This should be a mandatory video for all helpers. I worked with a welder who had holes in his pants. He ended up with a wire in his ball sack. Also, the nice thing about guards on wire wheels, is that it binds up faster if you get it in your shirt. I know from experience.
Hey Chris don’t let those lil’ buddies get under your skin with their boneheaded comments. You’ve got nothing to prove to anyone. Honest folks watching your videos are very glad you take the time to share your knowledge. 👍🇺🇸
I'm not a "pro-welder" but I do a lot of welding and I've had a cutting disk shatter on me with pieces hitting me in the face... No Joy !! I was lucky/blessed and didn't get seriously hurt and I would never use a cutting disk without a guard again. Once bitten... twice shy as they say. Also eye protection is a must for me using ANY power cutting/grinding or drilling tool as I've already done the 3 day eye patch deal when I had a piece of tile get me in the right eye 40 years ago. Crazy pain... I'll never forget. It's right up the with taking a 9mil full metal jacket in the back by a So Cal Freeway Shootin' Nutcase during the Rodney King riots. All that said... I watched a video where a guy said his Dad had a cutting disk blow up on him and a piece hit him in the chest and didn't stop until it came a mil or two from his spine. So yeah... grinders can definitely ruin your day. There's another maker that lost a friend from a grinder that got caught in his shirt (like you were talkin' bout) and it climbed all the way up and took out his juggler vein in his neck. He lost his life on the spot. Thus, angle grinders are serious tools that must be respected because they can do you in... it's No Game. Thanks for makin' this video... hopefully folks will take heed and live longer healthy lives. It needed to be said.... and Your Efforts are Appreciated. Thumbs Up !!
When I was a teenager I tried to groove a super swamper bias ply mud tire with a 5"grinding disk. Not even half way through it exploded. Luckily it went flying by my face.
Shop fitter/welder here, veteran saw guy, won't catch me dead without my guard, glasses, face shield, gauntlet gloves and burn coat. Seen too much blood and guts. Not one who can do it all, yet... but I'm getting there. Good vid.
As a local 597 pipefitter/welder who works in the steel mills and refineries that line the Lake Michigan border I can say this man is so correct. I’ve gone to urgent care twice and the emergency room once cause of some stuff getting in my eye. Two of the times I had safety glasses on with a face shield. Third time my fitter fucked me an I had to grind a bit a got shit in my eye but the weld shot so screw it but now I have a permanent blur at the center of my right eye. Do not neglect your eyes and wear your PPE
I've done lots of maintenance and repair welding as a Heavy equipment mechanic but not pipeline of boiler maker qualified. I have had a few incidents of unguarded exploding disks. In a previous video about wearing a proper welding hat I once experienced the hot slag in the ear that burned and damaged my eardrum. That was pain that I never want to experience again. I'm retired now but enjoy watching videos like yours of people working in the trades.
You hit the nail on the head brother! I weld everything and have cordless grinders for my Aluminum welding that I run Carbide toothed blades on. That's the one instance that No matter the circumstances the guard NEVER comes off! You make a mistake with carbide toothed blade and your missing fingers within seconds.
Those carbide discs scare tf outta me! Abrasive discs hurt too but you get a cauterized cut from nicking those. Losing a finger to a grinder is terrifying period!
I have had a lot of luck not using a guard on a grinder over the years, but eventually my luck ran out. Lost a nice chunk off the side of the tip of my pointer finger. Grinders are no joke, luckilly my accident was no worse than it was.
As a woodworker for over 35 years, and now also a welder with an arsenal of angle grinders I own and use, I have learned to do these things….I always have on safety glasses, and a clear face shield any time I use an angle grinder…period! I used to be a meat cutter a number of years ago, and used saws, knives and such, and as a woodworker, use saws [bandsaws, table saws, routers, hand saws, you name it…I have all 10 fingers and both eyes, because safety is paramount. Thank you for the safety video, because an angle grinder cause more injuries than many other tool, as it can easily get away from those who do not concentrate on the task at hand, and who fail to use proper PPE.
The best thing to do is try and never to plunge a cutting disc. And then with glasses, to always point your peepers with your face at your death wheel, a lot of weed wacking teaches you the same thing. Always love the shared knowledge of a seasoned pro like yourself!
Had similar incident but with that blasted wire wheel. It threw fine wires that bounced off the riser behind me hitting the inside of my hood then up under my glasses. Got my attention. Definitely the most dangerous tool in my bucket. Great energy and sincerity Chris.
We had a old saying at Westpoint Stevens Clemson plant. (Common since which aint too common). Randall and Myself always wanted to go home just like we came to work. Side grinder cane from the Cotton mill, Always called a side grinder.
“Life is hard, harder when your stupid”. LOL, and so true. One of my most dangerous tools is the angle grinder. Good safety advice. I use safety glasses and a face shield, and never align the wheel with my face. Never ever get in a pressured hurry and take shortcuts.
I think one of the most important things to keep in mind when you’re cutting metal and you have your cut gloves on and the temps are 100+ degrees, Donnie your face with your gloves on! Even if you can’t see the metal shavings, they’re embedded in your gloves. Probably a good idea to keep a clean rag near to wipe off the sweat. Even if it doesn’t get in your eyes, it can cause problems with your skin!
Been welding for 40+ years and trust me I’ve spent a lot of time in the chair getting metal dug out or drilled out! A lot of it came from simply wiping sweat with grinding dust and burrs on my hands and sleeves!
The doctor used something like a tiny Dremel tool to drill/grind the piece of metal out of my left eye 👁️. I was grinding with eye protection. Piece of metal ricocheted off the wall and hit me behind the glasses. Felt stupid and in pain. Gotta protect what we’ve got. Great video 👍👍👍
I know a lot of guys that have had accidents with grinders. Thanks for reminding us how dangerous they are. I know a guy that lost use of his arm when a cut off blew up and cut a nerve in his shoulder. He never regained use of arm. Also a guy that lost fingers. I’ve got a few scars but still have all my pieces parts
Exactly why you never lay your hood down face side up, someone grinder shoots dust and shards in your hood then you get eyes full when you flip it down...lesson learned 20+ years ago. Generally rookie dumb sorts itself out pretty quickly. Absolutely love all your content! Thank you for taking the time to share it.
