Jacob Runyan on wed 15 sep 04
As far as welding equipment, I'm a tool freak...I have
MIG, Torch, Arc and am in the process of converting my
arc to I can use a TIG torch on it.
What I would recommend to a potter...a cheap 110 volt
MIG welder, they run around 350 dollars for a "decent"
one. You can get the harbor freight specials a little
cheaper...haven't heard too many complaints, and HF
generally stands behind products that dont work.
The reason I like MIG is because of what was said
earlier...you can weld with one hand. Unfortunately,
anything over 1/4" is too much. At Eastern Michigan
we are building a train kiln...the advantage to the
110 volt, I can run an extension cord to run my
welder, and it moves easily. A similar extension cord
for my arc welder would cost me about 200 bucks.
If you plan on being a good welder or producing
quality crafted artwork, start with the torch. If you
learn to torch weld, you can weld with any machine.
You can also torch weld any metal that can be TIG
welded...using the proper flux. See
www.tinmantech.com It's all the same...melt the
metal, keep your hand steady, take your time. After
all...once you learn to weld with the torch, you are
going to want to get a TIG welder, and most TIG
welders also will work as arc welders.
Mig welders are great, but for art they only serve one
purpose...a quick tack weld until you can go at it
with the torch or TIG welder to make nice pretty
welds...then grind and file and sand away until all
the weld disappears.
I think I'm about the 10th person to back Mel's
statement about learning to weld. It's extremely
useful, and will probably save you money in the end.
Plus it makes you feel powerful. Me Melt Metal!
UGG!
With bench fees approaching 50 dollars an hour for
fabricators, you can make the investment back with 7
quick fixes. That is, unless you find a welder that
likes pottery :)
-Jacob
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mel jacobson on wed 15 sep 04
i totally agree with snail, and most often do, as
she is a smarty pants.
i purchased a small half sized oxy/acetylene welding
"kit" at one of the discount houses. chinese made.
i use it around the studio about once in three years.
it works like a charm. has a small cutting torch too.
the tanks are tiny, and are cheap to re/fill.
i have stayed away 110 volt welding/electric.
they are nice for very thin welds. but, have limited
use.
we have big stick welding at the farm and mig.
big time oxy/ac and use it for big stuff...like
welding quarter inch plate metal.
for the average potter. look for a bargain- small
welding outfit. many of the big box stores carry them,
or look on ebay. it not essential to a pottery, but
a wonderful addition.
learning to use welding, brazing, mig etc. is a great
tool for your lifetime. most vo/tch schools have great
general knowledge courses in the evening schools.
just to get you going.
none of you will ever need the advanced course.
or, you will be hired to be a welder.
never touch clay again. make a great deal of money though.
mel
From:
Minnetonka, Minnesota, U.S.A.
web site: my.pclink.com/~melpots
or try: http://www.pclink.com/melpots
new/ http://www.rid-a-tick.com
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