Can you weld with metal rods and plates on your hand?

[MetalPetalzDesign]

Recently broke my hand and will need surgery. I've seen a forum where other people confirmed they had no problems welding with metal in their hand. Would like to know more about it and how safe it is because I'm wondering if that arc would jump to the metal regardless of how much PPE I wear.

[Oldiron2]

Recently broke my hand and will need surgery. I've seen a forum where other people confirmed they had no problems welding with metal in their hand. Would like to know more about it and how safe it is because I'm wondering if that arc would jump to the metal regardless of how much PPE I wear.

The best source of information about what you are allowed to use should be your doctor. Only he knows the details about the repair.

My opinion, for what it's worth is:
With the voltages involved in welding, the electricity needs a complete circuit, meaning it goes from the machine through one lead to the torch/electrode holder, through the arc to the work, and back to the machine via the ground clamp and cable. Your hand shouldn't be touching anything electrified, let alone part of that circuit, so won't be affected.
The magnetic field associated with high currents can cause problems for electronic equipment that's close by, watches and under some conditions, such devices as monitors for controlling heart beats, etc.. I think metal inserts are generally titanium alloys and aren't magnetic.

[whtbaron]

They can be titanium... surgical steel and stainless steel are also popular. Either way as long as you aren't holding onto the ground with the plated hand, I can't see it being a serious issue.

[Munkul]

With relatively low voltages and low electromagnetic fields (nomal welding conditions) I can't see how it would make any difference.
Your dry skin is the first barrier to welding voltages, once it gets wet then it will conduct and possibly shock you...by taking path of least resistance through your skin/body tissue, to complete a return circuit.
Whether it goes through those plates or not, it can't arc or damage the plates any more than you would be damaged... ie it doesn't take a large current to kill you, it just needs to be forced through your body first.

I'd be more worried about electromagnetic heating of the plates, but a HF circuit won't generate a big enough EMF to heat much, and there are no other huge EMF sources involved in welding that you'd actually be working in or around (the welding transformers do not emit much EMF)
It's more like MRI machines that would be a real problem, and welding isn't even on the scale compared to the EMF emitted from those.

In conclusion, I'd say you'd be OK, but I wouldn't take my advice as I'm certainly not qualified to give it!

[FastLeroy]

Recently broke my hand and will need surgery. I've seen a forum where other people confirmed they had no problems welding with metal in their hand. Would like to know more about it and how safe it is because I'm wondering if that arc would jump to the metal regardless of how much PPE I wear.

I would stay clear of induction forges....

[smithdoor]

It like a ring or belt buckle.

Dave

Recently broke my hand and will need surgery. I've seen a forum where other people confirmed they had no problems welding with metal in their hand. Would like to know more about it and how safe it is because I'm wondering if that arc would jump to the metal regardless of how much PPE I wear.

[NotaVegetarian]

Ghood question but I’m been carrying shrapnel 8n my leg since 1968, knee replacements, sum kind of erectors set in my back, a rod 8n my arm . Haven’t ha$ nya probably yet but juts piddling in welding

[NotaVegetarian]

Ghood question but I’m been carrying shrapnel 8n my leg since 1968, knee replacements, sum kind of erectors set in my back, a rod 8n my arm . Haven’t ha$ nya probably yet but juts piddling in welding

Sorry gang the meds were kicking in

[Oldiron2]

Sorry gang the meds were kicking in

You're forgiven. I hear polcatticians who say such stuff all the time but have no valid, justifiable excuse; they are just that stupid.

[smithdoor]

Can not to see the waiting for the wild posting. 😜

Did your doctors tell you it will give you constipation. Get ready for fun.

Dave

Sorry gang the meds were kicking in

[NotaVegetarian]

Can not to see the waiting for the wild posting. 

Did your doctors tell you it will give you constipation. Get ready for fun.

Dave

Yeppers they do clog the plumbing

[smithdoor]

Just use Phillips it keeps everything going. Just do not plan on leaving the bathroom for next 36 hours or be very close. No long 5 minutes trips to store. More planning is need.

I had to use Phillips then wait 36 or 48 hours before going to store. Then repeat as need.

Dave

Yeppers they do clog the plumbing

[CAVEMANN]

My pain management doc gave me a script for narcotics induced constipation, I never tried it because I never know when I'll be soft, normal or rocks.

[mla2ofus]

If you have rods in your hand like I did you better keep them covered so can't snag on something and get pulled out. Maybe some kevlar cloth.

[52 Ford]

Ghood question but I’m been carrying shrapnel 8n my leg since 1968, knee replacements, sum kind of erectors set in my back, a rod 8n my arm . Haven’t ha$ nya probably yet but juts piddling in welding

68... I take it it happened over seas? Thank you for your service.