WELD IT YOURSELF AND MAKE A FEW BUCKS TO BOOT

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If you're able to invest an extra $25 or so, you can get a very handy carbon arc torch, which produces a tremendously hot arc between two carbon rods (hence the name) and can perform some tasks usually reserved for oxyacetylene outfits. It can be used for brazing, for instance ... a process which is akin to soldering but stands up to higher heat. (You'll really appreciate this feature the next time you put a gash in your tractor's oil pan.) You can also use it to heat metal to the nearmelting point, so that it can easily be formed. If you decide to add this device to your growing welder's shop—and I strongly recommend that you do—buy a pound of 1/8"—diameter brazing rods, which will set you back about $7.50.

SET IT UP

Once you've gotten your goods together, sit down and read the unit's instruction book ... completely. And when that's done, reread it ... seriously. Your money's invested, so don't take a chance on ruining the expensive equipment through haste and misuse.

Now, get dressed in some old togs, but don't forget your body is going to be just as close to those sparks as your head, so stick to natural fabrics. Note, too, that pockets and cuffs are dandy places for sparks to land and stay . . . straighten out any cuffs on your work outfit and either remove the pockets or sew them shut.

Remember, too, the first law of welding: "Sparks are attracted to gaps in the sides of lowtop shoes with a strength greater than iron's attraction to a magnet." Play it safe. . . wear boots.

Your work site will—of course—need a 230-volt, 50-amp electrical outlet. Therefore, if it must be wired to accept the welder, make certain the wire is of the proper gauge. (Information on the required diameter should be in your owner's manual.) Don't be a miser here, because a wire that's too thin not only violates most codes, but will also shorten the life of your electric welder and could burn down your workshop!

Furthermore, welding rods are coated with compounds that restrict the access of oxygen to the weld and aid in the flow of the metal—These materials give off gases that can be dangerous in an en closed area, so be sure your workplace is well ventilated.

Don't, however, let my warnings fright'en you away from welding. It's a safe pur suit if (and this is true of most workshop activities) it's handled with a little common sense. Just follow the foregoing rules, and then keep your work area clean (flammable items have a terrible tendency to burn when they're attacked by a redhot spark). With that all taken care of, you're . . .

READY TO BEGIN?

Well, at least you're ready to practice. If you start right to work without going through the exercises in your welder's instruction manual, you may get some good-looking welds, but odds are they won't hold up to any stress. It's the penetration of the weld—not the way it looks on the surface—that's meaningful. Avoid the agonies of failure . . . practice.

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