Small Project For Kids

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I need some inspiration.I have been voluteered by SWMBO to do a welding demo class at my sons school. One morning, 8 kids grades 7 through 10.Have to come up with a project that they can each do in one session.Something outdoorsy and cheap.Any Ideas? This is going to be outside with only my little Lincoln flux core.Thanks in Advance.
Reply:Have each one weld 2 pieces together and see how many can be broken.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:If you can get a bunch of used horseshoes (or other metal "U"s of the correct size/shape), some steel rings of the correct diameter, and some chain, you could have them all make one of these "Bar puzzles"Plate steel bird houses come to mind as well, just cause they are the standard schoolhouse craft, but done in metal, might be a bit more interesting.  Also, napkin holders and any number of other simple craft items translated to metal.Pen holders (any one of hundreds of designs that would be easy to weld up).Having them write their names on plate using the welder, and then weld thin chain to the plates so that they can be hung up may also work.Windchimes are always simple and a good idea as well since they can be made very simply with scrap etc...--Wintermute"No man's knowledge here can go beyond his experience." - John Lockewww.improvised-engineering.comManufacturer Agnostic:Blood----------Sweat---------Tears----|------------------|----------------|----Lincoln Red, Miller Blue, Esab Yellow
Reply:well, considering that these are kids that probably have little, if any, experience or knowledge of any sort of welding, it will have to be some heavier-gauge stuff. i would say pencil holder, but 3 or 4" exhaust tube is a little thin i would think. maybe have them each weld a little piece of a birdhouse and donate it to the school? how long is your session going to be? figure that you will want at least a little time to talk about safety, where the bathroom is, to tell them to stop running around and hitting each other, etc. lol. what about a simple mail holder? 3 pieces of 10 ga would work well i would think... have them make it like this:   |   |   |   |__|__|__(if that makes any sense... if not, lemme know and i'll draw it up). have it all pre-sheared and ready to assemble. have them wire-brush it all, tack the edges (4 tacks), then have them run a stringer down each "T" joint (2 joints). it'll save you wire and will be quick and easy.Later,Andy
Reply:Fish Tank Airators!  Several pre-cut metal squares welded into a cube.  One square has a pre-drilled and threaded hole for air chuck nipple.  When complete you connect the air hose and dunk the welded assembly into bucket of water.  See all those bubbles?  This demonstrates how difficult it is to make solid non-porous welds.  (That's what the instructor at my MIG seminar had us make.  They ALL leaked air!)Actually, I like the wind-chime idea from Wintermute!  Three pre-cut triangles from 3/16 plate (they shouldn't burn holes in that!) meet at one point with a hook inside and out.  dangle an eyebolt or similar clapper inside, and hang from above with string or strip of rawhide boot-lace.  The triangles are all sized just a little differently so each kid gets a unique chime.   Not much more than a heavy "tack" where the triangles meet at the top!  And the kids all get to make LOTS OF NOISE!  CLANG!!!!Last edited by Mondo; 05-08-2008 at 04:09 PM.Reason: huh.. pasting in dropped an entire paragraph....Member, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:I like the name writing idea. Its great that your taking your time and money for consumables and what not to teach kids a thing or two.As said by CHENRY:you cant weld on a thingamajig like that. are you even certified to do thingamajig welding ? I once saw an improperly welded thingamajig fail and eleventy twelvoteen things got ballywhacked. I dont think i would risk it.
Reply:wokesy one thing I thought about, do you have an auto darkening mask the kids can use? They'll probably do better and be happier if they can see the whole time. If you don't maybe you can find one to borrow for the day, maybe a demo unit from your LWS. You might even check with them about maybe having them donate some wire.
Reply:Originally Posted by aczeller have them make it like this:   |   |   |   |__|__|__Later,Andy
Reply:I would try to find as much Junk like old Shovels, Horse Shoes, Rakes, Chain whatever and make some Yard Art as I don't see that you will have any time to run a grinder to smooth down any sharp edges on Steel Scrap (Unless you prep all the material beforehand)...as well as letting any of the kids near a grinder
Reply:Thanks for the good ideas guys.We'll probably make a assortment of stuff. I like the pile "O" junk to yard art idea. It will help me clear out some treasures from under my bench!I have three auto masks that I can use plus 3 old ones should be enough.
Reply:shoe mud scrapers.two pieces of 1/2 round bar and a piece of 1/4 x 2 x 6" longthen they can weld their names on them if they are goodinsert thoughtful quote from someone else2000 Thermal Arc 300GTSW 3.5 hours1946 Monarch 20 x 54 Lathe1998 Supermax 10x54 Mill2004 Haco Atlantic 1/2" Capacity Lasernot mine but i get to play with it
Reply:This squirrel feeder would be a good demo for you to put together from pre-cut stock; then let the kids do some burning.http://familyfun.go.com/decorating-i...2_proj_squirl/
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1I thought you were a CAD designer