VIDALIA, La. – What began as welding a spot here and there during his job as a general mechanic for International Paper has turned into a hobby for J. B. Williams of Vidalia.

&uot;I learned (how to weld) back years ago,&uot; Williams said. &uot;A lot of times, I’d be up on something, and it’d need welding, and the welder would would just hand it (the welding machine) up to me, and I’d do it myself.&uot;

After retiring in 1993, Williams bought a farm near Turkey Creek in Winnsboro. There he had farm equipment and fences that needed to be kept up. &uot;I was retired and wanted something to do,&uot; Williams said.

So he decided to perfect his welding skills so he could make his own repairs. &uot;Welding is more practice than knowing a lot about it,&uot; he said. &uot;It’s more trial and error.&uot;

Williams does not confine his welding to repairing farm equipment. He also welds frames to hold his wife’s flowers, and makes repairs for the Alamo, a furniture shop on U.S. 61 South in Natchez, that is owned by his daughter and son-in-law, Rhonda and Sonny Lees.

Even though Williams uses his skills for practical purposes, he said welding is more of a hobby than a necessity for him.

&uot;It’s something to do. I enjoy getting out and doing things.&uot;

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