Hello Chris Those of us that are welders and i have welding and fabbin for 40 plus years know exactly what you are saying like when you call it a side grinder -- because real welders are all on the same page So i wouldn’t worry about those beginners So keep up the great videos. Us old timets love them❤
Mule D__k! What do I win! Great advice Chris. You’re 100% correct, again. A wire wheel or cup brush is, hands down, the most dangerous thing we, as weldors use and zip wheels are a close second. I always say, “ If you want to render a perfectly good tool absolutely useless, put a guard on a grinder”. That said, I believe in gloves, long sleeves and a full face shield, every time. Keep up the great work.
Great info! I do agree eyewear and face shield, second best safety feature! The first is your brain! I consider the angle grinder the most dangerous tool in my shop! But it is used the most!
15:43 same goes for when you're doing a lot of overhead welding, everything falls on your head. Weld spatter (cold) doesn't hurt nearly as bad as a grinder in your eye but why deal with it. I just brush my eyelashes once or twice with a sleeve or something after a bunch of overhead.
Best video on safety,Saying it like it really is no candy coating saving peoples vision is real folks that discharge from a grinder is seeking out that set of eyes you have,wear glasses and a shield........................................................................................Fort Worth,Tx
I ran a 12-in wheel on my side angle grinder here a while back for the reach and Man that thing grenaded on me and stuck in the fir siding on the house embedded itself about 3" needless to say That it's a good thing that I'm always on guard anticipating that kind of situation my head was well out of the path of that rogue Wheel
The 9" tip is amazing. Never thought of that. When you get time maybe make a video of what your fitness routine looks like. Love the videos. I farm, so i weld for that, but my son in law and his dad are sure enough welders. We alll love this channel.
I agree 100% with everything you said. I’m not a safety man but OSHA says if it comes with a guard you use it with a guard. If it comes with a handle you must use it with the handle.
Great video I’m just a country welder. I don’t weld a lot but after watching this I’m not watching what I’m doing with a grinder at all. Thank you I need to watch this video every once in awhile. Thank you
Even with safety glasses on, I’ve gotten a piece of hot slag in my right eye doing vertical welding in a welding shop/school when I was 15, and I never went back and finished school for it. I had a patch on my eye for 2 weeks and had to put these eye drops in every day. Definitely a bad experience, but ignorance was probably my biggest problem! You just need to be smart about whatever you’re doing! Glad you’re educating on safety!
OH My Dod Chriss the face shield look up and dust goes in yer eyes thing!!!! more times than i want to remember one time i had to go get the debris removed by a doctor....it sucked ass... I have experienced all of the scenarios in my 30+ yrs of welding...you are right on with all of this!
That's crazy you lasted 3 days. I had a hot spark bounce in my eye and I couldn't sleep or do anything for a day, had to go to ER, and they spotted the chuck of metal right away, thankfully. Always be mindful of where you're shooting sparks.
Thanks for taking time to produce this important primer on safety! A unique property of eyes when you abuse them by getting a foreign object behind a lid is that they will increase production of tears with lipids (fats) to lubricate. The fats will form strands, which have an affinity to engulf (lasso) the foreign object to decrease the aggravation. It is this strand that, eventually, drifts to the front of the eye, and we notice that our vision is cloudy. Then, we rub the eye, and voila, the strand comes out, along with the lassoed object. After 30 years of practice, as an optometrist, I have a few stories of guys whose glasses saved their eyes. One fellow melted away the outer layer of his cornea when he used a cutting torch with no eye protection, and got hit with hot slag. He told me he just had a small cut to make, so didn't bother with protection.
Good advice, I just retired a couple years ago. I have a grinder I’m going to put the guard back on.I’ll say thanks now because when I leave this page I don’t know how to get back.
I heard another youtuber welder say that someone he knew went deaf in one ear after sparks from a cutting torch went into his ear. He said to use ear plugs to prevent that. I'm just a amateur diy welder but I've had spark go in my ear before. After hearing about someone going deaf I've been taking that man's advice and using earplugs
Hey Taylor, I’ve been welding since I was practically knee high but been running a business doing it for about 4.5 years now and recently started pipeline welding, starting to get the hang of capping, could you make a video on or just explain the process of working your way up to beads ?
Love the videos brother. I can relate to all those situations lol. My close call was mag drilling 200’ in the air on a grain elevator structure on a windy day. Wearing all the proper gear, taking all the necessary precautions, and somehow a sliver of the shavings got around my safety glasses and stuck into my eye ball. I finished drilling the hole went in the bathroom with the cheap first aid tweezers, a q-tip, and neosporin. Took some digging, and swabbing with the ointment to get out, but I avoided a bad situation thankfully and still have both my eyes. Keep up the good work.
Man that's wild, glad you kept the eye. I had a simple cornea infection one time that eroded away a tiny spot, and that was some insane discomfort with copious watering. Can't even imagine the sensation from a chunk of grinding disk!
As a rank amateur, I'm here to learn. Loved seeing you work that thin handrail the other day. The struggles are real, but to see something repaired with strength is an awesome for me in the maintenance and operation field. Often times we can't choose our materials, and they're not in new condition. Things are worn, frozen, rusted and hard to get to. That's where seeing one of your tricks can save us a ton of time. We are so grateful for what you're doing!
