I started to read how to weld on Galvanized steel, and quickly found how dangerous it is. But I was watching some videos on U-Tube where zinc plated nuts are being welded to sheet-metal. Is it safe to weld a few nuts to some sheet-metal or steel stock ? Or should you just not heat up zinc at all ?
Thanks
A couple of nuts is not a big deal but be sure you have good ventilation. If possible, do it outside. A fan helps, of course.
Why are you using zinc plated nuts? If it's the sheet metal that's galvanized hitting the weld area with a grinder would be a good idea.
Weld outside on a breezy day and stay on the upwind side.
It really isn't that dangerous. You won't drop dead if you accidentally inhale a little of the fumes. We used to weld couplers to 8" galvanized pipe. That would be about a 24" bead. Use 6011 rod, turn the heat up a bit compared to non galvanized, and stay upwind. Open doors and windows if you have to do it inside.
Wear a respirator, if you can still find one.
Just pop the nuts in acid for a minute or so to strip off the zinc.
Doesn't take much to make some people REALLY SICK. Definitely ventilate well and stay upwind
On Sun, 23 Aug 2020 23:41:20 -0400, Ed Pawlowski posted for all of us to digest...
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