Welding on a painted floor - ideas?

[davepl]

I'm doing subframe connectors on my Camaro, and it will entail a lot of welding under the car (mostly MIG). Unfortunately I just had my shop floor coated (that speckle finish) last fall, and it's not burn proof.

I'm wondering what I can put down on the floor that will protect it. I was thinking perhaps a sheet of plywood that soak with a hose first, but slag will likely still ignite it. Perhaps drywall (gyprock), but that has a paper coating.

Obviously a big sheet of steel or a pile of sand would work, but those aren't really practical, so I'm looking for any good suggestions!

[SS Tim]

I'd think just a couple of sheets of OSB or plywood would be fine. Just keep a mop and a bucket of water handy. Then just hit it as it dries or starts to smolder too much. Or maybe some of the tile backerboard over a tarp.

But if you really want to get fancy build a couple of 4x8" 2x4 framed sheets of plywood on casters with a layer of sand. A portable sandbox/sandtable for your toys.

[67c10rustbuket]

3M Welding paper ? Superflysteiney used it when welding up a custom raised bed floor in a freshly painted truck in his "tootsie..." build.

http://3mcollision.com/3m-welding-an...per-05916.html

Edit: just read the description: not designed for horizontal surfaces, Doh

How about a welding blanket?

http://www.toolking.com/lenco-08820-...FQhyQgodYkwA2w

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by davepl

I'm doing subframe connectors on my Camaro, and it will entail a lot of welding under the car (mostly MIG). Unfortunately I just had my shop floor coated (that speckle finish) last fall, and it's not burn proof.

I'm wondering what I can put down on the floor that will protect it. I was thinking perhaps a sheet of plywood that soak with a hose first, but slag will likely still ignite it. Perhaps drywall (gyprock), but that has a paper coating.

Obviously a big sheet of steel or a pile of sand would work, but those aren't really practical, so I'm looking for any good suggestions!

Yes, it really does exist...3M Welding Paper!

Works Great, too!

[PanelDeland]

I would get a welding blanket or two.I have heard but never tested that you could soak a wool Army Blanket in a strong borax solution then airdry it and it would fireproof it.You might want to put a sheet of plywood down with a welding blanket over it to prevent heat transfer.

[KyFarm]

a welding blanket is what you need

[LockDoc]

-
You could also go to the home center and get a few sheets of ceramic tile backer board (I always called it cement board) That would work.

LockDoc

[BHyatt]

I always look for the simplest solution myself. Weld it in the driveway.

[mrein3]

Originally Posted by BHyatt

I always look for the simplest solution myself. Weld it in the driveway.

While I agree with the idea of trying the simple solution first (my best friend always says don't over think it), keep in mind that you can't use the mig process outside. When you are outside you need to use flux core which brings with it other issues.

I've been watching this thread myself because I just painted my new floor in my new shop and don't want a bunch of burn marks on it either. I'll be ordering myself a welding blanket when I "move in" to my new shop.

Another problem with "in the driveway" where I live is that pretty soon it will be below zero out there. Its pretty tough to control your weld puddle when you're shivering.

[budman k20]

I keep a 3 x 6 sheet of sheetmetal in a corner and whenever I do any cutting with a torch I place it under the work area. Your creeper or whatever rolls right over it.

[hugger6933]

The 3M weld paper is great but it is like $ 100 bucks a roll. I have a fibreglass welding blanket that I put up when I am welding on rocker panels and door opening and such [doing one today in fact] I also have some tile backer board from the bathroom remodel here at this house and our rental hosue down the street[it is concrete or something like it] Try to have a fire ex. handy I know it is a know brainer but I almost lost my whole shop a couple years ago cause akid working for me cut a floorwith a plasma and hit a fuel line and did not have one near by. He freaked started runing and the fire was sucking the gas from the tank and kept feeding the fire! Just please stay safe most of all and have fun, and you problem may be as simple as a wet down with a water hose? Jim