Appreciate your videos much. Wish I had been able to see these welding videos 40 years ago when I started my apprenticeship. I'm not from the US so it's interesting hearing the different terms you use here, plus welding is a only part of my trade so I'm no expert, but have worked with some fantastic welders, and picked up a few tricks over several thousand hours welding; Most from working with those great welders, from the more awkward welding situations, and from mistakes!!:-) I've always tried to have a healthy respect for grinders and wire wheels, but don't mind being reminded at all!!,.........One thing I wanted to mention is what our teacher at tech showed us by magnifying the metal grindings from any bench grinder, angle grinder and the like. They are usually so small that no one notices, but blow them up maybe 50 times or more, and they are one heck of a scary thing to imagine getting in your eye...Covered in sharp jagged barbs. If you wanted to add a bit more weight to your great safety video, concerning the smaller nastys that can get in one's eye, see if you can get a close up photo of this grinding "swarf". Sorry I'm not set up to do so. Maybe someone with a newer phone with good macro can? The little round balls are the melted bonding in the grinding disc/wheel I believe, then the pieces of used abrasive spread amongst....But like I say the metal is the scary bit, similar to a really nasty twist drill swarf in miniature! ("Swarf" we saw was from a bench grinder, but assume angle grinders produce similar) Sure caught my attention!
Great tips!! I work in a print shop and we have lots of dangerous equipment. Every accident we have had, was caused by inattention, carelessness, or disregarding basic safety and common sense!!
My brother, a good welder, logger, is just wide open all the time. Make it fit, get a bigger hammer guy. He put a 6" cut-off disk on a 4" angle grinder, and commenced to grinding with it. It exploded, went deep into his leg. Many stitches at ER. Cut-off wheels are NOT for grinding.
Ty for the tip for a left handers. I'm 50 and since I been practicing to weld struggle more than ever being a lefty. So I finally became so frustrated at myself and decided to use my handicap as an advantage and discipline myself to be ambidextrous
Been a steamfitter 12 years and have never used a zip cut without a faceshield. Guard usually cut down a bit to maybe 90degree but take off when you have too.
Just saying , if u did a video telling ways n tips to keep ur shop tidy. I would totally watch it. I seen ur grinder bucket i am a fan of it. My shop is always super fucked. Any tips will be appreciated
Every word here is worth a pound of gold. There are tons of mommy's boys who whine about teaching of safety but there is no substitute for your eyes. None. Worth a subscription here for me.
Had piece of hot mild shoot between nose/nosepiece of safety glasses & sear into cornea. Woke (well, didn't really sleep) next morning with growing rust ring around fragment. Only pain worse that I've experienced has been shingles. Have worn glasses AND face shield ever since.
I have been welding for 43 years, use a guard on your grinder even if you use a wire wheel, and yes you can weld with, monocular vision /one eye. READ, I lost vision in my right eye 5 years ago and I try to rely on muscle memory. But it did effect my ability to scratch start an arc I had to learn it all over again. Your ability to judge distance with monocular vision will effect the difference between scratch starting and sticking rods. So I used two hands one holding the rod near the end with two fingers while scratch starting the arc. You can adapt, it's easy to do. Then you will learn to let go of the rod and start welding with one hand. Eventually scratch starting with one hand. This will work even if you never welded before monocular vision. This is the same for mig and tig. My love for welding Concord this problem. Anyone could do this if you take the time to learn.
Great video. I have an old Sellstrom face shield that an old hand gave me in the early 90's and still use it. I agree that it is not the first line of defense for eye safety but it sure is a comfort when something goes wrong, like a cutoff wheel (death wheel) disintegrates on you. The only grinder I keep the guard on is the one I use with cut off discs. Keep the good content coming!
I have been a pipe welder sence 95. Sometime I do take the gaurd off. But most of the time I do have a guard on my grinders. Yes they are modified in some way.
As a welder of almost 50 years I can verify every word of this. I was first to retire after having a stroke in my right eye after years of using safety glasses and face sheled. 😢 And yes it does such big time.
I'll always pick up my flathead grinder to try with that before throwing a bigger disk on. A lot of people don't even know they exist. Long reach air tool grinders are good too. Guard lives on my cutoff disc grinder tools and only comes off if necessary. I only use a paddle switch on cutoff discs and never lock them on. Always stand to the side like you would with a chainsaw. The DeWalt ones and a few others have electronic brakes that work quite well. I do sometimes use an on off switched grinder for wire cups of I'm using them for extended periods. And often on a variable speed grinder as they make the wire consumables last longer and work better on pitted and non-flat surfaces.
I started welding at 16 right out of high school now I'm 66 all you said is true no one will take better care of you than you yourself my grinders very seldom are without a guard only when absolutely necessary will it be removed many yrs ago was working with 3 other guys on a big roll up steel door the other foreman always remove his guard well he had the trigger locked and set the grinder down he got about a 6in gash above his right knee and a whole lot of stitches even before that I never remove my guards and made me more serious about keeping it on to this day almost 20yrs later whoever helps me knows not to mess with my grinders guards always use a face shield and safety glasses someone even called me a grumpy old bastard but I got all the bodily extension I came with and I intends to go out with them when that time comes hopefully around another 50 yrs or so you made a good point on safety
I know how that eye felt. When I was 10 years old I accidentally stuck a wire coat hanger into my eye avoiding blindness by literally the width of a human hair. Nearly 40uears later I remember that like it was yesterday. I made sure I never did something like that again so I always wear my glasses shield and ear plugs when I’m cutting or grinding steel although I do end up in tight peculiar places where I pretty much have to shoot the sparks right back towards my face but I’m extra careful in those areas and always use my safety squints 😂. Thanks for making a safety video a lot of people don’t realize how dangerous power tools can be especially for left handed people using tools made for right hands
I am not a professional like you but do a lot of cutting grinding welding and painting. Have you thought about getting one of those 3M versaflo respirator systems? They are expensive, from 1500 to 2200 bucks depending on the model, but well worth it imho. I got one the 800 model initially for spraying clearcoat but it works great for every other task. You do not realize you have protection on. And because it is blowing air over your whole head it is kind of like air conditioning. For someone like you who obviously invests a lot of money in good tools you might find it to be a game changer. Thanks for this video.
