Welding has a significant history in almost all the things we see these days. From the airplanes we ride to the cars we use and the commercial buildings we go to, this technique of joining metals is highly relevant in our day-to-day lives.
Many people enroll in a welding course to acquire the skill for personal use, like repairing broken equipment or even improving a home. Yes, welding isn’t only limited to large industries, like automotive and shipping. Having the skill allows you to upgrade your home more creatively using tools like the best TIG welder or MIG welder on the market.
As a brief explanation, MIG or Metal Gas Arc Welding (GMAW) uses an all-purpose wire and gas (either carbon dioxide or a mix of it and argon) to melt the consumable wire that is then fed to connect metals. On the other hand, TIG or Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) uses an electric torch and a tungsten electrode (non-consumable) to direct the current to the welding arc that creates a molten puddle. Then, a filler rod is used to join metals.
There are many welding projects you can try. But if you’re looking for ways it can improve your home, check out the following:
1. Adds Value to Your Interior Space
Besides infrastructures, welding is useful for enhancing your interior space. If you’re a homeowner who wants to make a statement, use your welding skills to bring artistic ideas to life.
Some welded decorative items you can add to your interior space are:
- Steel chandelier
- Aesthetic sculptures
- Steel bookshelf
- Steel wall art
Whatever creative concept you have in mind that involves curving or shaping metals, instead of going to a home depot to buy, see if it’s possible with welding.
2. Gets You Durable Yet Cost-Effective Furniture
Metal-made industrial style furniture pieces are becoming mainstream. One reason for this is that they last for years and are low-maintenance.
The good news is, if you’re a welding hobbyist and have an eye for design, you can create minimally styled tables and chairs to complement your modern home. Just have your welding essentials ready and start working on your table bases. Once done, add wood to the metal frame, and voila! You’ve made your furniture without spending money excessively.
Other functional furniture frames you can make with welding are:
- Steel bed frames
- Dresser frames
- Desk frames
Because the frames are made of metals and are welded, they are sure to last long. Only regular cleaning of the chassis is necessary to maintain the furnishings.
3. Allows You to Reuse Plastics
Plastic causes significant harm to the environment. Of what will be the effect of the tons of plastics continually being thrown into the ocean every day, everyone knows very well.
However, with welding, you can turn useless plastics into decorative items. This type of welding process is called plastic welding. Most people who aren’t directly involved in the welding industry know it only applies to metals and steels, but it’s not often the case.
If you have milk containers or bottles made of Polypropylene and polyethylene, you can weld them to form fantastic wall decorations, such as an LED flower decor.
Plastic welding is best for accentuating your wall. If it’s your first time, don’t worry. You can search online for simple wall decorations to imitate, or you can let your creative side flow and come up with something abstract.
You get to see your craftwork on your wall the instant you enter your home and, more importantly, you’re saving the environment.
4. Upgrades Your Landscape
When it comes to landscape design, many people prefer the practical way, which is working with what they have rather than getting expert help. Although this approach is fine, your landscape will look even more amazing if you know welding.
Sculpting is another form of art where welding is applicable. If you can weld, you can create a metal sculpture you can place anywhere in your garden. As simple as bending metals or joining edges to form basic shapes can brighten your landscape.
While with advanced welding skills, you can make more sophisticated and defined designs, like animal frames or flowers.
Other things where welding is useful in the landscape are:
- Customizing driveway gates
- Decorating walkways
- Installing a hanging swing bench for the porch or patio
5. Lets You Add a Personal Touch
Your home is where you make memories and feel most at ease. Adding personal touches to it makes it an extension of you, and the more personalized it is, the more you feel like you belong.
But you don’t have to invest in an artisan to customize your home according to your liking. Through welding, you can add a creative touch in any corner of your home. If your welding skills are at a master level, you can create a cool fire pit, customize the fence, and even include a family name sign on your gate—all of these great things with only one advantageous skill.
Final Thoughts
Welding is a highly advantageous skill to learn and develop, even if you don’t plan to work as a welder in construction or other big industries. With welding, you can do many worthwhile things, like creating a home accessory from scratch and displaying it to bring life to your home, as well as save you money for repairs.
