making yo-ur own tools

[ddavelarsen]

A good way to learn to weld is to start making things, then when you keep screwing up ask some one that knows what they are doing to point out what you are doing wrong,start burning rods then whack it with a hammer if it stays together its welded, if not grind it off and try it again

Agreed! But I don't even know anyone who knows how to weld. There's a continuing ed class here every semester but I'm old and it goes late in the evening for several weeks, and I've just never gotten up the gumption to commit to it. I will eventually, for all the good reasons proven above! I have quite a list of things I'd like to make if I could weld. Meanwhile I'll just stick to stuff I can bolt together or grind into shape.

 

[indian george]

I made a number of forges, hydraulic press, knife vise and surface grinder.