Beginner's welding (1 Viewer)

[Spook50]

What's a good resource for someone who knows pretty much dick about welding to start off from? We've got a MIG welder at the auto shop here and from what reading I've done, it seems MIG is the way to go for when I build my bumpers. Any good start off points for a total newcomer to welding? There's so much info on it I don't even know where to really start.

 

[brian]

there's a shop with a welder but nobody that knows how to use it?

 

[SAS]

practice, practice, practice. There are some "how to" sites here and there, but I can't recall any specifically at the moment. Once you know the basics of power setting, wire speed, etc., it comes down to practicing with scrap pieces to get comfy with it.
It is less science than one might think, and more art.

 

[krzyabncanuck]

Hey Spook, I know that the guys that work at Pope AFB know how to operate the equipment they have at the shop. When i build my bumpers i actually like to use my stick welder, then again i do have both. I would try to see if one of the schools around there teaches welding, pretty sure one does. Or find another joe that can weld around your work. That is the good thing about the military, someone around has probably done what you need.

 

[brett76]

yup
what krazy said i woud think. im gonna go take a welding class at bates i think just so i can start doing this shiite

 

[mikeacs]

I'm in the same boat with TIG welding, just starting with it, find a buddy that welds for a living, and get him to show you the ropes. Won't take you long to turn our decent welds with a MIG.

 

[Cookiemonster]

The guys in the shop or here, http://www.scc.spokane.edu/tech/weld/ Spokane Community College

 

[Red Herring]

MIG is the easiest. Do a search for MIG welding, learn how to run a bead (zig zag), and practice. Get an auto darkening shield, they make life easier.

 

[tonkota]

MIG is the easiest for sure. But building something nice will take some practice. TIG is my favorite. Quiet, and it smells good and it is so much more precise.

Go to Norco out on Trent and talk with them. I haven't had too much fun at Oxarc.

I would say though, learn to stick weld too. It isn't that hard. Unless you have a bigger MIG, you may have to prep thicker metals to get a full pen. weld. Stay away from fluxcore welders. Crappy welds at best.

 

[brian]

I haven't had too much fun at Oxarc.
Stay away from fluxcore welders. Crappy welds at best.

what's "oxarc"

be also aware that they'res two kinds of "fluxcore", one not so good(but not bad if you know what you're doing) and one that is the bee's knees when it comes to mig.

 

[tpattyII]

go to your local community college. i have a buddy down in austin that took a welding class, hes a pretty good welder now.

 

[tonkota]

what's "oxarc"

be also aware that they'res two kinds of "fluxcore", one not so good(but not bad if you know what you're doing) and one that is the bee's knees when it comes to mig.

Its a local welding supply place here in Spokane. I hate going there.

 

[LoveTractor]

Recommended by Junk and White Shark:
Miller Student Pack(bottom of page) http://www.millerwelds.com/education/tools/index.html
Welder's Handbook by Richard Finch http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...104-7134138-6652738?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

 

[JRFJ4-]

Learn to Stick Weld

I think you should learn to stick weld first. It will give you a better idea on how to watch the puddle etc.

I still like to stick weld. Mig is handy, but when it comes to some thick metal laid out flat, you can't beat the stick.

But, it's just like anything else. Practice Practice Practice.

JR

 

[honk]

This is an easy forum to get along in - they're never hard on new weldors and can really be helpful. http://www.hobartwelders.com/mboard/

Mig is the easiest to learn, as said, but I see a lot of people who make joints that would never pass a decent course much less a certification and call it welding because it holds metal together. It's too easy to just pile on a bunch of bead without ever really getting the root metal to melt.

So if you do end up learning mig mostly by yourself make sure and find someone to review your work for you. Someone who knows what they're talking about and will tell you the truth. I've seen a lot of that happen on the forum above and know that the guys who do the critiquing don't mean anything but helpful constructive critisizm. If you can keep from taking it personally they'll help you a lot. All you'd have to do is ask.

 

[rusty_tlc]

Another vote for a community collage class. I took one years ago and didn't weld again until recently, it all came back pretty fast. Well worth the bucks and the time invested.

 

[Spook50]

The guys in the shop or here, http://www.scc.spokane.edu/tech/weld/ Spokane Community College

That would've been my first choice, but I can't afford the time to go to a regular class with all the exercizes that're going on this summer and the possibility of deploying halfway through summer quarter

I'm kinda stuck learing on the fly, which is why I've been looking around for books and stuff like that that I can take to work with me and read during slow periods (when I should be studying for my Staff Sgt. test, heh). All my buddies who weld were taught by other friends or their dads, so they've all got their own individual method. I want to learn the right way, so I don't end up building my bumper the wrong way, if ya know what I mean

Honk, thanks for the link. I'll definately be checking those guys out and askng around for help. Can't wait to get started on my bumpers. Lots of planning and design work to do in the meantime though, and that'll give me time to build up some skills...

 

[LoveTractor]

Spook, I don't wanna "toot my own horn," but I reasearched this exact same thing for my "tool thread" (check post #36). I've got wicked ADD/hyperfocusing=I find the best of the best. Just wanna make sure you don't disregard it for whatever reason.
PM Junk and White Shark if you don't believe me.

 

[tpattyII]

go pull some weight around on someone with a lesser rank that knows how to weld...keep up the good work though man, i sure appriciate you serving our country

 

[PKP80]

Go to the Library and read a welding book then start welding. THat's what I did and although I'm not blessed with a welder just laying around, I know how to use one when I have the opportunity.

The more you practice the cleaner the welds and the better you get. I don't practice much so you can do the math.

enjoy