hobby welding and insurance

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So I live in a small 8 unit condo and I share half of a two car garage with my upstairs neighbor. I've made myself a little work area that I can put together small art projects every so often. I just got a 120v Lincoln MIG welder with a small tank of gas. My neighbor just sent me an e-mail on how I need to stop welding ASAP because of electrical usage, fire hazard and insurance coverage and says go rent a commercial space. My question is - do I need extra coverage? The garage floor is concrete, walls are cinder blocks. It's part of the building and my home is above it. This guy really is an a-hole in general, and now he does this. Sigh.Any input?
Reply:I can't speak about insurance requirements in New Jersey.I can say that smoke, spatter, and grinding dust/metal debris travel a long ways and will tear up the finish on a car or anything else delicate in the vicinity. If you're sharing this space, and your neighbor keeps his car or valuables stored in the area, you're doing him a disservice by welding in the area.Grinding dust will embed itself in paint and then rust leaving weeping brown spots on the surface of a car.  Welding spatter will permanently scar paint and windshield glass.  Weld smoke will discolor somethings permanently, and can be very difficult to clean up with damage to some surfaces.For what it's worth, that's what I know.Benson's Mobile Welding - Dayton, OH metro area - AWS Certified Welding Inspector
Reply:I agree completely.  You are welding in what is essentially your house and his.  I weld at home, but all I do is tig weld in my garage.  ANY stick welding, torch work or grinding is done outside in the driveway.  If I do something stupid and burn down my place, it will be mine alone and not my neighbor in the SAME building."The man of great wealth owes a peculiar obligation to the State, because he derives special advantages from the mere existence of government."  Teddy RooseveltAmerican by birth, Union by choice!  Boilermakers # 60America is a Union.
Reply:I would never weld in a room where someone else is parking their car.  The debris from abrasive disks and grinding is not good for paint or intakes.  In your shoes, I would take the welding outside -- with curtains up to protect people from looking at the arc.Jack OlsenMy garage website
Reply:All good points and I totally agree however, the few projects I've made are just small cars that fit in your hand and I've only tack weld. I haven't run a bead yet because I've only worked with small pieces of metal. I cut my metal with hand clippers or hacksaw and just use hand files- no grinder. My table is small and I keep the whole area clean by sweeping before and after I work since my car needs to stay in there also.I can only get to my projects once or twice a month for a few hours because I work late and have a newborn - free time is a luxury. Basically, if I can't weld/work in my space, I'll have to give up my hobby. I've made one thing and gave it away as a present, now a few people asked if I can make something for them and they would pay me but we're only talking about $20 bucks, here and there. I can't afford to go rent a space to do this.I was just wondering if the "insurance card" this guy was pulling is going to be a problem.
Reply:If the guy wants to make a big issue of it, he could probably go to the local fire department or even the state fire marshal.  Don't know what the laws are there but he may have a pretty good case, seeing as it is multi-family dwellings.  Part of the problem with condo ownership."The man of great wealth owes a peculiar obligation to the State, because he derives special advantages from the mere existence of government."  Teddy RooseveltAmerican by birth, Union by choice!  Boilermakers # 60America is a Union.
Reply:Sadly, if your neighbor is an A-hole you are probably better off setting up in a buddie's garage when you want to work on a project.Is it possible to put up a wall?  Call your insurance & see if they would have an issue?If it was me, I'd set a 110V tig machine up in my kitchen.. Let him wonder why his TV is tweekin out..  J/K.  Most storage units get bitchy about welding too.  There are just so many knuckleheads that aren't careful & burn buildings down..Good luckBuy American, or don't whine when you end up on the bread line.
Reply:I assume when your working in the garage his cars is not in there, right? For piece of mind do you have any fire extinguishers? You should stop welding 1/2 hr or so before you leave the garage for the night and of course make sure you have no flammable clutter.  When you get a grinder may you can have a moveable partition to contain sparks and some of the dust.  I don't really see a problem with what you are doing but maybe a reason to switch to tig.
