Safe welding area/section within woodshop

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Hi all, I am just getting started welding and have a welding area safety question.I have a shop at home where I do woodworking... and would like to incorporate metal/welding into some of my projects, and think welding would also be very useful around our small ranch. I have a question regarding sectioning off a safe area for welding.I have a 30' wide x 40' deep shop. What I have in mind is creating a temporary section in the front section of the shop, which is already pretty clear of stuff, since I leave it available to act as a shelter for my truck when it hails lol.Anyway, I am thinking of perhaps stringing a wire rope across the first 10' of the 40' of the shop depth (this section also has two large sliding doors that open up to the outside front), and hanging welding blankets from the wire rope, effectively creating a temporary 10x30 area for welding, or smaller than the 30' (I doubt I would need all 30'), when I need to weld something. Of course, before welding, this area would be cleared of any major sawdust and no flammable rags, stains or finishes would be kept in this area. My concern is, of course, since this is woodshop, would having say, 16' long of 6' tall welding blankets hanging from the wire rope be enough to separate the woodshop from sparks for safety's sake? And would any super fine sawdust on surfaces pose a problem? I already have two fire extinguishers in this area of the shop.I can opt to weld outside if need be and weather permitting, but here in Wyoming, that's not always an option lol.Thanks everyone.
Reply:I do all my welding outside. Dave

Originally Posted by wyberto

Hi all, I am just getting started welding and have a welding area safety question.I have a shop at home where I do woodworking... and would like to incorporate metal/welding into some of my projects, and think welding would also be very useful around our small ranch. I have a question regarding sectioning off a safe area for welding.I have a 30' wide x 40' deep shop. What I have in mind is creating a temporary section in the front section of the shop, which is already pretty clear of stuff, since I leave it available to act as a shelter for my truck when it hails lol.Anyway, I am thinking of perhaps stringing a wire rope across the first 10' of the 40' of the shop depth (this section also has two large sliding doors that open up to the outside front), and hanging welding blankets from the wire rope, effectively creating a temporary 10x30 area for welding, or smaller than the 30' (I doubt I would need all 30'), when I need to weld something. Of course, before welding, this area would be cleared of any major sawdust and no flammable rags, stains or finishes would be kept in this area. My concern is, of course, since this is woodshop, would having say, 16' long of 6' tall welding blankets hanging from the wire rope be enough to separate the woodshop from sparks for safety's sake? And would any super fine sawdust on surfaces pose a problem? I already have two fire extinguishers in this area of the shop.I can opt to weld outside if need be and weather permitting, but here in Wyoming, that's not always an option lol.Thanks everyone.
Reply:Awesome welcome.  Don’t do as much welding as most of these folks, but when I do get to use my machines it’s at the front of one of the bay doors or maybe into the drive.  Even from the bucket on my tractor.  Show them your projects they can help with suggestions on how to, or how to improve what your doing.  Show them your welds, they can offer assistance in what your doing to make it better and easier.Retired Old GuyHobart 210Lincoln AC/DC 225/125 Evolution 14” Saw
Reply:You say “welding”.  You can tig weld to minute sparks.  However grinding sparks is more concerning.  Dust will compromise wood finishes.  Ventilation should be a priority.
Reply:I think I would not like saw dust. Saw dust will cache fire easily.  Dave

Originally Posted by tapwelder

You say “welding”.  You can tig weld to minute sparks.  However grinding sparks is more concerning.  Dust will compromise wood finishes.  Ventilation should be a priority.
Reply:

Originally Posted by wyberto

Hi all, I am just getting started welding and have a welding area safety question.I have a shop at home where I do woodworking... and would like to incorporate metal/welding into some of my projects, and think welding would also be very useful around our small ranch. I have a question regarding sectioning off a safe area for welding.I have a 30' wide x 40' deep shop. What I have in mind is creating a temporary section in the front section of the shop, which is already pretty clear of stuff, since I leave it available to act as a shelter for my truck when it hails lol.Anyway, I am thinking of perhaps stringing a wire rope across the first 10' of the 40' of the shop depth (this section also has two large sliding doors that open up to the outside front), and hanging welding blankets from the wire rope, effectively creating a temporary 10x30 area for welding, or smaller than the 30' (I doubt I would need all 30'), when I need to weld something. Of course, before welding, this area would be cleared of any major sawdust and no flammable rags, stains or finishes would be kept in this area. My concern is, of course, since this is woodshop, would having say, 16' long of 6' tall welding blankets hanging from the wire rope be enough to separate the woodshop from sparks for safety's sake? And would any super fine sawdust on surfaces pose a problem? I already have two fire extinguishers in this area of the shop.I can opt to weld outside if need be and weather permitting, but here in Wyoming, that's not always an option lol.Thanks everyone.
Reply:We tig and mig weld in my woodshop without any issues. Just keep it swept up and tidy.