Tag: Square Wave 205

Square Wave 205 TIG Cup Size Selection Guide: Standard Cup, Gas Lens, and Stickout Checks

For a Lincoln Square Wave 205 TIG setup, cup size controls how well argon shields the tungsten and weld puddle. Use a smaller cup when access is tight, amperage is low, and tungsten stickout is short. Use a larger cup or gas lens setup when the joint needs more coverage, longer tungsten stickout, better visibility, or cleaner stainless/aluminum shielding. Cup size will not fix a gas leak, dirty tungsten, wrong argon flow, cracked cup, worn collet, or contaminated base metal.

The Square Wave 205 is an AC/DC TIG and Stick machine with AC frequency, AC balance, pulse, and post-flow control. Those machine controls help tune the arc, but TIG cup fitment depends on the installed torch series. Do not order cups by “Square Wave 205” alone. Verify whether the torch is 9/20-style, 17/18/26-style, Caliber 17, Caliber 26, or another torch before buying cups, collets, gas lenses, insulators, or back caps.

Common Cup Selection Symptoms

Tungsten turns black: Cup too small, too much stickout, gas leak, poor post-flow, or bad argon coverage.
Stainless turns gray: Shielding coverage is weak, travel is too slow, or cup/gas lens setup is too small for the heat zone.
Arc wanders: Tungsten prep, gas turbulence, excessive stickout, or poor work clamp may be involved.
Cup blocks visibility: Cup may be too large for joint access; try a smaller cup or gas lens/stubby setup if compatible.
Porosity near edges: Gas is not covering the puddle at corners, outside edges, or draft-exposed joints.
Good welds on flat joints but poor welds in corners: Cup size, torch angle, and tungsten stickout may need adjustment.

What TIG Cup Size Does

The TIG cup directs argon around the tungsten and weld puddle. Smaller cups concentrate gas in tight access areas, but they tolerate less tungsten stickout. Larger cups cover a wider area, but they need the correct torch setup, cup clearance, and flow rate. A gas lens smooths the gas stream and can make larger cups or longer stickout more stable.

Compatibility Notes for the Square Wave 205

Lincoln literature lists the Square Wave 205 with TIG features including AC frequency, AC balance, pulse, and post-flow. Lincoln also lists Caliber 17/18/26 torch parts support and optional Caliber 26 and Caliber 9 flexible torch options. That does not mean every torch on a used Square Wave 205 uses the same cup. Torch-series verification is required before ordering.

For related machine and TIG setup support, see the Lincoln Square Wave 205 overview, why TIG tungsten turns black, unstable TIG arc from poor tungsten prep, gas lens support, and TIG cup support.

General TIG Cup Size Starting Points

Cup Size	Typical Use	Notes
#4	Very tight access, low amperage	Short stickout only; limited gas coverage.
#5	Thin steel, stainless, light aluminum	Good compact starting point.
#6	General TIG work	Common all-around cup for short to moderate stickout.
#7	More coverage and visibility	Often better for stainless color control and corners.
#8	Gas lens work, longer stickout	Useful when access or coverage breaks down.
#10–#12	Large coverage / specialty TIG	Verify torch setup and gas lens compatibility.

Cup Size by Job Type

Job	Good Starting Cup	When To Go Larger
DC steel practice	#5 or #6	Longer stickout, corners, poor shielding.
DC stainless	#6 or #7	Gray weld color or heat tint control issue.
AC aluminum sheet	#5 or #6	Edge porosity or wider heat-affected zone.
Aluminum fillets	#6 or #7	Puddle is exposed by torch angle or joint shape.
Inside corners	#6 gas lens or #7/#8 gas lens	Need more stickout and smoother gas flow.
Tight access repair	#4 or #5	Only if visibility and access allow larger cup.

Gas Lens vs Standard Cup Setup

A standard collet body with a #5 or #6 cup is often enough for clean, easy-access joints. A gas lens becomes useful when the arc area needs smoother shielding, longer tungsten stickout, or better puddle visibility. Larger cups work best when paired with a compatible gas lens because the gas stream is more controlled.

Use standard cup: Short stickout, normal access, low-to-moderate amperage, basic steel/aluminum practice.
Use gas lens: Stainless color control, outside corners, tube work, longer stickout, hard-to-reach fillets.
Avoid oversized cups: When the cup blocks access, traps heat, or encourages excessive flow.

