Welding in TuffShed

[camardelle]

Several years back I purchased a TuffShed which I've used to store my bike(s), and tools. I'd like to make it a workshop of sorts by moving out the bike into my drive and closing it up to work in. I have a/c, but no heat.

What I'd like to do is weld inside it. Unfortunately as you can imagine, the wood construction of the shed would hinder that. I'm primarily concerned about the floor. Is there some type of covering I could use that would allow me to accomplish this? About the only flammable thing I keep in the shed is acetone which I could easily remove.

Or is this just a bad idea all around?

 

[cspcrx]

Wood floors wood walls and wood ceiling. Sounds like a fire waiting to happen.

 

[dcummer]

How about tig welding? Nice big metal table and I'd think you'd be pretty much good.

 

[Gotcha640]

How big is the shed? I've welded in the kitchen before, lay down a fireproof blanket and do it.

Also depends what you'd be welding.

 

[PugetDude]

Sheet the floors and walls with cement tile backer board.

 

[Zeke]

Get some 1/4" Hardie backer for the floor or keep your welding on a steel welding table. The real problem is grinding and sparks out of control. They will find cracks. So, you could line one corner in cement board and direct grinding to that area. Cement itself doesn't like direct hits of blobs of molten metal so a cutting torch is more or less out unless you take further precautions like a sheet metal floor. Just remember the cracks. Use some silicone caulk on joints. Don't leave the top of any wall liner open where sparks could drop in behind.

 

[Handyfarmer]

my first thought was sheet metal, but if it is grounded and the stinger fall on it will arc burning a hole in it,
the second thought was cement board, but I am afraid it will crumble in time,

and the third Idea was getting a low cost ceramic tile, and either using an adhesive to glue it down or go the cement board and thin set and then grout the lines,

actually I would think the best is to pour a small slab of cement and add on to the shed and weld in the cement floor part, some cement board on the walls at the base of the wall should protect the wood walls,

you will want some good ventilation,

my two cents,

 

[camardelle]

All good input guys. Thank you. My initial feelings were that this was never going to fly. I don't have much but I definitely want to protect what I've got. I have a driveway that I've always welded on and will continue to utilize that. I'm researching a cover for it now and I think I can put on about the same size as my shed for right at a grand. I may also look at doing something myself instead which I figure would be substantially cheaper.

I appreciate everyone's honesty. Great board you all have here. Thanks again.

 

[zkling]

Lite mig and tig work would be one thing, but for heavy mig or stick I think I might consider a small overhang on the front and do that work outdoors yet still covered. How big is the shed?

 

[camardelle]

The shed is 12'x20'. I like the shed, but if I had to do it over again I'd have one built from scratch for a bigger bang for the buck. Patience isn't one of my virtues. LOL

 

[Gotcha640]

On the driveway, how much protection do you need? Just a roof, maybe an ez up would do? Breeze protection, ez up plus one or two sides covered? Or one side covered and one against the wall?

 

[Nermal43]

Ditto on the good ventilation comment. I use a couple of Harbor Freight welding tarps to cover sensitive stuff. However, you really don't want to weld in a small space without removing fumes.

 

[Troutsqueezer]

Aw ****. I've been MIG welding in my wood shed for years. It takes a pretty big chunk of hot metal to get a wood floor to flare up. You probably couldn't do it if you tried. But then, I also stand on my ladder above where they put the warning stickers. About the only thing I wouldn't do is weld next to a couple of plastic gasoline cans. Wait... I think I've done that...

 

[Kaizen]

carmedelle I've been doing my welding and car restoration in a 12x20 tent I got at tractor supply for under 350. not sure where you are located but I put mine right in my driveway and fastened it through the blacktop. will last about 3 years before starts to rip. unless you are grinding close to the side or roof the sparks just bounce off of it.

 

[camardelle]

I believe I am going to explore two options. I have a drive so I'll continue to weld out there, therefore I'll need some cover so I'll be looking at the temporary enclosures sold by Northern, TSC, and Harbor Freight. Long term I'm going to start saving and getting cost estimates on a more permanent structure coming off the TuffShed that ties into it.

I think I'm also going to explore some gravel of some type to make my work pad a little wider.

Thanks for everyone's help. Now if this rain would ever end. My yard is a swamp!

 

[Professur]

What I did ... patio stones (lightest you can find, 2'x2') with the gaps filled with sand. Cheap, recyclable, and meant to be walked on. Cement board the walls and you're good to go.

Remember to consider your ventilation. Where is your shielding gas and fumes going? Help them get there in a hurry. A shop vac venting outside pulling through a modified hose opening to a 4" drying hose at the welding table is a cheap-ish solution, but test it well before you rely on it for any extended period. Make sure, regardless, that you've a positive input of fresh air into the shed.

 

[65c10Restomod]

anyone used this

 

[Professur]

I don't know how that would hold up against foot traffic

 

[spooler41]

Best way to fire proof the inside of your shed is to dry wall all of the vertical surfaces.
As mentioned earlier cement board on the floors would be a good idea. Finally , just
be careful to check for any smoldering fire before closing it up for the day.

............................ Jack