Project Overview
For my project, I spent some time thinking about possible mediums to use in the construction of something. I have had many opportunities in my life building and creating many different things with many mediums. Woodworking, painting, ceramics, sculpting, LEGOs/other cult building toys like Erector-Meccano, sewing, computer animation, tinkering with/ combining electronics, and working on vehicles are just some of the things I have experience with. Welding, however, I have somehow managed to avoid until this point. Because I have never welded or plasma cut before, I went into this project without the specific enthusiasm that I normally have when beginning a creation. When first tackling the project, I was having difficulty deciding what I was going to make. Additionally, I had no concept of the limitations of metal, which made it even harder to come up with an idea. I soon decided to craft a chair, with hopes of simplicity in mind.
Reflecting on my Experiences as a Learner
Over the many years of tinkering, I have learned that books and articles can offer me nothing but “interesting facts” or “things to remember.” I learn by watching others, then doing, and then receiving feedback on what I can improve on. When it came down to it, I enjoyed learning in my preferred way, immersion, and repetition. Keeping in mind that I built the chair in a day, having preconceived notions as what is right and wrong according to a generalized instruction would have slowed me down, versus the word of an experienced professional who could offer practical advice that pertained to my specific application. After completion of the project, I looked through the welding books in the university library, and found 2 perfect examples. Introduction to Welding by Ronald F. Gonzales and I. G. Edmonds is a perfect example of hot to teach someone of my learning style. On the other hand, Welding Handbook: Fundamentals of Welding, by The American Welding Society is a book of undecipherable hieroglyphics and symbols, coated with unhelpful drawn visuals; The worst way to teach a person like me.
Guides and Tutorials Moving Forward
Because of my needy and impatient learning style, I (admittedly and wrongly) decided to just jump in and see what I could learn. With this experience, I can tell you about the research I did in order to move forward in the world of metal fabrication. First, I decided that I was not adequately trained when it came to safety. A plethora of online sources were available to remedy this problem, and I chose to follow the sage advice of the American Welding Society, whose “Saftey & Health fact Sheet” webpage provided me with over 40 fact sheets (each of these over a page long) regarding common safety concerns. If I were to continue welding and regularly pursue this as a hobby, it would be in my best interest to purchase the necessary tools for myself. Weldingsupply.com has been helpful in coming up with a range for prices. Compact MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welders, depending on brand and features, can run from $950-1200. Gas required is around $100 for an amount that will allow 20 cubic feet of welds. MIG wire, depending on the compound, goes for roughly $10 per pound. While I could not find any San Antonio area welding clubs, I will continue working with my close friend and teacher Jared Miller.
Problems Encountered Along the Way
While building my piece, as a first-time welder, I made mistakes, many of which were the same 1 mistake repeated. Welding creates a pool of liquid metal, and it is easy to melt straight through your material. In addition to these mistakes, the table clamp on the metal saw stopped working so I had to clamp the clamp to keep it clamped. I burned myself a number of times as well, recently liquefied metal is hot. Who woulda thunk?
Credits
Special thanks to Jared Miller from JAMworks Metalworking, for providing real-time training, and materials.
Future safety information provided by the Amerian Welding Society, founded in 1919 by Comfort A. Adams.
Pricing and tool specifications found on WeldingSupply.com, online recourse for EWS Welding Supply Brick-N-Mortar, selling equipment since 1950.
Introduction to Welding by Ronald F. Gonzales and I. G. Edmonds – GOOD Example
Welding Handbook: Fundamentals of Welding, by The American Welding Society – BAD Example
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