4-H Project

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I visited the shop next door yesterday and found the owners son George (7th grade) making a chipping hammer. I said "Looks good George, you design that?" He said "Nope it's a 4-H project, here's the book". I said "Gimme that"!The 75 page Ohio state publication for 4-H is pretty complete for a SMAW starter. Some pics below include the index showing info from soup to nuts, very detailed info for practice sessions and details for projects which include a welding positioner and post driver! No farm can be complete without a post driver!!!OUTSTANDING!Matt Attached Images
Reply:Ah yes!  Good old 4-H.As a kid I was a member and took many courses, small engine repair, wood working, and even a basic sewing class (which turned out to be rather useful over the years).  My dad was an Ag engineer for the University of Missouri, so I had lots of exposure to the various programs that 4-H offered.  I bought a buzz box for the "home place" several years ago and gave Dad a couple of lessons on how to run a bead just in case he ever needed to stick something together (though an Ag Engineer he had never welded in his life).  I recently was cleaning up around the shop and came upon the 4-H welding handbook he had brought home from the office as a reference.  Like the OP said, lots of basic info and a few simple projects for the beginner.We all lament over the fact that our school systems are dropping shop classes so here is a chance for folks to step up and do something.  4-H depends on volunteer instructors for their programs.  Many times classes are not offered because their is no local volunteer in the area (welding is a major one that is spotty).  You don't have to be a certified instructor, just a weekend warrior that has a basic command of the skills is usually sufficient and be willing to help some kids that may have no place else to gain exposure to our trade/hobby/obsession.  Usually there are other folks (parents) more than willing to help with the kids, so you aren't going to be a cheap baby sitter.  The kids should bear the cost of the materials (I buy the rod in bulk and sell it for what it cost me 1/2 pound at a time) and collect a small charge to help towards the electricity ($5 each doesn't go far but it helps.  I want to keep the price down so nobody gets left out.  I have even been known to forgo the charges in the special case).  All it costs me is a few hour of time and a little wear and tear on my machines (I have never had a kid damage anything in the shop).  The kids (12-18 Y/O) clean up after themselves and are taught the proper safety procedures so that is covered in the first session and is a non-issue.I remember the first time the local welder let me use a cutting torch (his shop was on my paper route, so I stopped and visited with him at least once a day and he thought it would be neat to see if a 7 Y/O kid could use a torch).  I have been chasing the light ever since.I just had a kid I taught to strike his first arc, graduate from TWS and helped him find his first well paying job.  Talk about a boost!  Seeing a kid who lost his father at a young age, find something he loved to do and helping him make it happen is a feeling you just don't loose.For a look at the 4-H welding curriculum:http://4h.missouri.edu/go/get/projec...fs/Welding.pdfAll state have 4-H and it is run out of the University Extension Service.  You can find it in the yellow pages for your local area.RogerOld, Tired, and GRUMPYSalesman will call, Batteries not included, Assembly is required, and FREE ADVICE IS WORTH EXACTLY WHAT YOU PAY FOR IT!Dial Arc 250HFThunderbolt 225 AC/DCAssorted A/O torches
Reply:Originally Posted by Matt_MaguireI visited the shop next door yesterday and found the owners son George (7th grade) making a chipping hammer. I said "Looks good George, you design that?" He said "Nope it's a 4-H project, here's the book". I said "Gimme that"!The 75 page Ohio state publication for 4-H is pretty complete for a SMAW starter. Some pics below include the index showing info from soup to nuts, very detailed info for practice sessions and details for projects which include a welding positioner and post driver! No farm can be complete without a post driver!!!OUTSTANDING!Matt
Reply:Good post Matt.There are a number of good programs out there, Scouts, 4-H and so on,  that teach kids what they don't learn in many schools now days. Things like ethics, responsibility, self reliance and the basic idea of building things yourself thats lacking so many places today. I've worked with the Scouts any number of times over the years since I was in, and lately have gotten involved with 4-H helping out the 2 daughters of a good friend who passed away this year with their pigs. I didn't know 4-H had a welding program as well. Good to know..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Here's what I managed to scrounge up on the booklet. Maybe there are more sites out there. https://www.extension.iastate.edu/st...358&ReturnTo=8"The things that will destroy America are prosperity at any price, peace at any price, safety first instead of duty first, the love of soft living and the get rich quick theory of life." -Theodore Roosevelt
Reply:Originally Posted by little JeepHey Matt, is there a publication # and a phone number, or address where I can order this booklett? Think they would mail one to a guy in another State?
Reply:Thanks Sandy and Rog02.... I have used the information you both provided to sent an e-mail to my County Extention office......... if they cannot provide a copy of Arc & Sparks, I'll order it from Iowa University. BTW, Thank you both!!!Qualified & experienced at welding scrap metal
Reply:Nice catch Sandy and Rog02, I forgot that someone might want to get a copy! Matt
Reply:FYI, Kentucky does not offer welding classes or materials. I'll be ordering a boooklet from Iowa University.Qualified & experienced at welding scrap metal
Reply:Great...... The booklet is out of stock at Iowa University. Anyone have any other locations where I might get a copy of this booklet?Qualified & experienced at welding scrap metal
Reply:http://www.google.com/search?client=...UTF-8&oe=UTF-8Ed 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 found it and ordered it......... Here is where I found it.....estore.osu-extension.orgTotal cost including shipping to my door was $11.35Qualified & experienced at welding scrap metal
Reply:Little Jeep, Are you getting the book for yourself or to start helping little welders here in the bluegrass state? I live off of Westport rd and would love to help with materials, machines, time, and whatever else I can. If you need my help just PM me!!!
Reply:Originally Posted by ohmthisLittle Jeep, Are you getting the book for yourself or to start helping little welders here in the bluegrass state? I live off of Westport rd and would love to help with materials, machines, time, and whatever else I can. If you need my help just PM me!!!
Reply:Originally Posted by ohmthisLittle Jeep, Are you getting the book for yourself or to start helping little welders here in the bluegrass state? I live off of Westport rd and would love to help with materials, machines, time, and whatever else I can. If you need my help just PM me!!!