiar with the proper method of opening a helium tank to do so. Tanks should only be opened by someone who is familiar with the proper technique.
  • When working in an area with a lot of people nearby you should never leave your helium tank unattended.
  • Never use a balloon regulator, cylinder or valve fitting that appears to be damaged or malfunctioning in any way. If you happen to notice a problem with any of your equipment you should replace it immediately.
  • It is important that you never drop, drag, tip over or roll the helium cylinder on its side when moving it.

As with all safety guidelines these are only a few of the many that will help keep you safe while you are working. It is important that you are familiar with all safety guidelines for each type of gas that you use.

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Oxy Welding Safety Tips

Posted on October 14, 2011 by mpittman

Oxy welding requires welders to use a torch and welding tips to transform a traditional oxygen/acetylene cutting system into a portable welding unit. As with all welding techniques, there are certain safety guidelines and recommendations that should always be followed. Below we have created a refresher of the safety guidelines that should be followed whenever you are welding using oxygen and acetylene.

  • As in all welding scenarios welders must always use the proper level of eye protection. The process of oxy welding produces infrared radiation created from the heat rays from either the flame or the metal that is being heated. If a welder is not wearing proper eye protection they can actually burn the eye, which is known as welder burn. The symptoms of welder burn include swelling, pain and temporary blindness. If you experience any of these symptoms you should seek medical attention at once. Some methods that can be used to protect your eyes include wearing a welding helmet or goggles. These are designed to protect your eyes using tinted lenses which help prevent damage caused by the infrared radiation.
  • Protection from fumes is also an important safety measure that needs to be addressed by welders. The fumes created from the use of oxygen and acetylene can cause physical damage and in the most severe cases can actually result in death. To help reduce the risk of inhaling toxic fumes it is important that welders avoid working on dirty metal, the residue on the metal mixed with the welding gases may create toxic fumes. Welders should always work in properly ventilated areas where fresh air can be drawn into the area either from a door or window. If you are working in an area that doesn’t have access to fresh air, you may need to wear a respirator. Respirators are designed to filter the air that you breathe in while welding.
  • Proper protective clothing should also be worn every time you are welding. This is especially important when working with oxygen and acetylene. This welding technique produces an extremely hot flame and increases the temperature of your work area. To avoid burns from flames, metal and sparks, welders should wear welding gloves, flame resistant clothing and high top work boots. Some welders also choose to wear a welding apron, sleeves or welding jacket to provide further protection from the heat.
  • All welders should also take care to properly transport and store their cylinders in the proper manner. Tanks containing oxygen and acetylene require extra care. They should always be stored in an upright position to prevent leaks. Welders should also keep the caps on all cylinders when they are not in use. All tanks and valves should also be inspected prior to each use.

More oxy welding resources from the Weld My World blog:

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What Is Bronze Welding

Posted on October 11, 2011 by admin

Bronze welding is a welding technique where the edges of the metal are heated at a temperature that will cause it to melt.  Once the metal is heated, a bronze alloy is melted and allowed to flow over the edges creating a weld.  If this process is done correctly, a strong and sound weld is created.  This method is most commonly used on metals that have a high melting point, such as, steel, copper, cast iron and malleable iron.

The technique of bronze welding is similar to that of brazing, although brazing can only be accomplished on metals where a close fit is required.  In bronze welding, the filler is what provides the strength to the weld.  The bronze alloy that is used as filler material is heated by a flame in a technique that closely resembles gas welding.  The flame used in bronze welding simultaneously heats the metal that is to be joined and also melts the bronze filler material.

In bronze welding the type of metals that are being joined doesn’t affect the welding technique.  Before beginning to weld, it is important that the metals have been cleaned thoroughly and any grease or oils have also been removed from the surface.  The temperature of the metals is then raised to approximate 850 degrees Celsius or until the metal has a dull red color.  Once the desired temperature has been reached, the bronze rod is then melted by the flame and allowed to flow over the metals being welded and create a weld.

The most common types of gases that are used in bronze welding are oxy-acetylene, oxy-hydrogen, oxy-coal gas and air-acetylene.  Out of these gases, the oxy-acetylene will produce the highest flame intensity and is the most common gas used.  Air-acetylene is only used in a limited manner when work on light gauge material is required.  The size of the flame produced depends on the thickness of the metals that are being used.  To reduce the chance of the Zinc in the bronze alloy affecting the metals, a thin layer of oxide on the surface and an oxidizing flame should be used.

Bronze welding is a specialized welding technique that requires practice and knowledge of how the metals will react with each other.  Once the skill is mastered, any welder will be able to perform the weld without any problems.  The key to producing high quality bronze welds is practice and increasing your skill level.