I took a grinder to the face one time when i worked in the shop, not fun. No face shield but my safety glasses saved my eye. I’m an Ironworker now, no matter what your foreman says try and try to use a guard at all times in the field. Stay safe!
Just came across your channel and I really like your content. I can imagine how frustrating it is trying to make good videos to help people and some don’t appreciate it, but that’s the ones that can’t get any better because they think they know it all. Keep up the good work!
Love your content. I'm not a pipeline welder, nor am I a professional. I learned to weld from my daddy around 11 years old (40+ years ago) and he was not a professional welder and also learned from his daddy. My primary experiences are repairing any type of farm implements, building utility trailers, deer stands (from ladders to condos). I can always learn something new and have gotten a lot of good info from your channel. As a plus, you don't use the F word every other word...I know that sounds old fashion and corny but after 50 you just don't tolerate much anymore lol. If I can't watch a video in my house with my youngest daughter or my oldest granddaughter within ear shot, I will find another YT channel, so thank you for that. Keep the tips coming and for those idiots out there that think their way is the only way to do something, go somewhere else, the rest of us like to exchange knowledge.
For the hard to reach spots u can't get a grinder in I've modified a cup wire wheel to fit on the big die grinders doesn't work perfect but gets the job done better than struggling
thanks for all the tips and info. love learning new stuff especially from the more experienced guys. not all my grinders have guards but they do all have the handles.
I work for a company that provides 4 1/2 grinders and giving us 7” Diablo cutting wheels with the nipple indent in center to cut steel up to 3/16” thick. Obviously no guards. I have had worst experience with 4 1/2” cutting wheels blowing and not one yet with the 7” . Wire wheels r live cactus tho. Had a grinding wheels flick stone to the nads tho. No bueno
I'm a big fan of guards on grinders, but like you said, sometimes you have to take them off. Cutting wheels, wire wheels have always scares the hell out of me. I'll throw on a face shield, but sometimes that's not feasible, so I resort to having just wearing safety glasses only. Pulling wire out of my face, does suck but those heal quick lol.
Whenever I introduce someone to the welding shop, I tell them to Google Angle Grinder Accident Images and ask if they want to be That Guy, and then explain that the angle grinder and cutting disc is the single most dangerous thing in the room. Ive been in a lot of shops and over half of them have no guards on their grinders or have any eye protection in the building.
I got a piece of mild steel in my left eye and got arc flashed twice the same day. It was the most pain I ever had related to welding/fabbing. Three days later, the doc had to use a corded dremel and a carbide burr to remove the metal. They said I would’ve lost some of my vision in my left eye if I’d waited another day to get it removed. My boss did a video review and seen I had the guard removed from my metabo. Corporate made him fire me.
When I was 16 at my first job I got a small piece stuck in my eye but I didn't even notice it for 5 days until my eye would close involuntarily, funny the eye doctor had to use a tiny grinder to clean the rust out
Boy I been messed up by grinders eyes, fingers, knee, I’m all about running guards and all the safety gear that makes sense for the situation of course sometimes you gotta go rogue and do without to get the job done but you just need to use your head when you’re working
Good video; great advice. I had a cutting wheel fly apart on me a month ago. It hit the guard and flew off. It could have been in my knuckles, was my thought. Keep 'em coming.
Yes, it surprised me. I don't remember having it happen before. I was watching a "car guy" type channel and the fellow said his father had one shoot through his stomach and go all the way to his spine. That really gave me the willies, as did your "eye" story. @@TaylorWelding
This should be a mandatory video for all helpers.
I worked with a welder who had holes in his pants. He ended up with a wire in his ball sack.
Also, the nice thing about guards on wire wheels, is that it binds up faster if you get it in your shirt. I know from experience.
A wire and his ball sack… Ouch
Hey Chris don’t let those lil’ buddies get under your skin with their boneheaded comments.
You’ve got nothing to prove to anyone.
Honest folks watching your videos are very glad you take the time to share your knowledge. 👍🇺🇸
I appreciate that
Reminds me of that film "Shake Hands with Danger and three finger Joe!
Iconic movie!
I'm not a "pro-welder" but I do a lot of welding and I've had a cutting disk shatter on me with pieces hitting me in the face... No Joy !! I was lucky/blessed and didn't get seriously hurt and I would never use a cutting disk without a guard again. Once bitten... twice shy as they say. Also eye protection is a must for me using ANY power cutting/grinding or drilling tool as I've already done the 3 day eye patch deal when I had a piece of tile get me in the right eye 40 years ago. Crazy pain... I'll never forget. It's right up the with taking a 9mil full metal jacket in the back by a So Cal Freeway Shootin' Nutcase during the Rodney King riots. All that said... I watched a video where a guy said his Dad had a cutting disk blow up on him and a piece hit him in the chest and didn't stop until it came a mil or two from his spine. So yeah... grinders can definitely ruin your day. There's another maker that lost a friend from a grinder that got caught in his shirt (like you were talkin' bout) and it climbed all the way up and took out his juggler vein in his neck. He lost his life on the spot. Thus, angle grinders are serious tools that must be respected because they can do you in... it's No Game. Thanks for makin' this video... hopefully folks will take heed and live longer healthy lives. It needed to be said.... and Your Efforts are Appreciated. Thumbs Up !!
When I was a teenager I tried to groove a super swamper bias ply mud tire with a 5"grinding disk. Not even half way through it exploded. Luckily it went flying by my face.
faceshields are required EVERY TIME you use a cutoff wheel... if you value your face
I personally use another welding hood with a clear or tinted linse as my eye and face shield
Shop fitter/welder here, veteran saw guy, won't catch me dead without my guard, glasses, face shield, gauntlet gloves and burn coat. Seen too much blood and guts.