Reply:The question (IMO) is do you fit in?  Your welding apparently does not.  You have a home and a garage space, not a welding shop.  Do you need to be in a different space?  IMO - the answer is Yes you do.Because you're not fitting in where you are now.  Your neighbor is not the real problem.  The real problem (IMO) is your new hobby.You need to either move or get a different space to do what you want in.  That way you will "fit in" there just fine, without the problems you have now.You're not "fitting in" where you're at anymore.  That is the problem as I see it.  lolThats why I live where I live.  I knew all of this stuff before hand.  Once you figure all this out you'll probably be moving.  Question?  What is your wife saying?   (I had to ask that you know)..... I do wish you the best of luck man.LaterLast edited by slowhand; 01-18-2011 at 06:36 PM.
Reply:Do you own or rent your area? Does the Condo have an association with binding rules? Who pays for the insurance; the dwelling owner or the association? What other stuff is in the garage? If nothing stored in the garage is flammable, no car is there, your equipment is designed to run off the type of power receptacle you have available, and you are doing just a little welding as a hobby, I doubt that  the fire department has any jurisdiction. If nobody can show any danger or harm and it's not precluded by rules, it should be your right to do it. You first need to check all those variables though.BTW, any chance his car's model has a history of electrical problems which lead to car fires, so maybe he shouldn't endanger you by parking there? Does he smoke? Any other similar questions your imagination can come up with? Sometimes a good defense is a better offense.
Reply:Hey guys, I do have a fire extinguisher right were I work and the garage has a smoke alarm. I also have a fire blanket but don't use it because there's nothing really to put it on that's near by. Sometimes his car is parked there but I don't weld near it and I'm between it and what I'm welding. I use gas so I hardly get any real splatter by just tack welding. We just took over the management of the building and formed an association that we all pay maintenance too - which covers insurance an such.I guess I'm more pissed the way he handled it- through an e-mail and the tone was like a parent scolding their child. He could of just talked to me about his concerns instead of the a-hole way.I wish I knew someone close by who owns their own garage but where I live, that's a rarity.In the end, I'll unfortunately have to give up my hobby. I don't have the means right now to even think about moving and renting space really isn't an option either. I don't see our/any insurance company really understanding and will just want to charge a crap load for coverage.
Reply:I would check the HOA rules regarding shared garages. I think you present as much danger as a burning candle. If your welding caused your neighbor damage, then he has a right to make a case. But now, all he has is speculation.UA Local 598
Reply:if his car is parked in the same garage your welding i would stop welding in that garage, unless you want to pay for a paint job... if i were you i would start figuring out a way to obtain a different place to live so you can enjoy yourself and your hobby.. either that or rent a small shop somewhere, or maybe a buddies garage..tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:Your in quite a predicament. If I were your neighbor I would not be too happy having someone with a welder in the same garage as my car or truck. Also I wouldn't know what he was doing with his equipment while I was in my suite. From your point of view, I would also be pissed with the way the guy handled it. Also the want to make stuff with a welder and not being able to because of a grouchy neighbor, would make me mad. When you sit back and take it all in, I think your neighbor may have a point (even if he is a a-hole) Working on your projects when he is not home might make things worse too... What do you do for a living? Can you do a trade for a local storage area? I do a couple of websites for them and have had free storage for over 4 years now. I researched my work space and found that its not reasonable with our fellow tenants. (also hooking up power would cause another issue with 220volt). So I had to resort to friends and families garages/shops. It sucks, but where there is a will, there is a way! Good Luck! Last edited by oxygen454; 01-19-2011 at 01:18 AM.
Reply:Well as of now, I'm going to stop my hobby. I put up a posting on a local site asking if there're are any small art spaces near by and hope something comes up. I totally understand all the concerns and I am the type of person that is willing to work things out even if it means the judgement is against me. The guy I'm dealing with is screaming about the electric bill which is $28 as opposed to $13. He's an anal retentive banker and that's what's pissing him off more than the fire hazard/insurance.I live in Jersey City so if there's anyone out there that might know a place/space for a budding hobby metal fabricator like me, please give me a heads up.Thanks
Reply:Originally Posted by mutantWell as of now, I'm going to stop my hobby. I put up a posting on a local site asking if there're are any small art spaces near by and hope something comes up. I totally understand all the concerns and I am the type of person that is willing to work things out even if it means the judgement is against me. The guy I'm dealing with is screaming about the electric bill which is $28 as opposed to $13. He's an anal retentive banker and that's what's pissing him off more than the fire hazard/insurance.I live in Jersey City so if there's anyone out there that might know a place/space for a budding hobby metal fabricator like me, please give me a heads up.Thanks
Reply:Originally Posted by mutantSo I live in a small 8 unit condo and I share half of a two car garage with my upstairs neighbor. I've made myself a little work area that I can put together small art projects every so often. I just got a 120v Lincoln MIG welder with a small tank of gas. My neighbor just sent me an e-mail on how I need to stop welding ASAP because of electrical usage, fire hazard and insurance coverage and says go rent a commercial space. My question is - do I need extra coverage? The garage floor is concrete, walls are cinder blocks. It's part of the building and my home is above it. This guy really is an a-hole in general, and now he does this. Sigh.Any input?