Argon Flow and Cup Size

Use the torch and procedure guidance as the final reference. Larger cups usually need more argon than small cups, but too much flow can cause turbulence and pull air into the shielding envelope. If increasing cup size makes the weld worse, check for excessive flow, drafts, gas leaks, cup cracks, or a damaged gas lens screen.

What To Verify Before Ordering Cups

Installed torch series: 9/20, 17/18/26, Caliber 17, Caliber 26, or other.
Standard collet body or gas lens setup.
Tungsten diameter: .040, 1/16, 3/32, or 1/8 in.
Cup thread/style for that torch and collet body.
Correct insulator/gasket for standard or gas lens cups.
Back cap and O-ring condition.
Material: steel, stainless, aluminum, or thin sheet.
Expected amperage and tungsten stickout.

Common Wrong-Part Mistakes

Buying 17/18/26 cups for a 9/20-style torch.
Buying gas lens cups without the matching gas lens collet body.
Mixing standard cups, gas lens bodies, and wrong insulators.
Using a large cup with excessive argon flow and creating turbulence.
Using a small cup with long tungsten stickout.
Trying to fix dirty tungsten with cup size when the torch has a gas leak.
Assuming every Square Wave 205 has the same torch package.

Selection Test Procedure

Start with a clean tungsten, correct collet, and a #5 or #6 cup if the torch setup allows it.
Use short stickout and run a bead on clean scrap.
If shielding is stable but visibility is poor, test a larger cup or gas lens setup.
If tungsten turns black, check post-flow, leaks, cup cracks, and argon flow before changing cup size again.
If a larger cup improves weld color and arc stability, coverage was likely part of the issue.
If a larger cup makes the arc unstable, reduce flow and inspect for turbulence or drafts.
Document cup size, tungsten size, gas flow, stickout, material, and Square Wave 205 settings.

Field Fix vs Proper Fix

Field fix: Use a clean #5 or #6 cup, short tungsten stickout, correct argon flow, and fresh tungsten. Move up one cup size only if coverage or visibility requires it.

Proper fix: Match cup, collet, gas lens or standard collet body, insulator, and tungsten diameter to the verified torch series. Then test on clean scrap and record the setup that keeps the tungsten clean and the arc stable.

Safety Notes

Disconnect power before torch service.
Let cups and torch parts cool before handling.
Do not use cracked ceramic cups or damaged gas lens screens.
Use eye and respiratory protection when grinding tungsten.
Use ventilation and keep your head out of fumes.

May 18, 2026

Square Wave 205 TIG Torch Overheating Causes: Amperage, Duty Cycle, Consumables, and Cooling Checks

If the TIG torch on a Lincoln Square Wave 205 gets too hot to hold, discolors the cup, burns collets, loosens tungsten, or overheats the torch head, stop and check amperage, duty cycle, tungsten size, torch rating, gas coverage, and consumable condition. Torch overheating is usually not one single failure. It is the result of running too much current for the installed torch, welding too long without cooldown, using undersized tungsten, running poor gas coverage, or using worn collets, gas lenses, cups, or back-cap seals.

The Square Wave 205 is an AC/DC TIG and Stick welder with AC frequency, AC balance, pulse, and post-flow controls. Lincoln literature also lists a Caliber 26 Series TIG torch option rated 200A at 60% duty cycle. That rating matters: if the installed torch is a different air-cooled torch, smaller torch, longer cable, flex-head torch, or aftermarket torch, torch heat limits may be lower. Verify the torch series before assuming it can handle the machine’s full output.

Common Symptoms

Torch handle gets hot fast: Amperage, duty cycle, or torch rating is too high for the setup.
Cup turns brown, white, or cracks: Excess heat, over-tightening, or poor gas coverage is stressing the ceramic.
Tungsten slips in the torch: Collet is worn, overheated, or not matched to tungsten diameter.
Arc becomes unstable after a few minutes: Torch front-end parts are overheating or losing grip.
Tungsten turns black after welding: Post-flow, gas coverage, or torch sealing is not protecting the hot electrode.
Collet body or gas lens is discolored: Heat is concentrating in the front end.
Torch cable feels hot near the head: Duty cycle or torch/cable capacity may be exceeded.