Not one who can do it all, yet... but I'm getting there.
Good vid.
Been in the trade for 12 years and seen alot of injuries due to grinders i have few injuries myself do to lack of concentration
I recognize that a guard on a grinder doesn't guarantee safety. Safety is in the hands of the tool user.
Neither does an airbag, but it improves your chances of not getting a severe injury
As a local 597 pipefitter/welder who works in the steel mills and refineries that line the Lake Michigan border I can say this man is so correct. I’ve gone to urgent care twice and the emergency room once cause of some stuff getting in my eye. Two of the times I had safety glasses on with a face shield. Third time my fitter fucked me an I had to grind a bit a got shit in my eye but the weld shot so screw it but now I have a permanent blur at the center of my right eye. Do not neglect your eyes and wear your PPE
I've done lots of maintenance and repair welding as a Heavy equipment mechanic but not pipeline of boiler maker qualified. I have had a few incidents of unguarded exploding disks. In a previous video about wearing a proper welding hat I once experienced the hot slag in the ear that burned and damaged my eardrum. That was pain that I never want to experience again. I'm retired now but enjoy watching videos like yours of people working in the trades.
earplug good
You hit the nail on the head brother! I weld everything and have cordless grinders for my Aluminum welding that I run Carbide toothed blades on. That's the one instance that No matter the circumstances the guard NEVER comes off! You make a mistake with carbide toothed blade and your missing fingers within seconds.
Those carbide discs scare tf outta me! Abrasive discs hurt too but you get a cauterized cut from nicking those. Losing a finger to a grinder is terrifying period!
I have had a lot of luck not using a guard on a grinder over the years, but eventually my luck ran out. Lost a nice chunk off the side of the tip of my pointer finger. Grinders are no joke, luckilly my accident was no worse than it was.
I guess it’s just a matter if you do something long enough somethings going to happen.
As a woodworker for over 35 years, and now also a welder with an arsenal of angle grinders I own and use, I have learned to do these things….I always have on safety glasses, and a clear face shield any time I use an angle grinder…period! I used to be a meat cutter a number of years ago, and used saws, knives and such, and as a woodworker, use saws [bandsaws, table saws, routers, hand saws, you name it…I have all 10 fingers and both eyes, because safety is paramount. Thank you for the safety video, because an angle grinder cause more injuries than many other tool, as it can easily get away from those who do not concentrate on the task at hand, and who fail to use proper PPE.
i almost spit out my food out hearing that slingbade reference 😂😂
The best thing to do is try and never to plunge a cutting disc. And then with glasses, to always point your peepers with your face at your death wheel, a lot of weed wacking teaches you the same thing.
Always love the shared knowledge of a seasoned pro like yourself!
Had similar incident but with that blasted wire wheel. It threw fine wires that bounced off the riser behind me hitting the inside of my hood then up under my glasses. Got my attention. Definitely the most dangerous tool in my bucket. Great energy and sincerity Chris.
We had a old saying at Westpoint Stevens Clemson plant. (Common since which aint too common). Randall and Myself always wanted to go home just like we came to work. Side grinder cane from the Cotton mill, Always called a side grinder.
The wire brush is like the one that I hardly never want a guard on. But maybe I do now.
“Life is hard, harder when your stupid”. LOL, and so true. One of my most dangerous tools is the angle grinder. Good safety advice. I use safety glasses and a face shield, and never align the wheel with my face. Never ever get in a pressured hurry and take shortcuts.
You’re a great teacher Chris. I’m not a welder but I enjoy learning these things. Blessings, Carlos ✝️🙏❤️😊🇺🇸
BTW, I love the term “Eyeball Hunters”
I appreciate that
@@TaylorWelding hey Boss… tell me, what brand or company put up that good looking building your sitting in?
I think one of the most important things to keep in mind when you’re cutting metal and you have your cut gloves on and the temps are 100+ degrees, Donnie your face with your gloves on! Even if you can’t see the metal shavings, they’re embedded in your gloves. Probably a good idea to keep a clean rag near to wipe off the sweat. Even if it doesn’t get in your eyes, it can cause problems with your skin!
Been welding for 40+ years and trust me I’ve spent a lot of time in the chair getting metal dug out or drilled out! A lot of it came from simply wiping sweat with grinding dust and burrs on my hands and sleeves!
Thanks for sharing
40 years… that is a long time Mr Jay
The doctor used something like a tiny Dremel tool to drill/grind the piece of metal out of my left eye 👁️. I was grinding with eye protection. Piece of metal ricocheted off the wall and hit me behind the glasses. Felt stupid and in pain. Gotta protect what we’ve got. Great video 👍👍👍
I know a lot of guys that have had accidents with grinders. Thanks for reminding us how dangerous they are. I know a guy that lost use of his arm when a cut off blew up and cut a nerve in his shoulder. He never regained use of arm.
Also a guy that lost fingers. I’ve got a few scars but still have all my pieces parts
Exactly why you never lay your hood down face side up, someone grinder shoots dust and shards in your hood then you get eyes full when you flip it down...lesson learned 20+ years ago. Generally rookie dumb sorts itself out pretty quickly. Absolutely love all your content! Thank you for taking the time to share it.
Hello Chris Those of us that are welders and i have welding and fabbin for 40 plus years know exactly what you are saying like when you call it a side grinder -- because real welders are all on the same page
So i wouldn’t worry about those beginners
So keep up the great videos. Us old timets love them❤
Mule D__k! What do I win! Great advice Chris. You’re 100% correct, again. A wire wheel or cup brush is, hands down, the most dangerous thing we, as weldors use and zip wheels are a close second. I always say, “ If you want to render a perfectly good tool absolutely useless, put a guard on a grinder”. That said, I believe in gloves, long sleeves and a full face shield, every time. Keep up the great work.
Great info! I do agree eyewear and face shield, second best safety feature! The first is your brain! I consider the angle grinder the most dangerous tool in my shop! But it is used the most!