Reply:even when your neighbor is in their own separate house with their own half acre of property, you still get these whiners. usually solved by building a bigger fence but you cant do that. i would make sure im not damaging his property (his car or anything else that is in the garage) and go ahead and weld when i want to. maybe bring the welder out on the driveway. your not doing anything illegal. let him complain.i dunno how any one can FAIRLY split a power bill without 2 separate meters. if he wanted to push that issue with me i would speculate about what hes got going on in his house thats suckn up the juice (something derogatory )
Reply:Do a meter bypass tap haha j/k We split our power bill and gas. Basically one person has the account with hydro and gas. They get the bill, divide it in half, photocopy the bill and then hand it to the other tenant. All was good till the idiot we share the utilities with decided to get conned into a contract for less money up front. They didn't read the fine print that after a couple of months, the rates go up a hell of a lot more than what we did pay. We are thinking of refusing to pay the difference.
Reply:As long as you aren't damaging his property, I doubt he has a leg to stand on.  I wouldn't stop doing something you enjoy just because of some jerkoff.  Before I bought my house, I lived in a Townhome and the neighbors were cool.  The association manager was the problem.  Like mentioned above, there will always be whiners, especially in closer living areas like that.  I would probably just put up a welding curtain behind you to block his parking area, but other than that, don't worry about it.  If you have a contract or HOA or something, unless it says explicitly in there that you can't do what you are doing, he can squawk all he wants.
Reply:Copy and Paste this as a response to his email:"I was going to tell you to Pound Sand, but I don't tell other adults what to do. Maybe you could follow my lead and worry about yourself instead of what I'm doing in MY part of the garage."Don't let someone else tell you what you can and can't do in your garage. I assume it's just as much your garage as it is his? If he had any REAL concerns I'd suggest trying to work it out, but this guy is just trying to boss you around and has no basis for his concerns the way I see it.
Reply:My condolences on living in Jersey City (escaped Rutherfordian here).Bide your time and move far away. Learn how to make reasonable Italian food, but otherwise there is nothing to miss. The taxes on a home in Jersey pay a mortgage elsewhere. There are many states where you can weld, shoot furry creatures (and trespassers), and take a whizz off the porch if you wish.Do anything you can to leave, you won't miss it. The Air Force worked for me. No kidding, Run Away.
Reply:Seems to me that the fact that the OP only owns HALF the garage is an overlooked point as well as possible laws regarding what can be seen as an inherently dangerous activity with an elevated level of risk.  That's where fire codes and the fire marshal could come into play as regards a condo.  I'm not saying that he definitely is in violation of any laws or HOA rules, only that it's a possibility that needs to be investigated.We, nor the neighbor, know the OP's level of due diligence in regards to safety and care of shared space or property.  Is he the owner of said condo or a renter?  New to the place or a long time resident?  Will the activity stay at the level it is now or will the OP's interests in other aspects of his hobby increase?  Will he acquire an O/A torch and pursue related activities?  Now we have handling and storage of flammable gas bottles of who knows what size along with compressed oxygen that will greatly increase combustion.   Will the neighbor have to move his car at the OP's request so he can weld without damage to the neighbor's car or does he weld with the car in there?  What about other property the neighbor has in the garage?  What amount of protection is afforded the neighbor who has a reasonable expectation of safe storage and or use of his half of the garage?  What is a reasonable amount of noise and at what hours of the day and for how long?  What about the dust and fumes created by grinding and welding?  Will he be operating a cut off saw or using wafer wheels to cut steel? Will the OP be able to guarantee a minimum of thirty minutes of fire watch be done at the end of any spark producing activities and who performs the fire watch duties while the OP is welding and doing other related activities?One thing we have to consider is the fact that this is a multi-family dwelling.  That means the activities of the OP have to be considered in relation to the potential threat posed to others in the condo.  If he were to be in a single family house with or without a garage the only threat or danger is considered to be to himself and his property.  That is not the case in this circumstance.In short, the OP's rights end where the other residents rights begin.  Hopefully there can be a fair resolution to this that will be a win/win situation for all involved.  All I'm saying is that there is a lot more involved and to be considered than merely saying "I can do whatever I want in my half of the garage!""The man of great wealth owes a peculiar obligation to the State, because he derives special advantages from the mere existence of government."  Teddy RooseveltAmerican by birth, Union by choice!  Boilermakers # 60America is a Union.
