Welding curtains

[Vinko]

In the past, I think I've shown the area where I weld. Concrete floor. Out of the way of potential problems like chemicals, cardboard, etc.

In the past I'd set up curtains on a scrap pipe frame. That was mainly to protect passers-by in the shop.

I want to make a "roof" because I'm doing a lot more fab work and I can't do it all outside. The area I weld in has about a 12 ft roof. I-beams and wood floor. Want to rig the curtain above me just to be safe -- no sparks that lead to a fire 8 hours later.

I'm interested in seeing if anyone's rigged something like this up. I'm sure someone has, but I'd like to get some ideas. I'm more concerned with ceiling than sides.

Thanks

P.S. I was thinking of making a separate welding booth with air and exhaust, but that get's into another ball game altogether.....

I almost want some sort of retractable thing that'll slide on the ceiling. I could make a frame using channel, perhaps?

 

[gahrajmahal]

Check out Unistrut. It is the channel you see inside big box stores all the electrical & HVAC stuff is hanging on in the ceiling. You can also use barn door track. IKEA has some lightweight aluminum track, guides and long curtains, and your neighbors will like your style statement!

 

[Vinko]

Check out Unistrut. It is the channel you see inside big box stores all the electrical & HVAC stuff is hanging on in the ceiling. You can also use barn door track. IKEA has some lightweight aluminum track, guides and long curtains, and your neighbors will like your style statement!

Unistrut might be a good idea. I think Ikea quality wouldn't last in my shop. Maybe just some galv. pipe for a frame and a welding blanket thrown over the top for now, though certainly a 10 x 15 space that I could throw up quickly would be ideal.

 

[sberry]

If you are blowing fire in the ceiling you are doing something wrong. If worried screw some sheet metal up to the floor joists but a little bitty spark going overhead is not likely to be the cause of a fire. Its usually garbage down on the floor and rarely from welding, mostly a torch or even more probable a grinder.

 

[Vinko]

If you are blowing fire in the ceiling you are doing something wrong. If worried screw some sheet metal up to the floor joists but a little bitty spark going overhead is not likely to be the cause of a fire. Its usually garbage down on the floor and rarely from welding, mostly a torch or even more probable a grinder.

No I'm not blowing fire. It's possible that a "little bitty spark" can cause a fire. Maybe not likely, but the possibility (and I think it's an eventual possibility) concerns me enough to rethink welding in my shop. And consider preventive measures.

 

[welderwink]

i know this idea is not what you originally are looking for but is there any chance of sheet rocking the ceiling above your weld space? that would bounce any sparks back to the floor. and no worries about doing something wrong sparks can shoot pretty dang far especially if your doing vertical up or doing some grinding.

 

[stricht8]

Do you guys think that waiting half an hour is sufficient time before leaving your shop after doing some welding/grinding? What is the timeframe for most fires starting?

 

[MP&C]

Half hour is my typical wait time. Once the welder is shut off, there's always some cleaning or tools to put away, so it passes the time better while waiting for stuff to cool off. A good habit to get into.

 

[GarageEnvy]

I helped a friend rig a retractable deal for a different use but we scrounged up an old retractable awning. His deal was that he wanted an outdoor movie screen so we covered it with screen material but I would think some treated fabrics would work for welding. Depending on your situation I could see using an old bimini top frame from a boat, a roll-off dumpster cover or an RV awning as your framework. We used an old sunsetter awning for the movie screen simply because it was available for cheap.