Rookie welder here about 18 months in, you’re cool as heck I’d come work for you any day! Great tips, also get a good laugh on a serious note 👍🏼
Wow, thanks!
15:43 same goes for when you're doing a lot of overhead welding, everything falls on your head. Weld spatter (cold) doesn't hurt nearly as bad as a grinder in your eye but why deal with it. I just brush my eyelashes once or twice with a sleeve or something after a bunch of overhead.
Best video on safety,Saying it like it really is no candy coating saving peoples vision is real folks that discharge from a grinder is seeking out that set of eyes you have,wear glasses and a shield........................................................................................Fort Worth,Tx
Thank you for the reminders to be safe. It is easy to forget when you go a while and nothing bad happens. It only takes one time.
I ran a 12-in wheel on my side angle grinder here a while back for the reach and Man that thing grenaded on me and stuck in the fir siding on the house embedded itself about 3" needless to say That it's a good thing that I'm always on guard anticipating that kind of situation my head was well out of the path of that rogue Wheel
The 9" tip is amazing. Never thought of that. When you get time maybe make a video of what your fitness routine looks like. Love the videos. I farm, so i weld for that, but my son in law and his dad are sure enough welders. We alll love this channel.
Man I totally get the eye pain. Not much comes close to that bit of misery.
I agree 100% with everything you said. I’m not a safety man but OSHA says if it comes with a guard you use it with a guard. If it comes with a handle you must use it with the handle.
I appreciate all you do for us little guys coming up in the industry
Great video I’m just a country welder. I don’t weld a lot but after watching this I’m not watching what I’m doing with a grinder at all.
Thank you I need to watch this video every once in awhile. Thank you
Right on. I catch myself taking chance too
Even with safety glasses on, I’ve gotten a piece of hot slag in my right eye doing vertical welding in a welding shop/school when I was 15, and I never went back and finished school for it. I had a patch on my eye for 2 weeks and had to put these eye drops in every day. Definitely a bad experience, but ignorance was probably my biggest problem! You just need to be smart about whatever you’re doing! Glad you’re educating on safety!
OH My Dod Chriss the face shield look up and dust goes in yer eyes thing!!!! more times than i want to remember one time i had to go get the debris removed by a doctor....it sucked ass... I have experienced all of the scenarios in my 30+ yrs of welding...you are right on with all of this!
That's crazy you lasted 3 days. I had a hot spark bounce in my eye and I couldn't sleep or do anything for a day, had to go to ER, and they spotted the chuck of metal right away, thankfully. Always be mindful of where you're shooting sparks.
Thanks for taking time to produce this important primer on safety!
A unique property of eyes when you abuse them by getting a foreign object behind a lid is that they will increase production of tears with lipids (fats) to lubricate. The fats will form strands, which have an affinity to engulf (lasso) the foreign object to decrease the aggravation. It is this strand that, eventually, drifts to the front of the eye, and we notice that our vision is cloudy. Then, we rub the eye, and voila, the strand comes out, along with the lassoed object. After 30 years of practice, as an optometrist, I have a few stories of guys whose glasses saved their eyes. One fellow melted away the outer layer of his cornea when he used a cutting torch with no eye protection, and got hit with hot slag. He told me he just had a small cut to make, so didn't bother with protection.
Good advice, I just retired a couple years ago. I have a grinder I’m going to put the guard back on.I’ll say thanks now because when I leave this page I don’t know how to get back.
Do you have your notifications turn on?
I heard another youtuber welder say that someone he knew went deaf in one ear after sparks from a cutting torch went into his ear. He said to use ear plugs to prevent that. I'm just a amateur diy welder but I've had spark go in my ear before. After hearing about someone going deaf I've been taking that man's advice and using earplugs
I like your videos, I’m a arn head by trade and your a real
Hand, when it comes to
Welding and fabrication
Keep the wisdom coming. It’s helpful.
Hey Taylor, I’ve been welding since I was practically knee high but been running a business doing it for about 4.5 years now and recently started pipeline welding, starting to get the hang of capping, could you make a video on or just explain the process of working your way up to beads ?
Maybe let me think about that.
In short, make every weld good speed will come
@@TaylorWelding thanks Taylor, I’ve been getting faster but still not a “high baller” they had me front capper and want to be a bead hand one day
Really enjoy your videos.
Please keep them coming.
My Dad and uncles worked on the pipeline years ago and I loved hearing all the stories.
Very cool! I will
Thanks for the great content! I'm not a professional welder, I'm a mechanic but I have done my share of cutting and grinding. Really good tips 👍🏻
Love the videos brother. I can relate to all those situations lol. My close call was mag drilling 200’ in the air on a grain elevator structure on a windy day. Wearing all the proper gear, taking all the necessary precautions, and somehow a sliver of the shavings got around my safety glasses and stuck into my eye ball. I finished drilling the hole went in the bathroom with the cheap first aid tweezers, a q-tip, and neosporin. Took some digging, and swabbing with the ointment to get out, but I avoided a bad situation thankfully and still have both my eyes. Keep up the good work.
That was a close call. Were you able to put Neosporin on your eye?
Man that's wild, glad you kept the eye. I had a simple cornea infection one time that eroded away a tiny spot, and that was some insane discomfort with copious watering. Can't even imagine the sensation from a chunk of grinding disk!
As a rank amateur, I'm here to learn. Loved seeing you work that thin handrail the other day. The struggles are real, but to see something repaired with strength is an awesome for me in the maintenance and operation field. Often times we can't choose our materials, and they're not in new condition. Things are worn, frozen, rusted and hard to get to. That's where seeing one of your tricks can save us a ton of time. We are so grateful for what you're doing!