Reply:You are paying rent  and that rent includes garage 'space'?  And there are no pre-existing condo rules/regs specifically about arc welding?He doesn't really have a leg to stand on.And the electric bill going from $13 to $28 in a month?  It's NOT you and your 'little' welder.Let's see, at an assumed electric rate of $0.25 (electricity + the distribution/delivery/wire charge) per kWh, that would be about 60 kWh additional electrical usage in that month.  With a 120V MIG machine on a 'standard' 15 amp outlet, that could maybe occur if you had the machine maxxed out for about 33.33 HOURS of continuous full-power welding time (when the welding arc is actually occurring, not just when the machine is 'on').  And since the little machines have a duty-cycle of about 10% or so on full-power before thermally shutting down or destroying themselves, you would have had to racked up about 333.3 hours of 'welding' time to use that amount of electricity in a month.The increase in electrical usage is more likely due to higher-current electrical items like maybe a space heater or an electric stove or an electric water heater or such.  That and the last month, the overall temperature was a bit colder than the month before, now that winter is here and all.  All that said, being a neighbor involves a certain amount of accomodation of your neighbors.  A condo or apartment puts the neighbors that much closer than a separate house.And grinding and other metal dust/fumes certainly can travel a pretty good distance, especially inside a garage space.  So doing things in the garage while other vehicles are in there is pretty much a NoGo.And doing a hobby is one thing.  But as soon as you get paid for doing something, that then changes over to a 'business'.  Be careful on that one, especially if there are 'busybodies' around.re: space to do welding/art in, you could look into maybe an adult/technical school.  Like a welding adult-education course or maybe a metal-sculpture 'artist' course.  The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:Originally Posted by Bob the WelderSeems to me that the fact that the OP only owns HALF the garage is an overlooked point as well as possible laws regarding what can be seen as an inherently dangerous activity with an elevated level of risk.  That's where fire codes and the fire marshal could come into play as regards a condo.  I'm not saying that he definitely is in violation of any laws or HOA rules, only that it's a possibility that needs to be investigated.We, nor the neighbor,  [ ?]  know the OP's level of due diligence in regards to safety and care of shared space or property.  Is he the owner of said condo or a renter?  New to the place or a long time resident?  Will the activity stay at the level it is now or will the OP's interests in other aspects of his hobby increase?  Will he acquire an O/A torch and pursue related activities?  Now we have handling and storage of flammable gas bottles of who knows what size along with compressed oxygen that will greatly increase combustion.   Will the neighbor have to move his car at the OP's request so he can weld without damage to the neighbor's car or does he weld with the car in there?  What about other property the neighbor has in the garage?  What amount of protection is afforded the neighbor who has a reasonable expectation of safe storage and or use of his half of the garage?  What is a reasonable amount of noise and at what hours of the day and for how long?  What about the dust and fumes created by grinding and welding?  Will he be operating a cut off saw or using wafer wheels to cut steel? Will the OP be able to guarantee a minimum of thirty minutes of fire watch be done at the end of any spark producing activities and who performs the fire watch duties while the OP is welding and doing other related activities?One thing we have to consider is the fact that this is a multi-family dwelling.  That means the activities of the OP have to be considered in relation to the potential threat posed to others in the condo.  If he were to be in a single family house with or without a garage the only threat or danger is considered to be to himself and his property.  That is not the case in this circumstance.In short, the OP's rights end where the other residents rights begin.  Hopefully there can be a fair resolution to this that will be a win/win situation for all involved.  All I'm saying is that there is a lot more involved and to be considered than merely saying "I can do whatever I want in my half of the garage!"A careful reading of the CC&Rs (conditions covenennts and restrictions) is needed. I own a condo in a small (5 unit) association and the parking garage is not part of any owners unit; it is a common area. Each unit is granted the right to exclusive use of a designated area in the garage, with restrictions and limitts on the use.  The condo association owns the garage, and the condo association makes the rules.The lights in the garage are on the buildings common meter, along with the porch lights and post lamp at the entrance.  Each unit has its own electric meter. The building does not have gas. There is one water meter for the entire project.  Water, common area electric, landscaping etc.are all included in the monthly assesment.If the OP is in a condo association with only two members, he appears to have a real problem.
