Results 1 to 12 of 12

Thread: Protecting windows during welding

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2002
    Location
    Gainesville, GA
    Posts
    493

    Default Protecting windows during welding

    How have folks protected windows from welding spatter while installing cages? (I know removing would work, but trying to avoid that).

    Thanks. Rory

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Posts
    1,717

    Default

    Preface that I'm not a cage builder. But, I have done a lot of welding close to things that need protection so I do have experience with this. Buy one of those kevlar welding blankets at your welding supply.
    STU BMW Z3 2.5liter

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    South of Chicago, near Indiana.
    Posts
    248

    Default

    If it's a quick welding job I use wet cardboard but if it's going to take a while then a proper welding blanket is advised.
    1988 ITA Scriocco 16V #80
    MCSCC member since 1988

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2002
    Location
    Gainesville, GA
    Posts
    493

    Default

    Thanks. Any suggestions on attaching/supporting the welding blanket over the window/windshield? Although as I think about it, you probably just hang it as a "curtain" between the welding and the window in question.

    On a related note, how far away does one have to protect? Or to put it another way, how far will spatter fly?

    Thanks again.
    Rory

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2001
    Location
    Buffalo, New York
    Posts
    2,942

    Default

    3M™ Welding and Spark Deflection Paper, 05916

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2002
    Location
    Gainesville, GA
    Posts
    493

    Default

    where does one get that? Welding supply store perhaps?

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2001
    Location
    Buffalo, New York
    Posts
    2,942

    Default

    Online; try Eastwood

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Houston-ish
    Posts
    932

    Default

    Eastwood has it listed, summit does not. (I thought Summit bought Eastwood and sold everything on summit's site as well?)

    It's expensive, but it's the right thing to use for glass and paint. I REALLY wish I had. also note you need it when grinding too. I've destroyed several windows just grinding in the area (some VERY hard to replace- like a 63 1/2 Galaxie windshield!)..
    When arc and MIG welding, a couple feet horizontal clearance is about all you need. If TIG, it's not really an issue since you shouldn't have metal flying around.

    When grinding, any exposed glass within 10-15 ft needs to be covered since those damn sparks fly everywhere and in every direction!
    Houston Region
    STU Nissan 240SX
    EProd RX7

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2002
    Location
    Gainesville, GA
    Posts
    493

    Default

    Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately I think I've discovered the grinding part a little too late. Not too much, but certainly more than I wanted.

    I remembered that I have some welding shield material that I bought years ago. It is essentially translucent plastic designed to be used as a welding curtain. It is not as easy to apply as the 3M material would be, but I've been able to attach it with zip ties and duct tape and it seems to be doing the job. I did some testing with it welding right next to it and even over it, and nothing got through it. It is also pretty expensive but I had it on hand so it's "free".

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Houston-ish
    Posts
    932

    Default

    That's the best kind then! have fun getting off the duct tape residue, but that's still better than replacing your windshield.
    Houston Region
    STU Nissan 240SX
    EProd RX7

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Feb 2002
    Location
    Gainesville, GA
    Posts
    493

    Default

    I've actually gotten pretty lucky Matt. The duct tape I'm using seems to hold well for a day or two and then sorta loses its adhesion and falls off the glass. I have to reapply tape occasionally but no sticky residue!

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Houston-ish
    Posts
    932

    Default

    Yeah I'll vote for that.

    The newer tapes are much better about that, and 3M offers a couple of forumations in their industrial line that's supposed to hold like the good ol' stuff, but still be a clean-release for 6 months, even heat & UV stabilized so it doesn't get gooey when left in the sun.

    It's also $40 a roll!!!
    Houston Region
    STU Nissan 240SX
    EProd RX7

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •