Tig welding with a Pacemaker ?

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I just had a pacemaker implanted, I can mig weld without a problem. But has anybody ever tig welded with a pacemaker ?   Thank you    Uncle Hemi
Reply:Ask your doc.Just a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024
Reply:I knew a guy in your shoes, he said his doc said he could do cv, but not cc, tig is cc.   However he feared both, and didn't weld at all
Reply:Definitely talk with the docs.  I would think the largest issue would be the high frequency start inducing signals into the device..  You might be just fine with a lift start type TIG.AHP AlphaTIG 200DX (2nd Gen)Lincoln WeldPak 3200HD Bird Poop GeneratorLotos LTP5000D Plasma Cutter
Reply:Only your doctor should be advising you. Not us.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:I know in the miller manuals it says do not weld with high frequency if your using a pacemaker.
Reply:Impulse start like that on inverter Tig may be OK. Or even lift start on an inverter would be OK. I have a customer with a pacemaker, and is terrified to come in my shop. I keep telling him he drives a car with spark plugs that put out more interference than my welders. I can tell you a doctor will say no way Jose. I don't know why there can't be an alarm you can wear.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:I have a customer who comes to my shop every now and then who has a pacemaker. He says he can't be around any welding with it. How about plasma cutting, microwaves, and other stuff? Can you still go threw metal detectors and those airport x-rays?12v battery, jumper cables, and a 6013.I only have a facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/VPT/244788508917829
Reply:Just give it a try. What is the worst that could happen?
Reply:I am surprised there is not a shielded jacket or shirt that could be worn to deflect or dampen stray interference.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Like a lead jacket?12v battery, jumper cables, and a 6013.I only have a facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/VPT/244788508917829
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonI keep telling him he drives a car with spark plugs that put out more interference than my welders.
Reply:I don't think one single car comes from the factory with RF suppressing plug wires.12v battery, jumper cables, and a 6013.I only have a facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/VPT/244788508917829
Reply:Originally Posted by VPTI don't think one single car comes from the factory with RF suppressing plug wires.
Reply:Really? I haven't seen any plug wires with ground straps on any cars or trucks yet?12v battery, jumper cables, and a 6013.I only have a facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/VPT/244788508917829
Reply:Originally Posted by VPTReally? I haven't seen any plug wires with ground straps on any cars or trucks yet?
Reply:The article linked below is a bit more authoritative than our uninformed opinions.   It comes from a company that makes pacemakers.   They do not recommend welding or chain saws, but if you must, they have some suggestions.http://www.medtronic.com%2Frhythms%2...aws_online.pdfSculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge
Reply:Originally Posted by rafergusonThe article linked below is a bit more authoritative than our uninformed opinions.   It comes from a company that makes pacemakers.   They do not recommend welding or chain saws, but if you must, they have some suggestions.http://www.medtronic.com%2Frhythms%2...aws_online.pdf
Reply:I'd imagine a taser wouldn't be good for them eh?12v battery, jumper cables, and a 6013.I only have a facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/VPT/244788508917829
Reply:if you're in doubt, you'd better become proficient at oxy-fuel welding...
Reply:This post is very timely. I've been considering a TIG with HF for aluminum but have put it off. I was going to stay below 250A but the HF may well put me into the lift start or DC only arena...AFTER I consult with my cardiologist. Thanks OP for starting this discussion.I've had a pacemaker since 2010 and I raised this question regarding welders with my cardiologist. At that time he went in and adjusted some sensitivity levels in the pacemaker settings and I've been good to go with SMAW and GMAW at 235A and 187A respectively (and chainsaws). He did recommend against being in close proximity to welders with currents over 600 amps as in automotive robotic type welders. Having said that...as others have already stated...your cardiologist is the ONLY resource with validity for YOUR specific condition. What's the worst that could happen?...duh, DEAD!Last edited by JimboTN; 01-19-2015 at 08:31 AM.Reason: Added TIGDillon/Henrob/Cobra 2000, Victor 100FC, Meco-N-Midget, Hobart HH187, Miller Thunderbolt 225AC, Razorweld Vipercut 30A Plasma, and lots of grinders
Reply:Geez, my dad is on his third pacemaker, and refuses to let me teach him TIG.Can not figure out why?Be wary of The Numbers: Figures don't lie,. but liars can figure.Welders:2008 Lincoln 140 GMAW&FCAW2012 HF 165 'toy' GTAW&SMAW1970's Cobbled together O/A
Reply:I don't think you can weld with a Pacemaker at all. The biggest problem is that there is no place to connect the leads. Next, I don't think the battery has enough milliamp hours to make much of a spark, much less a big enough spark to melt metal.
Reply:Originally Posted by walkerI don't think you can weld with a Pacemaker at all. The biggest problem is that there is no place to connect the leads. Next, I don't think the battery has enough milliamp hours to make much of a spark, much less a big enough spark to melt metal.
Reply:Originally Posted by walkerI don't think you can weld with a Pacemaker at all. The biggest problem is that there is no place to connect the leads. Next, I don't think the battery has enough milliamp hours to make much of a spark, much less a big enough spark to melt metal.To weld with your pacemaker turn the pulse on and set it to 70 beats per minuteJust trying to make a pun.  I really hope that you are able to find an answer.  I hope that you are able to enjoy this great hobby of ours for a long while.Last edited by MetalJunkie; 01-19-2015 at 01:51 PM.Syncrowave 210HH140Victor O/A
Reply:The leads are already attached on a pacemaker is why you cannot attach any more and  weld with one. They might do a good job on repairing air guitar strings as that would be an extremely low amp requirement. LOL  Check with your doctor or have EMT's standing by when you try it. Maybe Mythbusters could try it for us. A couple of uninstalled pacemakers on a bench or taped to jacket would show whether or not they are effected.
Reply:Get knocked on my butt !
Reply:It will all be device, diagnosis and application specific. These devices are very complex in terms of both sensing and what they do in response to that sensing, which is all programmable. And the devices differ greatly from one another, pacemaker vs aicd etc.
Reply:I have talked to the Medtronics rep in the recovery room, he said I can weld anything under 160 amps with their recommended precautions.  Twist cables together , stay five feet from welder, place clamp ground as close to work as possible, and stay two feet from arch. I have mig welded at 170 amps without a problem and have cut with a 40 amp plasma cutter. But I haven't tried the tig welder.  So I'm just asking if anybody in my position has tig welded ?  My doc said no welding at first and he was surprised when I told him I can weld with no side effects. Pacemaker test readout said no issues either. Also I can use a chainsaw.
Reply:I've been welding for 43 years , it's hard to just stop.   I had to get a pacemaker because of a electrical heart defect .
Reply:Awesome I like that Mythbusters idea. I'll contact them. Thanks.
Reply:Metal detectors at airports I cant go thru, so I get the frisk job.  The x-ray machines are not a problem.  I tell them ahead of time about the pacer.
Reply:Pilot Plasma should be GTG since there is no HF.