Teach me oh wise one

[pkniland]

I have never welded, brazed in high school, but that's it. I have wanted to take a welding class locally but the schedules don't work with my grown up job. I was wondering if anyone in the group would be willing to teach me the basics of the craft. I am willing to pay time ( hourly or per session), materials, and booze. Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[NCFJ]

I would advise searching out some instruction videos from Miller or Lincoln. Get a basic idea first. Those of us that do weld all have bad habits, I'd hate to pass mine on to someone that takes it as gospel. If you get some of the theory first I think that it will help a great deal no matter who helps you out.

 

[pkniland]

I would advise searching out some instruction videos from Miller or Lincoln. Get a basic idea first. Those of us that do weld all have bad habits, I'd hate to pass mine on to someone that takes it as gospel. If you get some of the theory first I think that it will help a great deal no matter who helps you out.

That's not a bad idea. I'm a very right brain person. Learning by doing has always provide more useful than studying. If I had the equipment I think the video idea would be great, I just don't know how much would stick

 

[lumbee1]

You could always do like I did and just buy a welder. I started with flux core and it looked AWFUL. I switched to MIG and it was easier and while I am better, I am no professional. I am just now starting the see the difference between pretty but cold welds, pretty functional welds, and UGLY functional welds. I am at the UGLY functional welds stage but I have lots of penetration (that's what she said).

 

[roadstr6]

I am no welder but you are welcome to come practice with my Hobart 140 mig. Making pretty welds is not easy (I can't do it) but making strong welds is very doable for a first timer with a mig set up on gas (not flux core). I couldn't stick weld if my life depended on it!

 

[AndrewHadji]

welding classes at CC like wake tech are worth the hundred or so bucs

 

[pkniland]

welding classes at CC like wake tech are worth the hundred or so bucs

That's originally what i wanted to do but the classes they offer at spcc and cpcc won't work with my grown up job.

 

[roadstr6]

If you buy a decent machine (Miller, Hobart, Lincoln) you can teach yourself in a couple of hours. It's really not that hard. My little 140v is super easy to use. I bought it and went straight to welding floor pans in a little MGB. I wish now I had gotten a 220 machine. The 140 only welds up to .25" steel. I didn't think 10 years ago that I would get into 'Cruisers and feel the need to weld up heavy bumpers, sliders and such. I was just stitching up patch panels and replacing rusty floors. A MIG sure is nice to have around the house. I don't use mine that much anymore but I can't imagine my life without it now. When you need it it's there.

 

[pawwright]

You could always do like I did and just buy a welder. I started with flux core and it looked AWFUL.

This is as far as I got, but enjoy watching professional/hobbyist welders at work - pretty amazing what they can turn out and how it looks at the seams even before cleaning up the welds.....

 

[pkniland]

If you buy a decent machine (Miller, Hobart, Lincoln) you can teach yourself in a couple of hours. It's really not that hard. My little 140v is super easy to use. I bought it and went straight to welding floor pans in a little MGB. I wish now I had gotten a 220 machine. The 140 only welds up to .25" steel. I didn't think 10 years ago that I would get into 'Cruisers and feel the need to weld up heavy bumpers, sliders and such. I was just stitching up patch panels and replacing rusty floors. A MIG sure is nice to have around the house. I don't use mine that much anymore but I can't imagine my life without it now. When you need it it's there.

Might be the way to go

 

[GLTHFJ60]

You're more than welcome to come over to my place, but I'm a bit of a hike for you!

 

[lumbee1]

220 is definitely the way to go. My 220 has more than enough power for 1/4" steel.

 

[pkniland]

You're more than welcome to come over to my place, but I'm a bit of a hike for you!

You dont have a spare welder lying around that you would want to trade for that O/U do you?

 

[GLTHFJ60]

You dont have a spare welder lying around that you would want to trade for that O/U do you?

Negative ghostrider.

 

[jfz80]

not a bad start or price..... id almost consider picking this up
Handler 180 mig welder

or the other option is do like me and buy the $100 harbor freight 220 machine and play around getting used to the craft.
Id gladly trade it for that over/under

It has its merits and gets you in and melting metal but it has its limits too. Personally id suggest getting something like the one above. More money but way more machine. Also do yourself a favor and try and start with gas from the start. Im still running flux core but looking for a tank and regulator to swap asap. Hopefully Ill find one attached to a better welder at a great price. Hey we all can dream right?

 

[GLTHFJ60]

That's not a bad idea, buying a cheap HF welder and learning. If you can put a good weld down with a HF welder, other machines will make it feel easy.

That said, a used Hobart is what I did and would be an excellent deal. Many, many people on this forum (outside of our club) have had the HH180 and built wicked trucks with it. Great machine.

 

[lumbee1]

I have a Hobart Handler 190.
Refurbished Welders & Plasma Cutters - Page 1 - Hobart Welding Products

Here is my setup. I did a lot of research into every purchase I made and I haven't been disappointed.

Hobart Handler 190 with regulator Tractor Supply $643
Auto adjusting welding helmet with XL view Amazon $85
Welding jacket Amazon $20
Tillman gloves Amazon $17
Welding cap Amazon $10
Welding cart Harbor Freight $40
Welding pliers Amazon $21
Sheilding gas cylinder Harbor Freight $70
Cylinder exchange and fill Tractor Supply $54
Welding clamp Tractor Supply $15
Welding table Harbor Freight $63
10lb solid wire spool Tractor Supply $32
Wire brush Home Depot $2
220V extension cord wire --- $0
Nema 6-50 female Amazon $12
Nema 6-50 male Home Depot $10
MIG tip dip Tractor Supply $10
400 amp ground clamp Harbor Freight $8
Slag hammer Harbor Freight $5
C-clamp --- $0

Total: $1117

 

[pkniland]

I appreciate all the help. It looks like CPCC is going to offer a class(basic welding principals) in the Spring that will work with my schedule. I think I will hold off on getting anything till Ive had a chance to go through that.