I’ve been away for a while on vacation for the holiday but am back now and just wanted to say a few quick notes about the metal shop. Hopefully this is all that has to be said about this. Some of us have spent a lot of our own personal time getting it organized and in shape for members to come in and use and feel comfortable doing so without having to navigate a maze of obstructions. This is not directed towards anyone in particular, just in general.
If you use the metal shop, clean up after yourself. Everyone that’s allowed in there is an adult and should know how to do this. I really don’t want to put a sign up in there telling people to clean their messes up. It would look childish and we’re not running a daycare.
After you leave, the tables should be clean and clear, the tools should be placed back into their spots, and the floor should be swept and any metal scraps disposed of.
After you’re done using a machine, coil the cables and return them to their spot and unplug the power. Don’t leave a bird’s nest of twisted cables on the floor. Don’t leave a machine plugged in. After done using an air hose, coil it as well and place it where it goes next to the air outlet at the wall. Hoses all over the floor are a safety hazard and leaves them open to being damaged.
Before using the MIG, it is your job to maintain it. This means removing the shield and cleaning the spatter, cleaning the nozzle of spatter, and adding anti-spatter compound to the shield before use. This cuts down on the amount of consumables we use, makes it easier to clean in the future, and ensures better welds. If you do not know how to do this, let me know and I will show you.
The fabricator 181 should be returned to stick configuration after use. Please. This is the only “reliable” stick welder we have. Using it for TIG or MIG is fine, after all it’s multi-process for a reason, but return it back to stick after use. Someone commented to me that they wanted to get some practice in with the stick but weren’t sure how to set it up since it was in a configuration different from how I had taught the SMAW class when they came in to use it. This will especially benefit newer welders.
The angle grinders are in somewhat of a mess right now. I have no idea where all the parts are going off to, so for now a few of them are unusable until I can replace the flanges. I’ve donated my old grinder as I’ve recently upgraded so at least we currently have one usable, albeit harbor freight, one. Please keep up with the flanges when replacing grinder discs.
Do not bring drinks into the welding area. For your safety please don’t do this. If you’re thirsty, place your drink on the wooden table next to the media blaster. Water is a welder’s worst enemy. It would take nothing to accidentally tip over a water bottle or soda can sitting on one of the benches while you or someone else is welding or cutting. Where once you were insulated, you are now a conductor. I can’t stress enough how dangerous and deadly this is.
Just remember that there are members who pay their dues with their hard earned money just like you. It’s extremely unfair for them to be paying money to clean up after you. And they shouldn’t be restricted from using the shop because it’s always messy or they feel it’s unsafe. Before you use the shop, make sure you have budgeted time to clean up afterwards. If you don’t have the time to do so, then pick another day to use the shop.
Hopefully this will help us keep an agreeable and safe environment that members can enjoy using and not feel hesitant or intimidated by.
Have fun and stay safe. Any questions please ask.
Danny