Welding mats

"Steve B" wrote: (clip) if they're soft, they'd burn from the slag. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ The first solution that comes to mind is to wear shoes with thick, soft soles. They will be damaged if you step on something really hot, and that will happen, but you can usually avoid it.

You might be able to find something in silicone. Slag might be hot enough to put small burn marks on the surface, but should cool quickly enough to make it only cosmetic damage.

Pete C.

Hi Steve, How about using second hand pit belting, the stuff they use on conveyor belts. I have been using the same pieces for over 25 years and its still in good shape. Regards Ben UK

Hi Steve, How about using second hand pit belting, the stuff they use on conveyor belts. I have been using the same pieces for over 25 years and its still in good shape. Regards Ben UK

Hi Steve, How about using second hand pit belting, the stuff they use on conveyor belts. I have been using the same pieces for over 25 years and its still in good shape. Regards Ben UK

Try the interlocking mats found in the Big Box stores. Four edges interlock with each other. Come in 2' by 2' squares 1/2 inch thick. High density foam in grey for the garage and multi-color for the kids play room.

Yes they do burn from the slag but most will self extinguish. Or try what a fellow co-worker did. Take the mat, put your boot on top, trace around and cut to shape. Use some shoe goop to glue the cut out to the bottom of your boots. Mats always with you and easily replaced when worn out.

Side bene - you'll be a 1/2 inch taller.

Enjoy

Jim Vrzal Holiday, Fl.

"Mawdeeb" wrote: Or try

Watch out for an ankle sprain, however. That extra 1/2" puts a good sized lever on your ankle joint should you get even a little out of alignment.

Jon

"Mawdeeb" wrote: (clip) Use some shoe goop to glue the cut out to the bottom of your boots.

Jim Danniken wrote: (clip) Watch out for ankle sparain, however. (clip) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ I respectfully suggest you go back and read my post of 3/27: (clip) Wear shoes with thick, soft soles. (clip)

a lot of shops use the standard high denisty (rubber, i think?) mats for welding bays as well as general machining areas. These come in a few standard sizes from one person to one that will comer the whole area of a big lathe. Hard to describe, but they are made up of roughly 3/4" holes. water etc drops down into them and they are great at holding on to swarf. to clean up you just roll them aside. they dont seem to burn and are quite comfortable to stand on. for myself, i prefer sitting, even if i do get the odd bit of spatter some place unmetionable.

Shaun

Steve,

I picked up some rubber flooring fron an ice arena we do work at. The mats are 3/4 " thick and roughly 4'x8' and heavy as hell, I cut them in half. Not to worried about burning thru as they are scrap peices.

Hope this helps

Pete

Just throw a cheap Harbor Freight welding blanket over whatever you decide to use.

Sheesh. I'm out in the Sanford Yard yesterday (my wife's name for my work area). I climb up on some metal to straighten an awning. I step down right perfectly on a piece of metal. My ankle rolls, and I land on a plastic mop sink that gives way. I crash to the ground, my ankle beginning to scream, and I just lay there for a good minute. Then I start looking to see what I cut from landing on the sink and a compressor.

Long story short, I ended up with no cuts, but a nasty swollen ankle, which should feel better as soon as it stops hurting.

I like the mat ideas, but I seem to be able to roll my ankle on the least of things. I did the same thing one time offshore on a hatch cover, and had to be flown in. As I recall, that one took a long time to heal, too. I saw stars when it happened. Doctor said it was better if I had broken a bone, and it wouldn't have hurt as much.

It's always something.

Steve

"Steve B" wrote: (clip) should feel better as soon as it stops hurting. (clip) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Kinda goes without saying. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ (clip) Doctor said it was better if I had broken a bone, (clip) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Bones often knit stronger than new. Torn ligaments, OTOH....well, you already know.

An old iron worker once said that when I got a booboo. It pretty much fits the situation, and says it all. You don't want to whine around ironworkers. If you whine your knee is sore, by golly, they'll end up smacking you there before the end of the day. Several times. On purpose. I learned you suck it up, STFU, and keep working when you are around ironworkers.

Steve