Monday, July 13, 2015

Backbones: Welder


61 ...
With pieces of new and salvaged metal, fit still for an ordered project, Gilbert examines his treasure find.  He makes a drawing of a box on paper scrap, and then he brings out from his almost dilapidated backpack, a saw blade; he puts it aside.  He figures metal sizes to be cut and he preps a 4x4 cushion wood board in which to cut his visualized project - box cages for two air-conditioning units.  Equipped only with a saw blade, he begins the arduous metal cutting task under the scorching heat of the sun.  Next he unravels from a sack-bag a rented welding machine.  There was no extension cord he could use to connect the machine to an electrical outlet; he rummages for something else in his backpack.  Out from it emerges a coil of cords.  He inspects them, and soon, he exposes wires that he would then connect to the electrical outlet indoors.  Without proper protective clothing and gloves, he begins to labor.  Fireworks-like spurts come out of welding rods and gun as Gilbert puts into shape one box cage.  He repeats the process for a second cage.  Gilbert, puny and lanky for a thirty-eight year old construction worker, produces an amazing work of art, one must admit, with meager tools and plenty of artisanship!

No comments:

Post a Comment