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Y'all have been talking about the necessity of protecting hands, arms and eyes but let me tell you, you haven't lived until you've gotten a blob of hot lead run through the porous tongue of your tennis shoe. Never thought it could happen as I just assumed that in passing through the several layers of fabric the lead would be cooled and not pose a problem. Not so!! Luckily I only got a big blister to show for it instead of a deep scar as could have happened.

Now I use "metatarsals" which are shields that look like old fashoned Spats that cover the top of the shoe and up the front of the leg. You can get professionally made-for-the-purpose items at industral safety shops but they tend to be expensive.

Snake guards work quite well but so does a rounded square of most any non-porus material including cardboard in a pinch. Just cut a square of material of a size that with one corner covering your toes the diagonally opposite corner is above your ankle on the front. Fold the other two corners around your foot and secure with something. Packaging tape works well with cardboard. If you fancy a little sheet metal work get you some galvanized flashing and tin snips at the hardware store and make something that will last many melting sessions.

Just some food for thought.

Gerry