Welding

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A community for all welders and all processes including brazing. If you've never welded before but want to get started, ask questions. If you're an experienced hobbyist, show off your projects. If you're a professional show off your projects, answer questions, and encourage beginners and hobbyists alike.

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founded 2 years ago

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Is Laser replacing TIG (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 4 months ago by 0jcis@sh.itjust.works to c/welding@lemmy.ca

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I joined welding school and started taking TIG welding courses. I wanted to learn TIG welding and be able to do my own custom fabricationsc, like furniture. It felt like just the thing I was looking for. Something that is challenging, requires skill, something not everyone is able do. I’m doing great and enjoying every moment when practicing welding at school.

Recently I came accross laser welding and saw various welding youtubers reviewing the technology. It seems like it beats TIG in every way, except thick materials where one would probably use MIG/MAG anyway instead.

And that ruined my excitement a little bit about TIG, because anyone can pick up a laser welding machine, learn it in 20 minutes and make perfect welds, even better than TIG.

I’m trying to find out if it’s worth even investing more time and money in TIG. It’s starting to seem like TIG might get obsolete compared to Laser and that makes me feel discouraged.

What are your thoughts?

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[–] Bimfred@lemmy.world 4 points 4 months ago (1 children)

I don't understand why the exclusivity is a factor, but that doesn't mean you're somehow wrong to have that mindset. My own mindset just doesn't jive with that idea.

To draw more parallels between welding and painting, the process may be more accessible now, but you can still make your creations distinctly yours. A master of a craft can leave their mark on even the simplest expressions of their skill. Perhaps that's an angle to take? Develop your own style and expression of your skill. Make the weld itself a part of the beauty of what you've created, not just there to hold it together. While others can make a basic weld with little practice, few if any can make a weld like yours. The stroke of the brush can be just as much a part of the art as the paint it lays down. Maybe getting to that level of skill is enough of a challenge to reignite your enjoyment.

In any case, I do hope you find that spark again.

[–] 0jcis@sh.itjust.works 2 points 4 months ago

Yes, thinking in a way that you describe does make it better, I should try to change my mindset, thank you! :)