Anyone here know how to weld?
I want to learn how to, but have no idea where to really start. Anyone have any useful tips?
Who knows how to weld? (any one Have any advice?)
Anyone here know how to weld?
I want to learn how to, but have no idea where to really start. Anyone have any useful tips?
Originally Posted by Doppelgänger
Go to school, or try to get an apprenticeship at a fabrication shop.
Look into Southern Poly.
Holy shit you're from PC, what do you drive?
I'm already in school D:
I'm going to take a welding class down the road, but I wanna start now
and I'm stuck with a ranger atm D:
Ah well I know at SoPo we have our own metal fabrication shop, welding majors and errythang.
Try the apprenticeship route then.
I can't do an apprenticeship
I gotta keep my current job
That's why I'm in a bind. Being unemployed is like the best time to get ya skillzz up
You cant go to school for it
You cant get an apprenticeship.
Best bet would be to stick to what you're doing then, as there's no other avenues....
time for my google and youtube skills to pay off
I can't accept no
Why not take online classes, and do the apprenticeship then? Or just add a few welding classes in for spring semester?
They're full D:
who does online classes?
I just downloaded a couple books and DVDs on it. I'm hoping that helps
reasearch/background info is good, but its one of those actions that you only really learn by doing.
I mean online classes for your school for whatever you're majoring in.
Keep checking on the welding classes, people are likely to drop soon, always do after Xmas.
But then again the welding ones at my school fill up fast.
Not to mention fabricators get PAID
I'm trying to go part time at work so I can go to school more, but it doesn't look too good.
I want to learn this so I can build cars. Shit would be too awesome
So change your major? ha I've changed my major about 4000 times
Computer science, software engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, industrial engineering, networking, and now i'm on Video Game Design and Development.
I've wasted a lot of money and time, but to me I havent really wasted it. I've just spent money to find out what i'm good at and what I have an interest in. I believe a price cannot be put on that.
But remember, cars are fun as a hobby, but that completely changes when You have to do it all day, every day, on cars that are NOT your own. Completely alters the "enjoyment"
real talk, and the most common answer i have gotten from all my Fabricating friends, buy a tig and let the welding beginning. you can only become as great as you want to. im not saying drop 5k on a welder but if your serious, make the investment and have at it lol
Christina- (97 EK) - Project Boost
Kandace (95 DC) - Project All Motor
So a tig is what someone should start with ?
I have no idea which type of welder is best for beginners
Tigs are very expensive (comparatively) and harder to learn.
Go to harbor freight, buy the cheap flux core 90 amp MIG welder they have (should be $90-$110). Go ahead and buy an auto darkening helmet as well, because these welders will arc on contact. Most require the button to be pushed. Gloves are recommended, but up to you. If you don't already have one, I'd recomend an angle grinder. I bought a Hitachi brand and it's been kick ass, but again, harbor freight will work for your experimenting. Pick up a cutting disc and grinding disc. This will allow you to not only cut the metal you'll be welding, but also to prep the surfaces that will be welded. The metal needs to be degreased, dry, and clean, bare metal. No dirt, grease, rust, etc. I started with exhaust pipe. It's decently thick, not expensive, and if you don't get carried away for your first welding adventure you may get some good exhaust work for free.
First try tacking the metal. Turn it on minimum and the wire feed about 1/3 of the way (I think these are like 1-10, so somewhere around 2-4 depending how it acts). Tacking is fusing the metal, but not making a complete bead.
To do this, you'll simply make contact, and do a circle between the two pieces of metal. If it feels like the gun is being pushed back, lower the wire feed. If it feels like the gun is unable to keep up, raise the speed. You can do this on one piece of metal, but the purpose is to hold the metal together and/or not get it too hot. For learning porpoises, I'd suggest cutting the pipe into 3-4" sections and use something to hold them together, even if you just set them on the ground against something (non-flammable!!). Once you make some tacks, try to break it apart. If it breaks apart easily, keep trying but change what you're doing because it should hold. If it holds, you got the hang of it.
Running a bead is similar. Some say do rainbows/arches, some say circles. I did the opposite of the I-Car welding instructor, and made a nicer and stronger bead. Try both... one will feel better or work better for you.
Basically:
Your goal =
What it'll probably look like =
If it looks like the latter, don't feel bad or discouraged. Just bury it. Either way, practice always helps if you strive for better.
If you can get the $100 special to lay a decent bead, you'll be able to pick up a nice, gas welder and make peoples jaws drop. I had no training, just self-taught and making what I need, and had no problem passing the I-Car structural tech welding certification.
Last edited by Catnip; 12-30-2012 at 12:28 PM.
'92 C2500 6.5 Turbo Diesel | '96 240sx
i got the cheap flux core 90 amp MIG welder at harbor freight. it does the little jobs i wanted done. i started with nothing more than youtube videos.
i started with wields looking like the picture above. I finaly got the hang of it. just invest in a cheap one and practice
first time ever was on Scotsman's exhaust :boobies:
FUCK
yes, you guys are awesome +++
I went and edited some of that because I was half asleep when I typed it, lol.
'92 C2500 6.5 Turbo Diesel | '96 240sx
K thanks for the info guys just bought
this:
Wire Welder - Save on this 90 Amp Flux Wire Welder
and this:
Heavy Duty 4-1/2" Angle Grinder
If you've never used an angle grinder, I'd suggest some good leather gloves and eye protection. Normally, I'm down for living on the wild side, but after a disc caught and kicked the angle grinder back at my hand I'm a little more careful. It shattered the cutting wheel and then hit my index finger. After that I don't use the button lock and only use it with gloves and eye protection, lol.
Kick ass you were able to get the stuff you need right away. Post up your work, good or bad. We may be able to offer advice on how to correct any issues.
'92 C2500 6.5 Turbo Diesel | '96 240sx
Yea I've never used one, but I'm definitely going to use the right PPE. I went to the harbor freight store in douglasville today, and holy shit they have soooooo much stuff for good ass prices! I have to go back and buy some welding cloths, gloves, and helm. Man I'm excited I am about to learn this. I'll definitely keep you guys updated.
Man my resume just keeps getting more and more kick ass aha
Invest in the Lincoln Electric cheat cards. They'll make you're life a lot easier early on. I'm a fabricator and they were a God send when I first started.
My dads a mechanic.. He gave me two pieces of metal, and a few rods and said have fun lol Really, its something that can't be taught. Most of its common knowledge of just doing it.. Just practice at it and yeah. Don't need school imo.
I think it depends on what you're doing. If the OP is looking just to make some brackets or do some light repair that's fine. If he want to get into anything structural, load bearing, and other higher end areas I would strongly suggest school. Studies in metallurgy I'd also recommend.
I think it just depends on what level he wants to get to.
Edit: A good cheap starter book on the subject.
http://www.buildersbooksource.com/cgi-bin/booksite/15298
Last edited by Aeroscout977; 01-15-2013 at 11:05 AM.
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