Kilt gives blacksmith memorable edge

[GlassMan]

I've spun fire staff wearing my leather UK. Of course, I've also spun naked and briefly caught my back on fire doing a behind-the-back pass. I didn't even notice it.

I use white gas (Coleman camp fuel). It evaporates quickly and so doesn't hold heat as much as, say, lamp oil or kerosine.

Point being, it didn't burn my skin, so the kilt was also safe.

Did someone tell you that you had a "hot ***" when that happened?!?!?!?! ;-)

[Rigged]

Did someone tell you that you had a "hot ***" when that happened?!?!?!?!

Well, no. My safety said, "Hey man, your back's on fire." But it went out before he got there with the damp towel.

I've heard other words used besides "hot" -- the kind of words people use when describing those trucks that haul houses.

You say "of course"?!? Spinning fire naked is a regular thing for you?

I've done it a few times at Burning Man. Good thing it was dark. Eeeeew!

What were we talking about?

[Nick]

Blacksmithing in kilts, I believe ;)

I've never caught my back on fire, nor anything else, though I've gotten some nice burns, both on clothing and skin (hot coke down the gauntlet cuff'll do that). I do know a guy who caught his shoe on fire welding, and ran across the shop to stand in the slacktub.

I don't think I'd be allowed to wear a kilt while working in the school forge, unfortunately. MIOSHA would probably, ah, frown upon such a thing. Which is to bad.

[MacMullen]

You say "of course"?!? Spinning fire naked is a regular thing for you?

Inquiring minds want to know.

-ian

There's a friend in my Jeep club who regularly stick welds wearing only a pair of shorts and a pair of flip flops, in addition to his welding helmet. He always seems to have a nice tan.

My blue jeans did catch fire once while welding. I had a hole in my knee and some red hot BB's fell on the cotton threads hanging down from the knee. I kept welding and was wondering why my knee felt warm, looked down, and I was on fire! Welding gloves are good for beating out fires. :grin:

[Southern Breeze]

There's a friend in my Jeep club who regularly stick welds wearing only a pair of shorts and a pair of flip flops, in addition to his welding helmet. He always seems to have a nice tan.

My blue jeans did catch fire once while welding. I had a hole in my knee and some red hot BB's fell on the cotton threads hanging down from the knee. I kept welding and was wondering why my knee felt warm, looked down, and I was on fire! Welding gloves are good for beating out fires. :grin:

LOL! After graduating I worked for several years as a welder and pipefitter. I remember several new guys showing up on their first day wearing shorts and tennis shoes. As for burns, I've gotten my share. One my brighter moves was welding a pipe,then resting my arm on the still hot joint while talking to the boss.

[GlassMan]

Even when working with stained glass I tell all my potential students no exposed feet (no sandles, flip flops, open toe shoes, etc.) because molten solder gives a nasty burn. I also advise against shorts for the same reason.

When my students ask why I wear kilts I remind them that I also always wear high kilt socks so my exposed skin is actually quite small. And once I put on my workshop apron, even my knees are covered.