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I have always wanted to learn how to weld. The whole process intrigued me, especially the seemingly endless possibilities that working with metal allowed. A few months ago I was introduced to a guy that works by day as a welder for a company and has his own metal shop as a side business. The price of tuition was a 12 pack of cold ones… how could I say no to that?
So I have been going 1 night a week for the last couple months and have learned a lot about metal work and welding.
Lesson #1- you grind a lot! Prepping the metal to be cut and welded together is actually the most time consuming part of the process. I come home covered in metal dust from grinding every time I go.
Lesson #2 – Welded metal is HOT. Always wear your gloves when when handling freshly welded items.
Lesson #3 – take your time. If you rush mistakes happen.
Lesson #4 – Welding is a skill/art. My welds are crude ugly monstrosities compared to the professional’s welds. This is going to take a lot of time to perfect.
Lesson #5 - This is a fun hobby but I wouldn’t want to do it as a main gig.
Finally I thought I’d share my very crude creations. feel free to post any creations of your own.
Center channel Speaker mount- designed to hold the speaker above the screen at angle toward the seats.
Base for a rotating fire table- I have created a Wheel! The spindles at different angles was a fun challenge.
Cigar holders- This one was born out of necessity. We generally have a cheap cigar while working in the metal shop. I hate laying my stick down to weld so I created this. The pro looked at it and said “ I never thought to do that, make some more!” So I did.
So I have been going 1 night a week for the last couple months and have learned a lot about metal work and welding.
Lesson #1- you grind a lot! Prepping the metal to be cut and welded together is actually the most time consuming part of the process. I come home covered in metal dust from grinding every time I go.
Lesson #2 – Welded metal is HOT. Always wear your gloves when when handling freshly welded items.
Lesson #3 – take your time. If you rush mistakes happen.
Lesson #4 – Welding is a skill/art. My welds are crude ugly monstrosities compared to the professional’s welds. This is going to take a lot of time to perfect.
Lesson #5 - This is a fun hobby but I wouldn’t want to do it as a main gig.
Finally I thought I’d share my very crude creations. feel free to post any creations of your own.
Center channel Speaker mount- designed to hold the speaker above the screen at angle toward the seats.
Base for a rotating fire table- I have created a Wheel! The spindles at different angles was a fun challenge.
Cigar holders- This one was born out of necessity. We generally have a cheap cigar while working in the metal shop. I hate laying my stick down to weld so I created this. The pro looked at it and said “ I never thought to do that, make some more!” So I did.
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