Welding in the garage

[tatiepot]

I’ve just been getting a TIG welder to use in the garage, the only thing that’s stopping me from arcing up is the wooden rafters above where i’d be welding. The walls around the garage are breeze blocks so these are fine it’s just the rafters above that i’d need to fireproof. What would be the best way to do it? gypsum boards and intumescent sealer? any other ideas? Cheers!!

 

[AdventuresInMetal]

Honestly with TIG i wouldn't be too concerned about much of anything, I TIG weld in a timber frame workshop with OSB walls and ceilings and a plywood floor all day long. It's when i break out the stick or MIG i want to hang around for a while to make sure theres nothing smoldering. But i try to do both of those outside.

 

[roofman]

The main criteria is after you finish welding try and stick around the garage for at least 20 mins cleaning up etc and make sure all is good before locking up.

 

[Richiew]

Don't worry about it. I have bare roof beams and OSB. Never give it a thought. Sparks don't get that high and TIG doesn't cause sparks like MIG and stick does. You should be more concerned by anything combustible on the floor. Just be sensible and give it half an hour tidying up when you finish welding, in case anything is smouldering away.

 

[Robert Weaver]

You'd need to work hard to set fire to the rafters. Tig is pretty focused and shouldn't give spatter, so only the heat from the welded part is likely to be a hazard.

Also, like mig, the gas will slowly fill an enclosed space and be an asphyxiant. Suitable ventilation will be required.

 

[tatiepot]

Thanks for the replies - appreciated. Forgot to mention i’d be grinding in the garage as well to prep the metals before welding

 

[500e]

Grinding whole different ball game especially if there is rag, paper, or easily combustible substances, had more scares with grinder than welding

 

[redlig]

Grinding whole different ball game especially if there is rag, paper, or easily combustible substances, had more scares with grinder than welding

It's always fun when the smell of hot metal dust changes to a smell of T shirt/ jumper / jacket followed by that lovely warm feeling that says you are alight.

Not forgetting the burnt leather smell when the Acetone soaked gloves combust.

 

[roofman]

Grinding...i can't say too much on the matter

 

[redlig]

It's always fun when the smell of hot metal dust changes to a smell of T shirt/ jumper / jacket followed by that lovely warm feeling that says you are alight.

Grinding...i can't say too much on the matter

View attachment 417498

Bit of cotton thread and a needle ,good as new.. More likely Duct tape here.

 

[bourbon]

Been there, bought the 'T' shirt

 

[redlig]

Been there, bought the 'T' shirt

It's one thing to buy the T shirt but it takes a certain type of person to set light to it while actually wearing it.

 

[500e]

Keep steel wool far away from any grinding or welding activities

Pretty though

 

[bourbon]

It's one thing to buy the T shirt but it takes a certain type of person to set light to it while actually wearing it.

Done that as well, Grinding, not welding though.

 

[8ob]

There are flame retardant paints for wood on the market, not sure how effective they are.

Bob

 

[angellonewolf]

to be fair ive been set alight way more times grinding than welding with any welding once i think from memery and that was only as there was a dirty rag (oil soaked) near by that id not moved just more thought was needed

and if your cutting up much stuff on regular basis a hand band saw makes very little sparks to start a fire

this sort of thing https://www.screwfix.com/p/makita-d...3BzgJZDwEOwvXFnXcuBoCiz4QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

some of them you can add a plate on them to make it as a stand up one

 

[tom 748]

been doing it for years