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Finaly got to weld again after being paralysed.

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Chopshop13, Feb 2, 2010.

  1. As the title sais. About 3 years ago i fell down and broke my neck leaving me a quadraplegic.
    That means i can move my arms but not my hands.
    Which didn't allow me to continue my profesion in automotive fabrication BUT.
    After hooking my Tig up with a bite down control for starting, I finaly layed down my first welds in 3 years. Heres a pic of me in action, ill upload some pics of my gear and the welds once i do a little more.
    I need to fabricate a sliding track to clamp o the edge of my becnh to make it easier for me to move along as i weld.
    Im also interested in some kind of mechanised wire feeding setup as i can only dip so many times beore i have to stop and move the wire further down in my grasp.
    You can see my chassis and a bit of my coupe in the background too.
    Any sugestions or coments would be apreciated.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Larjk9
    Joined: Dec 12, 2008
    Posts: 186

    Larjk9
    Member


    Man that's just plain inspirational. It's people like you, that keep people like me from getting too big headed and cocky.
     
  3. jephs422
    Joined: Jan 30, 2008
    Posts: 13

    jephs422
    Member
    from CA

    You're my effin hero!

    Seriously, I have no suggestions on how to make your set-up work better, all I can say is that to be able to fabricate as a quadraplegic takes some serious want and will. You rock!
     
  4. chuckw2
    Joined: Feb 11, 2007
    Posts: 143

    chuckw2
    Member
    from So Cal

    Wow! And to think I dare complain about some of my problems. You are great!
     

  5. Kevin Lee
    Joined: Nov 12, 2001
    Posts: 7,582

    Kevin Lee
    Super Moderator
    Staff Member

    Wow. That rules so much – that's all I've got.
     
  6. How inspirational, where there's a will there's a way. Look forward to seeing your work.
     
  7. LITTLE CAR
    Joined: Dec 1, 2006
    Posts: 594

    LITTLE CAR
    Member

    couldnt have said it better.WOW(welder on wheels)...keep layin down the welds...hope to meet some day..inspiration is always needed!
     
  8. TagMan
    Joined: Dec 12, 2002
    Posts: 6,295

    TagMan
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    The only comment I have is about how you're facing the shitty deal you were dealt. Sound like you're facing your problems straight on and spitting in the face of adversity. You're a survivor and a hell of a guy. I'd be proud to call you 'friend'.

    Let's see some pics of the welds.
     
  9. Bumpstick
    Joined: Sep 10, 2002
    Posts: 1,390

    Bumpstick
    Member

    Bitchin'!! Can't keep a hotrodder down. No way.
     
  10. R Frederick
    Joined: Mar 30, 2009
    Posts: 2,658

    R Frederick
    Member
    from illinois

    DAMN, You're just awesome! Make sure you protect your lap.
     
  11. Von Rigg Fink
    Joined: Jun 11, 2007
    Posts: 13,418

    Von Rigg Fink
    Member
    from Garage

    ok..thats it..im done pissing and moaning about my sore back and ripped rotator cup.
     
  12. oldpaint
    Joined: Jul 25, 2009
    Posts: 357

    oldpaint
    Member

    Way to go!!!
    You are a true fabricator to figure out a way to get it done despite obstacles.
     
  13. Marty McFly
    Joined: May 10, 2005
    Posts: 359

    Marty McFly
    Member

    That is great to see. Where there is a will there is a way, always!

    M. McF.
     
  14. yardgoat
    Joined: Nov 22, 2009
    Posts: 724

    yardgoat
    Member

    Super COOL,im proud of ya,two thumbs up.Im disabled also and all i can tell you is to take your time,if your like me you have that.Take care and keep the pic,s coming.If you have a idea but get stuck post it and there are realy smart guys here that can help,or see a simple solution........................YG
     
  15. bardahl1
    Joined: Oct 16, 2005
    Posts: 353

    bardahl1
    Member

    There's a guy in the high desert, around Victorville, named George Vose. He lost one of his arms just below the shoulder. He still fabricates and welds all materials and can lay one sweet looking bead feeding the filler using his shoulder and chin. And he can run out a full filler wire in one smooth pass. His welds always look beautiful. Don't know if you could in your situation, but it might be helpful.

    And George is also a pool shark, meaning he can play with the very best of 'em - which is fun to watch in a bar.

    Don't let the situation stop ya from doing your thing. Good Luck.
     
  16. inkmunky
    Joined: Jun 29, 2009
    Posts: 537

    inkmunky
    Member

    I feel like a lazy bum... You get my vote for coolest HAMBer of the year!
     
  17. T.W.Dustin
    Joined: Nov 18, 2008
    Posts: 883

    T.W.Dustin
    Member

    Wow - what great spirit you posess. You are a champion!
     
  18. 067chevy
    Joined: Sep 18, 2005
    Posts: 2,073

    067chevy
    Member

    Thats great. Keep up the good work.
     
  19. Bigjake
    Joined: Jan 21, 2009
    Posts: 286

    Bigjake
    Member

    I bet it felt great to lay down a bead again. Fucking a man keep at it.
     
  20. caddydave
    Joined: Nov 12, 2002
    Posts: 192

    caddydave
    Member

    That is awesome and inspiring! It's got to feel good to get back to doing something you love to do.. Several years ago I bought one of these..
    https://weldingsupply.securesites.com/cgi-bin/einstein.pl?PNUM::1:UNDEF:OR:TPYL

    It's a little pen shaped deal that allows you to feed the wire through your hand with a single finger. The picture isn't that great on the website, but it allows you to feed an entire length of wire without ever letting go of the "pen"

    Hope this helps, Dave
     
  21. Hey Wow thanks guys, i wasn't realy expecting this kinda response!

    Ill get out to the shed and take some pics, ill post them up here in an hour or two.

    Thanks for all the words of encouragement, im kinda motivated now :)

    Lets build a freakin HotRod!
     
  22. Id be very interested to know more about this, or what his techniquie involves. At the moment my challenge is to slide my hand along smoothly without jumping about. And feeding more wire.
     
  23. Bullrack
    Joined: Aug 14, 2008
    Posts: 336

    Bullrack
    Member
    from Louisiana

    Absolutely amazing brother! Hang on to that "never give up" attitude forever. I know you were not asking for help, but I believe some of us Hambers could probably come up with some ideas to help with your welding situation. It's this kind of inspirational stuff that inspires me. Rock on. Steven.
     
  24. Mazooma1
    Joined: Jun 5, 2007
    Posts: 13,598

    Mazooma1
    Member

    YOU are a true dyed-in-the-wool hot rodder!!!!
     
  25. I wore a leather apron :cool:
     
  26. Fordguy321
    Joined: Oct 16, 2009
    Posts: 421

    Fordguy321
    Member
    from Arizona

    thats Cool man!
     
  27. fordfan289
    Joined: Apr 19, 2009
    Posts: 140

    fordfan289
    Member
    from indiana

    you are a true inspiration keep at it.
     
  28. Yeah cool, i just checked it out. How does it work, ie do you have to use a finger to roll a wheel or something? If so it might not work for me but, i am still very interested in other equipment which may help me feed wire.
     
  29. redlinetoys
    Joined: May 18, 2004
    Posts: 4,302

    redlinetoys
    Member
    from Midwest

    Unbelievable! Congrats. Here is to continued growth of your passion.
     
  30. yeah my friend mark was born with one arm.. hes one of the best fabricators arround...
     

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