Open Invitation

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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hi everybody,I don't post alot mainly because I type so slow(4-5 wpm)unless I have something positive and constructive to say.That being said due recent health issues and being retired I find myself feeling obligated to pass on the knowledge and experience and wisdom gained from 40 years in the trade ,fortunate to have studied at the feet of some GREAT old time MASTERS who saw fit to not only teach me some of their hard earned secrets but more importantly the knowledge to learn my own tricks and secrets.So this is an open invitation to ANYONE who wants to come to  Syracuse NY area for some one on one (I would even consider a small group if some wants to bring the food) I have a well stocked shop with mostly large Miller machines and everything to go with it.I will even supply gas and consumables within reason and have lots of scrap and daily steel delivery if needed.The only thing I'm NOT set up for is AL spool gun but I'm game for Anything else.    Another reason I don,t offer more advice online is I want to see the persons face so that I know they understand what I am trying to convey.I would hate to be misunderstood and have something unfortunate happen so I choose what I post vey carefully.I have always had an open door policy for any that really wants to learn and the little bit I have done over the years has been very rewarding and enjoyable,I just decided that it was time to expand on it, I have noticed more and more newbies post who have no idea what kind of trouble they can cause or get into because of wrong and or plain bad information on TV or the 'net because they don't know any better or have access to good info or even where to go find reliable info for their project.   .My goals are not so much to teach someone how to weld,that's the easy part.I figure about 15% knowledge and 150% practice with what ever machine they have,but I will try and help with whatever someone wants.What I want to pass on is all the work that goes into the job before you even plug the machine in.Like how a properly designed and prepared joint welded by a novice could be stronger than a poorly designed and prepared joint by a more skilled person.How ,before you attempt to repair something,you first have to determine why it failed,because like a chain is only as strong as it's weakest link,when you do the repair do you want to move that to another area and what would result the next time.With 30 plus years as shop foreman for a local midsized highway dept I have seen and repaired,modified,designed and redisigned anything that we used with great success.I love a challange. If anyone is interested PM me and we'll go from there.  Thanks .   Bill
Reply:I applaud you for your offer. I only wish I was closer to take you up on it. Man, I love hanging out with old timers (meaning those who have been around and with alot of expierence, not necessarily meaning age), I have learned much of what I know from doing this. I really hope some people take you up on this, and I hope they appreciate it as much as I would and as much as it is worth. Also, I hope your health issues get better."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:Hi Bill,Your kind invitation is one of the better lessons anyone can offer to those who follow in lifes journey.Maybe with retirement the typing speed will get better, and some guests will pass by, stop in to chat and weld a bit.Hoping it's a good summer,Matt
Reply:Bill,What a great offer!!If I was closer..............................!!!!You know, it might be a good idea to check with a local Community College/Trade School to see if they have need of your skills and experience......you might be in demand as a "guest instructor".Rex
Reply:I wish I could find someone relatively close to me that could mentor me in the blacksmithing arts.CWI, CWE, CST for Miller, Lincoln, Thermadyne, Hypertherm & ESABMillermatic 350PLincoln Invertec 205 AC/DCVictor combo torchESAB PCM 1125
Reply:To Mr. Hat. You are a true gentleman, and I only wish I lived near by to take you up on your generous offer. I would hope a local collage or High School would jump at the opportunity to have you pass on your knowledge. Hope you get some folks in your area out for a visit and a chin-wag.Regards,Bert200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.
Reply:That is a great offer and if I lived closer I would take you up on it! I have been looking for someone local to teach me some things because from the looks of my welds, I NEED IT!
