Here's a hot idea of an Xmas gift for the maker on your list (or you): welding lessons. Hazard Factory in Seattle looks like a crazy fun (but safe) place to learn welding—and check out the flaming tetherball action! I like their style of "risk and artistic re-direction of technology." (See their "MAYHEM" pull down menu.) As Homer Simpson said: "I don't know the scientific explanation but fire makes it good!"
I see there are also lots welding schools and classes in San Francisco, Los Angeles and other cities—maybe there are some near you?
