Thomas McGinnity and Ward Jones sent in this great article from our friends of the WSRA conducting a winter metal working workshop.... What fun these guys have !
WSRA Workshop
By Ward Jones
Photos By Thomas C. McGinnity
When the snow falls and the roadster is tucked away for the winter months serious car guys still want to have fun with cars. The WSRA members put one Saturday in January to good use by attending a metal forming workshop in the garage of "Hot Rods by Jackson & Wardick". This workshop was hosted by Ward Jones a WSRA member. The workshop provided an opportunity for the members to get some hands on time with the TIG welder, plasma cutter and also use the jeweler’s torch. In addition there was a demonstration using the planishing hammer and engine turning as well. Each topic was introduced with a chart presentation and opened for questions from the attendees.
A real bonus was the opportunity to listen to Herb Weiskopf master metal craftsman and hot rod builder extraordinaire share some of the tips he uses in restoration welding.
The day was wrapped in the good fellowship of hard core hot rodders enjoying each others company and lunch complete with some door prizes..
Plasma cutting module - Each topic is started with a chart presentation. The chart outline also helps old-timers minimize those senior moments. |
The plasma cutting machine is a nice compact unit |
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Pointing out the business end of the plasma cutter |
A height guide has been installed. This handy little device can be used in many of the cutting operations and helps in maintaining a nice cut |
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One of the tools made in the shop. This one is used to cut circles with the plasma cutter. |
Attentive WSRA members are taking in the advantages and comparisons of plasma cutting. |
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Ward is explaining the two step trigger on the plasma cutter to Joe Desimone de Simone. |
A burn barrel is used to help keep the shop clean and to keep the sparks off the guests. |
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Tony looks on as Ward demonstrates the proper cutting technique. |
All concerned brought there own welding gogles. |
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Joe Desimone de Simone makes his first cut, as Marshall Labow watches. |
Steve Saunders takes a turn with the plasma cutter. |
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Cutting aluminum and stainless is oh so easy with the plasma cutter |
Not only is the plasma cutter fast, it makes a nice clean cut. |
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Jeweler’s torch - Ward is giving the introduction to use of the jeweler’s for use in thin gauge sheet metal welding. |
Here we can see the comparison of a small Smith’s torch and the even smaller jeweler’s torch. |
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The jeweler’s torch can be connected to the standard oxygen acetylene tanks. |
Pat Dimatteo Di Mattio looks away as the torch is lit. |
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Ward starts to adjust the flame. |
Now the flame is looking good enough to start welding. The inner flame cone should look like a nice rice kernel. |
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