Reference:  http://www.meg.co.uk/courses/21.php

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Tips for Using the Push and Pull Welding Technique

Posted on October 8, 2011 by admin

The push and pull technique is a method of welding that all welders familiar with MIG welding should know. By perfecting this welding technique you will be opening doors by becoming a more experienced welder. Below we have listed a few tips to help you perfect the process and become more proficient and experienced in the processes of MIG welding.

  • First you will want to have all of the appropriate safety gear. By wearing the proper types of safety gear you will be able to protect all exposed areas of your body, such as your face and hands and especially your eyes. Some of the most important items that should be included in your safety gear include a welding helmet, welding apron, welding gloves, safety glasses, ear plugs and safety boots.
  • Now the welder should consider the drag technique for MIG welding. This process is accomplished by first putting your welding helmet on and setting up the weld gun for the type of metal and conditions you will be working in. Next, the welder will pull the trigger of the weld gun and begin dragging the gun backwards. This will place the metal onto the piece you are welding.
  • The next step requires experience in using the push technique. This is accomplished by setting the weld gun to the appropriate setting, pulling the trigger and holding the gun at an angle that allows you to push the metal, with the tip of the welding gun, onto the metal you are welding. This technique takes practice to master but when performed correctly, it provides you with a smooth weld.
  • Once you have mastered the steps above, you can now use the modified push technique, also known as the push and pull technique of MIG welding. You will want to pull the trigger of the welding gun and hold it straight up and down, but also allowing the metal to lie down at an angle. This step will form a puddle, it is important that you always be able to see the puddle as you work your way down the work piece. You can enhance any of these techniques in order to find the best way that works for you.

Mastering the push and pull method will allow you to perform different styles of welds than you are currently performing. It takes a lot of practice, but once you have it mastered you will be glad that you took the time to learn the technique.

Reference: http://www.ehow.com/how_2241283_use-push-pull-welding-technique.html

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Most Common Welding Safety Concerns

Posted on October 6, 2011 by mpittman

Everyone who is familiar with welding knows just how dangerous an activity it is.  Because of the hazards that all welders face, it is important to do everything possible to create a welding environment that is safe not only for the welder, but for those who happen to work in the same area.  This is why safety guidelines have been put in place, to protect everyone who works around welders and welding machinery.

  • Ventilation – Proper ventilation is one of the most overlooked areas for welders.  The process of welding produces harmful fumes that can be toxic and hazardous if inhaled.  If a welder is working in a poorly ventilated area, the fumes they inhale can be quite dangerous if not deadly.  This is why all welders should wear personal protective equipment, such as respirators and goggles.  If possible, an exhaust hood should also be used to provide adequate ventilation.
  • Fire – Because of the high temperatures and chemicals used, fire is a common danger that many welders may be exposed to.  Welding produces sparks that can fly and land in clothing, trash or other flammable items that may be lying around.  This is why it is important that all welders secure their work area and remove any items that may be a potential fire hazard.  It is also important that welders always wear the proper clothing when welding; this will reduce the chances of a spark landing in a pocket and starting a fire.  Pay attention to what you wear and what materials are in your area.
  • Radiation – Radiation is a concern for any welder who uses any of the arc welding processes.  These welding techniques produce ultraviolet radiation which can harm a welder’s skin as well as their eyes.  Some welders who have experienced “arc eye” report that their eyes felt as if they were full of sand.  Arc eye is caused by the eyes being exposed to harmful UV rays while welding.  There is also the concern of being exposed to infrared radiation; this type of exposure can cause damage to the skin and the deeper tissue beneath it.  To avoid these types of exposure it is important that all welders wear a welding helmet and protective gloves to protect their eyes and skin.
  • Equipment – It is important that all welders know how to properly handle the equipment that they are working with.  If a welder is inexperienced with a certain piece of equipment that welder is put at risk and so is anyone who is working near them.  Mishandling of welding equipment can lead to severe burns as well as other accidents.  This is why all welders should know the proper use and handling guidelines for all of their welding equipment.

 

Check out Baker’ Gas & Welding Supplies website for more welding and safety resources (including MSDS sheets and welding fume/ventilation info) and to browse top safety equipment.

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Welding With Argon Gas Safely

Posted on October 3, 2011 by vromero

Argon gas is a fuel that is most commonly used with a tungsten inert gas (TIG) welder.  Argon shields the electrodes and the area being welded from oxidization.  Using argon gas with this method of welding provides some of the cleanest welds possible.  Argon gas is transported in highly pressurized tanks, because it is an inert gas, argon doesn’t react with any other substance and is not considered to be poisonous.  This does not mean that it should not be treated with care; it should be given the same care as any other fuel source that you are using.