What Torch Overheating Means

An air-cooled TIG torch removes heat through the torch body, copper parts, cable, shielding gas flow, and rest time between welds. Unlike a water-cooled torch, it has limited heat rejection. When the arc current, weld duration, torch angle, tungsten size, consumable condition, or duty cycle exceeds what the torch can handle, heat builds up in the torch head and handle.

Square Wave 205 Compatibility Notes

Do not order torch parts by “Square Wave 205” alone. Verify the installed TIG torch series first. Torch consumables are series-specific: 9/20-style, 17/18/26-style, Caliber 26-style, and aftermarket torches do not all use the same collets, collet bodies, gas lenses, cups, back caps, or adapters. If the torch series is unknown, fitment is Unknown (Verify).

Overheating Diagnosis Table

Symptom	Likely Cause	First Check
Handle overheats quickly	Too much amperage or duty cycle	Verify torch rating and reduce weld time
Tungsten slips	Overheated or worn collet	Replace collet and match tungsten size
Cup cracks or discolors	Heat stress, gas issue, over-tightening	Inspect cup, gas lens, and torch head
Arc wanders after heating	Loose tungsten or front-end heat damage	Check collet, collet body, gas lens
Tungsten blackens	Post-flow too short or gas leak	Check post-flow, cup, back cap O-ring
Overheats on aluminum AC	Higher heat load and AC cleaning action	Check AC balance, tungsten size, torch rating

Common Causes

Amperage too high: A smaller air-cooled torch may not tolerate high-current welding for long runs.
Duty cycle exceeded: Even a correctly rated torch needs cooldown time.
Wrong tungsten size: Undersized tungsten runs hot and transfers heat into the front end.
Worn collet: Poor grip increases resistance and lets tungsten shift.
Damaged gas lens or collet body: Poor gas flow and poor contact increase heat stress.
Long tungsten stickout: Too much stickout exposes the tungsten and front end to heat.
Short post-flow: Hot tungsten and front-end parts oxidize after the arc stops.
AC aluminum settings: Excess cleaning action can heat the tungsten and torch front end.

What Wears Out First

The collet and cup usually show heat damage before the whole torch fails. A collet that has lost spring tension will let the tungsten move, arc-start poorly, or slip when hot. A cup that is cracked, chipped, or heat-stained can disturb gas coverage. A gas lens screen can clog or discolor from heat and debris. Replace these before condemning the torch body.

AC Aluminum Overheating Checks

AC aluminum work puts more heat into the tungsten and front end than many light DC jobs. If the torch overheats mainly on aluminum, confirm tungsten diameter, cup size, gas flow, AC balance, AC frequency, and travel speed. Too much cleaning action, too long of an arc, or slow travel can all increase torch heat. Adjust settings only after confirming the torch rating and consumables are correct.

What To Verify Before Ordering Parts

Installed torch series and amperage rating.
Air-cooled vs water-cooled torch type.
Tungsten diameter and tungsten alloy.
Standard collet body vs gas lens setup.
Cup size and cup condition.
Back cap and O-ring condition.
Connector and adapter style used on the Square Wave 205.
Actual welding amperage and weld duration.

Common Wrong-Setup Mistakes

Assuming every torch on a Square Wave 205 is rated for full-output TIG welding.
Running a small air-cooled torch like a water-cooled production torch.
Using 1/16 in tungsten at amperage better suited for 3/32 in or larger.
Ignoring a slipping tungsten until the collet body overheats.
Over-tightening cups and cracking ceramic parts.
Using too much tungsten stickout with a small cup.
Shortening post-flow until tungsten and front-end parts oxidize.

Test Procedure

Let the torch cool fully before disassembly.
Remove and inspect the cup, collet, collet body or gas lens, back cap, and O-ring.
Replace any heat-discolored, cracked, loose, or worn consumable.
Install tungsten that matches the amperage range.
Reduce tungsten stickout and confirm stable argon flow.
Run a short test bead at lower amperage and shorter duration.
If heat stays controlled, increase amperage or weld duration gradually.
If overheating returns quickly, verify torch rating and consider a higher-rated torch setup.

Field Fix vs Proper Fix

Field fix: Reduce amperage, shorten weld time, allow cooldown, replace the collet, reduce stickout, and increase post-flow enough to protect the hot tungsten and cup area.

