Spark Container

Wandering if anyone has tried or made a spark/molten metal container for cutting in a refined area where you don't want the hot material flying all over the place.
I was thinking about using a 30 gal metal barrel with a layer of sand in the bottom and cutting over the barrel blowing the hot metal down into the barrel.
I understand you couldn't do any piercing or gouging but simple small cuts should work.
A 55 gal barrel would be better but would take up more space.

Just use a tray of water under your work piece. That's how cnc plasma and laser cutter rigs keep their sparks to a minimum. It doesn't even need to be complicated, you can even use a rubbermaid tub full if water, because the water cools the slag long before it touches the bottom.

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Originally Posted by Spike

Just use a tray of water under your work piece. That's how cnc plasma and laser cutter rigs keep their sparks to a minimum. It doesn't even need to be complicated, you can even use a rubbermaid tub full if water, because the water cools the slag long before it touches the bottom.

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Water is okay for a cnc table. But I don't like using an open container of water close to welding or using a plasma torch. Water would freeze where I'm at, unless mixed with antifreeze. Too cold to mess in water in an un-heated building.

Dirt or sand will work fine, then. It just won't "catch" the sparks as well as water will. If you're cutting right on top of the barrel you could just use an empty metal drum or trashcan and it will still be really effective.

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Originally Posted by Gerry

Water would freeze where I'm at, unless mixed with antifreeze. Too cold to mess in water in an un-heated building.

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Yea, I hear that problem. I used to live in Colorado with an unheated shop. Now i'm happy to work in the warm California weather!

How about a down draft cutting table?
http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/...-projects.html