New Hobby

Yesterday, I took a little trip to Monroe (a.k.a. Funroe) Louisiana for some family time. Got to visit with my grandmother and aunt and uncle for the afternoon. It was, as usual, a very enjoyable day. However, the highlight was the time spent in my Uncle Mike's shop learning to weld.

Welding is something I have been interested in for a few months now, but I have never had the opportunity to actually weld anything. I had a few hours, uncle mike had a few hours, so I had a chance to try my hand at welding. It was pretty darn entertaining.  I managed to weld two pieces of metal together...twice.  There was a lot more to it and I learned a great deal.  I actually learned enough to know this is something I would like to pursue.  So watch out Mike, cause I am making a list of projects and blocking of weekends.  But, I will wait to the temperature drops considerable.  

This is the first thing I have ever welded (pause for affect and virtual "awes," and now we are back at it).  Actually it is half of the first thing I have every welded.  We cut the previous two, no one piece of metal in half to determine the amount of penetration of the weld.  This is the piece I kept as my souvenir.  Cause I am nostalgic like that. 

This is the same piece, only the end that we cut to see how well I did.  Not bad, but always room for improvement.  You can see I welded on both sides and the top section you are looking at is a pull technique...the first one.  The bottom bead is a push technique, which I believe I handled a little better.

We did some T welds ( I may be making up this termonolgy but who cares) too.  But they were very indicative of a first time welder so there are no pictures of that to post.

It was a blast and I am looking forward to doing it again.  There is just something extremely manly about connecting two piece of metal with molten metal...I liken it to Tom Hanks in Castaway when he builds the fire.  "I, WELD METAL!"  There may have even been a grunt or two, but I will never admit it.

Lastly, here is a pic of Uncle Mike and me in the process...and don't worry, the first, the very first thing I am going to do before I try this again, is get a set of those bitchin, awesome overalls!