Anyone know where i can get something, rather inexpensive if possible, that could be used as a shield when welding?

Often I need to weld something within inches of carpet, foam, etc and I'd like some sort of blanket that can be used to shield flamable surfaces.

-- Joe

Wool blankets may smolder but won't burn.

Woven fiberglass mat might work, and you can pick it up pretty cheap.

Most any welding supply store will sell them. Another option is the weld spatter and spark resistant paper with the adhesive backing, 3M makes it and is available at body shop supply stores... Both work quite well.

For big areas I use one of these (don't remember which size),
http://search.harborfreight.com/cpis...nket&Submit=Go
for small areas I use one of the plumbing shield things (like an 1' or so square piece of heavy woven insulation/heat shielding with 2 grommets in it to hang it from, used behind copper pipe joints when soldering with a torch, most hardware stores have them). In a pinch I've used aluminum flashing.

Don't try a cotton towel, I've had them catch fire, but you can make that kind of thing or a similar blanket flame retardant by dissolving some baking soda in water (doesn't take much), soaking it and letting it dry. If it ends up crunchy at all or powdery you have _way_ too much in it, but it won't hurt you either.

harbor freight makes some inexpensive welding blankets. They aren't completely fire resistant (they might smolder for a little bit), but they work good for shielding carpet, headliners, etc from sparks.

I use one of these.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=43743

Be careful though...dont trust them so much that you let hot stuff fall into them then walk away.

Also, tin foil will work in a pinch to cover certain areas. I always have a roll of reynolds wrap in the garage for masking things or protecting from sparks.

J.