Never did that before (not in a good way)

[Ford tractor]

Was welding today and started smelling something burning. Looked around and couldn't find anything on fire. Then realized it was ME ON FIRE. The frayed edge of the insulated coverall knee caught a spark and went from smoke to flame as I was watching. Dang~! Only got a bit of a surface burn on the thumb used to swat it out and then pinch the embers out, still... you'd think it would be more obvious. But it wasn't

Looking back, I was getting more comfortable as the fire took the chill off. :laughing: 40F today with no sun and snow flurries starting. Guess it wasn't that warm feeling that comes from completing a task...


Keep on your toes while welding and investigate all signs of smoke right away - it could be YOU on fire~!

 

[crazyal]

You know what we say around here, we want pictures :laughing: or it didn't happen. Glad you caught it before you really got burnt. Burns are the worse. I usually get myself when I'll have on a pair of work boots with the big padded tongue that acts like a funnel directing all those hot melted balls of steel right to my feet.

 

[crash325]

You know what we say around here, we want pictures :laughing: or it didn't happen. Glad you caught it before you really got burnt. Burns are the worse. I usually get myself when I'll have on a pair of work boots with the big padded tongue that acts like a funnel directing all those hot melted balls of steel right to my feet.

I thought it was just me that wore funnels when welding & cutting. Sure helps with my dance steps. It also helps keep the sock makers in business.

I've only caught myself on fire about 3 times. Its a good idea to keep a Beer handy.

OK! Get a welding jacket & chaps. Wear taller boots, yep that works. :drink::drink:

 

[jayste]

Ha Ha! The old flaming weldor! I've beat my coveralls a few times and even sang suprano afterward. Mostly happened in welding class in highschool while wearing those old hot cotton coveralls and making beads in the "welding booth".:thumbsup: Usually happens around the leg cuffs and crotch.:laughing:

 

[nybirdman]

the real welders finish the rod THEN put the fire out:laughing:

 

[jayste]

the real welders finish the rod THEN put the fire out:laughing:

:laughing::laughing: You've got that right! Especially those that land in the ear or find their way down your shirt and singe the spare tire a little!:thumbsup:

 

[chad22]

Oh wow. Glad your okay. I had a similar thing happen when I was building my backhoe in the shop. It wasn't with the welder, but I was using my angle grinder with a cut off wheel to cut out the cylinder mounts for my backhoe.

I had the sparks pointed right at my shirt and as I was cutting those pieces out, I smell something hot, didn't really pay any attention, I just thought it was the grinder, next I smell clothes burning. I shut the grinder off and it turns out it was my shirt on fire. I burned a hole right through it.

I didn't have anything else handy so I just spit on it and hit on the shirt to put the fire out.

Once the fire was out, I went back to cutting those pieces out. This time I got it done without catching anything on fire.

Chad

 

[crash325]

Oh wow. Glad your okay. I had a similar thing happen when I was building my backhoe in the shop. It wasn't with the welder, but I was using my angle grinder with a cut off wheel to cut out the cylinder mounts for my backhoe.

I had the sparks pointed right at my shirt and as I was cutting those pieces out, I smell something hot, didn't really pay any attention, I just thought it was the grinder, next I smell clothes burning. I shut the grinder off and it turns out it was my shirt on fire. I burned a hole right through it.

I didn't have anything else handy so I just spit on it and hit on the shirt to put the fire out.

Once the fire was out, I went back to cutting those pieces out. This time I got it done without catching anything on fire.

Chad

Have managed to do the same with my 4.5" angle grinder.

Forget the spit. As I said earlier keep a Beer Handy. After getting the fire out, its real nice to have a drink. :thumbsup:

 

[crashz]

Had a similar expereince with a cut-off saw and a 1.25" tie back. First week as an intern at a construction company, I was testing the tensile strengt of newly installed & cured tie backs. I had to cut the end off of one to get the jack in place. Fired up a gas powerred cut-off saw and cut about half way through. It was a hot day, but clear, so when the smoke started to billow I pulled the saw away and and looked for the burning. Yep - it was me. Burnt the entire front of my polyester Tee shirt completely away. To the point that it slipped off like a jacket. Had to finish the day with a found safety vest. Amazingly II had no burns at all. But I was up on a hill, on display for the whole site to see. The guys had a few nicknames for me for a month or so.

 

[spanico]

Had my experience while in an evening welding class, I thought no one saw then the instructor stopped by booth and laughed and said you"ll never forget the smell of burning denim.
Did it again while cutting with the plasma, lesson learned!

 

[SHORT KID]

Been there and done that!!!! Good thing my better half sews good to keep my clothes put together. But wearing sneakers while welding like I have done while doing a small job is just one learning experience!!!!!!!! :confused2:

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

That picture is a good reason to wear underwear.

A burn is guaranteed in welding. Get used to it. After a while, you can concentrate and won't flinch or feel anything...much. I've seen guys that got 3rd degree burns never break an arc. Mind over matter. Its not the smell of burning denim I mind. Its the smell of burning flesh.

 

[rankrank1]

....wearing sneakers while welding like I have done while doing a small job is just one learning experience!!!!!!!! :confused2:

It cracks my up to watch the the Youtubers in shorts, short sleeve shirt, no gloves, and flipflops while welding. Even if they are lucky enough to avoid burns (which I doubt) you would at least think that they would know it is not good for their skin anyway.

 

[crazyal]

the real welders finish the rod THEN put the fire out:laughing:

A seasoned (old) welder can do it without saying "ouch" or squirming around as he finishes the weld.

I do have a question. What if you are mig welding? Waiting for a 40lb spool to get used up could be rather painful. I guess that's why I was a weld inspector not a welder.

 

[willfick]

Somebody say "pictures"? Here's a perfectly good pair of well broken in blue jeans headed for a life as cutoffs.
I don't know if you see the file name with these uploads, but I just noticed I labeled this one "liar_liar"
Wm