It is imperative to wear a good respirator because the welding fumes are detrimental to your health. Barbed wire, if galvanized, will release Zinc in a gaseous form and this is deadly.

Protective Equipment

The use of various protective equipment and leather coverings for protection against the sparks when welding is also very important. Sometimes I will think, " I only have a couple of minutes of welding so I will not go to the trouble of putting on all the gear". That is when I will inevitably get burned.

To the right is a caricature of me created by my older son, Trevor Hart, in all my gear.  This shows my leather sleeves, chaps, apron and the helmet for MIG welding. Ear protection for the noise when using a grinder or other loud tools.

Be sure to use all the items needed for safety. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding tool safety. Please be safe so you can enjoy your creating.

Picture 2.2:Caricature by Trevor Hart
www.ashlar-online.com