Welding an engine stand
Welding is one of those skills, I wish I could use more often. And with “more often” I mean at all. I learned different welding techniques in school, and it was really fun! But, due to a lack of opportunity, I never welded again since. Now, after 20+ years, I doubt that I’d know what to do. But if I ever do win the lottery and move into a house with a big garage/workshop, I’ll definitely get myself some electric welding equipment. Just so I have it, and use it once every five years, like most of my tools, haha.
I did some welding after repacking some wheel bearings. I don’t recommend welding near a trash can full of greases paper towels, it seems to lead to having to get a fire extinguisher recharged.
I’ve always wanted to learn to weld. I hated that when I was in school (late 70’s), guys took shop while us girls had to take typing or home economics. I have since become very handy with tools but still never had the opportunity to learn welding. Bleh!
Welding fascinates me, too. But, like so many skills, it takes frequent practice to remain “current” so one has to make choices. Plus it takes a hefty investment in equipment. My choice as yet is to leave welding to others – luckily there are several good welders at my field.
Like all the people here, I’ve always hoped to learn welding. It’s one of those things that, these days anyway, seems like you have to go to school for, and would only do if you plan to make a career of it. Thus I have no knowledge of it, but it’s something I’d really like to, literally and figuratively, add to my arsenal of tools I can use when needed. Because 3D printing isn’t always strong enough… My mom is renting a room in her house to a guy who’s a welding apprintace, actually an old childhood friend of mine, maybe he could teach me the basics someday, but he doesn’t feel competent enough to do that himself just yet. Mom’s rules for such activities are “don’t burn the house down!”
Dress for the job – unlike Chuck. Wear a special welding skullcap (non-combustible) under your welding helmet to protect hair (or feathers…) from loose sparks. Good Leathers with long sleeve jacket, Apron and Gloves to protect your body. Long pants preferably Cotton Denim, and closed toe leather topped shoes.
And if you’re TIG Welding, a snood on your helmet and/or a bandana around your neck – people get their chin and neck sunburned from the arc…
Ah, I am old fashioned. I like to see people weld and it does amaze me to see two pieces of metal become one. But if I learn a metal related skill, it would be blacksmithing. Banging on metal and forming it into shape by shear force… I can never get enough of seeing a master Smith perform his craft.
I watched some welders create a railing at work last month. They were very good at their job, but they can keep it. Blacksmithing would be fun, but that is another MAJOR layout of funds we don’t have. I know a couple of blacksmiths, though, and I’m happy to pay them for their wares.