Reply:I see both sides of the problem and tend to be more sympathetic with the neighbor.1. I think the welder should have originated the discussion with the neighbor by asking if its ok to use the shared space for a shop- maybe even volenteering to give them some free (or cheap) samples of his car-building hobby.2. The email was to document the neighbors objections in case something happened (a fire example.) The alternative would be a certified letter-which I would have takenn even more personally.3. It seems to me making metal model cars could be done with a propane torch and solder (or JBWeld) and a file instead of a grinder eliminating most objections and allowing the "welder" to continue his hobby. For that  matter he could move the hobby back into his own kitchen.4. I agree that a condo or trailer park is not the housing desired for anyone needing a shop area to work. Save up as much as you can and buy a house-preferably one with acreage.
Reply:The only thing I could find that's related in the condo association rules is no storing of combustables such as gas, propane, etc. Each garage space is deeded to each owner. We have three memembers on the board and he's the president. He's job is to pay the bills. He sent this condescending e-mail to me and cc'd them so I thought it was a group decision. I've talked with the other two memebers and they had no idea about this. They also have no issues with me and my hobby and personally can't stand the guy.My space is above the garage and the only free time I have is when my 10 month old son is napping. I work quiet and clean. My art projects are small. Infact, I have this welder for 5 months and I'm still on the sample 2lb roll of wire that came with it. I used to JB weld but I don't have to tell you why tack welding is so much better.
Reply:For what you are doing, I wouldn't even worry about it.  The guy is just a control freak or a douche in general.  There's a reason he's the president of the association...he just wants control.  I work for the fire dept and they aren't going to tell you that you can't weld in your own (half) of your garage...that you technically own.
Reply:Ahhh, now it comes out.  The one complaining is the one "in charge" of the complex.  It all makes sense now.I live in a condo.  I feel your pain.  You are correct to be in 100% communication with the other board members.  They are your greatest allies in this matter.Things to do:-Get welding curtains.  Now there can be no complaints of flashing him, UV damage to his car, grinding dust, etc.-Make friends with a fireman.  Have them come by and take a look at your setup and offer any additional safety suggestions.-If you are doing any artistic work, make some doodads for the other condo board members.  This will show them that you aren't screwing around, but making cool stuff (see suggestion below).-Be completely professional to the jerk.  The sentence "I appreciate your concern for my safety while working" would be what I would say. Attached Images
Reply:I would seriously start thinking about moving. This is a good time.Don't you want to be free to do what you want, WHEN you want??AWS certified welding inspectorAWS certified welder
Reply:Originally Posted by Donald BranscomI would seriously start thinking about moving. This is a good time.Don't you want to be free to do what you want, WHEN you want??