Proper fix: Match the TIG torch to the amperage and duty cycle of the job, replace heat-damaged torch consumables, confirm argon coverage, document Square Wave 205 AC settings, and upgrade to a higher-rated torch if the work repeatedly overheats the current torch.

Safety Notes

Let the torch cool before touching front-end parts.
Disconnect power before torch service.
Do not weld with cracked cups, exposed conductors, or damaged torch cables.
Use gloves rated for TIG heat and keep hands away from hot ceramic parts.
Use ventilation and keep your head out of fumes.

May 18, 2026

Square Wave 205 TIG Gas Lens vs Standard Collet Body: When to Use Each Setup

On a Lincoln Square Wave 205, a gas lens is not an automatic upgrade for every TIG weld. Use a gas lens when you need smoother argon coverage, longer tungsten stickout, better visibility around corners, cleaner stainless work, or better shielding on aluminum outside a tight cup position. Use a standard collet body when the joint is easy to reach, stickout is short, space is tight, amperage is moderate, or you want a simple low-cost torch setup.

If tungsten is turning black, the arc is wandering, or the weld is sugaring/oxidizing, a gas lens may help only after the basics are correct: 100% argon, leak-free torch, clean cup, good collet grip, proper tungsten prep, enough post-flow, clean work metal, and a solid work clamp. A gas lens cannot fix dirty base metal, wrong polarity, poor tungsten grind, or a leaking back cap.

What Each Part Does

A standard collet body holds the tungsten collet and routes shielding gas through the torch cup. It is compact, inexpensive, and works well for many normal DC steel, stainless, and basic AC aluminum TIG jobs.

A gas lens replaces the standard collet body with a screen/diffuser assembly that smooths the gas stream before it exits the cup. The cleaner gas column can improve shielding coverage and allow more tungsten stickout when access or visibility requires it.

Compatibility Notes for the Square Wave 205

The Lincoln Square Wave 205 is an AC/DC TIG and Stick machine with AC frequency, AC balance, pulse, and post-flow controls. Those controls affect arc focus, aluminum cleaning/penetration balance, heat input, and tungsten shielding time, but torch consumable fitment depends on the installed torch series, not the machine name alone.

Do not order a gas lens by “Square Wave 205” only. Verify torch series first. Common air-cooled TIG torches may be 9/20-style or 17/18/26-style depending on the package or replacement torch. Gas lens collet bodies, collets, cups, insulators, and back caps are torch-family specific. If the torch series is unknown, fitment is Unknown (Verify).

Gas Lens vs Standard Collet Body

Feature	Gas Lens	Standard Collet Body
Gas coverage	Smoother, wider shielding envelope	Good for normal short-stickout work
Tungsten stickout	Allows more stickout when needed	Best with shorter stickout
Visibility	Better for corners, cups pulled back, and tight angles	Good when the joint is open
Cost	Higher	Lower
Durability in dirty work	Screen can clog from spatter/debris	Simpler and easier to clean
Best use	Stainless, aluminum, corners, longer stickout	General TIG, practice, easy-access joints

When a Gas Lens Helps

Longer tungsten stickout: Better access into corners, tubes, fillets, and tight joints.
Cleaner stainless welds: Better shielding can reduce oxidation when gas coverage was the weak point.
Aluminum edge work: A smoother gas envelope can help when cup angle is hard to maintain.
Arc wandering from gas turbulence: Helps only if tungsten prep and work return are already correct.
Better puddle visibility: Lets the operator pull the cup back slightly without immediately losing shielding.

When a Standard Collet Body Is Better

Short welds on clean steel where shielding is already stable.
Practice work where low-cost consumables matter.
Dirty repair work where a gas lens screen may clog quickly.
Very tight spaces where the gas lens cup/insulator stack is too bulky.
High-spatter or awkward tack work where cups get damaged often.

Common Symptoms That Lead Welders to Try a Gas Lens

Symptom	Gas Lens May Help?	Check First
Black tungsten	Sometimes	Post-flow, leaks, cup cracks, argon flow
Arc wandering	Sometimes	Tungsten grind, contamination, work clamp
Stainless turns gray	Yes, if shielding is weak	Gas flow, travel speed, cup size
Aluminum puddle is dirty	Sometimes	Oxide removal, AC balance, clean filler
Tungsten slips	No	Collet and collet body wear
No gas at torch	No	Cylinder, solenoid, hose, torch leak

What To Verify Before Ordering

Torch series: 9/20, 17/18/26, or other.
Tungsten diameter: 1/16, 3/32, 1/8 in, or metric equivalent.
Gas lens collet body size that matches tungsten diameter.
Correct collet for the gas lens setup.
Correct cup type and cup gasket/insulator for gas lens use.
Back cap and O-ring condition.
Whether a stubby gas lens kit or standard-length gas lens is being used.

