The new welding ventilation arms are now fully functional! They should be used for all welding jobs. In addition, if you are doing extensive angle grinding work, or any other work that generates non-trivial smoke and/or fumes, we recommend you reserve a welding bay and use these ventilation arms for this as well. (Angle grinding is still permitted in the central area, but we would prefer only short jobs be done without ventilation when possible.)
The ventilation motor has a master switch mounted on the pillar in welding bay #1, but it should generally be left in the on position (as shown).
Each welding bay has a switch that will independently turn the ventilation motor on. These are timed switches which will automatically de-activate after a period of time. Just hit the button for the length of time you estimate you will need the ventilation for. The large button at the bottom can be used to turn the switch off before the timer expires. Note that the motor will only turn off when the switches in both welding bays are turned off.
Switch for Welding Bay #2:
Switch for Welding Bay #1 (on the pillar near the master switch):
In addition, the airflow in each arm can be independently blocked, as shown:
When you are done using the ventilation arm, we request that you close the airflow vent. That will enable the other arm to get maximum airflow when it is used.
The arms can be moved to cover most of their welding bay, especially the table. The manufacturer recommends the intake be placed low and to the side of your work for maximum draw, rather than above. But please do not send angle grinder sparks directly into the intake.
Please let us know how these work out for you and if you encounter any problems.
(Note that the Laser Welder Room will soon be available for situations where even stronger ventilation is desired – though we do not permit activities that will generate toxic fumes of any kind.)