Weld all of the things

#1

So, there’s been a lot of talk about Making multiple bits of metal into not multiple bits of metal, using heat, fire and electrons.

I thought that now we’re near completing the workshops, it might be a good time to start thinking about those of us that like the idea of doing a bit of a weld to join forces.

Should we arrange some workshops? Does anyone have skills to share? Does anyone know someone with sills to share? Shall we make a date? Or a night?

How shall we do it safely?

We’ve got a few arc welders in the space and masks and gauntlets, but maybe we need some more stuff, like a curtain, maybe a MIG set as well, anyone interested in throwing a hat down and collecting some change?

Answers to all of these questions and more in the fun discussion below!

#2

We’ll probably need to do a pledge to get the relevant safety gear for this and tools.

1 Like
#4

We have a great local resource in Fraser to one side, and mechanics on the other.

#5

Would this be the same mechanic whose eye protection while welding outside consisted of squinting? :smiley:

3 Likes
#6

It is not, Fraser is the black guy in Arch 1131 by the main entrance.

The guy welding yesterday was a random using the mechanics at 1128.

#7

Guess which is the right way…

_20160403_125046.JPG1080×332 58.4 KB

:smiley: :smiley:

4 Likes
#8

@david I didn’t specifically mean him… But it does raise the issue that people working in the real world often have an appalling approach to their own safety…

#9

Happy to run a welding evening when we’re ready.

2 Likes
#10

Hi guys,

Just wanted to throw this out there; I have two OxyAcetylene welding/brazing kits and some welding goggles I’m happy to throw into the mix if they would be of use. I don’t have the space to use them at home anymore so they could be left at SLMS.

Ted

#11

Oxyacetylene welding is forbidden by our our lease. Arc welding only.

#12

brazing on the other hand a little more of a grey area.

edit: I mean, a really really dark shade of grey, but greyer none the less.

#13

https://www.networkrail.co.uk/uploadedFiles/networkrailcouk/Contents/Publications/Other/FireRiskAuditReport.pdf

Executive summary, item 6:

Fires which involve acetylene cylinders are significant as they can involve the
imposition by Fire and Rescue Services of a 200m exclusion zone for up to 24 hours.
Network Rail has a concerted policy to reduce the number of properties with the use
of acetylene. Acetylene is prohibited in all new lettings. It is also believed that there
are now just eighteen sites where acetylene remains - this is often the result of long
standing tenancy agreements which are difficult to change. Where acetylene does
remain tenants are subject to a robust management regime and failure to comply
would result in forfeiture notices

#14

That’s the answer then! MIG/TIG likely fine though.

#15

A lot of arches switched to oxy-propane in about 2008 when this regulation came in, I believe.

#16

I’m doing an evening course in July which will cover MIG and Arc welding, so while I know nothing yet I hope this will change.

1 Like
#17

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wolf-Mig140-Gas-No-Gas-Gasless-Combination-Turbo-Smooth-DC-Mig-Welder-135amp/281488279967?_trksid=p2047675.c100037.m2107&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D35391%26meid%3D7cd727f42f934bafa2641cea3550bd97%26pid%3D100037%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D6%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D131816541706

Does anyone have an opinion on this? 30 quid each, if 5 of us fancy a hand in the pocket?

#18

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Orange-PVC-Flame-Retardant-Welding-Curtain-Screen-Frame-Set-6ft-x-6ft-/131809623773?hash=item1eb0773edd:g:OXkAAOSwWKtUy6EW

#19

I’d seriously consider something better than this. In my experience the little hobby welders don’t have enough oomph to get decent penetration and the result is ‘pigeon poo’ welds.

Also gasless is horrid - loads of spatter everywhere. Yuk.

1 Like
#20

These are the options at MM, any thoughts on an end of this spectrum to aim for? https://www.machinemart.co.uk/c/diy-mig-welders/

#21