Arm-mounted welding torch

[Shainer]

Hello, I'm not a welder and I know little about it, but I have a friend who appreciates it and does it for a living. They have medical problems with their hands, but cannot afford to stop any time soon and alternate employment is limited where they are. So, I was wondering if there was a device to mount a welding torch on a forearm or something like that I could get for them. I've been googling around, but I'm not sure how to search specifically enough to exclude robot arm welders, or hands-free igniters and so on. Or even if such a thing exists or could safely be used.

I'm imagining this:

https://imgur.com/DXVdgEr

Is there something out there like that, or another way of welding that involves less stress on hands?

 

[Munkul]

I've seen weight-reducing devices for grinders, but never for a welding torch.

I think in practical terms it wouldn't be much of a success... due to the nature of welding you need that dexterity of wrist movement.

The only thing you can do, which DOES help, is reduce the weight of the cable.

Welding is a physically demanding job unfortunately... that's why most people get out of it while they're still young

 

[Robotstar5]

Maybe a prosthetics company could help, but I doubt it would be cheap. Another option would be to see if any universities would be interested in developing something as an unusual project.

 

[Jelly_Sheffield]

Maybe a prosthetics company could help, but I doubt it would be cheap. Another option would be to see if any universities would be interested in developing something as an unusual project.

A prosthetist would certainly be able to create a suitable tool to hold a standardised MIG or Tig Torch.

The challenge would be that the user would need to do a lot of practice to develop the specialised motor control to maintain torch position without the dexterity of the wrist and fingers... Effectively occupational therapy but welding specific.

I wouldn't say it's impossible as I know two people with upper limb prostheses who have found ways to do seemingly impossible things... But the process they went through to get there doesn't look easy.

@Shainer I have a friend who is now a prosthetist and also a former craft-trained welder, pm me if you'd like me to make an introduction.

 

[Erie Fred]

Have your friend learn how to program & set-up the robot.
Move from the shop floor into to office as age takes it's toll.

welding robot at DuckDuckGo

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[Shainer]

Thanks a lot for your suggestions, folks.