question for welders

Alan Roehrich · 10-05-2014, 09:52 AM

Health and age can be a problem, not sure how it applies to you.

I know at 51, some days I feel and see better than others. I don't see real changes in my performance at work, other than needing my reading glasses more. But I can see where I could.

If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or other problems, it can make a big difference. So can your over all mental and physical state.

Welding requires fine motor skills, excellent hand to eye coordination, and clear thinking. Anything that has even a small effect on any of those can have a big effect on welding.

Dragsinger · 10-05-2014, 10:06 AM

Alan, you may be very close to the root cause. I am 67 and overweight. In addition, my eyesight is a challenge. I have a set of special "up close" glasses I use when welding.

Not being able to clearly see the work may be my biggest issue. I will experiment with better lighting.

Dragsinger · 10-05-2014, 10:08 AM

my original comment was, "what is changing between a good day welding to a day of poor performance"

I think the machines are not changing.

SSGT Mustang · 10-05-2014, 11:09 AM

Gas flow and draft at the shop, mig tips (condition), wire quality and speed, clean filler rod, tungsten diameter and grind...........clean metal, helmet darkness and distance of torch from work.

I know that most of that is obvious, but I've been welding more these days also, and have come to realize that it all matters........especially the last three.

My eye's aren't what they used to be, and I now need reading glasses. I've had to adjust back the darkness on my helmet which scares the hell out me. I've also had to pay special attention to torch distance while keeping the puddle moving at the right speed.

If my welding is poor on any given day, I stop, check everything, re-clean, change amperage and try again on scrap until I get it right.

Keep going, and keep up the good work. Cool build.

Harry 6674 · 10-05-2014, 01:14 PM

I had the same type of problems and it turned out to be the power coming to the property. At times I found the voltage down to 190volts. It cost me a tv. The PUD ran about 1/2 mile of new wires and poles and put the transformer across the street from me and bought me a new tv. Problems fixed.

10-05-2014, 09:52 AM	#1
Alan Roehrich Veteran Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Murfreesboro TN Posts: 5,118 Likes: 1,573 Liked 1,837 Times in 417 Posts	Re: question for welders Health and age can be a problem, not sure how it applies to you. I know at 51, some days I feel and see better than others. I don't see real changes in my performance at work, other than needing my reading glasses more. But I can see where I could. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or other problems, it can make a big difference. So can your over all mental and physical state. Welding requires fine motor skills, excellent hand to eye coordination, and clear thinking. Anything that has even a small effect on any of those can have a big effect on welding. __________________ Alan Roehrich 212A G/S

10-05-2014, 10:06 AM	#2
Dragsinger VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Liberty City [East Texas] Posts: 1,760 Likes: 5 Liked 99 Times in 60 Posts	Re: question for welders Alan, you may be very close to the root cause. I am 67 and overweight. In addition, my eyesight is a challenge. I have a set of special "up close" glasses I use when welding. Not being able to clearly see the work may be my biggest issue. I will experiment with better lighting. __________________ Larry Woodfin 471W

10-05-2014, 10:08 AM	#3
Dragsinger VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Liberty City [East Texas] Posts: 1,760 Likes: 5 Liked 99 Times in 60 Posts	Re: question for welders my original comment was, "what is changing between a good day welding to a day of poor performance" I think the machines are not changing. __________________ Larry Woodfin 471W

10-05-2014, 11:09 AM	#4
SSGT Mustang Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Jersey Posts: 359 Likes: 35 Liked 204 Times in 54 Posts	Re: question for welders Gas flow and draft at the shop, mig tips (condition), wire quality and speed, clean filler rod, tungsten diameter and grind...........clean metal, helmet darkness and distance of torch from work. I know that most of that is obvious, but I've been welding more these days also, and have come to realize that it all matters........especially the last three. My eye's aren't what they used to be, and I now need reading glasses. I've had to adjust back the darkness on my helmet which scares the hell out me. I've also had to pay special attention to torch distance while keeping the puddle moving at the right speed. If my welding is poor on any given day, I stop, check everything, re-clean, change amperage and try again on scrap until I get it right. Keep going, and keep up the good work. Cool build.

10-05-2014, 01:14 PM	#5
Harry 6674 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 589 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: question for welders I had the same type of problems and it turned out to be the power coming to the property. At times I found the voltage down to 190volts. It cost me a tv. The PUD ran about 1/2 mile of new wires and poles and put the transformer across the street from me and bought me a new tv. Problems fixed.

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