Scott NC

It started innocently enough...

Sorry frosty, flux core with CO2. I've seen the flux just peel off the weld when you have it set right and under perfect conditions so perhaps its a combination of things. It was actually weathering steel, under less than perfect conditions. Sometimes the flux would be stubborn and wouldnt just chip off. All full of bubbley holes and stick like you now what. I think just running over it with a scaler or chip hammer may leave flux around the undercut (which may or may not burn out on the next pass) or may drive it in deeper. As an aside, it is fun to dig out a weld with an air arc or grinder just to see if an inspector knows what to look for.

In general, if one were doing a root weld with a back-up strip on mild steel using dual shield with 100% CO2 for shielding gas that was to be UT tested, would it be possible for a needle scaler to "pound" in flux that would show as inclusions on an inspection? I can probably give more tech specifics and some parameters but it was years ago at a barge builder I worked at and there was a big debate over grinding it out vs using a needle scaler. I used a grinder and think you can see pinholes and other junk while grinding but not so much when just "chipping it off". It seemed the guys that used grinders always moved on and the needle scalers headed for the nearest air arc... just thinking back and wondering. Scott.

Some of us are born with it, others aqquire it. I know personally some that may have picked it up in the SOF, or other PTSD, so it's all good and in fun Thomas!

They have no fangs...

Is this a "seasoned welder" trick or something because I've never heard of it. Kind of like stuffing Weld Kleen in a gas cup? Theres lot of jokes you can play on the "new guy" but I've always found it more amusing and fun to help them and watch them learn. Ticks off some of the old hands sometimes, but tough. More power to u J.C. R III. Scott.

No confusion there, but I have read and it is widely rumored, Clausewitz may have suffered from Witzelsucht. But then dont we all....

That's a fine fish there, poundhound. Of course, I'm a big fan of fish, and that is nice! I bet your friend smiled when you gave it to him. <grin>. I wish I had added some color to the one I made up above... I gave mine away to a friend as well. I suppose I could ask for it back for some "re-work" but he likes it as is. I think a prehistoric fish sculpture would be fun. Scott.

Treppenwitz!

Thanks, Das, but you know what they say about a blind squirrel. Selling to different personalities, another thing to consider trying to sell my creations. Just like the farm market, some want to know about what they are buying and some just want something to throw in a frying pan or salad bowl. I think all your ideas and suggestions will help my sales grow, so thank you. Me too...

Das, I admire those who can spin a good yarn... I'm not one of them. My stories are either too lame or so far out there I dont think I want too hit the "submit reply button" . Lets just say Bill was hatched out in my shop in a burst of fire and sparks. His nest is made of barbed wire in a huge oak tree overlooking the farm (who needs ADT security?). What he eats is a mystery to me but local farmers report a lot of missing livestock and the railroad cant explain the roofs torn off of their grain cars. I have my suspisions.... He probably spends his time swooping through the countryside, fields and forests on moon-lit nights looking for someone or something to terrorize. But he really has a sweet disposition once you get to know him, as long as he is not hungry! And he loves being scratched behind the ears... I may take you up on the LED offer. Cool idea. Imagine hooking that up to a simple capacitor circuit to make them glow on and off. Hahaha.. Ausfire, you are safe. I am too far away from your scrap pile. But I would bet you would have to run me off with a shotgun if I ever got into it. You might not have anything left... There are not many miners picks in these parts, I can see metal sculpture possibilities for those galore. And I need more time to use up my scrap heap!

Sorry about double posting but I couldnt edit for some reason. Ausfire, I welcome that kind of trouble.

Hum, "The Life and Times of Bill The Bloodthirsty Bird". Most of what creative skill I have is working with my hands. I'm not much of a story teller but I might like to give it a shot. After work tonight I'll have a few bee....refreshments and give it some thought. Speaking of shoes, I'm trying to fabricate some boots for a scarecrow I'm working on. My corn will be picked clean at the rate I go. Matto, that sounds like a nice little road trip, your not far from me. The yards here are getting leery of letting people in and one just closed up. I still have the work dumpster though. Scott.

Thanks for comments! Frosty, ! I have not got a name for it, somebody called it Toucan Sam yesterday but thats no good. Beakodactol? Aus, thats the first time I've had people take pics with something I made. I've taken a picture of those talons and will post it below. Thanks Tubal, positive comments motivate me to get into the shop and make something. Das, I found another sickle blade at a junkshop a while ago, so I'm going to start another one with its wings spead out. I need to find another big nut for a head though. Still have a bit of that rake left somewhere. I've been going about selling my things wrong. Not enough small items, and the wrong events. I've also been poring through the "business side" forum. Scott.

I took this sculpture to my first attempt at selling at an craft/art fair Saturday as an attention getter and it worked like a charm. I set it out front and people were drawn to it, probably out of curiosity. I sold most of what I had with me (never had that happen before!) and it was a lot of fun. Scott.

Make a wheel rimmed fire pit. If they haven't been utilized by now or crushed into a steel bale. Rail spikes make good legs for them. Fire gooood! Scott.

What imagination! I love the expanded metal wings, but what is that piece you used for the back part of its body? Reducer of some sort? AwFLY nice sculpture! Scott.

Awesome bug! I like how you straightened out those sproket pieces, Ill try that in the future. It's probly been discussed before but I havent seen it, do you clearcoat your creations? Scott.

David Kailey, I know you said anything goes as far as forged goes, but how about a welded piece, or combination of the two? Just curious... Sounds like a fun project. Scott.

It's really inspiring to see what can be created, especially to this blacksmith in progress. Beautiful piece! Scott.

Thanks SLAG. This may help, I looked at both and bookmarked em, but due to past experience, forgive me if I'm skeptical. I'll try anything at this point. I hear there are reports of this sh!/*^₩¤><%ty vine/plant growing out of the burnt out containment hole at the former fukoshima power plant. Scott.

Extensive roots... Field bindweed roots reach -20 to -30 feet below ground level. I grow organic and I wish there was something that would obliterate that stuff from the face of the earth. Using a tiller on it is like pruning most plants, it promotes growth. It loves to grow up through my rabbit proof chicken wire garden fencing and creeps up the tomato cages..

I hear ya!

I have never tried this, but I'll give it a shot. Most any chemical/acid/material is safe if you have respect for proper safety procedures and ALWAYS read MSDS (which is being phased out out for a NWO system, btw). I know a guy that uses sodium hydroxide (LYE) In a big tub to clean rust and grease from parts. He even heats it up, claiming it is more effective. No/poor ventilation. Tried to advise him but you know... I dont visit his shop much anymore. Sorry for my poor spelling and lack of roof reading before I hat the send botten. I'll try to do butter in tge future! Scott.

Good find, Blaster. Old books can be a treasure trove of information and they are fun to read. Beats wearing your peepers out staring at an electonic screen. I suspect we all get too much of that the way it is. Some of the information can be a bit arcane, but you have to use good judgement. I have several shelves of them, but I keep adding on.... If your city library ever has book sales, look there.... you may be suprised what you find. Another source used to be Lindsey Pubs. Its probably been said many times already but I miss getting that old rag catalog in the mail. Scott. Btw, I know what you mean about the smell that old books drift off..