Learning How to Weld
Eventually, the work hit a standstill when I had stripped the bulkhead on down to the bare
nothing. I was going to have to weld new footwells into her...but first I needed to
learn how to weld.
A few years ago, I had taken a basic welding class on base, and it had introduced me to
Arc, stick, MIG, and TIG welding, as well as how to work plasma cutters. It gave me a feel
for what I wanted to accomplish, and also how much work it was going to take. I created
this masterpiece for my final project:
Durable yet hideous pencil holder
I did a spank-load of research, shopped around, and saved the "truck money" for a few months.
In the end I took the plunge and got a Sears Craftsman MIG welder...although I had to wait
a few extra weeks for the next "Craftsman Days" to roll around. Once I had re-read the
safety manual a few dozen times, I struck out on my own. Here were my first few passes...
Same clumsy style!
Many of the books that I had read had suggested that the first project should be to make
a stand for the welder, so I had at it. I picked up some angle iron and the like, and
started measuring and drawing. I kept reminding myself to take my time, since the "board
stretcher" was even less likely to work on steel.
And away we go!
Christmas could not have been better timed, since Santa and company brought an angle grinder,
some vise-grips (with a free T-shirt), and a smattering of other key tools. Lookout! I
could feel myself climbing up the steep learning curve, and approached the end. On
to the bulkhead!!!
The finished product...
Watch as I run out of things to remove...
created and maintained by Matt Atkins
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