• Project Updates (Show & Tell!) from Members
• Member Recognition for Awesomeness
• Membership Sign-ups
• Guest & New Member Introductions
  • Board of Directors and Area Champion Introductions
• Meeting adjourns

• Top 5 MIG Welding Tips from Successful Farming (February, 2018 edition)

• 1. CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN

The number one failure of a MIG weld is porosity. The most common cause of porosity is welding a dirty, oily, painted surface. All these contaminants get trapped in the weld, resulting in holes that resemble a sponge.

• 2. Get a Great Ground

Lincoln Electric’s Karl Hoes says a welding arc requires a smooth flow of electricity through a complete electrical circuit. Welding current will seek the path of least resistance. So if care is not taken to place the welding ground close to the arc, the current may find another pathway. Firmly attach the clamp to bare metal as close as possible to the arc.

• 3. KEEP YOUR STICKOUT SHORT

As a general rule, keep the distance the wire sticks out from the end of the gun’s contact tip to between 1/4 and 3∕8 inch.

• 4. USE BOTH HANDS

“Use both hands whenever possible,” Collier urges. “Rest the crook of the gun neck in one hand and hold the part with the trigger in the other hand. Don’t hesitate when it comes to having your prop hand close to the weld. Get a heat-resistant, heavy welding glove if you need it.”

• 5. When in doubt: ask JAKE B or DAN J. We are lucky to have these 2 co-champions of Welding and Forge.

• Events for 2021

• Next Board meeting is October 21st at 7 PM at the Norwich building in Bay View.
• Maker Faire Wrap Party: at Norwich building, on October 23rd from 6 PM to midnight.
  • It is a costume party
  • Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test within last 3 days.
• Next Space Improvement Day: Saturday, October 30th from 1 to 4 PM.
  • Food will be tamales
• Zelda Pottery Day: Nov 5th at 7PM.
  • Make new 12“ x 12” pavers using old pottery pieces.

• Before you operate any power tool in the woodshop, turn on the dust collection system for that tool. Not sure which dust collection to use….ASK.
• Jeff Mann (Board member and Ceramics Champion) says DUST is the #1 hazard in the woodshop.

* Carl S: FUSION 360 classes are now held at NORWICH (moving from Lenox) at 7 PM. Classes can be attended in person, or virtually (Carl will send you the link). Thank you Carl.

• These classes are now being recorded and are available for viewing on You Tube. Carl will send you the link.

* CERAMICS AND CERVEZAS every Wednesday.

• The goal being to rebuild our ceramics community.
• BYOB and enjoy.

* No heavy equipment in the newly paved parking lot for the next few months as the asphalt hardens. Pls reach out to Tom G, Dan J, Jake B or Rudy if you need to use a fork lift outside the building to load/unload. Do NOT attempt to use the fork lift outside the Norwich building.

• Any interested new members, see a Board Member to discuss the sign-up process.
• One On One Introductions of Members to Guests
• Begin Tour

• Alden: added supplemental power supply to his Mac to ensure his graphics card has enough juice.
• Alex: made jewelery ring which glow in the dark
• Bob R: Restored a Tonka model truck
• Mike T: working on sunrise/sunset lights for insect eating plants
• Scott: made a morris code contact with key individual
• Karen: working on sponge mop.
• Mystical bow out of 8“ aluminum.
• Mark R: working on firmware on 3D printer

• 10 guests
• Jeff M and Tim C gave the tours
• Bill signed up 5 new members

• Jeff M mowed the lawn at Lenox.
• Mike T and Mike H and Anderson for installing a box so kiln works
• Adam and Ben helped with bed on CNC in Norwich
• Tom G: cousin donated polishing lathe
• Mike T for bringing bag of bones and severed deer head
• Dan J for teaching how to use excavator
• Tim C for getting a Mag Drill and Concrete Saw