Question on Galvanized Steel

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Hey ;Looking for advice here, my question is can you weld galvanized steel, such as water pipe? What i got to weld with is a 225 Lincoln Weldanpower I appreciate the good helptanks
Reply:it's easier to grind the zinc off 1/2"-3/4" back from the area to be welded as the zinc boils in the arc making it difficult to weld. either weld outdoors or get a cartridge style respirator w/ the right filter for zinc smoke. i recommend 6011 rod for this.                                                       mikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:depending on the end use 7018 will burn through but the smoke will look like the van in Fast Times at Rigemont HighAWS says all the zinc will be removed with in some distance from the weld.  I don't weld on galvi any more just makes me too sick no matter what I do I can't even be around the grinding of it.
Reply:galvanized steel can be welded using normal stick welding electrodes such as 6010 and 7018. The fumes from burning or welding galvanized steel will poison you pretty quickly. Theres alot of debate as to how permanent damage from prolonged exposure is. Theres also debate as to how to treat it. Ive heard people swear by milk but Ive also heard that it doesnt work. Whats not up for debate is that it defiantly is an unpleasant sickness and it doesnt take much to get sick.  Ive welded galvanized steel on a rooftop 60 floors up with the wind ripping by and I still felt alittle ill that night.