Pro tip: I switched from a 5mm to a 3mm punty rod for my small cups

For years I used the thicker rod, but it left a bigger scar and was harder to break off clean. After a workshop in Seattle last fall, the instructor showed me the lighter touch with the 3mm. Do you think this works for all small forms, or just specific shapes?

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3 Comments

oliviadixon7mo ago

Oh yeah the thinner rod is a game changer lol. That workshop tip is solid, but honestly the break-off still depends more on your flame than the rod size. Gotta get that spot super hot first.

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sage_perry7mo ago

True though, @oliviadixon. The real trick is letting that heat soak in for a second before you even touch the rod. A lot of folks pull the flame away too fast and the base metal just sucks the heat right out. Gotta get that whole little area glowing, not just the surface.

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anthony1276mo ago

My first welding project looked like a robot sneezed on some scrap metal. Definitely pulled the flame back way too early every single time.

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