jade_brown18•2mo agoProlific Poster

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?

3 comments

3 Comments

oliviadixon2mo 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.

sage_perry2mo 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.

anthony1271mo 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.