Simple Lessons Learned

Some pearls for you...

Never weld in Flip-Flops...
Regardless of how cooly the guys on tv act while welding, little globs of molten metal drop from your work piece occasionally. If, by chance, you are being so stylish as to wear a pair of sandals with socks, and the slag drops between your foot and sandal, be prepared to feel some discomfort.

Wear gloves... occasionally!
I do not like wearing gloves. I never wore them when hitting in baseball, or while framing a house, or working in the garden, or any other time for that matter. When I used to tinker with wood working, I would make a cut then rub my hand over it to make sure it was smooth. This is a habit that is hard to break and most painful following a completed weld. I found it excrutiating and unnecessary to check the smoothness of a still glowing piece of freshly welded steel. As I can not break myself from doing it, I broke down and bought a fairly expensive set of gloves. A pair of gloves which I promptly burnt after my second weld after putting them on. Better them than me I guess.

Never get involved in a land war in Asia...
Or a Sicilian while death is on the line....

Be careful what you say.... they may actually be listening.
As I have embarked on this new endeavor (Making my furnace) I have been quite excited and enthralled with the process. I have excitedly told anyone who would at least look interested about my intentions. Oddly enough, they gave me the same reaction that dad does when I talk to him. They sit there blankly looking straight ahead almost willing me to shut-up. Sometimes, they actually listen, normally virgin ears, and have the gall to ask the question.... what the hell are you going to do with that? I guess if it is better to be thought a fool that to open your mouth and prove it; it is better to be thought a geek than to share your projects and prove it. Of course, there is nothing geeky about handling molten metal but I think it is the enthusiasm that seems geeky.

This is my favorite.....

Potential means you haven't done anything yet!