Reply:Well, first off.... life is full of people that love to bitch. Why? I can only speculate that their wives probably beat them at home. They want to share the "love" so they can keep the little bit of mojo they have left. You cant avoid them so you got to beat them. If everybody gave up when someone said "no", we as a country would not be where we are today. Hes obviously a prick if he didnt try to work it out with you before he carbon copied an email around. I hate when people do that at my work.As for a solution..... Talk to the fire marshall, HOA, and insurance in regards to rules. Im talking about yes or no answers. You need a clear answer and get it in writing. Act as a potential renter/ customer if feel you need to remain anonymous. Unless something clearly states no, you shouldnt give up doing what makes you happy (as long as you continue with safe work habits including shields, barriers, a fire watch, etc). In regards to electricity consumption... make him prove it. Document as much as you can to CYA.Your next project should be a voo-doo doll of this fella made of welded metal.... and then purge its face with argon!As for me.... you can have my (mig)gun when you pry it from my cold, dead hands.Lincoln ac/dc 225/125Millermatic 211 w/ Spoolmatic 100Miller 330 a/bpDynasty 200 dx
Reply:if someone was complaining about a approx $15 dollar increase on the bill I would just give them $150 and tell them to leave me alone for the year.. Even better $300 and tell them to talk to me in 2 years ...Id love to have a $28 electric bill
Reply:Originally Posted by cdseven95Id love to have a $28 electric bill
Reply:Another thought.  If he is telling you to get insurance, it sounds like to me he isn't so opposed to you welding as his concerns are for his own belongings being lost.  He may be willing to work something out with you if you talk with him.The Lord has declared, "This is my work and my glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man"  Moses 1:39Link: My name is John, and I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.-- ColdCreekWorks.com --
Reply:Originally Posted by cdseven95if someone was complaining about a approx $15 dollar increase on the bill I would just give them $150 and tell them to leave me alone for the year.. Even better $300 and tell them to talk to me in 2 years ...Id love to have a $28 electric bill
Reply:Once again, thanks for all the input and suggestions. My wife is the diplomat in our relationship and she spoke with this guys wife. Looks like even his wife thinks he's an ***. I'm hoping she conviences him to grows some balls and approaches me in person and we can work this out. It's not like I don't understand his concerns. I do admit that I can be hot headed and that's why I was looking for suggestions on what I can do.I love working with my hands and metal has become a passion. I hope we can work this out.
Reply:Update- Well it's been almost a year since my last post. Crazy how things can change. Even though I'm an artist, I'm also a good business man as well and was able to take advantage of the current financial and real estate markets. I shed my condo bindings and now own a beautiful new home on a huge piece of property. I'm having a workshop built and will never have to deal with uptight neighbors again. Actually, one neighbor is a contractor and the other is the regional manager of a well known home improvement store! Yes! I'm surrounded by tool guys! We're closer to family and my son is in one of the states tops schools districts.Thanks to those that made me try what seemed an impossibility just a few short months ago.
Reply:Originally Posted by mutantUpdate- Well it's been almost a year since my last post. Crazy how things can change. Even though I'm an artist, I'm also a good business man as well and was able to take advantage of the current financial and real estate markets. I shed my condo bindings and now own a beautiful new home on a huge piece of property. I'm having a workshop built and will never have to deal with uptight neighbors again. Actually, one neighbor is a contractor and the other is the regional manager of a well known home improvement store! Yes! I'm surrounded by tool guys! We're closer to family and my son is in one of the states tops schools districts.Thanks to those that made me try what seemed an impossibility just a few short months ago.
Reply:If it was me I would get a small work table with three sides to block wind and stop arc flashes. I would get a cord to get the welder out side a safe distance from combustibles and offter to pay elctric bill differences. 15 dollars a month is cheaper than renting. Good luck. Neighbors are a pain whether its in a condo or some fat lady in a moo-moo in a trailer park.Millermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:Somebody else asked this but I don't think it was answered: is it possible to put up a wall between the two halves? 2x4s and drywall are pretty cheap, not to mention you'd get more wall space for storage/naked posters/etc.
Reply:I weld.But be glad I am not your neighbor, it would be face to face not an e-mail.Tim Beeker.
Reply:Well,I cheated and did not read all posts. I see by post 40 that you now have it going on. Glad for you. Good job.See it through the other guys eyes. Sometimes we are blinded by what we want versus what others see.Tim Beeker.
Reply:Way to get away from the idiots! I cannot stand people that constantly complain or bitch about neighbors. I had a neighbor years ago that was just like that, she was from CA. Bitch about anything and everything I ever did, any noises, anything. She moved out a couple months after we got a hovercraft.
Reply:Thanks guys. I'm very lucky to have an awesome wife that supported making this huge move in uncertain times and thankfully, we came out way, way ahead. Now the only thing stopping me from my projects is finding all the boxes I packed them in!
Reply:Offer to put up a sheet or tarp wall to divide the space.The fire risk whining is bogus. He is not going to start a fire when he isn't there and any he starts while he is there he can't put out easily. I weld in my Dad's woodworking shop on an oil soaked workbench. The biggest fire to date required me to lift the mask and blow,15 amps at 20% duty cycle, 2 hrs a day for 30 days = about 20 KwH or something like $1.75 a monthtell him to quit whining.Last edited by Groo; 12-30-2011 at 01:57 PM.
Reply:lol at people that read the first post and then post.
Reply:I would've put a screwdriver through his cars oil pan, and then offer to weld it for him. Glad you moved out.