[TowerTalk] Cad Welding tips

[Roger (K8RI) on TT]

I don't know how to say this nice, but will endeavor to do so. My goal 
is to save someone some serious pain, or worse.
When I read about someone getting seriously burned using Cad Welding, I 
often wonder if these people ever learned to use safety procedures.  Cad 
Welding Arc Welding (stick, MIG, TIG, and torch), climbing towers, and 
working on amplifiers. These are all inherently dangerous Some a bit 
more so than others. Accidents do happen, but following the rules can 
help to minimize the number and the results.

Cad welding is one of the less lethal on the list, BUT, use common 
safety rules fer Christ sake! Wear welding gloves, or at least a good 
pare of leather work gloves. Safety glasses are a must.  Use a 
comfortable and STABLE working position! IOW, one where you aren't going 
to fall into the HOT stuff. This "stuff" will burn through concrete. 
REMEMBER THAT! USE an ignition powder, rather than some home made, or 
substitute method of ignition, unless you are thoroughly experienced and 
skilled in its use.  Don't use Cad Welding, or any welding near 
flammable materials or fumes.

Mess up a one shot and lose the igniter powder or mix it in with the 
regular powder.  The safe answer, starts with a question. Is the cost of 
that one shot worth a trip to the ER? Not to discount the discomfort and 
inconvenience caused by a serious burn.  Do not look directly at the 
flame from a working CadWeld reaction, or you will be seeing spots for 
some time!

Sure, there are safe ways to ignite it, but for the inexperienced, Don't 
be cheap,  just pitch it and I do not mean, throw it in the trash.

Throw brain into gear before starting. Use the same precautions you'd 
use with ant arc, molten metal, and extremely bright light.

One last note. Don't wear synthetic materials that melt! Imagine pouring 
melted plastic in your lap and then trying to remove it as it sticks to 
"anything" that comes in contact with it.

There isn't a process that someone out there that someone won't do a 
serious job of screwing up, sometimes with serious consequences. Don't 
be the one who does it!

73

Roger (K8RI)

On 10/31/2016 8:12 PM, Bob K6UJ wrote:
> I will be connecting no. 6 copper wire to 8 foot ground rods and plan to bury the
> connections.  I did my homework reading Tower Talk archives and have concluded
> that I will cad weld the connections.  I am a newbie at Cad Welding any advice,  and where is the best place to get cad welding supplies ?
>
>
> Bob
> K6UJ
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-- 

73

Roger (K8RI)