More after the jump of the completed igloo.

The igloo was big enough for a person to stand up in and warm enough to consider a serious shelter.
I’m sure Inuits are screaming out at the poor construction, but it’s Ireland, and this was just some fun. Enjoy the igloo, and if this weather keeps up, there will be more igloos.

Haven’t heard about this oil spill? Have a quick read and get back to me.

Caught up? Good.

Now on to my point. These Guys came up with an innovative solution to the problem.

Hay. Pure and simple.

If you don’t fancy heading over to the page to watch the video, here it is.

So it’s like I’ve been saying all along – Men in sheds will save the world, and they’ll get it done today with duct tape, hope, dollar store tools… and hay.

Both of the welding tests have to be evaluated before they are sent to the certification board so I can get my papers.

I was waiting for a phone call today, and if I did not receive a phone call, I was to assume that I had passed the evaluation and my pieces were winging their way to FETAC so they can send me my papers.

Man I am happy as hell. I love passing tests.

Welcome to the last post of The Gaslight Welder.
It’s been a fun ride, and it turns out that I love welding.

It’s hard on the back, it’s hot, it’s dirty, it requires a lot concentration…

However I have no desire to unlearn what I have learned and if it gets me a job; all the better.

Hit the jump for the picture of the second test piece.

This look familiar by any chance? If you’re a regular reader you’ll realize that this is the standard Arc welding test from Fas. And this time I’m happier with the outcome. Feeling good about it this time.

So I did all of my exercises for the day so I started playing around.
I welded four piece together to make a box section, then I welder that to flat plate.

Unlike gas welding, you only get one shot at an arc weld.
I nailed every weld on the above picture. Water tight and everything.

Doesn’t it look like I’m welding with pure silver?

Those are some fine welds there.

It’s just like riding a bike, you never forget. Just need a little practice.

Well The Mad Welder is back.

I’m back arc welding again. Man, I much prefer arc welding.

Tomorrow, some pics of my progress. Getting close to the end now.

These are the pieces that I made today. The were my mock pieces for the test. During the test I’ll be making pieces just like those. Wish me luck, I finish up on Friday week.

There’s a surprise between now and then, stay tuned.

I know this looks like things you can make with a “My first welder” kit, but these are examples of the three basic things that are done with gas welding.

On the left is a box section which is made by welding together four pieces of steel at the corners.

The middle is a butt weld, which I’ve talked about before.

On the right there is a T joint, which I talked about in the last post.

Everyone should try to learn one new skill every year. At least one per year.

Specialization is for insects.