One reason TIG welding is more likely to sunburn the operator is the lack of smoke from the flux burning that happens with a stick weld. The UV rays don't get filtered out as well if they don't have to penetrate a smoke screen. I used to be a TIG welder for E.& J. Gallo, installing miles of 4" stainless wine pipe at their Livingston, CA winery. It's uncomfortable, but a long-sleeved cotton shirt, buttoned up to the top, is a bare minimum for TIG work. Leathers are better, but they're danged uncomfortable in hot weather! I can remember hanging pipe 60 feet off the ground, in 108 degree bright sunshine. At least the humidity was bone dry!
Jerry
