Sparky,

They weren't just waving. Methinks they were indicating you were #1. I get people doing that everytime I swerve into their lane. I'm #1 too.

BenT

sent from my electronic leash

On Jun 23, 2011, at 4:17 AM, ed donnen <spliced.surprise@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

> 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