Workshop share / co-op in Oxford?

[cronag805]

Anyone have a workshop space in / near Oxford they'd be willing to share / split costs on? Or is there a metal shop co-op around here perhaps?

I just moved to Oxford (from the US), and I'm looking for a workshop space to build small metal sculptures.

I'll probably be purchasing a oxy-acetylene rig, but don't feel comfortable using it / storing it in my attached garage.

(Neighbours / HOA wouldn't be too keen on this either...)

Does anyone know of a place in / near Oxford where I could:

- store my welding equipment (tanks etc.)
- do some metal sculpture? (mostly heat-bending/welding rebar / round stock to create 3-D figurative human forms)

I'll be buying/providing all the equipment I need, I just need a place to work, preferably w/ 24 hr access.

Thanks for any suggestions on this!

[[[fwiw: my previous experience: haven't touched a torch for 4 years or so, but I used to be a diver / welder (primarily TIG on SS/alum) / machinist for a marine science technical outfit. Skills are a bit rusty at the moment but I have some ideas for metal sculpture I'd like to pursue...]]]

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Welcome aboard, Cronag .

I'm too far away to help with a location but I'm sure some of the lads will be abler to give advice - might the fact you're using OA restrict your choice, what with all the regs surrounding the storage of acetylene?

 

[cronag805]

Thanks slim_boy_fat for the response

I'm open to oxy/propane or MAPP as well, I just need a way to heat & bend roughly 1/2" round bar & rebar.

(On second thought, maybe I stick to smaller diameter stock and just cold bend it... Then perhaps I could just use a stick welder in my garage to join pieces...)

 

[Parm]

Have a scout around your area, might get lucky and find a farmer with a spare shed or out building

 

[cronag805]

Thanks Parm, will do!

 

[Bullet2012]

Where in Oxford ? What is a reasonable distance to travel ?

 

[cronag805]

Hi Bullet2012 - I'm living 1km west of the Oxford town center. I'd say within a 20min drive would be a reasonable distance in my case.

 

[Burdekin]

Check out gumtree and put a wanted ad on there. I got my first workshop through gumtree.

These guys may be able to help also: https://www.facebook.com/Mens-Shed-Oxford-420680091403440/