What are you using for goggles? You know if you look at the arc enough, you will go blind permanently. I know there are people in Africa who have perfected the method of blind welding- they set everything up, close their eyes and go, and then they take the stick off and check out their progress.
sorry i got a little offended by that..
and i think your spreading misinformation which could be hazardous to some peoples health..
when your playing with something that has deadly high amperage, shoots off splatter at 2000-3000 degrees sends out ultraviolet rays which will sunburn bare skin deep in a matter of seconds (closing eyes isnt protection), your not going to last long welding.. OF COARSE you use protection and proper welding shield glass on your helmet. there is also toxic gasses from some metals that will fuck you up..
(i took welding in highschool ac, dc- dc+....) also if by the stupidest chance you electrocute yourself you probably will die.. unless you use dc- , dc+ and ac welding contract your muscles so you would hold on to the electric currant until you die or the power is cut off.. dc- will release your muscles and you will drop anything your holding onto
i like the idea with the coat hanger though i suppose its not really full proof though
hey is welding vegan? i mean you NEED leather to protect your from the 3000F splater using any petroleum or plant based or oil based coat and gloves will just set you on fire..
i remember seeing someone welding in my class incidentally drop a hugh globual of molten steel on the toe of his shoe, he quickly pulled his toes back as it melted a hole straight through the toe of his shoe.. crazy shit
arc welding is not really a subject you can lightly touch with out actual practice or a lot of reading and precautionary measures before hand
here is a general starter
http://www.millerwelds.com/pdf/safety/quick_eng_200704.pdf