Common Wrong-Part Mistakes

Buying 17/18/26 gas lens parts for a 9/20 torch.
Buying a gas lens body but reusing the wrong cup or insulator.
Using a 3/32 collet body with 1/16 tungsten.
Installing a gas lens but keeping excessive argon flow that creates turbulence.
Expecting a gas lens to fix a cracked cup, leaking torch, or dirty tungsten.
Using long stickout without increasing cup size or confirming shielding coverage.

Test Procedure

Start with a clean standard collet body, correct collet, and short tungsten stickout.
Run a bead on clean scrap and note tungsten color, arc stability, and weld appearance.
Install the verified gas lens setup with the same tungsten size and clean cup.
Set argon flow conservatively; do not assume more CFH is better.
Run the same bead with the same amperage and travel angle.
If the gas lens improves color and arc stability, shielding coverage was likely part of the problem.
If nothing improves, inspect gas leaks, tungsten prep, work clamp, base-metal cleaning, and Square Wave 205 AC settings.

Field Fix vs Proper Fix

Field fix: Use a clean cup, fresh tungsten, short stickout, stable argon flow, and a standard collet body if the joint is easy to reach.

Proper fix: Match the gas lens kit to the exact TIG torch series and tungsten diameter, replace worn collets or leaking O-rings, verify post-flow, and document cup size, argon flow, tungsten size, AC balance, AC frequency, and material type.

Safety Notes

Disconnect power before changing torch consumables.
Let the torch cool before removing cups or collet bodies.
Use eye and respiratory protection when grinding tungsten.
Do not weld with damaged cups, leaking gas fittings, or loose torch parts.
Use ventilation and keep your head out of fumes.

May 18, 2026

Square Wave 205 TIG Arc Wandering Causes: Tungsten, Gas, Ground, and AC Setup Checks

If a Lincoln Square Wave 205 TIG arc wanders, splits, flutters, or refuses to stay centered on the joint, start with tungsten condition and torch setup before blaming the machine. Arc wandering is usually caused by contaminated tungsten, poor tungsten grind direction, too much tungsten stickout, weak argon shielding, a loose work clamp, damaged torch consumables, or AC settings that do not match the aluminum joint.

The Square Wave 205 is an AC/DC TIG and Stick machine with AC frequency, AC balance, pulse, and post-flow control. Those controls help fine-tune bead shape and cleaning action, but they will not stabilize a dirty tungsten, leaking torch, cracked cup, loose collet, poor work return, or contaminated base metal.

Common Symptoms

Arc moves side to side: Tungsten point, work lead, or gas coverage is unstable.
Arc splits into two paths: Tungsten is contaminated, balled unevenly, or ground poorly.
Arc starts clean then wanders: Tungsten is overheating, dipping, or losing shielding after the puddle forms.
Arc wanders on aluminum only: AC balance, oxide cleaning, tungsten shape, or base-metal cleaning is suspect.
Arc wanders on steel/stainless: Dirty tungsten, poor work clamp, long arc length, or contaminated filler is likely.
Black tungsten after welding: Shielding gas or post-flow is not protecting the electrode.
Puddle chases away from the joint: Work angle, arc length, magnetic arc blow, or uneven heat path may be involved.

What Arc Wandering Means

In TIG welding, the tungsten electrode carries the arc while inert shielding gas protects the tungsten and puddle. A stable arc needs a clean tungsten point, a consistent electrical path, and controlled shielding. If the electrode surface is contaminated or the current path is unstable, the arc can leave the tip center and hunt for another path to the workpiece.

Square Wave 205 Compatibility Notes

Lincoln lists the Square Wave 205 as an AC/DC TIG and Stick welder with AC frequency control, AC balance control, pulse, and post-flow features. Use those machine controls only after verifying torch condition, tungsten prep, argon shielding, and work clamp connection.

For machine-family context, see the Lincoln Electric Square Wave 205 overview. For related support, see unstable TIG arc from poor tungsten prep, why TIG tungsten turns black, TIG torch support, and tungsten prep support.

