Welding curtains

[Debriefer]

I am looking to get a welding curtain to allow people to be in the garage while I am welding, without worrying about harming them. We're only talking about adults here, so I just need to prevent people from seeing it directly; I don't need to make a completely enclosed area or anything like that.

Is there anything to know about welding curtains in terms of safety and functionality? I am on a budget, but I always try to buy quality stuff, and stuff that meets my needs (in this case, not making people go blind...).

 

[BigMike782]

When I am in the area of welding without proper PPE I just stand clear and don't watch the arc.
If you are just trying minimize flash a simple bed sheet will do what you need.

 

[machine_punk]

I got one at my local welding supply...they will have some basic welding curtains in stock for a decent price. Mine has grommet holes in it, so I can string it up on a frame or hang it from the ceiling. Obviously, if you are going to buy a free-standing frame for it, you need to make sure they are both matched in size. If you are going to build a frame, you just have to make sure it will fit within the materials you have available for building the frame.

I have seen folks use these as 'wind' shields too...when they are outside or near the door of the garage and the wind is making it hard to weld.

I don't think color matters much on these things. Whatever they stock at your LWS should be fine.

Kev

 

[BD1]

You can buy shaded screens WITH the frame at cyberweld. They have free shipping too.

http://store.cyberweld.com/tiwesc.html?utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=productads

http://store.cyberweld.com/tiwesc6x8w.html?utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=productads

Another option is to build a frame and purchase the screen only or even a Harbor Freight fire blanket that will serve a dual purpose.

http://www.harborfreight.com/6-ft-x-8-ft-fiberglass-welding-blanket-95015.html

Use a 20 % off coupon and save more.

The issue with most store bought frames are their light weight. Outside on a windy day will require some weight t be added to help keep it upright .
We ended up making our own frames

 

[theknurl]

I am looking to get a welding curtain to allow people to be in the garage while I am welding, without worrying about harming them. We're only talking about adults here, so I just need to prevent people from seeing it directly; I don't need to make a completely enclosed area or anything like that.

I figure that the adults that I allow in my welding area are smart enough to listen to.....

DO NOT LOOK AT THE ARC, IT WILL HURT YOU

for the rest, just cleaning up the gene pool

 

[ATC]

I figure that the adults that I allow in my welding area are smart enough to listen to.....

DO NOT LOOK AT THE ARC, IT WILL HURT YOU

for the rest, just cleaning up the gene pool

This ^

Even my friends 10 y/o daughter knows not to look at it...

 

[bad_idea]

You can stare at the arc until it hurts your eyes w/ no lasting damage. Even stupid people will figure out quick that hurts, don't do it. I work in ship repair, welding in tight spaces w/ white bulkheads. I have never had flash burn. It is not as hazardous as you think. Don't worry about no stinkin curtain. Better yet, keep a couple pairs of shade 5 glasses on hand. Basically really dark sunglasses, you can buy them at your LWS. Pass them out to folks and they will be protected.

 

[ilovevocs]

I use a welding cutting in my garage to contain spatter and grinding sparks. I bought from my local welding supply. It wasn't super expensive and has been a nice addition to my garage. I want to say $60.00 for an 8' by 8' with grommets 1' oc. I hung mine from the ceiling using screws and fender washers. It's a temporary solution until I can section that portion of the garage off with a wall.

 

[mattdwelder]

We use them every day

 

[crewchief888]

quick, easy and cheap way is to use HF welding blankets hung from the rafters with eye hooks, bungie cords, rope or lightweight chain.

 

[bad_idea]

I agree they are great for containment purposes. We use them in the fab shop at work for that. At home I aim the grinding dust at a scrap piece of plywood clamped vertical to the side of my weld table. The grinding dust hits the wood, then slides down to the table top. Please don't complain about that being a fire hazard, believe me it takes a lot to set wood on fire. Saturate it in water if you are worried.

I personally can't justify the cost of a weld curtain at home. A weld blanket maybe, because you can use them for protecting delicate items when welding in place as well as for containment.

 

[Debriefer]

I had no idea that welding blankets existed. I will grab a couple of those. They're cheap and will meet my needs. Thanks.

 

[bad_idea]

Glad to hear we could help you out. A suggestion if you are a novice to welding, a home enthusiast, try to stay out of the local weld shop. They have all kinds of cool stuff, but they are screaming expensive! Their primary customers are contractors, contractors pass the cost to their customer, so the LWS can charge high prices.