Thursday, December 8, 2011

Feedback from Kalevi Tiurinen, first user of Weld 20

I asked Kalevi Tiurinen about his experiences with the Weld 20 - he tested the very first rough prototype, the final prototype and the first examples of the production version (he hasn't worn it out yet).

Kalevi said that for the work he's been doing (tank welding, erection work, rough shop welding) the best use has been when doing vertical and overhead work, especially with heavy wire electrode welding (GMAW) and lots of molten spray. The shape of the Weld 20 lets the slag roll and bounce off, since there are no nooks and crevices (such as between palm and tool, or between fingers) where the slag can get caught and burn through. Also, the Weld 20 is long enough to keep wrist and forearms free from burns.

The other major benefit in Kalevis experience was being able to have a thinner glove underneath - both for dexterity, comfort and warmth. Dexterity and comfort for all kinds of work, warmth since having a thinner glove inside the Weld 20 means insulation both against heat and cold weather.

Kalevi and his crew of four welders first used the final prototype for outdoor erection works at Mönsterås Paper Mill in the rainy summer and fall of 2010 and in Jönköping during the cold and snowy winter of 2010/2011.
"Terrific. Double gloves with a little air inbetween, a lot warmer. Much better than other winters - one can just leave the Weld 20 on the electrode holder, take a coffee break and come out again. Always a warm and dry glove on your hand underneath the outer glove. Now it's always in our equipment container."

I asked him what his crew thought about the Weld 20: "Excellent." Since, he's used it for indoor erection work as well.

Kalevi is off on sick leave since this summer, trying to rehabilitate a worn out shoulder. Personally I hope that the improved ergonomics of the Weld 20 will help coming generations of welders to not have to quit because of injuries and pain.

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