Plasma cutters

[archerships]

Man, I just discovered plasma cutters. Now I'm Jones'n to learn how to weld stuff.

Of course, my inner economist snorts at the notion. My inner economist is well aware that specialization in areas where I have a competitive advantage is the best path to wealth, and learning how to weld and use a plasma torch probably isn't an area where I would have such an advantage. But much as I might wish it were so, I have great difficulty in specializing in just one thing.

Comments

[fishsupreme]

Go get a plasma torch, inner economist be damned.

One thing I've been learning of late is that most humans are just not wired for extensive specialization. It makes you rich, but it doesn't necessarily make you happy, and you never know when you'll need to wield a plasma torch anyway.

[crasch.livejournal.com]

I think I will. Or at least an oxy-fuel welder.

[ch.livejournal.com]

don't overlook oxy-fuel cutting for ferrous materials. a fuel tank, oxygen cylinder and a cutting/welding outfit is (much) cheaper than a decent plasma cutter, plus you can weld and braze with it.

now if you want to cut stainless or aluminum, a plasma cutter is certainly the way to go.

[crasch.livejournal.com]

Thanks! What brand of oxy-fuel outfit would you recommend? Books?

[ch.livejournal.com]

You can't go wrong with Victor, but I am very happy with the Victor-compatible house brand I bought at my local Praxair store. It was similar to:

http://store.cyberweld.com/visuraiiwecu.html

but cheaper.

[crasch.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[ch.livejournal.com]

Richard Finch's Welder's Handbook is decent.

You can teach yourself how to weld with gas with this book -- that's how I started -- but a little help, especially at the beginning, will be quite beneficial.

[crasch.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Yes, I certainly intend on getting help at the beginning--welding is one of those things where stupid errors can cause a lot of damage. But I'd like to be as prepared as possible when I get hands on help.

[blueadept.livejournal.com]

If your inner economist is telling you to prepare for a survivalist-type situation, that should also tell you that you may need a breadth of skills in order to be flexible enough to make ends meet in an economy that's vastly different from what we have today. If there are no more high-paying jobs in your field of specialization, you're screwed without other skills. "Jack of all trades, master of a few" is a good way to be. :)

[crasch.livejournal.com]

Well, see, my inner economist is annoyed with my survivalist preparations because if I were rich, I could just buy land in several other countries, and helicopter out if the political scene turns nasty. Plus, being rich facilitates my other goal, which is to be surrounded by pliable bimbos.

[blueadept.livejournal.com]

Sir, you and I are starting a strip club. It brings in lots of money, and surrounds you with lots of pliable bimbos!

I don't know what strip club laws in NC are like, but here in VA they suck. WV has some great strip clubs from what I hear, and the redneck girls are yummy when they're young, if not always very bright. I think I dated the brightest one, but she's in Kentucky. :P

[chronicfreetime.livejournal.com]

"Specialization is for insects." — Heinlein

[crasch.livejournal.com]

Perhaps so, but it seems to work pretty well -- by mass, ants still outweigh humans.

[crasch.livejournal.com]

Sweet.