Randy, here’s my two bits: I learned to stick weld as a young man from my dad. We welded a lot of things back then like boat trailers, gas tanks, various structures we built for the shop, any number of automobile changes/modifications, etc. He was an electrician by trade but could also weld, do refrigeration repairs, plumbing, woodworking, carpentry, etc. Growing up on a farm he kind of had to. He worked full time as a journeyman electrician at Dow Chemical but we had a seperate shop where he could do other stuff. He taught my brother and I a lot of things there.
The bottom line is that MIG and TIG welding are NOT stick welding and learning them are considerably harder for me. I suppose though that like anything else it is a matter of practice right?
My suggesting would be an “open welding session” much like they do in blacksmithing with the open forge. Then those of us working on projects could come and get an assist with the project from a more experienced welder.
Personally, I plan to make some damascus steel and use the welders to weld the various layers together initially. This is usually done by putting all of the layered steels in a vise and welding the ends of them together, then using the forge to weld the actual layers into one billet. Once the forging is completed the ends are sometimes cut off or ground down to remove the welding machine welds, before forming the billet into a knife blank.
I also have some other steel I bought a couple of years ago that I had planned to make knives from but found out is too mild to use for that purpose. (1018) Now I’m thinking I might want to make a blacksmthing tool box from it. This would require considerable welding to accomplish.
I would be interested in a welding mentor and would try to show up for welding sessions on Monday nights if you’re offering.
