Fume extractor question.

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If I want to build a small one for my bench, how will I be able to know if it's sucking out the argon too fast or too much? Is there any general rules on air flow or distance that it should be?Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:I'm about to add a 6" inline fan on a duct venting right over my bench... I'm going to put a variable speed control on it. In moves about 600 cfm at full blast, much less than the recommended whole-shop-per-welder-ventilation I've heard of 2000 cfm. But it will be much more local, and therefor much more effective, than a whole-shop setup. Much closer to a vent hood, or laminar flow hood. Ventilation, unlike welding, is something I know something about. Ventilation is like real estate: location, location, location.In principle, at full blast, even 600 cfm will produce an air change in my shop every 20 minutes, or 3 air changes/hour, which is a decent rate for lower emission activities than welding. Of course, it's a fairly leaky building... especially when the garage door is open.Miller XMT304 CC/CVBernard TIG coolerSSC foot pedal"It's a poor craftsman who blames his tewls toles TOOLS" (!^$#% keyboard)
Reply:The obvious sign you are disturbing the argon would be if you are suddenly having contamination issues when the fan is on. A candle would work probably work well to determine if you have too much draft. The flame of a small candle will react quite a bit to small drafts..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Would it be noticeable if it causes turbulence?Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:I'd guess so. It's an old trick for locating drafts around windows and doors, if you don't have a smoke generator. I'm betting incense would work as well and give you a visual idea of what is happening..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I would agree with what DSW is saying, when i use Fume extractors its a case of trial and error and if any other factors come into play, natural ventilation, etc..Normally i get the extractor about a 12 - 18 inches away and ask someone to look (avoiding the arc) see if they can see the fumes being extracted, and just adjust from there.
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleWould it be noticeable if it causes turbulence?
Reply:Good to know guys thanks. Never used one except for at class.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:I have a 600 CFM inline fan using 6" steel duct  plumbed to a 4' tall x 3' wide x 2' deep box with one side 3' x 4' open. Used for flux core dual shield work on positioner (see http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...&highlight=285 )Worked great at full power. No issues.
Reply:That's pretty much the same fan I've gotMiller XMT304 CC/CVBernard TIG coolerSSC foot pedal"It's a poor craftsman who blames his tewls toles TOOLS" (!^$#% keyboard)
Reply:Just giving you an alternative idea, You might could find a cheap stove hood and re-purpose it inexpensively..  set it on its side or cut it down, put a cord on it, maybe casters, maybe cut it down smaller, put a handle on it so you can position it easy, it would also have a light socket for a little directional lighting, and even filters so grinding trash and such wouldnt get to the fan or fans.tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/