Hey there, I would love an induction into metalwork, particularly interested in using the MIG welder. Any chance there’s anyone around who could help me?
Hi @texchures
There’s a mig welder induction waiting list here. Pop yourself on the end of there. I don’t think it’s as bad as it looks, I think there’s a fair few inactive people on there
In terms of getting involved in stuff with metal before that, currently there’s no basic metalwork induction so you’re welcome to come and use hand the hand tools
Please ask pretty much anyone in the metalshop if you need help with anything, and if you want a show around, feel free to drop when you’re free here and I can hopefully pop by and show you where some stuff is
Did you have any projects in mind? Anything you were particularly keen to work on?
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The last induction (last week) included someone from 86th on the list to give you an idea of how active the list is
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Looking to schedule another one at some point this week. The list now contains quite a lot of ghosts that will be purged before long. Fingers crossed the wait will not be too long for you 
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Thank you James!, I got really into welding recently when I was on an artist residency and I’m just looking to continue in that vein, and also use sheet/offcuts and weld them to the heel of a boot, for example. Girly stuff haha
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I have no idea what that would look like but it sounds cool, and I look forward to seeing it 
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Hehe, just experimenting!
Is there a plasma cutter in the space by any chance?
there is
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Hi Hannah, welcome to the community!
As James and Dave already said the best way is to start getting involved while you wait for the inductions and see what suits you best.
We do indeed have a plasma cutter, it’s not the best, just a small handheld device, not very powerful and not very precise, but it cuts sheet metal easily enough.
I believe it’s included in the welding induction
(@VintageSteel correct me if I’m wrong).
We don’t have much in terms of sheet metal stock for the members, as we are CONSTANTLY battling with lack of storage space.
You are welcome to use any bits that you find around as long as they don’t have someone names or tag on it, but if you have a project already in mind that requires a substantial amount of material, it’s probably best if you purchase your own.
If you do, make sure to post on discourse as you may be able to share shipping costs with someone else buying at the same time.
Looking forward to meeting you in the shop!
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Also, on the topic of materials, we have a small selection of metal for sale, check out this post.
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Aw thank you so much for all your help and swift replies!!
Exciting there is a plasma cutter!
I did have a peek at the metal shop things for sale and not 100% sure what I want is there, think I need something quite thin like 1-2ml, but gonna have a nosey next time I’m around
See you soon :3
Sadly the welding induction only covers the MiG welder and safe use of the angle grinders, not the plasma cutter.
However, if the plasma cutter is something you need to access, shout out and see if someone can show you how to use it.
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Ok thank you for letting me know! I have a basic understanding of how to use plasma cutters in general but yeah will ask around to find out how to this one in MS 
Hi @metaltechs
Hate to be annoying, but I don’t see a Risk Assessment for the plasma cutter, and we should also move to a more formal assessment methodology like wood is using for non induction tools. Ie. online training and a quiz, then formal sign off.
But seems like a Plasma Cutter might need an induction? This all depends on the outcome of an actual Risk Assessment. So please submit that before showing anyone else how to use it.
Best,
Andy
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Hi @texchures,
If you’re familiar with using plasma cutters and would like to use the one in the Space soon, could you help out with the Risk Assessment / quiz or induction materials?
Thanks!
Andy
It’ll need tailoring to our space and environment, but here’s a model RA for plasma cutting provided by CLEAPSS for a school environment.
MRAT-024-Plasma-Cutting.pdf (632.7 KB)
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Somewhat oddly this one completely ignores UV skin damage or did I miss it? From my side I’d recommend looking at actual instruction manual from Parkside for our machine, iirc it had pretty extensive list of safety measures.
Yeah it seems to miss that, but mentions various PPE requirements and then probably covers them self by adding refer to user manual for appropriate risk assesment etc.
here it is https://manuals.plus/m/a62f88fca782aa67f74b383e1c432669df5df7b5f26179aac9e87d7350391e15.pdf
pages 9 to 14 are ready to use list of risks and safety measures
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I mean that i know what PPE to wear and how to operate it once someone has set it up for me ?!
When i used it before it was in an outside space so I’m really not sure how to make it safe in an enclosed space (I guess with using a compressor?!)
I’ve never created a risk assessment before but happy to help if I can
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