Thats the nail head you just hit,trying to figure out if its a little one or a big one,the pain starts off the same,if you stop every time a little spark gets you,you are going to be doing a lot of starting and stoping in some situations.I've seen more woman welders who do only t.i.g. if they can get by with it.People will tell you they make better t.i.g. welders because of small hands,e.t.c.,I believe its because woman hate those little burns and scares worse than a man does,and maybe they are smarter,nah! RICHARD GAUTHIER
I've always had good luck with denim shirts. I've had to pat out fires on flannel. And once had to pat out my hair when it cuaght on fire. (It was longer once, and I had more of it.) And forget synthetics, they melt through fast. If you wear coveralls, cotton is best. For quick welds I don't hesitate to weld in a t-shirt (this goes against good health and good sense, I know). Bad thing is what is light doing to my skin. Good thing is sparks fall right off. I usually opt for the denim shirt and long gloves. Leathers I've never owned and only borrowed a pair a couple of times for overhead welding. Where I live you would quickly die of heat stroke in the summer wearing leathers for any length of time.
I learned what you mean about heat and leathers Monday. As you can imagine, that welding room is plenty warm when it's below zero outside. Monday we had a high around 3 PM in the mid seventies so things were still warm in the very early evening when class takes place. I just had on sleeves and an apron over my shirts and could certainly tell the difference in not only my comfort level but also my endurance.
I think finding some middle ground is going to be the key. At this poing I'm leaning toward leather sleeves (or at least the left sleeve) when it's really hot out. A lot's going to depend on how much I have to do, etc., as I'm still very much on the learning curve. [img]/forums/images/icons/smile.gif[/img]
Gary
I would get the sleeves and bib as a minimum when you are going to do out of position welding, either vertical or overhead. For flat and horizontal, I ususally don't put mine on.
One other thing I might mention is try to "dial" in your welding machine settings and it will reduce the amont of spatter that you will get when welding. Also make sure that the electrodes have not been laying around absorbing moisture.
Good luck, I am sure that pretty soon you will be able to weld anything from the "crack of dawn" to a "broken heart" [img]/forums/images/icons/grin.gif[/img] .
I used the sleeves and the apron last week and was amazed at what a difference they made. [img]/forums/images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] I just assumed that there was a certain amount of pain from sparks that was associated with welding. With the sleeves and apron I don't think I felt even a single spark. [img]/forums/images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/icons/smile.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
I agree that they may not be as important on the horizontal but I do know that my left forearm takes a good amount of spark hits (I'm right-handed) even doing that. I imagine I'll still put on at least one sleeve for horizontal work. [img]/forums/images/icons/wink.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/icons/smile.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
Thanks for the advice on the electrodes, too. I hadn't heard that before.
[img]/forums/images/icons/blush.gif[/img] Er...no too put too fine a point on it, Gary, but BE SURE that you switch hands repeatedly with the stinger. Being able to weld with either hand is fairly important. For one thing, it gives your right hand a break, and then there is always that ONE spot where the left hand is the best for reaching the weld area. [img]/forums/images/icons/tongue.gif[/img] Welding isn't as touchy as most other things when it comes to using one hand or the other, but it does take some getting used to. [img]/forums/images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]
Gary
All electrodes should be stored in any appropriate storage container. if your using a cellulose type of coating on your stick rod like E6010 or E6011 then do not put them in an area where they will get too hot. The low-hydrogen electrodes like E7015, E7016 and E7018 are usually purchased in sealed containers and placed in a storage oven after they are opened. These type of ovens will break down the cellulose type of rods and they in turn will not run as smooth as they should.
Most stick rods will absorb moisture over time so store them where high humid days will not damage them. My father-in-law stored his above him water heater. Luckily his water heater didn't break and ruin them. I know many people that will use an old frigerator and hang a light bulb in it to keep the humidity away.
Glad you got your sleeves and hope that arm is healing up without any problems.
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. I know many people that will use an old frigerator and hang a light bulb in it to keep the humidity away. 
