Cables

I rarely weld at a bench where I don't need to move the welder.

I do weld on cars, where I'd like to have more options for where I can place the welder and not just where I can attach the earth lead.

When I next make battery cables, I'll buy extra and lengthen the lead. Although I've meant to do that for some time...

Do you hand out welding glasses to passer's by?

You're on thin ice there. I once did an outside welding job on the railway and a chap stood well away for a short time got arc eye. Thankfully he recovered, and wasn't the kind to run to his solicitor.

Another time they were making a film about the railway and insisted on filming me welding. I made sure that I had witnesses of me telling them it wasn't a good idea to point the camera directly at the arc.

Edited By duncan webster on 16/05/2023 00:18:45

Exposure to the UV emitted during arc welding tends ro encourage cataracts..

The only good thing to be said is the improvement when they are removed and a new lens inserted!

Howard

I suspect welding something like a car in the street would be highly illegal without permission from the council and adequate insurance?

This is one of the few streets around here where you don't need a parking permit. If they can make you pay to try and park somewhere near your own house, they're hardly likely to give you permission to work on a car. After all, there are garages for that.

I've been welding stuff here for nearly 35 years, and still need to finish the job I started last week:

We won't mention painting the side of another car immediately after ringing for the last royal wedding

Back to cables: I've often considered cutting the leads off all my grinders etc, adding a kettle plug, and using just one power lead for everything. Like Festool supply, but without the need to provide a third kidney. That ought to reduce the rats nest that quickly builds up, both in use and when put away.

Isn't it illegal to do major car repairs on a public street? And welding without screens?? I bet your neighbours love you !

Kettle plug, (IEC), idea is good. I would like to rewire all my power tools with super flexible cable, but I have only seen it available on 100m drums, costing an arm and a leg.

Regarding power tool leads, I would change all mine for super flexible cable, but can only find the stuff on 100m drums, costing a small fortune.

Some years ago, I was stopped at a traffic light and a city contractor (I guess) started up an arc welder on the side-walk about 2 feet from my car. I wasn't just concerned for my eyes - I have a pacemaker and that is way too close for a welding arc.

I managed to safely take off against the red light hoping there would be a cop around to nab me so that I could make an issue of it. Never one around when you want one.

The best flexible cable I have found is that sold for caravan lead-in use. It is fitted with 15A plug and socket ( Australia ) and is a nice visible orange colour. It is often quite cheap at hardware stores ( not camping stores as they often charge a premium ) and in various lengths.

Other leads may also be suitable. It's a matter of seeing what is on offer and selecting the best.

For light duty I have also used ( recycled ) vacuum cleaner cable which is also very flexible in most cases.

As the plug and socket on extension leads are often 'welded on' some sacrifice may be inevitable, unless you use 15A plugs and sockets ( not sure if 10 and 15 are the same in the UK ).

I usually start at the socket end which if not needed is discarded. Fit the cut end to the tool and a new plug at the desired length. Repeat until you get to the other end. A 15 to 25 m cable will do a number of tools and is reasonably economical.

Pero