Welding and VOC flammability?

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My primary hobby is woodworking and I'm a MIG noob. I  combine the two hobbies in my two car garage shop. I'm part-way through the finishing phase on a couple of woodworking projects and out of concern for flammability issues, have been spacing the two activities to avoid any problems resulting from  particles in the air generated by the welding, as well as avoiding any possible explosion hazard.The finishes I've been using are home-made shellac with denatured alcohol, and varnish thinned with mineral spirits.My question is this:  In a 20' x 20' x 12' shop, does the airborne vapour generated by the hand-applied finishing and subsequent curing pose a sufficient fire/explosion hazard that it's advisable I allow substantial time (I've been allowing minimum 12 hours) between the two activities? Or am I being unnecessarily cautious?Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away. And you have their shoes.Roland
Reply:I would be more concerned that anything like cans and rags be OUT of the welding area completely.  Sawdust catches on fire easily.  DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:David I agree sawdust is like worse than paper. I was a project engeneer (Fab guy) at a saw mill for a while and that was a night mare for welding. At the place I was building something all the time and about once a week I would paint. I tried to do if late on fridays but not always posible. All we did was turnd on the fans and let the paint dry to the touch and be welding again. The paint I used was either epoxy paint or aoutomotive enamel those are much more flamable than alcahol and MS. I say do what your doin if you got the time if not air it out and make sure the finish has flashed and you should be ok. Steel Thunder Welding LLC. St. Thomas VI USAMM350PBOBCAT 3MAXSTAR 150 STH375 EXTREME PLASMA6.5 HP COMPRESORDEWALT 18, 24, AND 36 VOLTO/A TORCH SETAND SO MUCH MORE I DONT REMEMBERALL IN MY 2005 2500HD EXTENDED CAB L/B
Reply:Yes, the welding area's the far corner of the shop, furthest from the finishing area, finishing supplies and finishing waste (deliberate choice). I run a central DC and air filtration unit. Plus, I vacuum any chips or sawdust - doubly so in the welding area - as I can't stand a cluttered/untidy work area.Thanks guys - nice to have some additional opinions.Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away. And you have their shoes.Roland