pre-welding tips?

[bilandsam]

would it be wise to ground cart frame in ground (6 ft. ground rod)home electric panel, before welding on cart frame even with all pos. and neg batteries disconnected ? thanks.

[Backroadbomber]

I’ve never heard of that... just make sure wherever you clamp the ground from the welder is clean, bare steel.

[scottyb]

I like to put the ground clamp close to the work when I'm trying to minimize exposure... but I have recently been too lazy to disconnect anything with no ill effect to report while welding new roof hoops on my industrial cart.


Remember nothing is supposed to be grounded to the frame on the electric cart

[Fairtax4me]

No you do not want the frame of the cart or any other part grounded to earth ground for welding. Having a connection to earth ground can actually increase the chance that you electrocute yourself.

You need to have a clean connection on the frame for the weld machines work lead (clamp lead). This is the MOST important connection, and ideally it should be made as close to the weld as possible without being in the way, and should only be made to the piece of metal that is being welded. Use a grinder, scraper, or sand to remove paint and rust from the connection point so the work lead has a good connection to the work piece.