Leaning over the torch..

[Megan]

Hi,

I tend to lean over the torch a little.. No matter what I do, I go back to the same torching position even with my creation station.. I am afraid I might be breathing in some fumes or something. I know there are others out there that do this.. Do any of y'all use some type of plexi-glass shield or something.. Can anything be purchased like that?

[Mr. Smiley]

A filtered glass sheild may help you out. Don't get into a position where you think you may be directly breathing this stuff. It's just not worth it. ;)

[Megan]

Good idea.. I was figuring I needed a table mounted type of thing but that would definitely be a much easier fix.. Probably even a nonfiltered doctors shield type one would work just as long as it went passed my chin..

[adovbs]

Hi,

I tend to lean over the torch a little.. No matter what I do, I go back to the same torching position even with my creation station..

Do you need glasses? Sounds like a "nearsighted" reaction to me. When was the last time you had your vision checked?

[Megan]

I am due for a vision test but haven't had any trouble with vision at all.. Has more to do with posture I think.. I correct myself but then when I get into a bead, I find myself back in the same position especially when I am concentrating or working with stringer. I find I hold my breath too but thats a whole different problem.. LOL I think I am going to try the face shield and see if that takes care of it..

[Kaibeads]

I've noticed myself getting really close over the torch doing details. Like my face is right in there. For a while now I've thought it would be a good idea to put something under the torch to raise it up higher a little more to eye level. Also I have pretty long arms and the higher torch would allow for a more comfortable arm position. Just gotta find a good block of wood or metal box or something. Maybe raising the torch would be helpful for you too.

[MikeAurelius]

A seat belt on your chair may help - not kidding! If you need posture re-inforcement, then a velcro strap may be just the thing you need.

I agree that it's not a good idea to do this - not only fumes, but if you have longish hair, you may end up with a flaming friz job.

I do sell a table shield that may help as well: http://www.auralens.net/e_gw6500.cfm

[Megan]

Kai-

I think that might be my problem totally.. I am 6'2".. Tall for a girl I know.. for most they can just easly lean their elbows down or rest their wrists.. I am sure I lean over to do that.. I have one of those wood banquet tables.. I think maybe raising up the table with wood blocks or something may help too along with the shield.. maybe those bed risers would work..

[A_Glass_Bash]

It's 90% the position, I bet you raise it up and you'll be happier. I am 5'10 (shh.. close enough that I claim it at least) and I find a LOT of stuff that I want higher for lots of reasons like that. Kitchen cabinets and sinks for one. When ours get redone their gonna be higher. I am so tired of my back hurting because of the angle and the "dangle" of hands/arms in that area too. I had to play a bit with my HH to get the depth right so that it wasn't ackward too.

[kbinkster]

Yep, I agree with you and Arlene - try raising up your torch. I built my own riser out of wood. It was like a walled ledge that the table fit onto. I thought about the bed risers. Those should work if your table legs fit into the wells on the top.

There are just too many dangers with working that close. What if your rod popped? What if your hair caught on fire? Plus, it isn't good to breathe CO or NOx.

I'm sure a table shield can still be used with your torch raised.

Good luck finding the right fit. It might take some trial and error, but it will be worth it.

[Megan]

It's 90% the position, I bet you raise it up and you'll be happier. I am 5'10 (shh.. close enough that I claim it at least) and I find a LOT of stuff that I want higher for lots of reasons like that. Kitchen cabinets and sinks for one. When ours get redone their gonna be higher. I am so tired of my back hurting because of the angle and the "dangle" of hands/arms in that area too. I had to play a bit with my HH to get the depth right so that it wasn't ackward too.

Don't ya know it Arlene... Both my hubby and I are tall and we just had our kitchen redone a year or so ago and we had taller cabinets built.. I still don't think they are tall enough but enough that I don't get back spasms cooking or washing dishes.. LOL We are about ready to redo our bathroom and instead of putting in bathroom height vanities, we are putting in kitchen height vanities..