I just completed the requirements for my structural welding class, which has been keeping me busy from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm for the last five months. And I have exactly four days to spare. I’m eager to use the tools in the shop to create something really cool, especially the plasma arc cutter–which can slice out designs using an electrical arc of 25,000 degrees Celsius (according to all-knowing Wikipedia’s article).

My co-worker (from past days with the Forest Service) pumping water out of Crescent Lake while watching the view. This was my first attempt–the black will be metal, while the white will, hopefully be nothing. Pen and ink on paper.

I don’t exactly have permission from my welding instructor yet, but I’m hoping that having a cool design will convince him to let me do a cool project. (Even if it is stepping outside the vocational goals of the class…)

Wildflowers and Ptarmigan Creek in the background. My second attempt I tried to make less busy (even though I tend to try to cram things with details). Pen and ink on paper.

Also, here’s an idea of what I’ve been doing all day:

Welding is hard to take pictures of, unless there’s a lot of sparks. In which case you have a sparkly picture. This, however, is TIG on aluminum–no sparks, but a lot of light.