by "Tripper" (tripe46)
Published 05/19/2017 at 09:35
by "Tripper" (tripe46)
Published 05/19/2017 at 09:35
No Tags
STARS: 2
I want to be able to fabricate anything that I might want/need. I’m a pro with LV electronics, I can work with wood, fiberglass, I have access to a 3D printer, and even a CNC machine if I ask really nicely. However I don’t know how to weld.
Welding can be dangerous so I figured that it would be good to take classes. I work 8-6 and the closest place that offers classes outside of those hours is 5 hours away! Why does schooling always have to be so inconvenient/slow paced?
I was thinking of calling some shops that restore old cars to see if I could come and hang out when they have welding projects. Short of that I will just have to buy a welder and all of the safety gear and figure it out, like I do with most other things.
You gents/ladies have any ideas/advice? I’d rather hear someone say “Whoa!, don’t do that ya dumb fuck!” instead of electrocuting myself or setting myself on fire...
"pip bip - choose Corrour" (hhgttg69)
05/19/2017 at 09:44, STARS: 0
youtube videos, lots of youtube videos
welding for dummies book?
"XJDano" (xjdano)
05/19/2017 at 09:45, STARS: 2
Get a welder and just start welding. I have a Hobart 135 and it does what I need. You can buy equivalent 140 for around $500 and then get a argon/CO2 bottle and ready to go.
It takes a while but it’s fun.
"Alfalfa" (alfalfa-romeo)
05/19/2017 at 09:45, STARS: 2
Read books like this, be careful, and keep trying. Most instructional literature like that below will go over any important safety precautions,so just lay attention.
https ://www.amazon.com/dp/B0043M52FO/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
"RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht" (ramblininexile)
05/19/2017 at 09:45, STARS: 4
As horrible as it sounds, “buy welder, watch videos, get metal, commence to burn self” is a process that has worked for many before you.
"Tripper" (tripe46)
05/19/2017 at 09:47, STARS: 0
Sweet! I was kind of hoping people would chime in saying they just “went for it” as that is the most effective way for me to learn.
"Tripper" (tripe46)
05/19/2017 at 09:48, STARS: 0
That is the way that I learn the most effectively!
"facw" (facw)
05/19/2017 at 09:53, STARS: 1
Doing classes sounds very organized. Me, I’d just buy a cheap welder at Harbor Freight (plus some safety gear) and start trying to stick random metal things together after watching a couple youtube videos...
"HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch)
05/19/2017 at 09:58, STARS: 1
I’m learning. It’s not that hard, just watch tutorials, take safety seriously and put in stick time. Sure it helps to have a mentor but it’s not hard to pick it up on your own
"Monkey B" (monkeyb)
05/19/2017 at 10:12, STARS: 0
Local Vocational high schools sometimes offer adult night courses....or tech colleges.
"nerd_racing" (nerd189)
05/19/2017 at 10:16, STARS: 0
I have a Hobart Handler MVP that runs 110 and 220 volt. Love it.
"Roadster Man" (roadsterman)
05/19/2017 at 10:23, STARS: 0
I’ve long wanted to learn to weld, and anyone I’ve asked about it says that you need to find the cheapest set-up you can get and just start practicing.
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
05/19/2017 at 10:52, STARS: 1
I taught myself. The process went sort of like:
Me: Hey Dad, I want to learn to weld.
Dad: Yeah, It’s in the shed. Don’t burn your hand off.
Having said this, some basic knowledge and research would have been advisable. I’ve since watched many videos on this youtube channel and have found it to be incredibly helpful: https://www.youtube.com/user/weldingtipsandtricks
"BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires" (biturbo228)
05/19/2017 at 10:56, STARS: 1
I taught myself to weld :) not overly difficult, just needs practice to learn to judge how much heat to put into things.
I can’t necessarily weld beautifully, but my stuff definitely stays stuck together ;) plus, it’s only a matter of time and practice until it looks good consistently (I’d say I’m 50/50 there at the moment, more if I’m not lazy).
Buy a welder and start sticking stuff together :)
"BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires" (biturbo228)
05/19/2017 at 10:56, STARS: 0
I taught myself to weld :) not overly difficult, just needs practice to learn to judge how much heat to put into things.
I can’t necessarily weld beautifully, but my stuff definitely stays stuck together ;) plus, it’s only a matter of time and practice until it looks good consistently (I’d say I’m 50/50 there at the moment, more if I’m not lazy).
Buy a welder and start sticking stuff together :)
"Tripper" (tripe46)
05/19/2017 at 11:07, STARS: 1
Hah, that is how my dad taught me to drive stick...
Tripper: *buys 3 pedal Mazda Protege 5
Dad: “seeya later, call me if you have a problem”
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
05/19/2017 at 11:09, STARS: 1
Also how I learned to drive a manual! 1985 GMC 3-speed pickup in a field.
"Frank Grimes" (FrankGrimes)
05/19/2017 at 18:55, STARS: 1
go get a MIG I would get something like this.
http://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-mig-welder-175-amp-with-spool-gun.html
get some gas and a auto dark helmet and some MIG gloves.
Really that’s all you need to start.
Just watch some welding tips and tricks and then just go out in the garage and mess around. Figure out what sucks about your weld and then just read or watch youtube. SERIOUSLY its that easy. Its really easy to start welding but it takes forever to get really good at it.
I am excited for you. I am serious I wish I knew you in person and I would totally help out. For me welding is such a cool fun skill to pick up. I am still kinda amazed I can melt two pieces together and make it one strong thing.
"Tripper" (tripe46)
05/19/2017 at 21:09, STARS: 0
ooo. I might have just enough left over from my tax return to buy this stuff guilt free!
Where do you get metal to practice with?
I’m super excited too. Luckily my new router just arrived today, so I will have something to hold me over until I get the welder.
"415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°)" (415s30)
05/19/2017 at 23:18, STARS: 0
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
"Frank Grimes" (FrankGrimes)
05/20/2017 at 01:28, STARS: 1
you could find an old fender and cut up or find a metal supplier that sells to the public and buy a sheet of steel or its common they have a remnant yard area they sell cheap random metal by the pound. I would buy something you think you might use later in projects and practice different joints and welding positions.