Fast Checks Before Changing Machine Settings

Cut off any dipped or contaminated tungsten end.
Regrind lengthwise on a clean wheel dedicated to tungsten.
Confirm the tungsten diameter matches amperage.
Reduce tungsten stickout unless the cup/gas lens setup supports it.
Inspect the cup, collet, collet body, gas lens, back cap, and O-ring.
Confirm 100% argon and stable gas flow.
Move the work clamp to clean metal near the weld zone.
Clean the base metal and filler rod before testing again.

Arc Wandering Diagnosis Table

Symptom	Likely Cause	First Check
Arc wanders immediately	Poor tungsten grind or dirty tip	Cut back and regrind lengthwise
Arc splits	Contaminated or uneven tungsten	Inspect tip under light
Arc wanders after a few seconds	Tungsten overheating or losing shielding	Check amperage, stickout, cup, and post-flow
Arc favors one side of joint	Poor ground path or joint geometry	Move work clamp and shorten arc
Arc wanders on aluminum	Oxide, AC balance, dirty tungsten, poor cleaning	Clean aluminum and reset AC setup
Arc wanders with black tungsten	Gas leak or post-flow problem	Check argon path and torch seals

Tungsten Prep Causes

Poor tungsten prep is the first place to look. Grinding marks should run lengthwise with the electrode. Circular grind marks, a flat broken point, a dipped tip, or a point contaminated by a dirty grinding wheel can make the arc leave the center of the tungsten. If the tungsten touched the puddle or filler rod, cut the contaminated section off instead of lightly touching up the surface.

Gas Coverage Causes

Wrong gas or contaminated argon supply.
Flow too low for cup size and stickout.
Flow too high, causing turbulence.
Cracked cup or damaged gas lens screen.
Loose back cap or damaged O-ring.
Leaking torch hose, fitting, or torch head.
Post-flow too short to protect hot tungsten.

AC Aluminum Causes

On aluminum, a wandering arc can come from oxide, inadequate cleaning, poor AC balance, or an overheated tungsten. The Square Wave 205 gives the operator AC balance control for cleaning versus penetration and AC frequency control for bead width and arc focus. If the tungsten and gas path are correct but the arc still washes around on aluminum, clean the oxide layer again, tighten arc length, and adjust AC balance/frequency in small steps.

DC Steel and Stainless Causes

On DC TIG, wandering is often caused by long arc length, dirty tungsten, filler touching the electrode, poor work clamp placement, contaminated base metal, or magnetic arc blow. Move the work clamp closer, clean the work area, shorten the arc, and keep filler wire entering the front edge of the puddle instead of crossing the tungsten.

Common Wrong-Setup Mistakes

Turning AC balance or frequency before fixing a dipped tungsten.
Grinding tungsten sideways instead of lengthwise.
Using a dirty bench grinder wheel for tungsten prep.
Running excessive tungsten stickout with a small cup.
Ignoring a loose work clamp or painted ground path.
Welding aluminum without removing oxide and oil.
Continuing after the tungsten touches filler metal.
Using post-flow that shuts off while the tungsten is still hot.

Test Procedure

Cut back and regrind the tungsten lengthwise.
Install the tungsten with normal stickout and a clean cup.
Clamp directly to clean metal near the test weld.
Set argon flow and post-flow for the cup size and amperage.
Run a short bead on clean scrap without filler.
If the arc is stable without filler, add clean filler rod.
If the arc wanders only after filler is added, check filler technique and contamination.
If the arc wanders without filler, isolate torch, tungsten, gas, ground, and machine settings.

Field Fix vs Proper Fix

Field fix: Regrind tungsten, shorten arc length, move the work clamp, reduce stickout, and test with clean argon coverage.

Proper fix: Replace worn collets, damaged cups, bad O-rings, contaminated tungsten, leaking torch parts, or poor work leads. Then document tungsten size, cup size, gas flow, amperage, AC balance, AC frequency, and post-flow for the material being welded.

Safety Notes

Disconnect power before torch service.
Use eye and respiratory protection when grinding tungsten.
Do not grind thoriated tungsten without proper dust control and shop approval.
Keep solvents, oil, and unknown coatings away from welding heat.
Use ventilation and keep your head out of fumes.

May 18, 2026