Rust Demons III- My Arc Enemy
So this is my first time in many a year with an arc welder. As some of
you know, you have to wear a face shield with a view port painted so
black you can�t see through it, sort of like a glass of Guinness.  The
trick, and it really is a trick, is to get reaaalll close to the steal
with the rod, and drop the shield before you get a hairs breath closer
to strike the arc.  My first attempt to strike an arc resulted in me
frying my eyeballs to the back of my skull.  I think there is still
the shadow of my septum on the cranial interior.  It was a light of
biblical proportions, a light so intense it would not just turn you
into a pillar of salt, but probably into a whole condiment selection
of your choice.  Then, as many of you more experienced welders would
know, the rod was tacked to the metal so I had to break it free,
resulting in another flash and some unauthorized welding in the all
too near vicinity of my zipper.  �Instructor sir, are my pants still
smoldering?�  Driving home that evening weaving between the dots
before my eyes gave me two lanes all to myself.  Lots of friendly
folks honked a howdy-do and waved as they passed, at least I think
that was a wave, can�t be really sure, my focus was still a bit off.

Final score: What with one thing and another, grinding and such; and I
went through 3 welders and two grinders trying to get the equipment to
work properly, I used up 3 hours of class time.  One side gate hinge
back on, needing some cleaning up.  Also rear bumper nuts tacked in
place.

ed- just call me sparky