Whether one uses welding to fix up garden tools, build something functional, or create an art piece, it is a skill that is harder to find than wood working, carpentry or gardening. Resourcing a fix in this area from someone providing the service is more expensive, and thus probably not worth it (do I want to pay $50 or even $35 to have my $39 shovel welded in a shop that is harder to get to than all the places selling shovels nearby?

That’s why it is fun for me to be able to do the fix myself. It takes a welding machine, some knowledge about the metallic materials involved and occasionally some knowledge of physics and a tad of imagination – and I have foraged into a profession from which people either refrain or do as a full time job earning their living.

Lately, however, I have seen welders becoming more affordable and easier to use, so this trend is changing. That’s why I am happy that a friend of mine asked me to teach her welding – although my skills are limited, I am excited to do it, because looking around when I wanted to learn welding, I had to do it by reading and doing, because I failed to find an instructor (or even someone skilled and willing to show).

On November 30, Saturday from 1-3pm I will hold a workshop on welding at 44 Beston street, Amherst. We will look at the theory behind welding, materials used, the different types of machinery doing the welding, and associated safety. Then we also will do the actual thing.

Due to the need for welding helmets to safely participate in the workshop attendance is limited, so please definitely let me know if you are interested to confirm we still have space (email Gabor)