My job has decided they need to send me to Seattle to do some welding work. I have done lots of residential type installation jobs before but that was when I could haul a trailer behind me with basically the whole shop with me and if I needed anything, I would be back the next day--never more than an hour or two away from the home shop. I need some input on those things that you wouldnt be caught dead with if you had a limited space to bring tools to a job site. To add to the fun--it is on a dock, everything needs to be hauled in (its a long dock), there is no easy access power supply, and the job is 15 feet above water--ocean views! AND I am from Texas where we are a little weather sensitive--chances are I will have to deal with some wet weather and after reading about Sourdoughs shocking experience I am a little wary. How do you northern folk weld with ocean spray and rain? Definitely appreciate input.
rebekah , some others are closer to seattle they may chime in . take your hood, gloves,lenses. most safety gear should be available out there (life vest , safety harness etc. and all consumeables ) be aware of whats in your work area . i always like to take my own rig with full drag up tank . good luck .willie
I was thinking of taking my wet riding gear--like the yellow rain suit that people wear some times except black with reflectors. I dont know if it would be overkill but I guess if it was pouring rain and I was the only dry one on the dock... I think I remember something about rubber gloves under the leather for welding. I just found out that there will be a local welder there that will be providing all the gear which is great because something is always forgotten. Thanks
Square, torpedo level, torch, leads, 2 grinders, hammer, wraparound, plumb-bob, stringline, a pocket full of soapstone, a bucket, handfull of rods, harness, and a damn good sense of judgement is all you need most times.
I almost named my company "Precision Guesswork", but the bodyshop down the street already had that one.......JERKS!
Well sorry i guess the world stops if its raining no aluminum for you today........Sorry for the sarcastic response but ....
ITs not really a/c being dangerous as the high frequency used so often with it for arc stabilazation......The higher the frequency of the cycles the more likely it is to find a a conductive path. You are right that the shock hazards tend to be higher with a/c but they are not unmanigable. Biggest thing you can do is stay DRY!!!!!! Water is a great conductor and it basically destroys the insulation factor of all welding gear. Underwater welders even wearing a dry suit made of rubber face intense shock hazards because of the water....
Basically if you keep your stinger/torch/gun hand...dry and the rest of your body insulated...good water proof boots....you will make thru..
you might get a bite hear and there but you can get the work done and live to tell about it.... JUST use your head and refuse to strike an arc in condiditions you know are unsafe.
If you'll be on the waterfront in Seattle, you're likely near Pike Place Market. Lots of good restaurants there (see if the Pink Door Restaurant is still there). But you will be on Puget Sound, some four hours from the ocean. Although you might be working over Lake Union? I know one of our offices is designing some waterfront parks there. Or Lake Washington? Where the new floating bridge sank?
The best oysters you will ever find are in that region too....
A side trip on a visit to Boieng in Everett took us to the Bay/Coast where the water was so clear you could see those crabs doing their thing from the pier in about 25 foot depth. There are different varieties of oysters in each of the channels, some big, some small, many bars will serve a sample platter with a few of each... A little horseradish and lemon...... they slide right down!
Just make sure you are done and rolled up befor 4:PM. Thats when the rain starts and you pretty much set your watch by it.
Maybe check out the Puget Sound Section forum and post a hello there.
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