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 realized I needed one the first time I started working with metal. Even if you are working out-of-doors you will likely be exposed to metal dust and various other things, which probably aren't good to inhale in any amount. I initially tried using the standard dust masks you can buy at the hardware store, but I found that some dust was still getting it. Now I use the 3M half face-piece reusable respirator. While it does not filter as much as some of the more robust gas masks, it's smaller size enables me to wear it under my welding mask or face shield.
Though I've made some stupid mistakes, the important thing is that I've learned from them and I now feel fairly confident in my ability to handle most of my custom metal cutting and welding needs. Thus far, in addition to the rather awkward welding cart, I've now welded together a portable welding table, a portable gas cutting table, three t-post drivers, and three large heavy duty bison gate panels. I've also worked with oxyacetylene welding, heating, and cutting to the point that I can easily use them in remote areas when there is no electricity available.
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 realized I needed one the first time I started working with metal. Even if you are working out-of-doors you will likely be exposed to metal dust and various other things, which probably aren't good to inhale in any amount. I initially tried using the standard dust masks you can buy at the hardware store, but I found that some dust was still getting it. Now I use the 3M half face-piece reusable respirator. While it does not filter as much as some of the more robust gas masks, it's smaller size enables me to wear it under my welding mask or face shield.
Though I've made some stupid mistakes, the important thing is that I've learned from them and I now feel fairly confident in my ability to handle most of my custom metal cutting and welding needs. Thus far, in addition to the rather awkward welding cart, I've now welded together a portable welding table, a portable gas cutting table, three t-post drivers, and three large heavy duty bison gate panels. I've also worked with oxyacetylene welding, heating, and cutting to the point that I can easily use them in remote areas when there is no electricity available.