Welding Tips and Tricks

I’m starting to research what is required to setup a hobbyist welding shop in the San Francisco Bay Area. I’ve been welding at my parents farm in Illinois for the past ~10 years, but look forward to welding more that a few visits a year. Eager to learn how others in San Francisco, or California in general, handle some of the fire code rules that I’ve been reading about (e.g. do we really need a sprinkler system for a garage hobby welder!?)

Thank you!

I have never lived in Cali but I did spend about a year in the bay area for work, Mondays through Fridays. Given how temperate it is, I would simply avoid the fire codes by only welding outdoors. That is pretty much what I do now in Connecticut, since I don't have adequate ventilation/fume extraction to weld in my garage with the doors closed. My welder, welding table, band saw, etc. are all on wheels. I roll up the garage door and move everything I need out on to the driveway and weld there.

I think its a mostly using common sense.

Have multiple fire extinguishers on hand. Know where they are.

Other than that. Up to you for what you're comfortable with. I only tig in my garage with the door open and a welding curtain and fan running. Everything else is done outdoors on my outdoor table. I always monitor my work area when I'm done welding. It takes me half an hour to clean up normally anyways so by the time I'm done everything is cool to the touch. Just make sure your work area is secure before leaving it.

Also be really careful during fall, as everything is dry and you don't want to start the next wildfire. I normally take a break anyways since we're already breathing enough tree particulate. this season was rough.

Feel tree to ask any other questions you might have. There are quite a few of CA folks who hang around here from the bay area/central coast.