What is the most fun metalworking?

I like buying, fixing and reselling industrial stuff, because I get variety and exposure to a bunch of interesting things, without the hassle of continued ownership and also I do not mind the extra $$.

I really like it when I make a very nice torch cut, especially a heavy cut.

I really like it when I'm running a many-pass weld and it's turning out nice, and when I'm done and I really, really like it.

I really like it when I build something and it works as well as I had hoped, first time. Also, when it turns out nice enough that nobody would look at it and say "somebody made that".

John

Let's face it, anything 50 years old is fun to tinker with, 'cause even I can figure it out. Gerry :-)} London, Canada

There's a lot of joy in a weld that is both strong and pretty.

I like anything where I'm learning a skill. I'm still learning welding more or less, so when I make a good weld I sit back and think.... yum! Or anything involving fire, of course.... fire is good for you :D

Tim

-- "California is the breakfast state: fruits, nuts and flakes." Website:

Forging a nice pair of tongs.

Making something complicated and the feeling you can make anything . That feeling is a natural high Ken Cutt

Building things from scratch.

Steve

repair of a chair, used 24/7 , gas operated....

xman

Running any precision grinding machine and holding close tolerance with an outstanding finish.

There is no better feeling.

Harold

How about that 50 yr old babe on the Bowflex commercial? Fun to tinker with ya' think?

Put first power to a newly built machine and watch all the little children play together in harmony.

I like finding all sorts of junk, sneaking it past my wife, and finding a nice spot to hide my treasure...

But it's female, so you won't be able to figure it out :)

Fixing something for a friend of neighbor and being the hero.

I really like it when you get a lathe or mill set up just right and the cut metal looks like polished chrome ..

I also like it when I make a part for something and it fits *perfectly*.

I do love taking ugly rusty things and cleaning them and painting them. The "ooh factor" is powerful stuff. Work can be arduous, though, and shop space is always limited.

I also enjoy when someone asks how to do something tricky and I can think of a clever way to do it and it helps them out and puts a smile on their face.

GWE

Much better than the teacher Gerry :-)} London, Canada

Machining rough castings until they are shiny and smooth all over is fun.

It can lead to a great sense of accomplishment, but I do NOT consider it fun.