car. I used the money from that to buy a welder. The welder sat there next to a pile of
scrap steel intimidating me for a good year anyways. I read the books but was
hesitant to actually turn it on and start welding.
Then one day last spring the pile of steel 'spoke' to me and I was inspired to start
creating. Normally I have a plan and sketches when I start a project. But this one
seemed to form itself as I went along. It being independent of any preconceived
notions I may have had. I picked up the tools and started cutting, bending, pounding
and welding the pieces together. The very first time I ever welded anything!
Soon, a long skinny body formed and from there took on a life of its own. The steel
pieces I had were long, yet somewhat small in width at about 6-8". So, the dragon
looked rather like Frankendragon with his pieced-together body. He does measure
over 13 ft. long now with head and tail. Welding was made easier with some new wire.
Went from .030 which is rather thick to the smaller .023 along with adding gas to my
welder and my welds are neat and smooth now. Makes dragon-making much more
fun as well!
The dragon seems to attract visitors as well. Folks I haven't seen for awhile, along
with friends and neighbors and even strangers have stopped by to check it out. I have
to work out in the driveway as I can't weld in the garage so I seem to attract a lot of
attention when I'm working.
July 2006: Over a year of hard work and the dragon is finished! He has many more
visitors now and I really appreciate all the positive attention the dragon has brought. It
was such a wonderful learning experience for me and I'm happy folks really like him!
