Welding Tips and Tricks

Hello all, this is Mark from the North East. I am no way a pro, but have always been a quick learning since the time i was a kid. I wanted to make some items like custom racks/furniture for my video editing equipnent etc. I just purchased a Lincoln Electric 140HD. Not sure if I made a mistake or not, but am trying to figure out quickly what I can weld and where i can learn as fast as possible so i can spend most time having fun than messing things up. Also I am looking for a place near me that can sell square tubing that I can purchase and play with during my quick learning process.

My only fear is does the arc light harm your eyes, even if you wear safety goggles/mask? and is the fumes dangerous to inhale, as some smoke definitely enters my nose. Is there any mask one can wear to protect from these fumes?

Welcome to the forum Mark.

Welcome, Markcars,

The welding arc can harm your eyes if you're using anything other than a designated welding lens, and will burn your exposed skin like sunburn. You need to use an actual "welding shield/welding hood", with a minimum of a shade #9 lens, preferably shade #12 if your eyes are good enough to see the arc through it. There are even auto-darkening welding goggle set-ups with an attached mask.

The fumes are not healthy, either, but this is easily solved. A simple box-fan 10 feet behind or beside you will create enough draft to keep the smoke out of your face, without disrupting your welding. Since you describe "smoke", I guess you're using flux-core wire, without gas. If so, your fan can be closer if needed.

Steve S