Do we need facemask when we weld Aluminum??

[DNA Motor]

Hello,

We recently purchased the HOBART Ironman 230. and along with it the Spool Gun (to weld aluminum).

Many people have commented that we need a face mask WHEN WE WELD ALUMINUM, because the gases can be even more harmful than the MIG welding gases.

CAn anybody help us out with this dilemma?

Thank you

[LarryO]

Gases given off during welding, regardles of material, is not something you want to breath.
Stainless and Gal coated steel would be the 2 metals you dont want to breath dust or fumes of.

Argon is not the gas you need to be protected from.

[ptsideshow]

Bottom line is if you can see or smell the fumes and particulates coming off the material being welded you should be wearing a welding approved respirator N-95

Link More than you might want to know link to a previous thread Link

Since you may be welding on material that some form of coating that you don't know about, and more than likely your shop doesn't have a proper ventilation fume extractors. Minimum 3M 8214 N95 Particulate rated for welding fumes
Good For Welding on stainless steel, aluminum,galvanized steel and ozone and nuisance organic vapors

[shovelon]

Arc welding alum in an argon bath produces ozone. That can be a lung irritant. Additionally the soot from the molten metal transfer to the base metal can make it's way into your lungs.

3m makes very good disposable respirators with ozone protection.

https://www.safetysolutions.com/reta...OR,-N95-WELD.-

[DNA Motor]

Thank you all for your comments. we have Purchased the 3M as mentiones in the last posting. We appreciate your fast response.

Great community, I hope we can learn alot from you all. Thank you