AboutErnie Leimkuhler Expertise Questions about Oxy-Acetylene welding/cutting, MIG, TIG, Flux-core, Stick welding,
brazing and soldering, bike frames, air frames, motorcycle frames, structural welding,
pipeline welding.Also questions about Welding Certifications. All questions about
fabrication of metals (stainless steel, steel , aluminum, brass, bronze, copper). Some
questions about underwater welding.
Experience Extensive background in most welding fields. 18 years fabrication of metal theatre scenery, 10 years structural steel, 2 years pipe welding, 10 years as a Welding Instructor at South Seattle Community College, and the Divers Institute of Technology.
12 years Industrial Welding Consultant for fabrication shops in the greater Seattle Area.
11 years Architectural Metal Fabrication.
8 years in Film/TV; SPFX/construction/set-deco/props/.
27 years Blacksmithing.
Organizations American Welding Society - Welding Inspector/Educator
Publications Do a search on google groups for "Ernie Leimkuhler" in the rec.crafts.metalworking and sci.engr.joining.welding groups.
http://www.stagesmith.com/ http://www.metalwebnews.com/
Blacksmith's Gazzette - Anvil Making
Education/Credentials BA Theatre Technology - Purdue University.
Question I am having some difficulty making the transition at the bottom of the pipe going up the back side. I am right handed and don't weld well with my left. I am trying to wrap my left hand which is holding the filler rod around the pipe, but I can't see very well like that. Any pointers for a novice? Thanks
Answer Hard to put into words.
In general you want to get as comfortable as possible with the greatest range of motion for your hands.
I find most novices brace too much or not at all.
Sounds to me like you are bracing too much, and are getting jammed up.
Try bracing your off-hand elbow on the pipe somewhere, and remember to flex your knees as you sweep under the pipe.
Hunkering down is much better than bending at the waist.
It gives you better visibility and stability.
