Mig Welding Wire?

Question

Last year i was welding something that was rusty, the Wire deflected off the steel and into my index finger and right through the bone, since then it has been agony and still cannot feel the tip of the finger. What have i done?

In response to Harley's answer, all the firms steel is kept outside so it rusts with time, 99% the time the steel is clean. I was welding a 4-1/2 inch cap onto a gate post and the only way to keep the cap on is to put a tack on one side of the cap and turn round to put another tack opposite side, holding the cap.

Answer 1

IN RESPONSE TO YOUR RESPONSE
The only thing Harley said that was wrong was about the wire going in to the bone. Even .25 wire can go in to the bone at the right angle. But the fact still remains that you were welding RUSTY metal. Whether the metal was stored outside or not, it obviously was not preped to weld if the wire didnt arc when it hit the metal. His response had nothing to do with tacking the cap on. In fact you probably should have used more than 2 tacks to keep the cap from moving while you weld it. It's obvious that you damaged your neve endings and it's obvious that everyone noticed that YOU screwed up. Take it like a man and go get the doctor to check it out.

Answer 2

Firstly, when your welding something that is rusty, you need to grind or file the rust off first because the wire won't arc and you will get a lot of spatter, as you found out. When your welding you should have been wearing gauntlets and all other safety equipment. I'm no doctor but i'd say you have damaged a nerve, go and see a doctor.

Answer 3

I spent a good part life as a welder, certified for all ASME codes, pipe, MIG and TIG. I was licensed by the State of California To teach welding in post secondary education. I was Administrator, instructor for Allied welding schools and in all of this, with all the accidents I have seen, I cant understand how an .030 or .035 MIG wire could ever go through your bone. It would bend first. . A real welder would NEVER, NEVER, try to weld rust. Your metal HAS to be clean in order to weld. ( First rule of welding.)
It should also be peened and wire brushed after each pass.

Answer 4

No there is MIG which uses gas and wire feed which uses a flux core.

Answer 5

If it messed up the bone or you nerves go to the doctor. If it was just the wire in the skin then just treat it like a bad cut. What i do anyhow.

Answer 6

You've probably damaged your nerve endings. Presumably the wire was hot, so you have corterized your finger.

Answer 7

you could have severed a nerve and it incorrectly healed due to tetnis