Welding Project: Bookends

Welding doesn’t have to be all about work. In fact, there are many people who enjoy welding as a hobby. U.S. Welding & Safety Supply Co. is going to introduce you to a few welding projects for hobbyists. The first welding project we’ll be working on is bookends. Follow our step by step directions and you’ll have two beautiful bookends to decorate bookshelves in your home, or give as a homemade gift to someone who enjoys reading. 

Materials Needed:

• 4 flat pieces of heavy gauge steel
• Ground clamp

Directions:

1. Clean the metal pieces before you begin welding.
2. Use a ground clamp to secure two pieces of metal together at a 90-degree angle.
3. Use tack welds to secure the pieces of metal in place.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 with the other two pieces of metal.

This welding project is simple, but it makes a creative homemade gift for any avid reader! If you’re feeling creative and inspired, you can even customize the bookends with other metal objects, or paint designs onto them. You can find all of the welding supplies you’ll need to this easy to do welding project at USWeldingSupply.com. Check back with our blog to learn about more fun welding projects. 

Now that’s What I Call Welding! – Volume 2

When we aren’t busy welding or working hard, we’re rockin’ out to only the best heavy metal music! Nothing gets us quite as pumped as a fast, heavy metal song. Here are our top 30 metal songs to get you all fired up. Now, fire up that welding gun, and rock your way through the work day! 

1. “Hallowed Be Thy Name”- Iron Maiden
2. “War Pigs”- Black Sabbath
3. “Master of Puppets”- Metallica
4. “Ace of Spades”- Motorhead
5. “Iron Man”- Black Sabbath
6. “Raining Blood”- Slayer
7. “Hellion/Electric Eye”- Judas Priest
8. “Cowboys From Hell”- Pantera
9. “Symphony of Destruction”- Megadeth
10. “Caught in a Mosh”- Anthrax
11. “Holy Diver”- Dio
12. “Pull Me Under”- Dream Theater
13. “Keeper of the Seven Keys”- Helloween
14. “Over The Wall”- Testament
15. “Epic”- Faith No More
16. “Let it Go”- Def Leppard
17. “Runnin’ With the Devil”- Van Halen
18. “Back in Black”- AC/DC
19. “Enter Sandman”- Metallica
20. “Welcome to the Jungle”- Guns N’ Roses
21. “Breakin the Law”- Judas Priest
22. ‘Communication Breakdown”- Led Zeppelin
23. “Blackout”- Scorpions
24. “Under the Blade”- Twisted Sister
25. “Over the Mountain”- Ozzy Osbourne
26. “Am I Evil”- Diamond Head
27. “Detroit Rock City”- Kiss
28. “At War With Satan”- Venom
29. “Cold Sweat”- Thin Lizzy
30. “One”- Metallica

There’s always room on the list for more! What are some of your favorite heavy metal songs? Let us know in the comments below!

Protecting Yourself from Burns When Welding: Treatment and Healing

In April, we discussed the types of burns that occur when welding. While flame retardant clothing can protect you from burns, accidents can happen. Here’s how to treat a welding burn. 

First-degree burns

How do you treat a first-degree burn? After you first become burnt, run the burned part of your body underneath cold water for a few minutes. After the burn is cool, apply burn ointment. You can also take an over-the-counter pain medication to reduce pain.

How long do these burns take to heal? A first-degree burn will usually heal in about three to seven days.

Second-degree burns

How do you treat a second-degree burn? Cool the burned area immediately after being burnt, apply burn cream, and then covered the burned area with a gauze dressing that won’t stick to the burned skin. Make sure you change the dressing daily and never puncture the blisters.

How long do these burns take to heal? A second-degree burn usually heals in about two to three weeks.

Third-degree burns

How do you treat a third-degree burn? Do not try to treat a third degree burn at home. If you think you have a third-degree burn, go directly to the nearest hospital.

How long do these burns take to heal? Healing time depends on the severity of the burn.

Protect yourself from burns when welding by wearing flame retardant clothing, welding gloves and other welding safety gear. You can find an assortment of affordable welding protection gear at USWeldingSupply.com.