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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
Planning
Constraints
- Fire sensors: The metalshop currently has two, and if we keep the strip curtain, it needs to stay somewhere between these sensors.
- Hotworks only insured for welding and griding.
- Welding only within an arc-shielded environment
- Welding needs ventilation so either next to the roller shutter or fit the 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
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” |
Possible New Equipment
All new equipment needs a proposal. Some of the suggestions may not be practicable.
- 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.
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 conly 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.