What Do You Cover Your Machines With?

I've never needed to cover my milling machine. I just keep the bare metal areas oiled. However, if I had to, I would cover it the same way that I cover my pedestal vise, which I cover to keep it clean and to prevent flash rust.

First: I lay apiece of cotton fabric on top of it. For a vise, an old shirt would do for a mill, a bed sheet would do.
Second: I put a sheet of plastic on top of the fabric. For the vise, a garbage bag will do. For a mill, I'd say a furniture bag would do.

This way, moisture stays off the metal, and it will prevent condensation.
 
brino said:
Personally, I do not worry about a light coating of saw-dust too much. I've never had it cause a problem.
I worry about grinding dust/grit and move things around so the big machines with ways and slides are not "in the line of fire".

However.........one big DON'T, since you mentioned welding in that space.....

I needed a quick and simple dust cover for a welder when doing some sanding directly above it. I though I was clever by quickly fashioning something out of left-over 6-mil vapour barrier that was sitting right there. Using just a few folds and an office stapler I made a basic 5-sided "box" to fit the machine. It worked great for the sanding dust.

A few weeks later I was using one of the other welding machines and a spark landed on that cover.
I had no idea that vapour barrier was so flammable, it was self sustaining flames, melting and dripping.
I did not notice with the helmet on.

Luckily once I saw it I was able to grab an intact corner and throw it out the front door with no real damage....just a little melted plastic everywhere.

Play Safe!
-brino
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What are anyone's thoughts about using Tyvek or equivalent ? I haven't tested any for combustion but it would repel dust etc., and also breathe somewhat to release moisture.
 
uncle harry said:
What are anyone's thoughts about using Tyvek or equivalent ?
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Interesting question, I have NO direct experience with it.
Hopefully someone can chime in with theirs.
-brino
 
The thing is isn't Tyvelk expensive, a lot more than an old bed sheet etc.
 
Dan_S said:
A good way to prevent rust is to run a dehumidifier in your shop. The lower the humidity the lower the dew-point, and as long as your machine is warmer than the dew-point it won't get condensation on it.
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I have one in my more "leaky" shop that was formerly a hen house. It works well & increases the comfort level during the last many humid days.
 
kvt said:
The thing is isn't Tyvelk expensive, a lot more than an old bed sheet etc.
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Well, occasionally some deviant mice sneak into an open pedestrian door during the late autumn months, They seem to enjoy shredding anything organic to make nests, Tyvek doesn't list any harmful contents for mice on their MSDS info. Maybe the old
mothball remedy would work with the bed sheets. I may have to rethink this !!
 
uncle harry said:
Maybe the old mothball remedy would work with the bed sheets. I may have to rethink this !!
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I am well assured that mice don't give a hoot about mothballs! They infest my shed every winter and get into everything. They especially like the boiler in my steam jenny/pressure washer. I loaded it with mothballs and they still nested in and around them, couldn't have cared less. I am told that they HATE mint. So I got some mint oil for cheap but haven't fully tested it yet.
 
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