Welding Area: Difference between revisions

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(update: changed from outdoor area (2019) to ventilated indoor solution (2023))
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{{update
|reason=This area can not be set up in our new location exactly as before. We are working on an indoors alternative with proper ventilation: [https://github.com/comakingspace/do-something/issues/199 do-something #199]
}}
[[File:welding enclosure - outside.JPG|thumb|right|outside]]
[[File:welding enclosure - outside.JPG|thumb|right|outside]]
[[File:welding enclosure - inside.JPG|thumb|right|inside (as of May 2019)]]
[[File:welding enclosure - inside.JPG|thumb|right|inside (as of Oct 2023)]]


We [https://github.com/comakingspace/do-something/issues/10 have set up an outside welding area] behind the [[Metal Workshop|metal workshop]].
We [https://github.com/comakingspace/do-something/issues/199 have set up a ventilated welding area] in the "hot" section of our [[Metal Workshop|metal workshop]].


== Curtains ==
== Curtains ==
The curtains are meant to protect the other Makers while someone is welding inside of the enclosure. Two are made of non-flammable cotton fabric ''(Bühnenmolton B1, 300 g/m²)'' and can be close to the welding process. The third one is transparent and should be in the back of the welder, '''away from the workpiece'''.
The curtains are meant to protect the other Makers while someone is welding inside of the enclosure. Two (black) are made of non-flammable cotton fabric ''(Bühnenmolton B1, 300 g/m²)'' and can be placed close to the welding process if needed. The third one (red) is transparent and should cover the entrance of the entire enclosure whenever someone is welding.
 
We hung the curtains from a 4 mm steel cable that is held up by rods at two points and two hooks in the wall, enclosing an area of about 2{{x}}3 m. The steel cable is a bit longer than currently needed to allow for future upgrades. The rods are about 2 m tall and embedded in concrete-filled buckets. To prevent tipping over, the buckets are screwed onto wooden boards.


=== Improvement Ideas ===
=== Improvement Ideas ===
* curtains are currently held in place on the steel cable by [[Spring Clamps|spring clamps]] - a more permanent and less wasteful solution is needed
* the black curtains could get a more or less fixed rail system in the near future based on their actual use
** e.g. pairs of small [[Scrap Wood|scrap wood]] blocks screwed together
* the red "entrance" curtain could use a sliding mechanism so it is not just rolled up and stored on top of the wall when not in use
* the red "entrance" curtain could use something to hold it up while equipment is carried in and out
* the boards under the rod buckets would be easier to move with handles (e.g. loops of rope)
* if a future project requires more space, we should be able to add more rods and curtains rather easily!


== Welding Table ==
== Welding Table ==
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For ease of transport (although it should probably stay outside in the long term), we welded two coasters to its base so you can roll it around when one side is lifted.
For ease of transport (although it should probably stay outside in the long term), we welded two coasters to its base so you can roll it around when one side is lifted.
This is '''not''' a proper welding workbench, but the best we have at the moment. As always, improvements are very welcome ;-)





Revision as of 15:34, 8 October 2023

outside
inside (as of Oct 2023)

We have set up a ventilated welding area in the "hot" section of our metal workshop.

Curtains

The curtains are meant to protect the other Makers while someone is welding inside of the enclosure. Two (black) are made of non-flammable cotton fabric (Bühnenmolton B1, 300 g/m²) and can be placed close to the welding process if needed. The third one (red) is transparent and should cover the entrance of the entire enclosure whenever someone is welding.

Improvement Ideas

  • the black curtains could get a more or less fixed rail system in the near future based on their actual use
  • the red "entrance" curtain could use a sliding mechanism so it is not just rolled up and stored on top of the wall when not in use

Welding Table

We brought the sturdy green steel table (formerly a DIY table saw) out of the metal workshop and welded a vise to it.

For ease of transport (although it should probably stay outside in the long term), we welded two coasters to its base so you can roll it around when one side is lifted.

This is not a proper welding workbench, but the best we have at the moment. As always, improvements are very welcome ;-)


Machines


Other Tools