I apologize for the newbiness of these questions. I'm sure that they seem ridiculous to the old-timers but the only exp. I've had is an old arc-welder back when I was in 7th grade about 12 years ago. Anyway, the thought of learning to weld has been in the back of my mind for a while now. It started as a little tickle and now it's taking up a lot of my thinking time. My question is regarding the danger of it. How close do people allow yourself to get to the gas tank/fuel lines when you're welding? Or do you drain the tank/remove it and blow out the lines everytime you weld? Is it ok to weld say the passenger wheel well with the tank still in? Again I apologize, but I'm curious to know what you all do. Thanks for your time.
Welding questions
- Thread starter laguna80
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yes you can weld close to the tank, do not drain it. fill it up, less fumes.
you should be fine
you should be fine
73fj
Tho at sumbitch in ayer!
Use some common sense and be careful, you'll be fine....maybe keep the extinguisher handy too.
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If you're that worried you can remove the bottom drain plug and completely remove the tank but at the wheel well so long as you're not smelling fumes inside the cab I say juust have at it and ground it as close to the weld as possible
The guy that does my welding lays damp towels over the gas tanks of our commercial mowers when he does repairs. Not a bad idea for anybody, as sparks can fly anywhere.
Just make sure you have no raw gas or oil (leaks, spills, etc.) anywhere close to your vehicle/welding area and you will be O.K.
I might also add that welding or grinding close to a battery, especially one that is being charged, is something to be careful about. (experience is a great teacher!)
I might also add that welding or grinding close to a battery, especially one that is being charged, is something to be careful about. (experience is a great teacher!)
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so long as your not actually welding ON the gas tank if you cover it with damp towels or a welding blanket you should be pretty safe, just use common sense when welding in the same area as gas...and a fire extinguisher is always a good idea as well
Program 911 speedial into your phone. 
KY854RUN
SILVER Star
Everyone has given great suggestions. The main point is to be aware of your surroundings when welding so that you know where the sparks are going to go.
Here is another one for being safe around fuel. The old (and new) drop light that use the regular incandescent bulbs can be a very big hazard around fuel. If even a drop of fuel falls on the bulb, it can cause the bulb to brake and ignite the fuel. This actually happened and burned down this guys garage back in Oklahoma. The drop light was on the floor, he disconnected a fuel line on the engine and it went up in flames.
Also, make sure that the fuel cans for your lawn equipment are stored somewhere far away from your welding, like another building.
Here is another one for being safe around fuel. The old (and new) drop light that use the regular incandescent bulbs can be a very big hazard around fuel. If even a drop of fuel falls on the bulb, it can cause the bulb to brake and ignite the fuel. This actually happened and burned down this guys garage back in Oklahoma. The drop light was on the floor, he disconnected a fuel line on the engine and it went up in flames.
Also, make sure that the fuel cans for your lawn equipment are stored somewhere far away from your welding, like another building.
1973Guppie
Supporting Vendor
if you don't have another building, get a metal cabinet for all your flammables and keep them in there, locked. This is what I do so I know where all the flammable liquids are at all times, I also make a habit of always putting them back in the cabinet after use so they are not laying around the shop.
also, protect your skin, welding will give you some serious sun burns, ask me how I know
Noah
also, protect your skin, welding will give you some serious sun burns, ask me how I know
Noah
KY854RUN
SILVER Star
pratice first then be carefuldont want nasa to pic you off the moon
Nitriod,
Sometimes, it's the practice that kills you because you forget the safety measures because after all you're only practicing!
You can actually weld a gas tank that has gas in it.. you run a hose from your exhaust pipe, into the gas tank, then start the motor and let it idle, loosely stuff a couple of rags around the hose going into the exhaust to help seal it up between the exhaust pipe and hose, thus causing more exhaust though the hose into the tank, when you have a good flow coming out of the fuel tank, you can weld away, no oxygen, no fire, no boom, you want to make sure you keep the exhaust going for a minute or 2 after you are done.. was taught that from S.Sgt. Terry Buchannon over at the motor pool on the Rock..
Buchannon I know your lurking out there somewhere!
Buchannon I know your lurking out there somewhere!
just don't weld next to a trash can that has empty spray cans and brake cleaner cans.
it sounds cool when they ignite, but you still have a fire to put out
please don't ask
it sounds cool when they ignite, but you still have a fire to put out
please don't ask
Im sorry, but that's
stupid. DO NOT TRY THIS. If you want to that's fine, and I will refrain from your funeral. (No offense to you personally though).
I know of someone who did that and is now missing half his face due to his hood being blown apart...Im also suprised that nobody's mentioned the #1 rule when welding near flamables...
ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS place your ground as close to where you are welding and AWAY from the gas tank/flammables. This way the current is going the shortest distance possible and is going in the opposite direction of potential hazard. Work towards the ground.
I dont know about you, but I learned how to weld from a 35 year union pipefitter who worked on boilers, clean rooms, underwater oil rig systems, NASA, etc. He'd kill me for thinking about welding on a full tank of energy. One moment of lapsed judgement is all it takes and welding takes too much of my judgement!
You can also inquire over at the WeldingWeb forums if you'd like.
I have an old Hobart migman and use their weldtalk forums. PLEASE DO NOT USE THE CRAZY IDEA ABOVE with the exhaust thing. as a fireman, that is asking for getting you and yours hurt. I hope was joking when he recommended that. The fumes from any explosive will kill you, I have actually put out a match with gasoline. http://www.hobartwelders.com/ if you do need a trail repair for your gastank, carry a bar of ivory(or something) soap, rub the bar on the leak and it is a good quick fix for fuel leaks.
KA BOOM !!!
Actually a welding forum might be a good idea. I have a welder who does work for me, but doing it myself would sure be handy. My daughter, an artist, has also expressed interest. Might save someone's butt as well.
Actually a welding forum might be a good idea. I have a welder who does work for me, but doing it myself would sure be handy. My daughter, an artist, has also expressed interest. Might save someone's butt as well.
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