Because argon is transported in high pressure tanks, it poses a threat of exploding.  If there is a break or leak in the tank, the entire tank becomes dangerous.  When you have to move argon tanks, you should always wear the appropriate footwear.  Steel-toe boots are recommended to protect your feet in the case of a tipping or falling tank.  When moving tanks of argon, it is important that they are always stored in areas that are at least fifty degrees Fahrenheit.

When you are working with argon gas, it is important that you do so in a well-ventilated area.  Argon gas is heavier than oxygen and can accumulate in areas that are not properly ventilated.  If a large amount of argon gas is allowed to build up in an enclosed area, the people working in that space may become deprived of oxygen and asphyxiate.  Whenever you are using your TIG welder, it is important that you only do so in a well-ventilated area.

After you have completed your weld, always close the valve of the argon tank.  If a leak should occur, it is important that you immediately ventilate the area as much as possible.  Argon gas has no taste or smell, which makes it hard to notice if there is a leak in any of your tanks.  You may want to have ventilation fans in the area whenever you are working with argon gas.  If a leak should occur, these fans can be used to displace the gas.  If you are working in an area that has a basement or lower level, you will want to also ventilate those areas.  Because of the heaviness of argon gas, it settles closer to the ground and tends to accumulate in lower areas.

If you or someone working near you becomes ill from exposure to argon gas, you should find an area where there is plenty of fresh air.  Wash your eyes with running water for at least fifteen minutes and consult a medical professional if you continue to show symptoms.

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Welding As a New Career

Posted on September 29, 2011 by mpittman

Due to our recent economic turmoil and its effect on the job market many people are looking at new careers and welding is one of them.  Many prospective welders find the work and the ability to specialize in different areas appealing.  The field of welding has seen an increase in potential welders who are becoming interested in the techniques used as well as the equipment.

If you are considering welding as a new career path, you are not alone.  There are many benefits to choosing a career in welding such as great pay, plenty of work to be had and the ability to specialize in an area that interests you.  Welders go on to work in areas such as construction, ship repair, manufacturing and heavy industry.  The earning potential of welders is attractive also; welders can earn $20,000 – $80,000 a year.  Welding offers the chance to continually learn new techniques and skill over the years; it is an occupation that is constantly changing.

Welding allows people the opportunity to work practically anywhere.  It is not limited to a certain area, and welders are needed everywhere.  Welders are needed in the automotive industry, manufacturing industry and construction industry.  With the wide range of businesses that require experienced welders, the possibility of living somewhere new and exciting is within reach.

In order to become a welder and enjoy all of the benefits that the job has to offer, you must first enroll in a welding school.  Welding schools and classes can be found virtually anywhere and will teach you all of the skills and techniques that you will need in order to become a certified welder.  Once you find a school in your area, the next step is finding what requirements you will need to meet in order to register.  After that, you will begin learning a valuable trade that will keep you interested in your work as well as continually busy.

Welding is not just a career for men; women have been working in the welding industry since World War II.  Welding may have lost some of its appeal for women over the years, but schools are reporting that there are now just as many women inquiring about welding classes as there are men.  Welding is an occupation that can be a rewarding field for both men and women.  Once you have completed your training, and have become a certified welder, you will be able to take part in a rewarding career.

Learn more about Welding School and Job Info at the Weld My World blog!


Reference:  http://www.ascc.edu/Default.asp?L=0&DivisionID=%27639%27&DepartmentID=%27806%27

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Tips for Creating a Safe Welding Environment

Posted on September 26, 2011 by mpittman

With all of the dangers surrounding the process of welding, it is important that every welder take the steps necessary to create an environment that will pose the least amount of danger once their torch is lit.  Sometimes a welder may be having an off day and not be paying particularly close attention to certain aspects of their trade, but by creating a space that is as safe as possible, the dangers are greatly reduced.

