Steadying a rod while welding ?

[Jeff Lary]

Question: is it safe to steady the rod with gloved hand while stick welding? I sometimes do this and i have been ok so far.... but is it relitively safe to do that?

 

[Transit]

i do not think so, that rod gets hot and it could have a high voltage on it relative to ground. I would not do it.
Two hands on the rod holder would be safer.

 

[oldnslo]

Yes the rod can get hot but the voltage is low which allows for the higher amperage. I have done this with 1/16 diameter rods since I find them very hard to hold steady in my advancing age and weakening eyes.

Is it recommended, no. Like transit said use both hands on the stinger and try to brace your arms against your sides or against something solid to help steady yourself.

Roy

 

[Car Doc]

I do it all the time when stick welding as long as you are using a welding glove it wont burn your fingers or shock you go for it just don't tell your wife you heard it from me!!!

Even when I have to bend a rod to get in a tight spot and have to grab the rod where the flux is broke off no problems.

 

[20 20]

I allmost allways have issues with the rod when it is new and long, once it burns down it is much easier to control. I wouldn't think it is an issues other then heat, just wear a well made glove. Here is a chance for one of those inventive types to come up with a handy welding rod holder Something like a clothes pin with a long handle, of course something that could handle the heat.

 

[Shield Arc]

Jeff I've been doing it for decades when making critical welds / testing.:thumbsup:
Especially when welding small bore pipe!

 

[digger2]

As far as being "safe" goes,probably not.Theres always the risk of shock or burn.I have done it myself,but only to get started in an exact spot,and then i let the rod go.But if thats what it takes,and your not afraid of the risks,i say go for it...........i dont think i'd do it standing in a damp location though.That could be inviting a shock.
digger2

 

[Milton Burro]

I use valumin.

 

[Jeff Lary]

I guess i kind of agree with Shield Arc once i get started i kind of rest it across my hand instead of hold it.
It would be kind of long to type out,( for me anyway )but after a severe shock one time so severe my fillings were so hot my toung could not touch them ,a certified welder in the shop told me amoung other things... never grip tight a new rod when loading the stinger have you ever heard that? ever since i lay the rod loose in my gloved hand and then clamp to it.

 

[Shield Arc]

Jeff it would be impossible for me to tell you how many days I've welded with the rain running down my back, and standing in a puddle. It's not as bad as it sounds. Good rain gear, good rubber boots, and cannery rubber gloves under the leather welding gloves.
Now take note, we never used AC welding machines, always DC!

If the company wouldn't buy the cannery gloves for us, we would stick the rod under our arm pit, then clamp the electrode holder on the rod, less jolting that way.:laughing: