How I did it: If you live in Nor. Cal and really would like to dive into welding... There are so many possibilities! All you need is a bit of time, patience, elbow grease, perserverance, and good company.
I was blessed while browsing Craigs List I came across a little gig asking for extra hands in helping for a Burning Man Project, in return the group requesting the help would teach whatever skills necessary to get te project done. Little did I know until I stepped into the studio that I would be taught by the legendary art collective the "Flaming Lotus Girls"!!!
The first day I learned how to machine and plasma cut, then I polished up my old wack brazing skills. In the following weeks I learned how to shape/bend thick pipe, shape/decorate with metal rods, and finally how to use...the MIG welder!!! It was a fun and exchausting summer as I was doing my grad work during the day and at night I would be in the workshop with the die-hard teachers and peers of mine until the wee hours in the morning. The result?... "Mutopia"... it was on display at Burning Man 2008!!!

Lessons & tips: Really stick to it...it will take some serious time and experience to make a good weld happen. Ohh, don't ever work when exhausted...too many bad things could happen.

Resources: Some places or groups to learn from...

The Crucible (Oakland)
The Tech Shop (Menlo Park)


The picture shown is from Burning Man Burner Logs

Nov 29, 2008, 10:19AM PST | 0 comments | 2 cheers