Heard a 30-year vet say preheating rods is a safety myth, got me second guessing everything

I was talking to this old timer at the union hall in Pittsburgh last Tuesday. He said he's never preheated a rod in his life and has never had a hydrogen crack in 30 years. Made me realize my whole career I've been following rules without asking why. Has anyone else heard guys straight up ignore preheating and still get clean welds?

2 comments

2 Comments

michael_bennett1124d ago

I'd probably just burn myself anyway if I tried.

mason84724d ago

Is it really cooking if you don't walk away with at least one new scar? I've got a permanent reminder on my forearm from a rogue spatter of bacon grease, and my thumb still has a weird numb spot from when I grabbed a hot pan handle without thinking. Honestly, half the fun of trying a new recipe is the game of "will I survive this?" You're not alone in the near-self-destruction club, we've all got a battle wound or two. What's your most creative kitchen injury so far?