Welding galvanized steel

[TX101]

I have been recently been TIG welding galvanized steel at home, which produces toxic fumes..

So a proper welding mask/active filter combo runs about $1800 which (in my opinion) is highway robbery. Setting aside clearance issues between the reg & the welding mask, I was wondering if I could hook up a reg (eg. TX50) to an air cylinder with a long hose and get a 'clean air' breathing system on the surface? Would this be enough or should I rig up a positive pressure system?

I guess what I need to know is if the operation of a 2nd stage out of water is the same as in the water? Will I somehow suck up dangerous fumes? (which I believe are just zinc fumes)

 

[Peter_C]

It is the zinc that will kill you, and it is accumulative. As long as you breathe off your reg and no outside air through your nose or anything you are breathing clean air.

BUT WHY? wouldn't it be better for everything and one to just work with clean mild steel?

 

[The Kraken]

Or you can grind the zinc plating off the surface of the object to be welded.

the K

 

[mfalco]

Can't a $45 respirator with the purple striped filters filter the air properly?

If So, just get a cheap welding mask and cut the bottom off.

Or .... Wear no mask and close your eyes