Where do you guys weld?

[..DAZ..]

Not aimed so much at the pro guys here but more of the DIYer. Reason I ask is I used to have access to a large stonebuilt lockup, which I can no longer afford to pay for My options are either to weld in the car port which is no good when windy (using mig) or in my shed (4x4mtr) which is wooden. I don't really like the idea of welding inside it although I always have the fire extinguisher and hose handy. How many of you guys use wooden sheds and never have problems? Is there anything I can paint on the wood to make it fireproof or at at least fire resistant? Or do I need to just be more careful and observant for flames etc. I really need somewhere to weld as I have two projects on the go and can't get them finished, I desperately need them done before christmas. Any ideas would be great.
cheers
daz

 

[MrFluffy]

Is there anything I can paint on the wood to make it fireproof or at at least fire resistant?

Plasterboard it. I think doubling up two sheets of plasterboard makes a stud wall fire rated at over a hour, but single thickness will do to protect the wood from ignition. Or tin sheet it...

 

[bigbadbugga]

Could you put temporary walls up around the carport, or even just windbreaks?

 

[..DAZ..]

had thought about that too, but I stay in a wee valley and the wind howls through it almost constantly, however I do have some sheets of ply so could try sticking some hinges on it so it can fold away when finished, but the plasterboard option sounds good! The shed is already lined with ply and insulated to keep it cosy, but for the cost of a few sheets of plasterboard it is worth looking at

 

[Pete.]

Just keep a water fire extinguisher handy. Plywood doesn't burn easily from weld spatter. I have been using it as floor protection whilst cutting-up steel joists with oxy cutting gear to save from marking the new concrete floor on site.

 

[Drains]

Daz, your ply is probably fire rated already. Ever tried burning the stuff? The best thing you can do anyway is make sure you keep the workspace free of dodgy consumables (wire wool, rags, oily or otherwise).

Personally I wouldn't be too concerned (I know, I'm an optimist). I used to work in a bone dry timber workshop with a rubber (ex conveyor belt) floor. Never any problems, and it was at least 60 years old.

 

[Furry Freak]

What about welding curtain? That's what it's designed for. Easy to put up, cut etc. and will take very little off the dimensions of the shed. Sorry, welding bay.

FF

 

[Alistair]

you can buy pink fireboard nowadays. basicaly one sheet of plasterboard thicker than usual and sometimes with a foil backing (but not always) this is to replace the double board on new regs. slightly more pricey than normal plaster board but worth it.

 

[excossack]

Ive welded(and still do) in a wooden shed. I have plenty of splatter.
I've only once had a small flame from splatter but that was down to some dry hay on the floor. I make sure i sweep up the floor first and so far has been OK, I keep two power extinguishers handy just incase. I also remove from the shed, the two camping stove gas bottles before i start welding.
After i finish welding i check for smoke before closing up.

 

[..DAZ..]

cheers for the help guys, puts my mind at rest. I think I will continue using the shed and in the long term think about sheeting it with plasterboard or similair.
cheers
daz