TiG welding outside, tent?

[souper]

As above i need on occasion to TiG Weld outside, Aluminium and Mild plus SS.

I have an approx. 600mm square portable metal weld table and need to stop gas blowing away anyone use a small 1m pop-up tent, any recommendations for a flame retardant 'ish, yes I am aware of building cardboard deflectors etc.
A simple popup tent that ain't going to burst in flame from occasional spark is what I think I need.
Thoughts...

[tapkaJohnD]

souper,
I only use MiG, but on the occasions when I've had to weld outside, in a breeze, I've found that turning up the gas flow works. It uses more gas, sure, but unless you're doing it a lot it's easier than working inside a tent!

Can you do this with TiG?
John

[souper]

Yes you can turn up gas flow and use a gas lens but that chills the weld to much, I think I'll buy a cheap 1m square popup tent I do believe tents have to be fire resistant/retardant for sale in the UK, its rare to get sparks TIG welding compared to MIG weld splattering.

[dhutch]

I would be more concerned about trying to keep the walls of the tent still enough to do the job, than about it catching fire.

Given this is TIG I dont expect we are talking a huge amount of heat, fire, spatter. You are not oxy-ace cutting or burning 10mm rusty plate together with a PTO driven stick welder!

[souper]

Yes, that is something I haven't thought of the tent panels flapping about creating turbulence inside, I did see some chap on YouTube tig welding a stainless weather mast on top of his roof he used a cloak or bit of tarpaulin slung over his head and the job piece, he had no porosity in the weld. Just a pain in the arse when a blast of wind screws up the weld.

[paintman]

The sides of small popup type tents do tend to flap about, but the biggest issue is that unless they are well held down - as in concrete blocks - a good gust of wind can either cause take-off or flip upside down.

[Bill]

You'll struggle to find one that small surely? Most tents will be 2m long, by at least one wide, and with a wobbly floor.

Better to make a canvas windbreak with an upright at each corner, at least canvas won't get holes in it from any spatter.

ETA a toilet tent would work, but being nylon will still get holed pretty quickly.

Edited by Bill on Friday 30th September 18:09

[GreenV8S]

Bill said:

You'll struggle to find one that small surely?

There is a type of tent which I think is designed for kids to play in which is tiny - I often see them used to keep possessions out of the rain at winter track events. Can't imagine it would be much fun trying to get head, shoulders and welding gear inside them at the same time, though.

[Simon_GH]

Secondhand greenhouse?

[ReverendCounter]

If the aluminium is non structural and you can switch to MIG, you can get gasless wire from Lincoln. Easier to treat yourself to a luxury wendy house.

[finishing touch]

Four sides to your table, one with 2 round holes to fit gloves. On the top a sheet of glass. It now looks like a shot blast cabinet. Another small hole to take the TIG lead. Put enough rods inside and spare tungsten’s. Mask on and hands in the gloves and stand in a gale if you have to. If you use long rubber gloves it’s like examining a cow. HaHa ! I used to weld unobtanium in a tank like this.

[dingg]

finishing touch said:

Four sides to your table, one with 2 round holes to fit gloves. On the top a sheet of glass. It now looks like a shot blast cabinet. Another small hole to take the TIG lead. Put enough rods inside and spare tungsten’s. Mask on and hands in the gloves and stand in a gale if you have to. If you use long rubber gloves it’s like examining a cow. HaHa ! I used to weld unobtanium in a tank like this.

Lol

[finishing touch]

dingg said:

finishing touch said:

Four sides to your table, one with 2 round holes to fit gloves. On the top a sheet of glass. It now looks like a shot blast cabinet. Another small hole to take the TIG lead. Put enough rods inside and spare tungsten’s. Mask on and hands in the gloves and stand in a gale if you have to. If you use long rubber gloves it’s like examining a cow. HaHa ! I used to weld unobtanium in a tank like this.

Lol

Glad you find it funny.

If you Google "Argon tig glove box" you can find some used by British Aerospace but in the meantime here's a couple of cheapies.

[Dan-k]

What about a grow tent - they come in all sizes the only problem is how much you wanna spend. You can get china ones quite cheap or you could try secondhand off eBay.

[dhutch]

Dan-k said:

What about a grow tent . .. you could try secondhand off eBay.

Might even come with burn marks already !

[dingg]

finishing touch said:

dingg said:

finishing touch said:

Four sides to your table, one with 2 round holes to fit gloves. On the top a sheet of glass. It now looks like a shot blast cabinet. Another small hole to take the TIG lead. Put enough rods inside and spare tungsten’s. Mask on and hands in the gloves and stand in a gale if you have to. If you use long rubber gloves it’s like examining a cow. HaHa ! I used to weld unobtanium in a tank like this.

Lol

Glad you find it funny.

If you Google "Argon tig glove box" you can find some used by British Aerospace but in the meantime here's a couple of cheapies.

I know all about glove boxes but you never ever welded 'unobtanium'

[Dan-k]

dhutch said:

Dan-k said:

What about a grow tent . .. you could try secondhand off eBay.

Might even come with burn marks already !

Not sure what you mean?

I got one for spray painting some bumper parts it was easier than cleaning and covering all the stuff up in the garage and I just zipped it up and left stuff to dry.

It doesn’t look like it would burn easily it’s lined with some kind of foil which made it bright inside - I wouldn’t like to use the mig welder inside it but would consider tig welding.

[sherman]

Would a portable gazebo with sides not work better. 2m x 2m would give you more than enough space to work ?

Pop-up Gazebo 2m x 2m With Sides Silver Protective Layer Waterproof Marquee Canopy (WS) (Grey) https://amzn.eu/d/ek88nx0

[finishing touch]

When the sides of a tent flack it will send pulses across the interior space. Think of a drum smoke ring.

I've spent most of my welding career avoiding draughts when welding unobtanium.