There have been a couple of posts of the need ofprotecting oneself when welding. (tig welding aluminum thread)Started a new thread to maybe include this very important topic.What's the point of making an airplane if you don't get to use it!If you don't have enough fresh air or the imediate area is toxic from the byproduct of welding. Or if you feel distessed by the toxic fumes from welding. You may need to use a possitive air respirator type face shield. 3M has many types of filter cartridges for toxic gases.The 3M link showsthe types of darkening visor and respirators.http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Health/Safety/Products/Catalog/?PC_7_RJH9U5230GE3E02LES9MG812H2000000_nid=46G84TLKHPbeF3RH7CD92NglCarlyle said:Years ago I had a neighbor bring me a Honda motor with a cracked crank case to weld up. He had cleaned it up very spotless but unfortunatly he did it with Brakekleen. It litteraly knocked me to my knees. I coughed for hours. It took me a few weeks to get feeling better. I use brakekleen in the shop but never near the welding table. Any residue on the table will stay there for weeks and if you weld on that table you will smell it instantly. It's a odor you will never forget. The catch all 4043 aluminum rod also creates phosgene gas. For those of use that have used 4043 it welds very nice and works well for a wide variety of aluminum so if we are not sure what grade of aluminum we have its a good option. I was told in college " don't use it".
Edited by: taff