I’ve been studying up for my computer certifications, and I think I broke my brain. I’m taking a break to read the news and write a post.
I recently completed a cheap ($175) welding class at an area high school. The teacher was awesome. Half the class was just screwing around, the rest just wanted to fix stuff using the schools equipment and supplies. I went there to learn, and I learned a lot. I’m not happy with my TIG welding yet – I need more practice, but my MIG and arc welds are pretty darn spiffy. I’d bring the teacher a coffee and after the other seven students got settled, I’d pick his brain on what I was doing wrong, and how I could get better. What rods to use with what metals and how to figure out what metal something was made out of. Now I’m in the market for a used welder. I can’t afford a TIG system, so looks like MIG will have to suffice. I’m looking to get one that does MIG and stick, but beggars cannot be choosers.
This is all part of my overall strategy to learn the skills and buy the gear to make myself more self reliant. I have the woodworking and computer skills. The addition of welding gives me another way I can make some money in a post-financial-collapse America. I also can save a boatload of money by making things myself. My fabricated items will be higher quality than the Chinese crap out there, and cheaper to make — if you don’t count time.
There has been talk of advanced welding classes for the fall, which would be sweet. The other advantage of taking the class has been meeting a dude from the local highway department, and another guy who does tree work and landscaping. I might be able to work a trade for wood for some custom wooden toolboxes. Nice.
The other advantage is the teacher is asking his buddies if they have a used welder I might be able to barter for or buy… Sweet!
So get out there and see what the local community college or high school has for adult education. The only time to stop learning is when you’re dead. Or a Zombie.
Tags: skills
Those are some good classes to take. I have longed to take a welding and carpendry class but have not found the time nor the money. Just too busy with ordinary life I guess. I have made myself a pretty good plummer in lead, copper and pvc, which is the easiest of all but will break under pressure.