Welding Merit Badge

[cdwscout]

NOTE: I have merged a few posts from another thread into here. ("LSR", your original post is in here; it should be the fourth one down.) --RWSmith
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Welding is planned for release in late 2011, followed by Kayaking [MB] sometime after that.

Info contained in the October Advancement Newsletter

Welding? Why welding? Don't we already have Metalwork MB? If scouts want to weld, why not just combine it with Metalwork?

Also, I heard there was going to be a Search and Rescue MB. Anybody else hear that?

[smtroop168]

Take a look at the new Scouting magazine article on Welding MB. All new MBs go through a youth review panel and at least 80% of the panel have to agree it is a subject boys would like to do.

http://digital.scouting.org/scoutingmag ... /index.htm

[razor_strop]

Welding? Why welding? Don't we already have Metalwork MB? If scouts want to weld, why not just combine it with Metalwork?

I personally like the idea of offering more merit badges in the practical trades. Having those skills can be very helpful later in life (wait until you have to start paying for home/auto repairs--I bet you'd agree). I'd really like to see a revised Masonry MB come back.

[LSR]

I read in Scouting Magazine that this will be a MB in December. You'd have though there was going to be a "cars, girls and pizza" MB from all of the interest amung the Scouts (and not a few parents!) We have a dad with welding experience who has taught it at a Vo-Tech. The Scouts are fired up about this. (The magazine was in my mailbox the day of the meeting. I was reading it before the kids got there, saw the article and by the end of the meeting had a Welding MB counselor.)

Other than the Scouting article, no other info. our council said no pamphlets will be in until Dec. Anyone have any word on req?

[kwildman]

One of my ASM's is going to offer the welding MB as soon as the details are released. The kids are excited about it and I have had a lot of adults say they want to take the MB too. I figure i can get a lot of stuff fixed for free by donating "projects".

[SoCal76]

Other than the Scouting article, no other info. our council said no pamphlets will be in until Dec. Anyone have any word on req?

Create a tandem bicycle by welding together two separate bicycle frames.

[ronin718]

Other than the Scouting article, no other info. our council said no pamphlets will be in until Dec. Anyone have any word on req?

Create a tandem bicycle by welding together two separate bicycle frames.

This will thus allow two scouts to earn their Cycling MB after completing their 50-miler.

Before doing the welding, make sure the project plan is approved by District/Council leadership...

[FrankJ]

So scout earns the welding merit badge, thinks of cool eagle project involving welding. Is told only adults can do welding, weld prep, joint fit for eagle project. Gets on his tandem, rides away into to sunset, earning cycling merit badge in process.

[SoCal76]

Some information and an apparent picture of the MB

http://www.aws.org/weldingbadge/

[scoutaholic]

Sources have said 'Late December' for the MB release. Does anyone have a more specific date, or any details about planned release?

We had this MB scheduled to be taught at our district MB event in January, but the requirements are so late in coming out that we no longer have time to plan the class content. Had to cancel this class.

[AquilaNegra2]

If it's out as "late December," that means April.

For #2, who ages out 6 months from now, he's hoping that it comes soon AND doesn't have any sort of certification or timeline attached to it.

[scoutaholic]

Our District MB Event chairman had his sister stop at the national office while she was traveling in TX. They hold her it would be Jan 30.

[FrankJ]

First of all I have no clue what the requirements are going to be. But I doubt being able to actually to weld will be one of them. It takes time & a lot of practice to learn how to manage the weld puddle. Except maybe MIG welding where the skill there is more in the set up.

[scoutaholic]

First of all I have no clue what the requirements are going to be. But I doubt being able to actually to weld will be one of them. It takes time & a lot of practice to learn how to manage the weld puddle. Except maybe MIG welding where the skill there is more in the set up.

According to Scouting Magazine (linked above)

Requirements for the new badge include setting up a welding process, learning how to weld safely, designing and completing a welding project, and exploring career opportunities.

I would guess that completing a welding project will require actually welding.

[cballman]

If the welding project has to be a good one. Then why cant they double dip and make a tandem bicycle and work on the cycling merit badge at the same time? I think that would work.

[FrankJ]

The really good lugged steel frames are brazed so you don't lose the temper in the steel. You really don't want a beginner to weld an aluminum frame. But if the scout rides his tandem to the merit badge class, he would always have a buddy with him.

[AquilaNegra2]

Just to be clear, Scouts can't use even the most basic power tool, but 11-year olds will be able to handle welding torches?

Anyone have an update on this, or the requirements? #2 would like to get as much done in advance as possible.

ALSO, any news on the Search & Rescue Merit Badge?

[smtroop168]

Just to be clear, Scouts can't use even the most basic power tool, but 11-year olds will be able to handle welding torches?

Anyone have an update on this, or the requirements? #2 would like to get as much done in advance as possible.

ALSO, any news on the Search & Rescue Merit Badge?

Scouts can use power tools under proper supervsion. Welding MB requirements have not been released so there's not much he can do in advance. As far as using a welding torch, we have a similar requirement now

Case in point: Plumbing MB
7.Under the supervision of a knowledgeable adult, solder three copper tube connections using a gas torch. Include one tee, two straight pieces, and one coupling.

S&R planned for May/June release

[kwildman]

Just to be clear, Scouts can't use even the most basic power tool, but 11-year olds will be able to handle welding torches?

Anyone have an update on this, or the requirements? #2 would like to get as much done in advance as possible.

ALSO, any news on the Search & Rescue Merit Badge?

OK ... I will bite. What basic power tools can't scouts use? I must be missing something because I cant find anything in the Guide 2 Safe Scouting that prohibits basic power tools... Chainsaws and mechanical log splitters are off limits. However, the woodwork merit badge requires turning parts out on a lathe. There shouldn't be any problems with scouts using basic power tools, chop saws, planers, rotary saws, jig saws, etc. if done under appropriate adult supervision. There is no more inherent danger in these activities than there is for rifle or shotgun. Would be kind of hard to complete a lot of eagle projects without them. Common sense should dictate what would be acceptable if not explicitly listed in the G2SS.

As I said before my kids (and adults) are excited about welding. The plumbing merit badge already requires soldering with a torch. Kids like fire.

[razor_strop]

OK ... I will bite. What basic power tools can't scouts use? I must be missing something because I cant find anything in the Guide 2 Safe Scouting that prohibits basic power tools...

Discussion on Scouts using power tools on Eagle projects is found here: http://www.meritbadge.net/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=3900&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=40