Can I touch the work piece?

Hum - at one point (the ground return) there is low voltage unless you are in AC mode. From that point to the stick or the torch or the ..... end where the metal is being welded or cut the voltage varies from min to max where max is what the unit is asked to generate minus some losses...

If that is less than 20 some odd volts then it is safe if you don't have high voltage RF arc start voltage running like in a tig to kick start.

I'd say simply, if the shoes are insulated, and you have gloves you are relativity safe. If your hand is on the far side of the GND or return cable from the stick or torch... then there isn't a voltage potential. You are always a current drop if there is some voltage. You might make a circuit, but your Gnd cable better be lower in resistance than you are.

All that said, insulate well and yes if due caution is used.

You might mention if you are Tig, Mig, Stick, Plasma .....

Martin

don't use your tongue

"Scott" wrote: don't use your tongue ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ I thought that had to do with freezing.

"I twied ith wonth an ith thook me a weekth before my tasth budth to wook agin."

And it sounded like sizzling bacon.