Lessons Learned from Working with Metal
I've learned a few things about working with metal the hard way: 1) If you are using a MIG welder, make sure you have the polarity set correctly. Having the wrong polarity really messes up the weld. I welded together much of my welding cart this way before I realized I had the wrong setting. 2) Whenever I am using a bench-top grinder, an angle grinder, or a chop saw (basically anything that cuts off tiny slivers of metal), I now always wear a full face shield. Initially I had been wearing protective glasses, but they did not provide enough protection and I eventually had to spend several hours (mostly waiting around) at the emergency room getting a tiny sliver of steel pulled out of my eye. I now used a clear full face shield I purchased online for less than $20 and it is awesome. I no longer have to worry about metal hitting my face, or my goggles slipping down. The view is also a lot clearer. 3) Before doing any cutting, grinding, or welding, I now wear a respirator. I