Newbie welder here. I've been trying to pay attention about you guys and your welding situations but I never hear of anyone discuss the skin exposure to the welding arc. Is it a big deal? I'm a shorts kinda guy and usually wear a shop coat. It's a very geeky sight but nevertheless it works for me! Anyways, I've always wondered about the exposure to my legs when welding. I've seen some guys spot welding (now I talking mig here if it makes a difference) with no gloves on so it got me thinking about whether it's a big deal or not. Thanks for listening. I look forward to all your advice.

Some guys are fools, so be careful who you follow. I have seen them spraying urethane paint with no mask on and that is crazy.

It will only take one small drop of molten metal to hit your skin and you will understand why welding gloves are so thick and long.

I had forgotten to adjust my settings once and a drop of hot metal hit my sneaker and went right through to the top of my foot. Painful is an understatement.

Agree.

Even in summer I wear proper welding gloves, long pants (heavy cotton drill) and a jacket with leather sleeves and suede body. Hot, but not as hot as a white hot piece of metal.

And proper leather boots. Shoes don't cut it. I've had splatter go right through my socks when wearing shoes. Not fun.

Also remember that a welding arc can cause sunburn on exposed skin. Stay covered.

I do wear gloves lol. I have had molten metal hit my skin before. I can't print those words here so I hear you guys! I was more interested in the arc exposure to uncovered skin. Is it serious enough that you should always cover all your exposed skin? If you spot weld here and there, will it over the years cause irreversible skin issues...cancer? I'm not a fraidy cat, just want to understand all my options. If I'm not sure, I figure to ask you guys as seasoned welders. You guys are very helpful here.

https://www.google.com/search?q=welding ... e&ie=UTF-8

Yes I get it now. Thanks for all your feedback!