The morning after the second class meeting and I'm awake at 3:37am. Seems like as good a time as any to think about metal.

Class was really great. The instructor, Jim, provides a safe, comfortable, challenging learning environment. His attitude is that we should explore and experiment as much as possible without worrying about whether we think he thinks we're doing art. If the weld holds, it's good. If we want to buff out the weld mark, fine. If we think having the weld mark is desirable, fine. Right now is about learning the skills that will lead to the craft. It's a terrific feeling of freedom and even the smallest gains feel like great accomplishments.

We learned how to use tools to cut, bend, and smooth the metal. We also learned a lot about which metals like to do which things and not do other things. Then we got to play, um, er... work with the tools. We were set loose with our 1'x2' sheet of 18ga cold-rolled steel (the material we'll use for the first project) and told where to find scrap to use for learning and experimenting. It was a very good day.

Cheers,

AJ