Thanks 👍
Sometimes you just got to do what you can
Appreciate your videos much. Wish I had been able to see these welding videos 40 years ago when I started my apprenticeship. I'm not from the US so it's interesting hearing the different terms you use here, plus welding is a only part of my trade so I'm no expert, but have worked with some fantastic welders, and picked up a few tricks over several thousand hours welding; Most from working with those great welders, from the more awkward welding situations, and from mistakes!!:-) I've always tried to have a healthy respect for grinders and wire wheels, but don't mind being reminded at all!!,.........One thing I wanted to mention is what our teacher at tech showed us by magnifying the metal grindings from any bench grinder, angle grinder and the like. They are usually so small that no one notices, but blow them up maybe 50 times or more, and they are one heck of a scary thing to imagine getting in your eye...Covered in sharp jagged barbs. If you wanted to add a bit more weight to your great safety video, concerning the smaller nastys that can get in one's eye, see if you can get a close up photo of this grinding "swarf". Sorry I'm not set up to do so. Maybe someone with a newer phone with good macro can? The little round balls are the melted bonding in the grinding disc/wheel I believe, then the pieces of used abrasive spread amongst....But like I say the metal is the scary bit, similar to a really nasty twist drill swarf in miniature! ("Swarf" we saw was from a bench grinder, but assume angle grinders produce similar) Sure caught my attention!
Great tips!! I work in a print shop and we have lots of dangerous equipment. Every accident we have had, was caused by inattention, carelessness, or disregarding basic safety and common sense!!
Thank you Chris, you’re doing Gods work
Amen, safety glasses and a face shield, I learned that lesson years ago too.
My brother, a good welder, logger, is just wide open all the time. Make it fit, get a bigger hammer guy. He put a 6" cut-off disk on a 4" angle grinder, and commenced to grinding with it. It exploded, went deep into his leg. Many stitches at ER. Cut-off wheels are NOT for grinding.
As a leftie, I've had to learn to grind with my right hand to have the sparks and danger aim for the floor.
Ty for the tip for a left handers. I'm 50 and since I been practicing to weld struggle more than ever being a lefty. So I finally became so frustrated at myself and decided to use my handicap as an advantage and discipline myself to be ambidextrous
Thanks for the grinding safety video!❤
Been a steamfitter 12 years and have never used a zip cut without a faceshield. Guard usually cut down a bit to maybe 90degree but take off when you have too.
Just saying , if u did a video telling ways n tips to keep ur shop tidy. I would totally watch it. I seen ur grinder bucket i am a fan of it. My shop is always super fucked. Any tips will be appreciated
That’s a good idea. And I mean it. I hate looking for something
Every word here is worth a pound of gold. There are tons of mommy's boys who whine about teaching of safety but there is no substitute for your eyes. None. Worth a subscription here for me.
Had piece of hot mild shoot between nose/nosepiece of safety glasses & sear into cornea. Woke (well, didn't really sleep) next morning with growing rust ring around fragment. Only pain worse that I've experienced has been shingles. Have worn glasses AND face shield ever since.
I have been welding for 43 years, use a guard on your grinder even if you use a wire wheel, and yes you can weld with, monocular vision /one eye. READ, I lost vision in my right eye 5 years ago and I try to rely on muscle memory. But it did effect my ability to scratch start an arc I had to learn it all over again. Your ability to judge distance with monocular vision will effect the difference between scratch starting and sticking rods. So I used two hands one holding the rod near the end with two fingers while scratch starting the arc. You can adapt, it's easy to do. Then you will learn to let go of the rod and start welding with one hand. Eventually scratch starting with one hand. This will work even if you never welded before monocular vision. This is the same for mig and tig. My love for welding Concord this problem. Anyone could do this if you take the time to learn.
Thank you for sharing. 43 years is a long time. It makes sense that scratch start would be tough right out of the gate.
How did you lose your vision?
@@TaylorWeldingdetached retina.
Great video. I have an old Sellstrom face shield that an old hand gave me in the early 90's and still use it. I agree that it is not the first line of defense for eye safety but it sure is a comfort when something goes wrong, like a cutoff wheel (death wheel) disintegrates on you. The only grinder I keep the guard on is the one I use with cut off discs. Keep the good content coming!
I have been a pipe welder sence 95. Sometime I do take the gaurd off. But most of the time I do have a guard on my grinders. Yes they are modified in some way.
As a welder of almost 50 years I can verify every word of this. I was first to retire after having a stroke in my right eye after years of using safety glasses and face sheled. 😢 And yes it does such big time.
I’m sorry to hear that MR Les. how long did it take to adjust?
I'll always pick up my flathead grinder to try with that before throwing a bigger disk on. A lot of people don't even know they exist. Long reach air tool grinders are good too. Guard lives on my cutoff disc grinder tools and only comes off if necessary. I only use a paddle switch on cutoff discs and never lock them on. Always stand to the side like you would with a chainsaw. The DeWalt ones and a few others have electronic brakes that work quite well.
I do sometimes use an on off switched grinder for wire cups of I'm using them for extended periods. And often on a variable speed grinder as they make the wire consumables last longer and work better on pitted and non-flat surfaces.
Thanks for the safety info, I'm starting my 8 yr old grandson on welding, 😊
I wont run a wire wheel or metabo without a face shield. Metabo blades coming apart are most likely from being side loaded or pinched in the cut.
Thanks for all you do brother. All the tips are awesome!
I started welding at 16 right out of high school now I'm 66 all you said is true no one will take better care of you than you yourself my grinders very seldom are without a guard only when absolutely necessary will it be removed many yrs ago was working with 3 other guys on a big roll up steel door the other foreman always remove his guard well he had the trigger locked and set the grinder down he got about a 6in gash above his right knee and a whole lot of stitches even before that I never remove my guards and made me more serious about keeping it on to this day almost 20yrs later whoever helps me knows not to mess with my grinders guards always use a face shield and safety glasses someone even called me a grumpy old bastard but I got all the bodily extension I came with and I intends to go out with them when that time comes hopefully around another 50 yrs or so you made a good point on safety
thank you for the feedback. Most people underestimate grinders, and the damage they can do.
