A special student

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My 14 yr old granddaughter has watched me weld for yrs ( w/ appropriate PPE) and expressed an interest in learning so I figured it's time. I think mig is the easiest to learn so we started w/ it. I picked up some clean scrap to make coupons and had her do a flat butt stringer, then stringers on a flat inside and outside corner. Then do a weave on the inside corner. After that she ran a downhill stringer on a vertical inside then did a downhill weave on same.    We disassembled an old rider mower tranny for the gears and she polished one side of each w/ a flap disc. Then we blued parts of them w/ the torch applied to the back side. She welded them together w/ the mig but had trouble w/ bubbles due to metal makeup or grease soaked into them so Granpa had to help w/ them. This gear project is a Christmas gift for me so all I have seen is the gears, LOL!!  I told her mig is easiest to learn so we start w/ it, then we'll go to stick, then O/A torch cutting which I think will intimidate her because she doesn't like loud pops or large sparks. I'll just have to convince her they won't kill her. She's gotten over the fear of the grinder, which when she first started grinding I noticed the long hair hanging in the front so had her get it under control on her back. Explained to her if the grinder caught her hair we'd possibly be making a trip to ER!! I have a 2' x3' piece of bar grate I can lay on the table so hopefully it will minimize large sparks flying around when torch cutting. After that she'll learn how to O/A torch weld and then finally how to braze w/ O/A.                                     MikeLast edited by mla2ofus; 12-13-2014 at 04:04 PM.Ol' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:Looking good!Dan----------------------------Measure twice.  Weld once.  Grind to size.MIG:  Lincoln SP100 TIG/STICK:  AHP Alphatig 200X
Reply:That's cool! Tell her I said good job! Kory
Reply:Be sure to post up the gear project when it is completed. Get her a welders cap for Christmas so she don't set her hair on fire with all the sparks. It could be a stocking stuffer.
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauBe sure to post up the gear project when it is completed. Get her a welders cap for Christmas so she don't set her hair on fire with all the sparks. It could be a stocking stuffer.
Reply:As for the long hair, have her use two of those rubber band things, just in case one decides to break."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:That's the good stuff right there! It's great that she wants to learn but even better that she wants to spend time with you.GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:The best time is spending quality time together.  She will never forget those hours with you.  Glad she is learning to weld.
Reply:Good job MikeSent from my iPad using TapatalkSteveLincoln IdealArc 250Lincoln SA200 1966 RedfaceSteveMiller Dialarc 250 (1990)Miller Maxstar 140 STR (2003)Lincoln SA200 Redface Pipeliner (1966)Lincoln MP210 (2015)Victor and MECO torches
Reply:A pic of the finished project. She found out my first car was a '57 chev and I guess she thinks her granpa is a gearhead, LOL!! Whoda thought!!                                            MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:It warms the heart, doesn't it?  I see reason there for you, your kids and your grand-daughter to be proud.  Dan----------------------------Measure twice.  Weld once.  Grind to size.MIG:  Lincoln SP100 TIG/STICK:  AHP Alphatig 200X
Reply:Like this post!!!!!
Reply:Cool ! Well did GRANDPA buy her, gloves, hat, welding jacket, AD hood, and grinder for CHRISTMAS ???  This would have been a great reason to expand YOUR tool and equipment inventory.
Reply:If you all find kid size welding PPE's. I would like to know where.   Kids she 6 and 8Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1Cool ! Well did GRANDPA buy her, gloves, hat, welding jacket, AD hood, and grinder for CHRISTMAS ???  This would have been a great reason to expand YOUR tool and equipment inventory.