===== Metal Workshop Expansion 2026 =====

Now the woodshop move is complete, we can start work on expanding the metal workshop. We had some useful initial discussion here: https://bristolhackspace.discourse.group/t/metal-workshop-expansion-planning/3925 and the intent is to capture issues and decisions in this wiki

==== Immediate tasks ====


  - Fill screw holes
  - Paint floor
  - Paint walls
  - Identify if remaining objects left behind from woodshop move are junk or treasure
  - Dispose of the above if junk

==== Planning ====

=== Constraints ===

  * Fire sensors: The metalshop currently has two, and if we keep the strip curtain, it needs to stay somewhere between these sensors. This does give us a little bit of play for moving the strip curtain up or down the room if desired.
  * Hotworks only insured for welding and griding.
  * Welding only within an arc-shielded environment.
  * Welding and grinding only within a non-flammable environment.
  * Welding needs ventilation so either next to the roller shutter or fit the large welding extractor we have in storage.
  * Old woodshop has the mezzanine supports which have Intumescent paint. Hotworks might damage the paint?
  * The welder needs a 16A supply which we have by the shutter (plus another in the old woodshop which was installed for the jointer).
  * Wall behind the current wooden metalshop bench has a removable lower panel for access to the laser room.
  * Duncan prefers to keep the door into his half of the building accessible.

=== Wishlist ===

   * Welding in an area where there is no chance anyone will accidentally enter. The current layout is not ideal.
   * Grinding should be available even when welding is being done
   * Lathe in a position where workpieces that protrude a long way out of the left side will not cause a hazzard
   * Group machines that are commonly used together
   * Separate dirty and/or noisy machines from cleaner/quieter machines
   * Workbenches in the centre of the room (following the woodshop layout)


=== Categories ===


^ Category                        ^ Existing        ^ Planned                    ^                                                ^
| Cutting/machining/drilling      | Yes             | Yes                        |                                                |
| Welding                         | Yes             | Yes                        | Hotworks                                       |
| Grinding                        | Yes             | Yes                        | Hotworks                                       |
| Sand blasting                   | Yes             | TBD                        |                                                |
| Paint shop                      | No              | TBD                        | Unlikely to fit in space.                      |
| CNC                             | No              | Yes                        |                                                |
| Bicycle maintenance             | Yes             | Yes?                       | Needs discussion                               |
| Vehicle maintenance             | No              | No                         | Provide tools only. "Metalshop, not a garage"  |
| Petrol-powered tool maintenance | No?             | Yes?                       | Strictly no fuel allowed inside the bulding    |

=== Possible New Equipment ===

All new equipment needs a proposal. Some of the suggestions may not be practicable.

  * Milling machine e.g. [[https://www.chesterhobbystore.com/shop/metalworking-machines/mills/626-turret-mill/| 626 Turret Mill - Metalworking Milling Machine]]
  * Pillar drill + float-lock vise 
  * Sheet metal bender
  * Induction heater and/or Electric kiln
  * Plasma cutter e.g. ArcDroid CNC plasma cutter
  * Water cutter
  * Induction forge + tempering setup
  * Heavy-duty metal fabrication workbench.
  * Standing belt sander to use with metal

=== Decisions ===

  * The metal CNC will be in the metalshop
  * We will move the lathe.

=== Questions ===

  * The area by the roller shutter is generally less warm tha other areas. Does this make it unsuitable for operations such as CNC which involves a lot of sitting and watching?
  * The roller shutter is the only entrance for large objects, but how large?

=== Floorplan ===
Several options. So far the only complete proposal is:
[[https://bristolhackspace.discourse.group/t/metal-workshop-expansion-planning/3925/37]]

Other possibilities:
  - Move the welding area to the far end of the old woodshop, making use of the extractor.