The Welding Rodeo
I had attended the annual Welding Rodeo last weekend and have now had time to post some photos:
Bellingham Technical College has quite the automotive program as well as welding. One issue with the Prius is that when it is idle, the gas engine is not running -- it runs solely on the battery. As the battery runs down, the gas engine will start up to recharge it. The issue is that when you get an oil change at a quick-lube place, a lot of times the grease-monkey doesn't remember this, considers the car to be turned off, they drain the oil, the engine starts and that is an expensive oil change. Not a good thing...
Here is a Prius motor/generator. A lot of copper here...
The four blacksmiths brought examples of their artwork -- gorgeous stuff.
She is buffing a leaf that she forged a few minutes ago.
This is the guy that was forging aluminum. Got a bunch at the shop from some auctions so I'll have to try some of the techniques out. The results looked really nice.
A lot of times, a welder will be called to work on a ship. Here is a full-size mock up of some kinds of conditions that a welder will be working in.
This is the Virtual Reality welding trainer that was shown -- very cool!
The photo does not begin to convey the reality of the experience. The only thing missing is the sense of heat on your hands. It is that good...
The Wood Stone crew hard at work. Their project was DNA
Friday's winner by both judges and popular vote. The high-school welding class did a sculpture of their teacher.
All in all, a fun day.
Posted by DaveH at May 26, 2010 8:27 PM