Welding stainless

[JonnyMac]

So here's a question...
What do you use to extract fumes whilst welding stainless?

Ive got a few small projects lined up that will involve welding up a some stainless 3mm boxes. I cant really justify an air supply mask so im thinking that a fan will do the trick..

 

[Ozwelder]

If you are talking electrode welding,the fan is good. Place the fan behind you. There will be enough draught to push all the fumes away from you.Low speed is sufficient.

Don't forget safety glasses, as some electrode slag flicks off the cooling bead up to 30 secs after the arc is broken.Its hurts on two levels of hot,thermal and chemical.

 

[Superbec]

do you have thousands of boxes to weld? , if you have a couple there's no health risk, just don't put your head over the part when welding, keep it in front of you., venitlate the room but don't blow the fan right on the welding area.

 

[dffay]

There are low dollar respirators from 3M that have a low profile for underneath a welding hood and specific filters for the metal you are welding. Its worth it every time you weld.

 

[laser3kw]

get a $10 box fan, set it so it blows away from the work area and draws the smoke into the back side. Set it on low and set it far enough away that the draft is just enough the the smoke gently drifts to it. To much draft will upset your shielding gas (tig -right?)

 

[turfgnome]

Maybe ift is just a wives tale but eat ice cream before and after you do it.

 

[garfunkle24]

Maybe ift is just a wives tale but eat ice cream before and after you do it.

Most dairy products (and especially ice-cream to help create the consistency) contain EDTA which binds heavy metals in the body and allows excretion via urination.

HOWEVER, preventing exposure would be much preferred to post exposure treatment!

Here's the best advice I can give the OP: Do not get your information on correct PPE and exposure mitigation for any potentially life altering exposure from a garage forum. Manufacturers like 3M even have great information, let alone all the regulatory authorities and NGOs out there.

Here's a start: Link eh?

 

[pi_guy]

Maybe ift is just a wives tale but eat ice cream before and after you do it.

Yogurt

 

[JonnyMac]

A nice large welding booth extraction hood isnt an option but a makita 18v spot fan could be, but will it disturb the shielding gas??.. (i will be wearing correct ppe)

 

[dr_clyde]

Miller makes an inexpensive mask designed to fit under a welding helmet. It's rated for hexavalent chromium. I have one, and I like it.

However, for occasional welding, the risk is almost negligible. Just keep your work area reasonably ventilated.

 

[Voodoo504]

Deep deep breathes

 

[sakurama]

Are you confusing stainless with galvanized? I'm not aware of any risk welding stainless but I tig weld it so perhaps you're using a different method?

Gregor

 

[garfunkle24]

Are you confusing stainless with galvanized? I'm not aware of any risk welding stainless but I tig weld it so perhaps you're using a different method?

Gregor

Chromium, nickel, possibly manganese.

Zinc is the main concern for galvanized stuff.

 

[JonnyMac]

Am i confusing stainless with gal?? Nope....