Reply:Thanks for the kind words everybody.I've tried working with a couple of the local vocatioal schools, but because I don't have a "FORMAL" education or any certs (never had a use for them in my job or any way to maintain them ) and legally I am now only a "HOBBIEST" they really aren't interested ,so here I am.  Bill
Reply:The Hat, I wish i didnt live in Pinehurst, Idaho. If i was Closer i would try and come and learn all i could from you.ThanksTJ
Reply:Originally Posted by the hatThanks for the kind words everybody.I've tried working with a couple of the local vocatioal schools, but because I don't have a "FORMAL" education or any certs (never had a use for them in my job or any way to maintain them ) and legally I am now only a "HOBBIEST" they really aren't interested ,so here I am.  Bill
Reply:Around here, that would really only prevent you from being a full time instructor.Most adjunct/part-time instructors are people with 20+ yrs of field experience.Most places have a CWI on staff to certify instructors who need them.CWI, CWE, CST for Miller, Lincoln, Thermadyne, Hypertherm & ESABMillermatic 350PLincoln Invertec 205 AC/DCVictor combo torchESAB PCM 1125
Reply:that is a great offer - i wish i wasn't some 5 states away if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat - 2 Thessalonians 3:10
Reply:If I can find the time I would love to take you up on that offer as I'm only four hours away. I'll pm you if I can find any free time to come up your way. I know how to weld, but the experience of old timers (I say that out of respect for your years of experience) is priceless.
Reply:This is the one and only time I ever wished I lived on the East coast......very nice of you to make this offer...any yonkers within range would be smart to jump at this.......I would, and I'm 55.....and been chasin that blue light for a while myself.....
Reply:Hi Grimm1,look forward to hearing from you.  Everybody else , thanks for the kind words and encouragement . The deal on the voc schools that I was working on,had  more to do do with students almost done with their 26 wk.course.they were required to put in so many hours in a real world shop setting.The two I did manage to work with had never used a plasma cutter or even heard of an air arc let alone used one.One of them still comes by now and then.    Bill
Reply:Bill, I applaud you for the offer.  I'm in so cal and can't attend, unfortunately.  Anyone who is close enough to attend should, a willing-mentor is PRICELESS!!  no two word about it.  I wouldn't have gotten this far (still a long ways to go) without someone close by (thanks ZTFab) to show me the way.
Reply:Originally Posted by oxy moron  I wouldn't have gotten this far (still a long ways to go) without someone close by (thanks ZTFab) to show me the way.
Reply:hmmm... well... what if? U/Hat did the traveling. UR retired and could maybe go... the student (or 2-3 who lived close to each other) would use their own gear... and if he's worth his salt you'd get a nice free stay somewhere interesting for a week, sleep tight, and eat good, and the student would learn sumthin'.  If U book a plane way ahead it is pretty cheap sometimes and maybe the student could chip in a bit on that even.  Just a thought.I thought that was Oxys nose or sumthin'?Last edited by PapaLion; 04-29-2010 at 05:57 PM.Lincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:but because I don't have a "FORMAL" education or any certs they really aren't interested ,so here I am. Bill I guess you could say " Youre to Cool for school"Wish i lived closerZebMillermatic 200Miller Dialarc 250 ac/dcAll people have the right to stupidity but some abuse the privilege
Reply:[QUOTE=PapaLion;388025]hmmm... well... what if? U/Hat did the traveling. UR retired and could maybe go... the student (or 2-3 who lived close to each other) would use their own gear... and if he's worth his salt you'd get a nice free stay somewhere interesting for a week, sleep tight, and eat good, and the student would learn sumthin'.  If U book a plane way ahead it is pretty cheap sometimes and maybe the student could chip in a bit on that even.  Just a thought.  I said I was retired,But I still work.Now it's my shop,my way ,when I get it done.Plus I also run heavy wrecker on a call basis for a good friend, and I'm very involved with our local Meals on Wheels 2-3 days a week ,so the travelling idea never even crossed my mind.  Bill
Reply:I did 6 or 7 of these free welding clinics over the years and had a great time teaching the art of TIG...Made lots of friends along the way..Be prepared though..You will need lots of everything..And then even MORE!!!!...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Why couldn't I have seen this during the winter! (I know it was just posted days ago.) I have friends up that way and had plenty of time to learn(unemployed). Now that the weather has broke, I am working as much as possible to get the bills paid. Hat, if you ever find yourself in Ohio, please give me some notice. I have gain so much knowledge learing from others more experianced than I. It is VERY kind of you to offer your skills.
Reply:Originally Posted by the hat  I said I was retired,But I still work.Now it's my shop,my way ,when I get it done.Plus I also run heavy wrecker on a call basis for a good friend, and I'm very involved with our local Meals on Wheels 2-3 days a week ,so the travelling idea never even crossed my mind.  Bill
Reply:Originally Posted by TEKyeah, but it looks like you still aint learned enough to put some pants on...sheesh, go buy some shorts or somethin'