Welding books

[green40]

Anyone have any suggestions?
The better half has approved money for a welding class, I'd like to read up
first. Unfortunately class won't be until the fall.


Lane

 

[zebrabeefj40]

I have a couple to recommend:

Welders Handbook by Richard Finch - a good general overview of all the major welding processes, what they're best used for and the equipment needed for each. This book is readily available from most major bookstores - either in the technical section with the engineering books or more likely near the automotive repair/hotrodding books.

The Procedure Handbook of Arc Welding - Lincoln Electric Company
This is more of a welding engineers handbook/reference book. Goes into great detail how to arc weld. My text is the 12th edition printed in 1973. It deals mostly with "stick" welding but the joint details and techniques are also valid for use with the MIG process. Most welding classes will concentrate on learning to stick weld IIRC so this book is not totally irrelevant. The basics of welding are universal: joint fitup, proper filler material for the job and puddle control. Learn these with a stick welder and MIG will be almost a walk in the park.
- I picked this one up at a used books store. I believe it is still available new from Lincoln (the welder people). Miller and Hobart also have similar texts.


I think if you search a little on MUD there are a few other books recommended too. I just happen to have copies of these two on hand.

Nick

 

[nat88toy]

i have no recommendations for books, but does this mean you might be getting a welder Lane?

 

[green40]

Yea, sometime in the far future. Randy's fab skills have inspired me
to learn. (plus I'm cheap and after the price of class and a welder not having to pay labor will save a few bucks.)
I really wish I'd learned something in metal shop (2 years) when I was in high school!

i have no recommendations for books, but does this mean you might be getting a welder Lane?

 

[crusier72]

Just remember that it may seem cheaper but if that is why you are doing it you would be better off to pay someone to do it. The welder and the class are just the first step you also need a grinder and a bunch of clamps etc. Don't forget the consumables add up quick a trip to the welding shop easily cost 100 bucks for gas, wire and some grinding discs. I am not trying to persuade you not to do it I enjoy the product after designing and making projects so for me it's worth it. Don't forget that if someone stops buy for a little welding job it's going to cost you in power and consumables and lifetime costs of equipment.
I found that the cheapest place to buy a welder was at the local welding shop and they have spares that you will need sooner or later. I'd stay away from the cheep imports.

 

[green40]

Haven't bought a book yet, but I did borrow a friends Mig this weekend to do some
simple work on the Cruiser. A couple of welds had broken holding the floor to the
rear sill. Not as easy as it looks!
Painted up the brackets for the rear disc's, have all the drum stuff cut off.
Bought a flaring kit last week so I can redo the brake lines with the new fittings.
Was going to flip my rear springs but I had the tape measure out and the
things are centered. Fronts are 4" different so that may be a job for later.
Beer time now!

 

[fogblanket]

Lane go to Miller - Welding Equipment - MIG/TIG/Stick Welders & Plasma Cutting that is where fox sent me when i was getting started. they have great online materiel explaining the process and other good stuff.

jason

 

[green40]

I'll check it out, thanks!

 

[LandCruisers4Life]

Lane, don't be discouraged. A welder and learning to weld is a very good thing. I learned in high school, and still weld to this day (I am 39). I own a Miller "Millermatic 251" MIG machine and run argon/co2 gas along with it. I also bought a professional Victor torch set with large O2 and Acetylene bottles. All well worth the investment.

Learning to weld isn't difficult, it just takes a little practice. I suggest buying a cheap AC/DC Lincoln or Miller stick welding machine too, and if you can learn to weld stick, you can learn to weld anything.

Rods recommended on my part for the stick machine...

6010
6011
6013
7018

Those rods should weld anything you need to fab up.

 

[green40]

I'm not getting discouraged at all! I know that it will
take some practice and some good instruction but I'm looking forward to it.