Get a respirator that is specifically designed for welding metal. A standard dust mask or dust respirator will not work. Some welders recommend drinking a glass of milk or taking a calcium supplement before welding galvanized steel. The calcium can help counteract the zinc fumes you may accidentally ingest.
Weld outside if you can. If you can’t, open up as many windows as you can. If you can’t open windows, find some other way to ventilate the room. You cannot weld galvanized steel in a closed room. A fume extractor is a kind of heavy-duty vacuum that sucks up fumes as they’re emitted. You may be able to rent one from a building supplies store or contractor if you don’t have one.
Ground the object itself if you’re working outside. You shouldn’t be touching the object that you’re welding to begin with, but even if you do, the odds that you get electrocuted are very low. This is just another safety precaution that you need to take to stay safe while you work.
If you want to strip smaller materials, like galvanized bolts or strips, you can soak them overnight in a cup of vinegar. [5] X Research source While welding galvanized steel releases the toxic fumes in the metal, grinding or sanding it won’t.
If you have to lay your pieces out on the floor, make sure that you’re welding on a non-combustible surface, like concrete.
Welding clamps are often referred to as C-clamps. If you’re using clamps that aren’t marketed as welding clamps, you can probably get away with using any metal clamp. You can’t use plastic clamps to hold 2 objects together for welding.
If you can, work outside when using an arc welder. There is occasionally splatter from the spread of the arc. If you are new to welding and only have room for one welder in your workshop, opt for an arc welder. It’s the easiest welder to use, and is what most people think about when they picture welding.
There will be sparks coming out once you start welding. Don’t jump back to avoid them—do your best to keep the welding rod in place. You’ll be fine if you’re wearing the proper safety materials.
Wait for at least 15 minutes to let the welding flux settle before trying to test the bond or sand it down.
You cannot weld a split or tear shut if the gap in the center is bigger than 1 in (2. 5 cm). The welding material just simply won’t stay closed over time. Wait 15-20 minutes to let the welding flux settle to be on the safe side. You can grind excess flux off and paint the area if you want.
