Any welders here? I want to learn.

[RottenWillow]

I seriously want to learn, but the only formal courses I can find are comprehensive classes at local tech schools that run 9 months in the evenings. What I'd like to do is first get some hands-on experience crash course style, see if I like it, and am any good at it, then perhaps invest the $1000 to take the school classes.

Any of you welders think I could actually learn how to MIG worth a shit from a DIY style instructional video?

 

[calveless wonder]

no wonder you munch carpet

 

[all the whey]

I seriously want to learn, but the only formal courses I can find are comprehensive classes at local tech schools that run 9 months in the evenings. What I'd like to do is first get some hands-on experience crash course style, see if I like it, and am any good at it, then perhaps invest the $1000 to take the school classes.

Any of you welders think I could actually learn how to MIG worth a shit from a DIY style instructional video?

Return that Flashdance video you watched last night. And, forget about it.

 

[mwm5]

Any of you welders think I could actually learn how to MIG worth a shit from a DIY style instructional video?

it may be possible, but you really need an exp. person there to inspect the welds. this way you can see if you are getting good penetration and all other little aspects of making a pretty/structurally sound bead.

do you currently have a welder? if not then the $1000 course would be well worth it after you purchase a welder, the DIY video, supplies, hood, and then have to figure out how to set it up properly. you'd probably have 500+ in above listed supplies.

 

[cindylou]

I seriously want to learn, but the only formal courses I can find are comprehensive classes at local tech schools that run 9 months in the evenings. What I'd like to do is first get some hands-on experience crash course style, see if I like it, and am any good at it, then perhaps invest the $1000 to take the school classes.

Any of you welders think I could actually learn how to MIG worth a shit from a DIY style instructional video?

it wouldnt hurt to try at least see if you enjoy it

welding skills open up doors for some pretty fun jobs if thats your thing

 

[heatherrae]

Return that Flashdance video you watched last night. And, forget about it.

why was this the first thing that I thought of, too?

 

[mwm5]

it wouldnt hurt to try at least see if you enjoy it

welding skills open up doors for some pretty fun jobs if thats your thing

+1 at least at the end of a "tech course" you get a paper saying you did it and that is good for future resumes

 

[txbondsman]

I have friends who just went on a crash course w/ Flour, used to be Flour/ Daniels, the rig workers probably know the company. He's been welding for years, he owns a muffler shop, but had no certification.

They have 3 big projects going on in the area and need welders badly. To get them, they held classes at the local tech school, the classes were free, lasted 6 weeks or so depending on how quickly you learned. He is doing mig, but his gf (who is a RN) wanted to learn tig. The tig welders are making about 40/ hr, mig about 30. You may see about something like that, they're located at the tech schools but aren't "in the school", just held there. Or I'd ask at the company office, they may can give you some more info.

Otherwise, I'll see you in a couple of weeks here in TX........ LOL

 

[billfred]

Return that Flashdance video you watched last night. And, forget about it.

now that was funny

 

[RottenWillow]

it may be possible, but you really need an exp. person there to inspect the welds. this way you can see if you are getting good penetration and all other little aspects of making a pretty/structurally sound bead.

do you currently have a welder? if not then the $1000 course would be well worth it after you purchase a welder, the DIY video, supplies, hood, and then have to figure out how to set it up properly. you'd probably have 500+ in above listed supplies.

That's just what I thought as well. I don't know anyone who is an experienced welder, so there's no one I could call on to inspect my work, so how could I be sure I'm developing any skills. I'm guessing I wouldn't be able to tell by the look of my weld and compare to a video?

No I don't have a welder, but I've seen some small setups on Ebay stores for under $300. The biggest reason I wanted to go the DIY route first was actually not the money, but the classes would mean not getting home until almost 11pm every Mon to Thurs night for 9 months.

 

[jerseyrugger76]

Return that Flashdance video you watched last night. And, forget about it.

The hits just keep on coming this morning, huh, ATW? LOLOLOL

 

[billfred]

That's just what I thought as well. I don't know anyone who is an experienced welder, so there's no one I could call on to inspect my work, so how could I be sure I'm developing any skills. I'm guessing I wouldn't be able to tell by the look of my weld and compare to a video?

No I don't have a welder, but I've seen some small setups on Ebay stores for under $300. The biggest reason I wanted to go the DIY route first was actually not the money, but the classes would mean not getting home until almost 11pm every Mon to Thurs night for 9 months.

Most of those classes are set up for people trying to become certified welders to make a living. Maybe you can find a class that is more for the recreational route.

You can always "watch and learn". They is an old welder joke as you will burn the shit out of your eyes trying to watch what a welder does.

 

[RottenWillow]

I have friends who just went on a crash course w/ Flour, used to be Flour/ Daniels, the rig workers probably know the company. He's been welding for years, he owns a muffler shop, but had no certification.

They have 3 big projects going on in the area and need welders badly. To get them, they held classes at the local tech school, the classes were free, lasted 6 weeks or so depending on how quickly you learned. He is doing mig, but his gf (who is a RN) wanted to learn tig. The tig welders are making about 40/ hr, mig about 30. You may see about something like that, they're located at the tech schools but aren't "in the school", just held there. Or I'd ask at the company office, they may can give you some more info.

Otherwise, I'll see you in a couple of weeks here in TX........ LOL

Wow that'd be awesome to find a company sponsoring free classes. Where would you suggest I look to find offers like that? Classifieds in the newspaper? (I'm in Atlanta)

 

[mwm5]

That's just what I thought as well. I don't know anyone who is an experienced welder, so there's no one I could call on to inspect my work, so how could I be sure I'm developing any skills. I'm guessing I wouldn't be able to tell by the look of my weld and compare to a video?

