Welding on iron pipe in the ground

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I would like to do a little welding on a bird feeder that is mounted on a painted galvanized pipe sunk into the ground. It would be alot easier if I did not have to take it apart or down. My little welder will easily access it. Any concerns about welding on a pipe that is sunk in the ground?
Reply:Generally, no. Take some reasonable precautios such as: Is there any chance it is a vent pipe connected to an underground tank or old cistern or well? Does the area around the pipe have highly combustibles? Will you be standing in water? That sort of thing.
Reply:Stay out of the  fumes from the galvanizing and paint, they are toxic.Grind as much off as possible first.  FelonCaution lurker lives here" hmmm That is serious,pass the ganja and pick up a  24 of MGD"
Reply:Thank you, so looks like following the general welding precautions I'll be fine. Thanks again.
Reply:Could you help me understand more about your concerns?
Reply:Was just wondering if the "GROUND" would be affected, as in the grounding of the work. That's all. Don't really know much bout 'lectricity.
Reply:Originally Posted by stuball56Was just wondering if the "GROUND" would be affected, as in the grounding of the work. That's all. Don't really know much bout 'lectricity.
Reply:Even people who understand electricity tend not to fully understand grounds, specifically the difference between an ideal ground and a real ground.I like the comment about the "work" clamp rather than the "ground" clamp, more accurate and less confusing.Luckily welding machines generally have transformers to isolate the output from the input, generally making welding feasible and safe on grounded or ungrounded objects.  (The inverter type machines still have transformers, they just use smaller transformers at higher frequencies).   Let me know if I missed something in this paragraph, or if there is some exception that I have not considered.RichardSculptures 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 rafergusonEven people who understand electricity tend not to fully understand grounds, specifically the difference between an ideal ground and a real ground.