This is mind-blowing to know someone so talented with a vision to create.
The outcome is something to see.
The thought process I could only imagine.
How many hours went into thinking, planning, and making this remote-control dozer?
Unbelievable is the only thing that comes to mind.
For some, we sit and wish we could come up with something to do after we retire.
Terry is doing it.
Who is Terry?
It all started after a trip to a hobby shop with his mom and finding remote controls.
Sparking his curiosity about how things worked, he built remote control cars and helicopters.
As a child, he would go around racing cars on tracks and flying his helicopter.
As he got older, he learned how to fabricate fiberglass.
Fabricating a fiberglass remote control helicopter was one of his fondest memories.
He grew up around an older generation; they took time to answer his questions and showed him how things worked.
He feels that helped him learn and to be curious.
Where did he learn to weld?
Working in a steel mill, he was required to learn how to weld.
What has kept him interested in welding is the challenge.
He is bringing an image to life and adjusting as he goes along.
When he retired, Terry started fabricating beach buggies for fishermen, turning his ideas into one-of-a-kind creations.
How does it start?
The first step is formulating a plan of what you want to create.
Then sketch out what you imagine your design would become.
After the sketch, use the internet to search for ways to make the project a reality.
https://www.youtube.com – has been a great resource when searching for different ways to fabricate.
He then builds a paper prototype or a prototype out of cardboard.
Terry looks around his workshop for material needed for the project.
Sometimes he needs more than what he has, so he purchases it.
Terry welds with aluminum the most.
How long did it take from start to finish?
The nice thing about being retired is you work at your own pace. He might work on his projects a few hours a day over several months.
With no time commitment, he can work when he has time and wants to.
When things are not going according to plan, he takes a few days off, thinks about it, and then tries something else.
Remember, when we create something, we sometimes have to try more than once to get it right.
If you take a close look at the mechanics of his dozer, he has a lot of working parts. His dozer works and operates like a life-size dozer—Terry’s advice to anyone who wants to try welding as a hobby.
Remember Safety First, you must have the proper safety gear to protect yourself and others around you.
Safety for your eyes, as well as your entire body.
He said anyone could buy a welding machine, but learning to weld requires practice, time, and patience.
Decide what you want to build, do your research, talk to other welders, and take a class.
Start slow, keep practicing, and you will succeed.
Remember, you will have a learning curve; do not get frustrated with yourself.
The Finished Project
When Terry began his project of the remote control dozer, he wanted it to look like an actual dozer.
Do you think he accomplished his goal?
It sure looks natural to us.
Let us know what you think.
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