Funnn-ny! A tale worth telling!

BTW - you do know that today's technology has produced welding shields
that are clear until the instant of the spark and then instantly go dark
to protect the eyes - all developed to get around just such problems as
you described. Fewer arc-n-spark accidents these days resulting in
things welded where you don't want them.

John

John Rodgers
Clayartist and Moldmaker
88'GL VW Bus Driver
Chelsea, AL
Http://www.moldhaus.com

On 6/23/2011 6:17 AM, ed donnen wrote:
> Rust Demons III- My Arc Enemy
> So this is my first time in many a year with an arc welder. As some of
> you know, you have to wear a face shield with a view port painted so
> black you can�t see through it, sort of like a glass of Guinness.  The
> trick, and it really is a trick, is to get reaaalll close to the steal
> with the rod, and drop the shield before you get a hairs breath closer
> to strike the arc.  My first attempt to strike an arc resulted in me
> frying my eyeballs to the back of my skull.  I think there is still
> the shadow of my septum on the cranial interior.  It was a light of
> biblical proportions, a light so intense it would not just turn you
> into a pillar of salt, but probably into a whole condiment selection
> of your choice.  Then, as many of you more experienced welders would
> know, the rod was tacked to the metal so I had to break it free,
> resulting in another flash and some unauthorized welding in the all
> too near vicinity of my zipper.  �Instructor sir, are my pants still
> smoldering?�  Driving home that evening weaving between the dots
> before my eyes gave me two lanes all to myself.  Lots of friendly
> folks honked a howdy-do and waved as they passed, at least I think
> that was a wave, can�t be really sure, my focus was still a bit off.
>
> Final score: What with one thing and another, grinding and such; and I
> went through 3 welders and two grinders trying to get the equipment to
> work properly, I used up 3 hours of class time.  One side gate hinge
> back on, needing some cleaning up.  Also rear bumper nuts tacked in
> place.
>
> ed- just call me sparky
>
>