ECN Forum Forums Safety Discussion and News Occupational Safety Discussion Welding Masks

Joey,
The best way to learn welding, in my opinion, is to get as much Scrap as you can and take to it, with a Stick (Electric Arc) welder.
Stick welding is the simplest form of welding, and you will learn heaps out of correct current and arc length.
Using Rutile rods with ordinary Mild Steel, of sizes between 1/16" and 1/4" plate, you soon learn just how things "fit together".
I would not start welding with a MIG welder!.
I am a certified (ticketed) Welder here in New Zealand and having sat exams in all welding positions, those of which I will explain below, I would like to think that anyone that I advised, would try to get somewhere near it!.
I was an Industrial Weldor, before I joined the NZ Fire Service.
But, here it is:

• Butt Weld- Do one weld with 2 pieces of 1/4" Mild Steel, butted up together.
• Fillet Weld- A weld on a piece of 1/4" plate at a degree of 45 to the Horizontal plane.
• T-Weld-Do a weld on both sides of a T joint and give that joint strength to a 40 MPa force.
• Vertical Up-Hand- Weld a Cylindrical ducting of 2metre (6ft) diameter, while the tube is rotating and give good penetration to the joint.
• Vertical Down-Hand- Weld 2 pieces of 1" thick steel, from top to bottom, this is a timed test.
• Horizontal Up-Hand- Do a weld of 6ft with 1/4" plate, with good penetration in 2 minutes.

I hold NZS 4711 here, I am a Structural Welder.
I've used all types of welders, Stick,Oxy/Acetylene, MIG, TIG also a CNC welding Plant.

Well, I found one of those autodark helmets that goes from 7 to 12. It is just the ticket for welding in panels on the motorhome I am restoring. Prices for the lower end automatics are about $50 US now. After using one, I wouldn't even suggest anyone start welding today without one.

Guys,
I've stuck with the Nod-down mask, over the years.
Mask is on a swivel on each side of your head, nod and you are covered.
EW 11 is my shade!.

I like to bend my Rutile rods, to work to the situation, 4mm + coating.
I've welded upside-down, side-ways even Cylindrical in a turning Chimney.
JUst depends on where you are!.

Over here its AWS D 1.1 for structural with the different positions and wld descriptions about the same.

I learned how to wled with OFW frist then stick, then TIG then MIG.

On the job there are too many people who think that just because they can make the bright light they are a welder.

If you have the time I would suggest any one that wants to learn to weld take a class or ahve someone who knows how give them some instruction. Just a few hours with the right person can make a world of difference.

Last thing I welded on was the floor rails of a burn off oven welding mild steel to stainless plate.

Youre right Trumpy--no body in their right mind likes to weld on galvanized metal. I've had metal fever from it twice and it aint no fun...

I was a welder for 7 years, though I haven't done it in ages. I can't recall the chemical name from trade school-something like zinc oxide given off by welding galvanized steel.

It's not just stinky guys....

IT'S POISONOUS!!!