Stupid welding question

[RumRiver5.0]

OK, I have done plenty of welding but not with the object partially submerged in water. The nut on our dock's height crank is stripped off due to me not releasing the set screws on it before adjustment! So I'd like to bring my 211 down there and just flux weld a couple of nuts on the threaded shaft (bigger better stronger). Any precautions other than the obvious - keep the welder and yourself out of the water?
Thanks

 

[Vintage Veloce]

Definitely not a stupid question! (I have no answer, but am watching!)

 

[Warrenator]

See if you can't make a temporary dam around the shaft by taping up a mountain dew bottle and sucking the water out....

Also make sure YOU aren't wet or touching anything wet while welding, keep wires out of water, etc. They can stick weld underwater but I think it might take a special rod...

 

[Kaizen]

With the potential of death I’d like to know more about the dock. Wood? Aluminum?
As long as the ground is close to the weld and you are fully insulated if aluminum it should weld. You sure it can be welded? Not stainless?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Vintage Veloce]

Google something like:
welding boat at dock

Lots of welding is done on boats, there has to be answers out there.

 

[matt_i]

I don't think it will work underwater. Two issues, one is that the arc can't ionize water like it can with low-density air. The other is that the water has to be kept away from quenching the molten pool.

I don't know jack about underwater welding other than its done with specialized equipment but I feel like it addresses those 2 issues.

I think the idea to build a water dam around the area was excellent. Or raise the dock up if it just sits on the bottom with prybars, or wait for low water in dry August.

 

[FSrepair&fabrication]

if what youre welding on is at least 1 or 2” out of the water you should be alright. more amps may be required due to the cooling effect of the water, but if youre on the dock you wont be shocked

 

[sberry]

Don't drop the welding machine in the water.

 

[jumbojak]

See if you can't make a temporary dam around the shaft by taping up a mountain dew bottle and sucking the water out....

Also make sure YOU aren't wet or touching anything wet while welding, keep wires out of water, etc. They can stick weld underwater but I think it might take a special rod...

I like the idea but I feel like a soda bottle might not survive the heat. Paint can and some sort of sealant might do it though.

 

[jhelrey]

Pull the dock out of the water....

 

[welder4956]

As long as the part you are welding is above the water enough to see it and get a ground clamp on it and your body is not in the water, welding it should be no problem.

 

[malibu101]

As long as the part you are welding is above the water enough to see it and get a ground clamp on it and your body is not in the water, welding it should be no problem.

Very logical answer.

If you do anything else--
Be sure to have a buddy hold your beer and take video while you try it.


Sorry I have no help to this problem.

 

[RumRiver5.0]

Yes, part being welded is out of the water or I would never attempt. I fully intend to keep myself, all electrical and the welder out of the water while doing this repair!

I really should have worded this a lot better! What I meant is it ok to weld when part of the object is in the water and what if you were in contact with said water. I'll avoid the contact with water part.

 

[Flail]

Can you stuff a few tractor inner tubes under the dock and then air them up? This might get you out of the water enough.

 

[bad_idea]

Weld 'er up. I work in ship repair. Weld around water all the time. Weld on pipe with water running through it (leak-by). Keep your weld area dry and keep yourself dry, you'll be fine.

 

[bradleykd]

Yes, part being welded is out of the water or I would never attempt. I fully intend to keep myself, all electrical and the welder out of the water while doing this repair!

I really should have worded this a lot better! What I meant is it ok to weld when part of the object is in the water and what if you were in contact with said water. I'll avoid the contact with water part.

Yes, you can weld a partially submerged part.

Keep your ground clamp out of the water and you'll be fine, even if you are standing in the water the part is submerged in. Electrical current takes the shortest path to ground. It will only flow between your ground clamp and the electrode.

Don't worry about it.

 

[jhn9840]

Weld 'er up. I work in ship repair. Weld around water all the time. Weld on pipe with water running through it (leak-by). Keep your weld area dry and keep yourself dry, you'll be fine.

I also welded in a ship repair yard in my younger days. We did the same thing on a daily basis. Keep your feet and hands dry. It will be fine.

jhn9840
John

 

[RumRiver5.0]

Thanks guys. I'll be doing this later today!

 

[joe49]

If the weld will be out of the water, your only problem will be steam obscuring your view and condensing on the welding hood lens.
Under the water, 5P dipped in varnish and allowed to dry, add a couple of amps, and you will not be able to see the weld. Going to be a by feel weld.
Remember your body is a better conductor for current than fresh water.

http://myhelmetsguide.com/underwater-welding/

 

[RumRiver5.0]

The part of the piece to be welded is out of the water. I am not welding underwater. That said, I don't need to weld it now. Threaded a nut on and it works great now.