side wall materials

[glassferret]

I am ready to box in the new ventilation hood for my torch. The back wall is concrete but I need to select a material for the sidewalls. I would like to let in as much light as possible so I am interested in a transparent material suitable for the job. Is there a material with acceptable fire resistance for the job? The width of the area is 40 inches and the torch is a Cheetah running on an OG-20 at about 80% capacity (estimate).

Carol

[MikeAurelius]

Simple answer: not really. Most modern clear plastics, acrylics and polycarbonates are all flammable and some of the emit toxic fumes when smoldering.

I strongly recommend the use of galvanized metal for any surface that may, even accidentally, exposed to an open flame. You can use wood for a support structure, providing you allow an air space between the metal and the wood - this can be accomplished by using several washers between the sheet metal and the wood.

I strongly recommend you stay away from foil covered insulation board as well, this material also emits toxic fumes when it burns.