Learning how to Weld

[RiverRatMatt]

Not knowing how to weld feels like a pretty big handicap after a while. I'd love to be able to fabricate new gear and I know I could do it, I just don't know how.

So I want to learn how to weld.

Can anyone give me recommendations on what and where to get the gear I need? Ballpark cost?

Any books I should read? Websites, etc?

Thanks

 

[Ebag333]

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=how+to+weld

Been covered a bunch of times online and here. Some searching will turn up dozens of threads.

The two common ones are arc (stick) and MIG. Arc is cheaper (can find arc welders on craigslist for $100 all day long, look for the Lincoln tombstone style buzz boxes if you have access to 220), MIG is quite a bit more expensive. Mig is easier to learn.

I learned on MIG and have moved to arc, which I actually prefer. But different strokes and all that.

 

[Brian in Oregon]

Evening welding course at your local community college.

 

[batcon]

Buy used and you can save some $$$$. I have found some lightly used equip. for good prices.

 

[Pin_Head]

Evening welding course at your local community college.

X2

There is a lot more to it that making beads that look nice. You learn faster with someone who knows looking over your shoulder and telling you what to do.

 

[mercfan]

X2

There is a lot more to it that making beads that look nice. You learn faster with someone who knows looking over your shoulder and telling you what to do.

I couldn't agree more. I found a local club that offers welding courses and took one, then I found a skilled fabricator to teach me some basic material layout, measuring, tapping, etc. Check your Craigslist or post an ad yourself. I got a stick machine first (AC/DC) - it's better than just AC model. Stick is pretty hard to learn but the machine is quite sturdy. I've been getting a lot of good advice on here about my technique, settings, speed, etc, but it would be far better to have someone look over your shoulder to tell you how to adjust instantly and they can adjust the dials as needed - it's best that way.

Get a MIG (220V, at least 180Amps) - if you got the money for it, otherwise, go for an AC/DC Stick welder and dive in. What do you see yourself doing - what kinds of projects would you like to be doing once you learn the basics?

Good luck -
James

 

[Brian in Oregon]

Actually I found stick to be easier to learn than wire, at least with 7018AC rod.

 

[Dell]

free learning

Self taught... I learned a good understanding thru reading, observation and practice.

had a lite set back in muh learning development,
when the wire to the argon/co2 solenoid fell off.
little did I know that... I just thought I was a real bad welder.

after some more reading... realized... maybe it wasn't just me..

sooo... gave a call to the Lincoln Rep. and he walked me thru, over the phone, with a check/repair of the internal wiring... and not a minute into that search...
I see this disconnected wire... ughh

I weld better now

You can do it !

some years back... thought I had better learn something if I was gonna survive in this hobby... sooo... bought a Lincoln 175HD (220v)
figured spending the money would be a great motivator...


That said... I really don't like welding, fabricating, etc.... I just like the results