ArtMetal

Dear curiositykilled,

It was less than a year ago that I first picked up a MIG welder (and other various metalworking implements). I would suggest doing what I did, which is reading up first. A good intro book is "Welder's Handbook," by Richard Finch. It covers MIG, TIG, Arc & Oxyacetylene welding. Again, this is only an introduction... there are other aspects and techniques to metal art, including cold forging, blacksmithing, and chasing, just to name a few. In most communities you can also find a weekend class, or other intro to metal art instruction. Try the community colleges, or contemporary art centers. Maybe someone on this site can suggest a good resource in your area.

Anyway, I hope that metal art will be the rewarding adventure for you, as it has been for me. I'm finally going to go out and clean up my shop, after a hot summer respite.

Happy welding, J.R.