Tools/TIG/induction

Some of the tools at the Hackspace are potentially hazardous to use, for these tools members are required to have an induction before they can use them. Inductions provide the most basic information on how to safely and effectively use the simpler functions of the tools, we appreciate that some members may have professional experience on some of these tools and in this case please tell your induction provider and the induction may be very reduced and just cover any risks or procedures specific to rLab. Some tools have multiple levels of induction in order to cover more advanced uses of that tool without making the basic induction take too long, higher induction levels will introduce some of the more advanced features of the tools but as with all inductions are only intended to provide basic information on the capabilities of the tools and how to use them safely. Some members of rLab may be willing to offer more detailed tuition beyond basic induction level or offer guided practice sessions in exchange for beer money or assistance on their own projects.

For all tools you are only required to take level-1 induction before use, after that you may perform any task that you feel confident you can do safely, higher levels of induction may be useful to you in performing more advanced operations but are not required before doing tasks covered in them so long as you're confident of your ability to handle those tasks without risk to yourself, others, or the tool.

PLEASE NOTE : All induction providers are volunteers who are providing inductions to the best of their ability but are NOT qualified instructors. Inductions are provided on a best-effort basis but you and you alone are responsible for your safety while using the tools and for satisfying yourself that you can operate the tools safely. There are professional training courses available from various providers in Reading and the surrounding area if you feel they are appropriate for the level of work you intend to undertake. Reading these notes is NOT a substitute for an in-person induction.

Note for wiki editors : Please do not edit induction pages unless you are one of of the people that gives that induction

TIG welder induction (TIG Mode) Level 1

Level 1 induction in intended to cover the basics of how to use the TIG welder, it covers basic safety information and how to use the welder effectively on mild and stainless steel in positions 1G and 2G/F. It is strongly recommended that people undertake MIG induction and practice it thoroughly before attempting TIG welding, that said you can start welding straight away with TIG but it's likely to take considerably longer to develop the required skill to use it effectively. People undertaking TIG induction need to have overalls or other non-flammable clothing that covers all exposed skin except for head and hands. Wear stout shoes or boots, no open shoes allowed. If you have any metal you'd like to practice on then please bring it with you so long as it's plain steel with no galvanized coating or paint but if you don't have any then we usually have suitable scrap around to practice on. There's no charge specifically for the induction but normal welder usage charges apply, you should expect it to cost around £5 for the induction and a bit more if you spend some time practicing afterwards which is strongly recommended. This induction is estimated to take 1-2 hours.

TIG welder induction (TIG Mode) Level 2

Level 2 TIG induction is intended to allow people to convert from working on steel to working on aluminium and other alloys and to further develop the skills required for more challenging welding applications such as position 3&4 welds and welding aluminium, magnesium, silicon alloys and TIG brazing. There is a charge of £20 to cover materials and machine charges for Level-2 induction, at least a week's notice is required in order to get the necessary materials and the induction is anticipated to take 2-3 hours.

TIG welder induction (MMA mode)

This induction in intended to cover the basics of how to use the TIG welder in MMA (stick welding) mode, it covers basic safety information and how to use the welder effectively on mild steel in positions 1G and 2G/F. It is strongly recommended that people undertake MIG induction and practice it thoroughly before attempting stick welding, that said you can start welding straight away with stick but it's likely to take considerably longer to develop the required skill to use it effectively. People undertaking stick welding induction need to have overalls or other non-flammable clothing that covers all exposed skin except for head and hands. Wear stout shoes or boots, no open shoes allowed. If you have any metal you'd like to practice on then please bring it with you so long as it's plain steel with no galvanized coating or paint but if you don't have any then we usually have suitable scrap around to practice on. There is a charge of £10 for the induction to cover materials and a bit more if you spend some time practicing afterwards which is strongly recommended. The needed materials are usually kept in stock but if we've run out it will take several days to get more. This induction is estimated to take 1-2 hours.