I'm a big fan of Jay Leno's Garage, but....

"Josh Welton" (watchtheprettylight)
12/21/2013 at 22:51 • Filed to: weldopnik, sculpture, art, welding, brown dog welding, philosophy, weldology

I've got some issues with this video, especially "Mr. Tig" and a few of his explanations.

Thoughts about this vid:

1) that fire resistant sleeve is bad ass, I kind of want one.

2) 99.9% of the time when someone says "______ is the Facebook of______" that person is clueless about the interwebs. Facebook is the Facebook of Facebook. Weld.com is a forum. A cluttered and poorly layed out forum at that.

3) more woman are getting into welding(more men are too, but I digress). But to say that it's because tig welding is clean and precise, and "they" tend to be precise smacks of old fogey sexism. There are woman that can flat out weld in any process.

3) just because tig welding is precise DOES NOT make it necessarily stronger(nor are tig welds necessarily small). So many things factor into strength. For him to say that little welded sample he held up was stronger than a half inch fillet was flat out absurd.

And on a side note, I've got an issue with the cats that just wanna learn how to weld so they can create art. I might have a brilliant concept for a painting, but I'm terrible with a brush. I'm not gonna insult real painters by picking up just enough knowledge to make a colorful mess on a canvas. But that's exactly what so many of these wanna be art-weldors do. It's one of the things that pushed me into creating art. I would walk through the DIA and see these metal pieces exhibited that featured terrible welds. Bad enough that, for me, they took away from that impact of the piece. If the desire to create art inspires a kid to weld, that's cool. But take the welding seriously, to do it well takes more than good intentions.

I was stoked to see welding featured again on Jay's show, but pretty disappointed in the vid.

I take my art and my welding very seriously lol

DISCUSSION (10)

Josh Welton > Josh Welton
12/21/2013 at 23:22

One thing that I missed that a friend just pointed out...the "Lazer" tungsten. In my experience guys get too hung up on tungsten. I'd still use 2% thoriated for everything if I could, on transformers or inverters. Ceriated or Lanthanated both work too, weld pretty similar to me.

Dusty Ventures > Josh Welton
12/21/2013 at 23:37

I have nothing of value to add, I just wanted to say how happy I am whenever there's a new Brown Dog post waiting for me on oppo.

Also I agree with you on all points, especially that sexist nonsense about women and tig welding.

Also also I wish I could afford that bike (or any of your other pieces) because me wantie

Josh Welton > Dusty Ventures
12/21/2013 at 23:42

lucky you, all of my bikes are sold and I won' be making anything for at least another 4 months lol....

Thanks for the feedback, glad to hear people actually like my posts :)

Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment > Josh Welton
12/21/2013 at 23:50

Welding is the one thing I cannot do at all. I could probably hack together some wood work if I really wanted to (I don't) and I can figure out wiring, I can fix anything with tools. But welding..I'm scared I'll fuck it right up. Welding is forever.

Dusty Ventures > Josh Welton
12/22/2013 at 00:54

Definitely enjoy your posts, read every one of them and drool over your work. Hopefully next time I'm out your way I can stop by :)

pdthedeuce > Josh Welton
12/22/2013 at 03:05

I , too , enjoy your posts and both respect and admire your skill .

Zoom > Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment
12/22/2013 at 04:45

You are me.

I don't like wood and nails and hammers, but they are a neccessary evil. I'm a decent mechanic, and a very good diagnostician. I can take it apart, fix it, and put it back together.

But welders and body shop techs are artists. No question.

Steve > Josh Welton
12/22/2013 at 11:04

Josh. Once again we find our selves in agreement. First thing I want to address is gender. There really isn't any reason to even bring it up. Welding and creating thing via metal fabrication is not a gender specific trade.

One thing I did want to point out in regards to your comment was learning how to weld to make art. That I disagree with. Like you, I take my art and my welding very seriously. But, a lot of people just want to have an out let for creative that balances their daily routine. I would agree with you, that these people that just learned to weld and make thing should not be in an art show with more seasoned people like yourself.

Learn something new, such as welding, fabrication, metal arts or painting should always be encouraged especially in our younger generations.

I would love to get your take on my book. Can I send you one if you give it a review?

Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment > Zoom
12/22/2013 at 13:41

Seriously. When I see body work being done, I cringe and get squeamish, almost like watching surgery. I don't understand how the things they do are literally things that can be done. I mean, I do, I understand physics. But its still magic to me.

SharonNeedles > Josh Welton
08/25/2015 at 14:52

I’m glad someone respected in the industry came out and said this. I’m a fairly new welder, and in my quest for knowledge came across some Mr. TIG videos. Even as a beginner I knew this guy was an idiot. I did find lots of useful knowledge in Jody’s Welding Tips and Tricks videos though. Highly recommended for a beginner in any process.

PS Can you ungrey me please?