This is a little off the "art" topic, but I'm redoing my basement shop (the wood shop, not the welding studio which is out in the "barn") and want to replace two lally columns with an I-beam so I have more clear space to work. I have looked up load-bearing info on some span tables to see what various beams can carry, but I don't know what the current load is. Is there any kind of scale I can put under a temporary column to take the weight off the existing column to see what the current load is?

I'm finally ready to add a TIG welder to the studio. I have a small MIG welder (Millermatic 135) and a couple of buzz-box stick welders (Lincoln AC and Wards AC/DC). I do stainless with the MIG, and when I looked into adding aluminum capability (new liner or reel-gun) I decided I may as well get a new machine.

It's probably been discussed, but I can't find the thread. I'm looking for advice on promoting rust on mild steel to make new steel more closely match rusted steel. One of my sculptures uses weathered (well rusted) salvaged steel for most of it, and a few pieces of new 11GA mild steel scrap.