  • Wear the proper clothing.  All welders should always wear the right type of clothing for the task they are about to start.  Wearing clothing that offers you the highest level of protection is a must.
  • Use your safety gear.  One of the most important things a welder can do is make sure that they are using the appropriate safety gear and that they are using it properly.  Safety gear is designed with one purpose in mind, to keep you safe while welding.
  • Have proper ventilation.  The process of welding creates many hazardous fumes that can lead to illness if they are inhaled.  Before you begin welding, check your area for proper ventilation.  If there are any doors or windows, you should open them.  This will insure that you are allowing fresh air to come into your work space.
  • Take precautions when welding in wet areas.  If you are required to weld in an area that is wet, you should make sure that you are wearing rubber boots.  You may also want to carry a piece of dry wood with you; this will provide you with a dry area to stand on while you are working.
  • Remove any lighters from your pockets.  This is something that some welders don’t think about, but if you have butane lighter in your pocket or close to your work area you may be asking for trouble.  Butane lighters are extremely flammable and can cause an explosion equal to three sticks of dynamite if they are ignited.  Leave your lighters either at home or in your car.
  • Store your gas cylinders properly.  It is important to take the time to properly store your gas cylinders when you are done for the day.  Before storing them, you should inspect the caps and make sure that they are properly closed.  If your tanks are empty, you will also want to tightly close the valve and mark them as empty.

These are only a few of the many safety tips put in place to keep you and those around you safe while you’re welding.  If they are properly followed, the risk of accidents occurring is greatly reduced.

See the Welding Safety Tips and Workplace Safety sections for more safety info and tips.

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Preparing Metal for Welding

Posted on September 24, 2011 by admin

One of the most important tasks a welder has before beginning to work on a piece, is to insure that the metals they will be working with have been properly cleaned and all debris has been removed.  If the metals have not been thoroughly cleaned and inspected prior to welding, it may result in weak and unsound welds being created.

  • Before welding, always inspect the metal you will be working with.  If there is a coating on the metal it should be removed at this point.  You can either use a chemical solution or a grinder to remove the coating.  It is at this point that the welder should also inspect the metal for any type of defect that may affect the quality of the weld.
  • Once the metal has been thoroughly inspected, you should now put on your protective eyewear.  Not only will it protect you while you are welding, but during the grinding and cleaning process it can also protect your eyes from any debris that may be floating around.  It’s just as dangerous to get a piece of steel wool in your eye as it is to have a spark land in it.  Proper safety gear should always be worn.
  • If there is any rust on the metal it should be removed.  This can be done either with a grinder or steel wool.  If rust is not properly removed from the metal, it can also affect the quality of the weld and may result in the welding process being repeated again.
  • When cleaning metal prior to welding, there are different techniques that can be used.  A straight or flat grinder will clean the metal properly, but if you are working with metal that is an irregular shape, an angle grinder may be better.
  • If there are any bad welds on the metal you’ll be working with, they should be removed using a grinder.  It is easier to remove a bad weld now, than trying to fix it later.  Removing a bad weld and replacing with a clean, new weld will provide you with a strong weld that will hold up well over time.
  • Clean the edges of the metals you will be welding.  This can be done by using a grinder to produce a clean edge that will accept a weld more readily.  Clean edges also insure that your weld will be strong.


Reference:  http://www.ehow.com/how_2266192_prepare-metal-welding.html

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How to Clean Your Welding Gloves

Posted on September 22, 2011 by mpittman

Every welder knows how important welding gloves are, it is also important to keep them clean in order to prolong their life and keep you safe.  Properly cleaning and maintaining your welding gloves will help protect your hands from burns caused by sparks, they will also help you perform your welding duties more efficiently.  Properly cleaned welding gloves tend to be softer and more flexible which allows the welder to handle their equipment better.

To properly clean your gloves you’re going to need a mixture of anti-bacterial dish soap and warm water.  You will then want to soak your welding gloves in the soapy mixture for approximately 45 minutes.  This will help remove any residue that has accumulated through use.  By removing any residue on your welding gloves, you are reducing the chances of a spark landing on some oil or other contaminant that may cause a fire.

Once your gloves have soaked for the recommended amount of time, you will then want to thoroughly rinse your welding gloves using cold water and ring them out to remove any excess water that may be trapped inside the glove.  After they have been thoroughly rinsed, you will then want to hang them up and allow them to air dry.  Before going on to the next step, it is important that your gloves are dried completely.  Any wet areas may not allow the saddle soap to penetrate as well as you would like.

After your gloves have thoroughly dried, the next step is to apply a small amount of saddle soap onto your welding gloves and rub it into the material.  The saddle soap is what makes your gloves more flexible and easier to work with.  You will want to make sure that you have applied saddle soap to all areas of your welding gloves.  Be sure to apply the saddle soap to the area between the fingers as well as the palms.

By properly cleaning your welding gloves on a regular basis, you will be prolonging their life and reducing the speed at which you will need to purchase replacements.  Just like all of your other welding equipment, proper maintenance and attention should also be paid to your welding gloves.  They are the only protection your hands and arms have while you are working; the better maintained they are, the better they will be able to protect you.

Looking for welding gloves, check out the great selection at BakersGas.com!

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