Volunteer work?

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I've got some time off coming up after a 6 week SS water plant rebuild and was wondering if anyone else had looked in to or done any volunteer work in the trade?  I've always planned on and wanted to use my trade to do some volunteer work but after the looking briefly I cant find any information on volunteer/aid organizations that utilize welders; Im sure there must be at least a few looking for qualified tradesmen.  Has anyone got any experienc with this sort of thing?ThanksMarty
Reply:A few years ago I heard about some blacksmiths thatdid  volunteer work. They made artsy stuff to spruce up the community. Some sculptures, a gazebo I think, etc. I think they were in Ohio. You could do railings for old peoples houses, or handicap ramps.
Reply:There is a group in Providence Rhode Island that does public works projects along with teaching various artisan classes called The Steel Yard. http://www.thesteelyard.org/ I took a weekend welding course there two summers ago and it gave me the spark that has now turned into a raging inferno for this trade. I'd say try to find a collective like that in your area and find out about volunteering.On a side note, if there is no such group, start one. If you've got the shop space/a place to do the work, find out about projects that could beautify the area that you live in. It might be hard scrabble at first, but in the long run it is totally worth it.Last edited by SinisterDexter; 02-12-2010 at 12:35 PM.The world is amazing when you are slightly strange.
Reply:Where are you located?Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:I'm a novice welder and teach Ag in South MS.  I would love for a professional welder/artisan to come spend some time with my students and myself showing us a few new tricks.    I can weld decently, but I always enjoy seeing other welders and try to learn something new every chance I get.  Problem around here is, everyone that has a crackerbox lincoln in their garage or barn thinks they are a bonafide welder.  NOT... I have 14-17 year olds in my classes that can weld as better than most of those.  There are a few real pros with several years experience but they all work "off site" and usually don't have any down time to come hang out in the shop.  We have a few manufacturing facilities in the area that build things like transformers and stuff and they use migs...  Problem with getting someone from one of those places is that they mass produce and never have enough "skilled" people to work for them.  Truth is, they will put a mig gun in the hand of ANYTHING that has a pulse and opposable thumbs.LOLSo if any of you guys want to come visit a bunch of eager high school students and a teacher that would like to learn a new trick or two then feel free.-bluesman.
Reply:Bluesman,  where are you located at?  What school?
Reply:check a local church for handrail rebuilds.. check your local Habitat for Humanity for anything else.. i deal with them alot..if you're not livin on the edge, you're takin up too much room..
Reply:hey i thought about the samething and asked around and one thing i found out is if it is a nonprofit org. you can get a rec. for work donated and build up a pretty good tax writeoff if you need one if not you can just do it and be happysa200 mo heat mo rod mo money
Reply:I would head to Chile or Haiti.  I'm sure there are people in serious need.
Reply:Originally Posted by Scott YoungBluesman,  where are you located at?  What school?
Reply:simplesimon: yeah, thats the type of stuff I was thinking, but I wouldn't even know what organizations to contact to start.  I suppose the Red Cross would be a starting point, but I can't envision they have a welding/fabricating type department.   I'm gonna do some more research and I'll post whatever I come up with...  Thanks guys!