===== 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 ==== **Clean Area** 95% Done **Update Floor Plan** **Identify if remaining objects left behind from wood shop move are junk or treasure** Dispose of the above if junk Relocate to other areas Find a home for it in the area **Paint walls** Remove raw plugs etc. 95% done Fill screw holes Get paint and brushes Paint them **Paint floor** Prepare floor. Remove tape etc. Get paint and brushes Paint first half Paint second half **Move equipment to final positions.** Move CNC Move Small items Move Lathe ==== 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. Update: Requirements for grinding need to be clarified. Not as strict as for welding. * Welding needs ventilation so either next to the roller shutter or fit the large welding extractor we have in storage. * Moving the welding away from the roller shutter would require negotiation with the landlord. * 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. * Lathe positioned with access to feet, 30cm to the right to allow for maintenance, 50-60cm to the left to allow for access to the gears and for long workpieces, 60cm behind to allow space for a coolant system. 80cm working area in front. [[https://wiki.bristolhackspace.org/resources/install_standard]] === 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 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) * Hackrack (metalshop-specific) * Consumables (drill bits, cutters, blades etc.) * Nuts & bolts and other common fixings === Categories === ^ Category ^ Existing ^ Planned ^ ^ | Cutting/machining/drilling | Yes | Yes | | | Welding | Yes | Yes | Hotworks | | Grinding | Yes | Yes | Hotworks and/or old metalshop (TBD) | | Sand blasting | Yes | Yes | Discussed 13-01-2026 | | Paint shop | No | No | Discussed 13-01-2026 | | CNC | No | Yes | | | Bicycle maintenance | Yes | Yes | Discussed 13-01-2026 | | Vehicle maintenance | No | No | Provide tools only. "Metalshop, not a garage" | | Petrol-powered tool maintenance | No? | Yes | Discussed 13-01-2026 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. Rejected 13-01-2026 due to safety concerns. * Induction forge + tempering setup. Rejected 13-01-2026 due to safety concerns. * Plasma cutter e.g. ArcDroid CNC plasma cutter. Discussed 13-01-2026. Need advice. * Water cutter. Unlikely to be feasible. * Heavy-duty metal fabrication workbench. * Standing belt sander to use with metal === Decisions === * The metal CNC will be in the metalshop. Probably RHS of old woodshop. * We will move the lathe into the old woodshop. Probably against LHS wall (looking in from the front), just inside the old woodshop. * The welding area will stay where it is. (13-01-2026) * Plan is to split the workshop into 3 areas: Engineering workshop (old woodshop) for 'clean' operations, welding & grinding area for the most dirty, and the remaining area for those in-between. * The existing curtain to be retained but possibly moved towards the front of the building. === Questions === - Grinding. There is a wide range of use-cases to consider. Some may have stricter contraints (ventilation, hotworks area) than others. * Hand tools. Under consideration. * Tool sharpening. TBD * 'Sword-making'. Hotworks area only. - Extraction for Lathe and (proposed) Mill. Intensive operations using cutting oil or coolant may create a lot of fumes. Do we need to plan for an extraction system? === 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. [[https://bristolhackspace.discourse.group/t/metal-workshop-expansion-planning/3925/53]]. * Rejected for welding. Still a possibility for some types of grinding.