Welding fume extractor

[PoorOwner]

I am thinking of hanging a bathroom fan about 90cfm. I don't think this is enough to affect gas shielding and will get rid of the fumes fairly effectively.
Has anyone used a bath fan or similar ?

 

[astroracer]

Where are you welding? How frequently? Where will the fumes go? I've been welding in my shop for over 30 years with no fans... Doors open and doors closed... never saw a reason for a fan. the fumes dissipate quick enough to not worry about it.
Mark

 

[PoorOwner]

I am welding in the middle of the garage (MIG)
Not often but I have time to setup blanket and table when I do. I do not really like the smell and the fumes.

There is a dog door I can just run a hose out of the garage. I have seen some one just use a bath fan and hang from the garage opener with some wires.

 

[OccupantRJ]

I don't have a mobile extractor, but I built an extraction hood over my welding table with a 8" fan exiting through the shop gable with a sidewall damper and a vertical damper at the hood.

 

[jimgood]

I would think that fan would be fine if you place the duct above your work. Better than nothing for sure. If duct placement is adjustable, you can move it higher or lower keep it from screwing up your welds.

 

[DekeT]

Where are you welding? How frequently? Where will the fumes go? I've been welding in my shop for over 30 years with no fans... Doors open and doors closed... never saw a reason for a fan. the fumes dissipate quick enough to not worry about it.
Mark

Certainly your prerogative to expose yourself to toxic fumes.

 

[astroracer]

Certainly your prerogative to expose yourself to toxic fumes.

Yea, I guess it is but, unless you are fully suited with a pressurized air supply you ARE going to breathe the fumes. It can't be helped. They do get under the helmet you know. Do you weld without a forced air supply?
I don't do production welding of any kind. If I was doing this 24/7 I would definitely be taking precautions. For a hobby? Not so much. My prerogative...
Mark

 

[dogdog]

Think this thread is my fav, but still can't find a justification to build it yet.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=180522&highlight=welding+fume

or this down draft table.

or just a plain ventilator out the doggie door ?

http://www.harborfreight.com/8-inch-ventilation-duct-97763.html
and
http://www.harborfreight.com/8-inch-portable-ventilator-97762.html

 

[brownbagg]

how about a squirrel cage on a dolley with a hose out the door

 

[Nor'Easter]

Problem with sending the fumes directly outside is that fact that you are blowing warm air out and sucking cold air in. Maybe not an issue in CA...

 

[JonBoehman]

Why not use a range hood?

 

[astroracer]

While a forced air supply is great, why not at least wear a quality respirator? When I wear mine, I don't get anything from the nose after welding.
Motoretro

A respirator would be a good idea. My good one, the one I use for painting, won't fit under any of my welding helmets. Which one do you use that fits? Got pics?
Mark

 

[astroracer]

Why not use a range hood?

Range hoods work well, Jon. The issue here is, while welding, your face and welding helmet are right down there in the mix. Fumes get under the helmet, there is no way to stop from breathing them unless you are wearing a forced air supply mask. Fume extractors do a good job of drawing out the majority of the toxic stuff after the fact. It's kind of like putting out the dog after he's crapped on the rug...
Mark

 

[astroracer]

Nice! That would work great. I'll be picking one up. Saves having to worry about a fan of any kind. I tend to weld where ever I am in the shop. I have portable welding and grinding benches that roll all over. Having a dedicated "station" wouldn't work for me but this would.
Thanks!
Mark

 

[F-117HWK]

This is the setup I use when I am welding, grinding, cutting, whatever for both metal and wood. Taking it off even for 10-15min results in a noticeable difference in my nose/lungs the next day.

This fits under a Miller Digital Elite hood without any issue.

3M Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator 6300

3M 2091 P100 Particulate Filter

 

[astroracer]

Yup, I have box fans, three to be exact. One on a stand and two not. I do use them when the need warrants but, most of the time I have the welding done in half the time it takes to get this stuff set up...
Mark

 

[F-117HWK]

This is basically the same system I use also. Click on the P100 pricing for (12) pair, pretty substantial discount for inexpensive insurance.
Motoretro

Thanks for the tip on the multi-pack. Last time I ordered, for some reason it was more expensive to order bulk, so I was having to order single packs

So no one has to do the math

3M 2091 P100 Particulate Filter
1 pair = $6.97/pr
3 pair = $5.50/pr
4 pair = $5.25/pr
6 pair = $4.66/pr
12 pair = $4.25/pr
50 pair = $3.90/pr