I'm considering purchasing my first circular metal cutting saw and currently have found two viable options for around the same price. The S210CCS is the newer model it seems as the 230 has now been discontinued but for some reason I have a feeling that the older one was heavier duty. I also prefer t...

So I'm planning to purchase a CNC plasma table for my metal fabrication shop, and I need to know a few details in order to budget for the installation of the unit. Firstly, as I have decided on going for a downdraft table to clear the relatively small shop of toxic fumes, I am faced with two options...

It all depends upon joint configuration, spec for the weld, which has you use, position you’re welding. Will the plates be beveled? Too many variables to say definitively, but they (Fronius) are great machines. If I were MIG/MAG welding 20mm plates, I’d be in flat position using spray transfer. Lik...

I'm in the process of purchasing a MIG welder and so far I'm considering the Fronius TPS320i with a water-cooled torch but I'm not sure if it has enough amperage to weld different types of metal plates up to 20 mm thick. The reason why I'm setting a 20mm thickness limit is because my plasma cutter c...

I've been told that lightweight concrete is the best option since I now need to lay down a 13 cm thick layer of concrete throughout the shop and normal concrete would be too heavy for the building's structure. Does anyone have any experience with lightweight concrete? If so, would it be a suitable o...

My worry is that the concrete will crack, chip or even explode when molten slag is dropped onto it from manual plasma cutting action.

I just tested a granite slab and it cracked in multiple places when exposed to molten metal but basalt did not crack!

Not sure if the same can be said for concrete.

I'm revisiting this thread as I am still not sold on pouring a cement floor for the reasons stated previously and now considering basalt or granite as a floor option. I've tested a piece of basalt by putting direct butane torch heat onto it and although some minor discoloration took place, the struc...

William Payne wrote:What do you want to do in your shop? Trust me if you plan on moving anything heavy on wheels you want a flat surface.

It's going to be a metal fabrication shop so there will be lots of welding, plasma cutting, grinding, sanding etc.

I am reconsidering ceramic tiles as an option since pouring 30 tons of concrete on what is essentially another person's workshop's roof is perhaps not the best of ideas. Would that work fine or will it burn? Ceramic is typically well-suited for high temps, so I can't see it being a burn risk unless...

I am reconsidering ceramic tiles as an option since pouring 30 tons of concrete on what is essentially another person's workshop's roof is perhaps not the best of ideas.

Would that work fine or will it burn?

Fume extraction or PAPR is always a good thing. A fan blowing, not so much as it will more likely disrupt the shielding gas enveloped while TIG welding. Ah yes, I failed to take the shielding gas into consideration. My bad! So is PAPR all that is needed for TIG welding all kinds of metal? Will I on...

I am about to start TIG welding for the first time and have already bought myself a welding helmet with a PAPR system. Will be welding mostly steel, stainless steel and aluminum indoors. Will I need a fume extraction system or since TIG doesn't release much smoke, maybe a fan blowing across the weld...

Well then I guess it's settled.

Smooth concrete it is!

Will try to add some grit to it as someone mentioned it could get slippery when wet although that doesn't concern me too much as the only time the floor needs to get wet is when it needs to get mopped.

I am in the process of renovating a 60 year old workshop I purchased for a bargain price but I am not sure what to do about the floor. Currently, it is tiled but the color and pattern is not to my taste so I decided to change it. At first, I had the idea of grinding the floor down to get it as level...

I guess my doubts have been cleared then.

System 16 it is!

Siegmund. Unless you have the requirement for the extra heavy tooling, the Siegmund table will serve you exceptionally well. And they are extremely well made tables. Not sure what you mean by "extra heavy tooling" but I will not be welding Industrial components. Their System 22 seems to b...

I'm in the market for a professional welding table for a general metal fabrication shop. I've found only two options to chose from locally and unfortunately, I will not be able to see the table in person prior to making the purchase decision as they can only be ordered on an individual basis. That b...

8-) I'm lucky to have supportive parents who are willing to invest time and money in me because they see potential. Please advise your parents I am still up for adoption. Advantages of adopting me: - Already house broken, so dirty nappies - Can cook, clean and take out the waste bin without nagging...

weldin mike 27 wrote:Very good then. All the best with your new venture.

Thanks for the kind words

8-) sounds like your in a position very few get to have. fronius is my pick. kempi are meant to be solid but the odd horror story here with kempi products not working as advertised and them ignoring the customer. which is an absolute failure for a high end brand.[/quote] Absolutely! I'm lucky to hav...

Fronius is the best you can buy. But you need to make sure that you can take advantage of the all the benefits attached to that quality. If you are just starting out, you can get great deals on second hand equipment and make sure use your money in the best possible place, like maybe sheet metal equ...

I'm starting a Light industrial metal fabrication shop and looking to purchase a TIG welder. Will eventually be buying a MIG machine as well but would like to learn TIG first as it is more difficult and versatile. .................. Will be working with steel, stainless steel, iron, copper, brass, ...

I'm starting a Light industrial metal fabrication shop and looking to purchase a TIG welder. Will eventually be buying a MIG machine as well but would like to learn TIG first as it is more difficult and versatile. After lots of reading and asking around, I've narrowed my list down to two machines. A...