I know how that eye felt. When I was 10 years old I accidentally stuck a wire coat hanger into my eye avoiding blindness by literally the width of a human hair. Nearly 40uears later I remember that like it was yesterday. I made sure I never did something like that again so I always wear my glasses shield and ear plugs when I’m cutting or grinding steel although I do end up in tight peculiar places where I pretty much have to shoot the sparks right back towards my face but I’m extra careful in those areas and always use my safety squints 😂. Thanks for making a safety video a lot of people don’t realize how dangerous power tools can be especially for left handed people using tools made for right hands
I am not a professional like you but do a lot of cutting grinding welding and painting. Have you thought about getting one of those 3M versaflo respirator systems? They are expensive, from 1500 to 2200 bucks depending on the model, but well worth it imho. I got one the 800 model initially for spraying clearcoat but it works great for every other task. You do not realize you have protection on. And because it is blowing air over your whole head it is kind of like air conditioning. For someone like you who obviously invests a lot of money in good tools you might find it to be a game changer. Thanks for this video.
I have not. But that's as a gr8 idea
Made it to the end, I enjoyed this tbh it was pretty informative for me been welding for a year now
Glad you enjoyed it!
This dude is a beast I don't care what anyone says
I took a grinder to the face one time when i worked in the shop, not fun. No face shield but my safety glasses saved my eye. I’m an Ironworker now, no matter what your foreman says try and try to use a guard at all times in the field. Stay safe!
Just came across your channel and I really like your content. I can imagine how frustrating it is trying to make good videos to help people and some don’t appreciate it, but that’s the ones that can’t get any better because they think they know it all. Keep up the good work!
Just saw your posthole video. GREAT. I tried it yesterday and it really worked well. thanks
Glad it helped
Love your waste oil heater in the background. I make them for a side hustle.
Good job🎉
Love your content. I'm not a pipeline welder, nor am I a professional. I learned to weld from my daddy around 11 years old (40+ years ago) and he was not a professional welder and also learned from his daddy. My primary experiences are repairing any type of farm implements, building utility trailers, deer stands (from ladders to condos). I can always learn something new and have gotten a lot of good info from your channel. As a plus, you don't use the F word every other word...I know that sounds old fashion and corny but after 50 you just don't tolerate much anymore lol. If I can't watch a video in my house with my youngest daughter or my oldest granddaughter within ear shot, I will find another YT channel, so thank you for that. Keep the tips coming and for those idiots out there that think their way is the only way to do something, go somewhere else, the rest of us like to exchange knowledge.
For the hard to reach spots u can't get a grinder in I've modified a cup wire wheel to fit on the big die grinders doesn't work perfect but gets the job done better than struggling
Thanks for the tip
very very very good advice. thanks.
Thanks man!
thanks for all the tips and info. love learning new stuff especially from the more experienced guys. not all my grinders have guards but they do all have the handles.
Right on
The face shield tip is super helpful
I'm glad it's helpful!
I work for a company that provides 4 1/2 grinders and giving us 7” Diablo cutting wheels with the nipple indent in center to cut steel up to 3/16” thick. Obviously no guards. I have had worst experience with 4 1/2” cutting wheels blowing and not one yet with the 7” . Wire wheels r live cactus tho. Had a grinding wheels flick stone to the nads tho. No bueno
I'm a big fan of guards on grinders, but like you said, sometimes you have to take them off. Cutting wheels, wire wheels have always scares the hell out of me. I'll throw on a face shield, but sometimes that's not feasible, so I resort to having just wearing safety glasses only. Pulling wire out of my face, does suck but those heal quick lol.
Whenever I introduce someone to the welding shop, I tell them to Google Angle Grinder Accident Images and ask if they want to be That Guy, and then explain that the angle grinder and cutting disc is the single most dangerous thing in the room.
Ive been in a lot of shops and over half of them have no guards on their grinders or have any eye protection in the building.
Welding by braille is a painful way to make a living, until the callous builds up but hen you can’t feel the weld any more.
I got a piece of mild steel in my left eye and got arc flashed twice the same day. It was the most pain I ever had related to welding/fabbing. Three days later, the doc had to use a corded dremel and a carbide burr to remove the metal. They said I would’ve lost some of my vision in my left eye if I’d waited another day to get it removed.
My boss did a video review and seen I had the guard removed from my metabo. Corporate made him fire me.
Dang! That’s a bummer
Great video for an excellent safety topic! Especially the advice on face shields!
Great conversation and safety tips! I try to use a face shield or keep my welding helmet on. I said try. Peace👍👍
I appreciate it man. That was a lot I don't wanna learn the hard way!
Love your content, my favourite welder to watch on the tube when I get the time and feel like learning about work after a hard days work hahah
Awesome, thank you!
Excellent job Chris!
Thank you good information you did a great job
I got crud in my eye even with safety glasses under a welding hood. I wear goggles now.😊 I have that same Makita.
When I was 16 at my first job I got a small piece stuck in my eye but I didn't even notice it for 5 days until my eye would close involuntarily, funny the eye doctor had to use a tiny grinder to clean the rust out
Boy I been messed up by grinders eyes, fingers, knee, I’m all about running guards and all the safety gear that makes sense for the situation of course sometimes you gotta go rogue and do without to get the job done but you just need to use your head when you’re working
Good video; great advice. I had a cutting wheel fly apart on me a month ago. It hit the guard and flew off. It could have been in my knuckles, was my thought. Keep 'em coming.
I try to only buy the good ones seems. i’m not saying that won’t happen, but that shouldn’t happen very often.
Yes, it surprised me. I don't remember having it happen before. I was watching a "car guy" type channel and the fellow said his father had one shoot through his stomach and go all the way to his spine. That really gave me the willies, as did your "eye" story. @@TaylorWelding