No I don't have a welder, but I've seen some small setups on Ebay stores for under $300. The biggest reason I wanted to go the DIY route first was actually not the money, but the classes would mean not getting home until almost 11pm every Mon to Thurs night for 9 months.

buy a cheap setup and just play around with it in the garage on some scrap. UNLESS you are looking at possibly doing this as a future job. if you do your research online looking at welds/bad welds you could possible get good enough to just be a "garage welder"

i know that home depot sells decent starter to intermediate setups plus everything else you would need to get started.

 

[RottenWillow]

Most of those classes are set up for people trying to become certified welders to make a living. Maybe you can find a class that is more for the recreational route.

All of them, that I could find. Some are intense 5 week courses, some evening 9 month courses, but all for job training, not recreational/personal interest stuff.

 

[billfred]

All of them, that I could find. Some are intense 5 week courses, some evening 9 month courses, but all for job training, not recreational/personal interest stuff.

Try some arts and craft class that has welding. Just a thought.

I am not sure they exist but I know even at the international school my kids went to, they taught that in the arts and craft class.

 

[Raptorex]

I've written a paper on welding safety lots of nasty eye burns.

 

[billfred]

I've written a paper on welding safety lots of nasty eye burns.

I could have been a poster child for your book. Watched my brother weld one day, was the worst night of my life. Felt like I had 20 lbs of sand in my eyes.

 

[txbondsman]

Wow that'd be awesome to find a company sponsoring free classes. Where would you suggest I look to find offers like that? Classifieds in the newspaper? (I'm in Atlanta)

they advertised it in the local papers here. I'm not sure how you'll find out otherwise other than asking at the job sites of the larger companies. It was a sweet deal for a single person. All they had to bring was a welding hood and gloves, all the rest was provided. They didn't even have to sign any agreement to go work for the company, they just hoped that you did, and most did to try and repay the debt, it cost the company estimated 6 grand per person. My buddy has worked a couple of local jobs, his paychecks varied form 21/ week to 2800/wk, and he said he actually only worked about 2 hours a day, the sitting around was the worst part he said.

The company will fly you wherever they have jobs, Russia, Sweden, Netherlands, Africa several locations, all they have to do is promise to stay 30 days at that job. Pretty sweet if your able to travel....

 

[Raptorex]

I could have been a poster child for your book. Watched my brother weld one day, was the worst night of my life. Felt like I had 20 lbs of sand in my eyes.

It is not uncommon at all, the other issue is hot slag in the eye - even when wearing a hood, they lift it up and it falls down into the eye.

I hope you had some vodka.

 

[mwm5]

I could have been a poster child for your book. Watched my brother weld one day, was the worst night of my life. Felt like I had 20 lbs of sand in my eyes.

flash burn is quite possibly the worst feeling in the world. no matter if your eyes are open or closed, it feels like death.

 

[walliwalibus]

You know all those 199 dollar mig welders and even most of the ones on Ebay, they suck buddy. A good mig welder is gonna cost you. Also, on setting up a welder Miller has these cards, they have a pull thing in the middle, and you line up the metal size with the type of metal and they give you the starting point. Yu must fine tune from there depending on how you weld. Why are you choosing Mig? I like Tig myself. You can pick up a Miller Dynasty Tig welder for about 2700 bucks. Get used to the term "stack of dimes" also. Because thats what you want. I just worked at a place not long ago and well, they just had me pulling beads as fast as I could, and if it looked like sheot we grinded. That sucked. Your best bet is to hit the Adult Education school in your area. They have probably two night classes a week or a 6 hour saturday course I am sure. OOps, TIG welders are also stick welders, as well as your high end MIG welders are also stick welders. 220V is what you want, not those cheap 110V. They don't penetrate and are mostly made for small gauge steel or sheet metal. With TIG you can do anything, the possibilities are endless. Not only that but when you get good (10 or so years) You'll be able to weld anything. BTW MIG welding is fast man. I mean fast.

Watch you puddle, run it, in small circular motions and move. And don't think a welding job is easy. At times its hardcore man..............

Just tellin' ya how it is bro......
Good luck.......
Keep us posted........
Walli

 

[roadwarrior]

it may be possible, but you really need an exp. person there to inspect the welds. this way you can see if you are getting good penetration and all other little aspects of making a pretty/structurally sound bead.

do you currently have a welder? if not then the $1000 course would be well worth it after you purchase a welder, the DIY video, supplies, hood, and then have to figure out how to set it up properly. you'd probably have 500+ in above listed supplies.

My dad taught me when I was 12 or so and I worked as a welder/ machinist when I was younger. MWM hits all the high points here. You can get basics with DIY video but to get really good you need the guidance of someone with experience.

S

 

[musclemom]

Did you check at local community colleges? That's actually one of the places my husband learned the basics of welding while he was working.

 

[BlueBird]

Try some arts and craft class that has welding. Just a thought.

I am not sure they exist but I know even at the international school my kids went to, they taught that in the arts and craft class.

Good advice. I was an arts major and we had to learn basic shop techniques for our intro sculpture course, including welding. If there's a local arts college offering summer elective sculpture classes, just give them a call and ask. I'm sure it'd be cheaper and may probably fit in with your schedule

 

[Strongbow]

I seriously want to learn, but the only formal courses I can find are comprehensive classes at local tech schools that run 9 months in the evenings. What I'd like to do is first get some hands-on experience crash course style, see if I like it, and am any good at it, then perhaps invest the $1000 to take the school classes.

Any of you welders think I could actually learn how to MIG worth a shit from a DIY style instructional video?

I got certified thru the company I work for many years ago. Welding fucking sucks, I wanted to learn until I actually did. Hot as shit in the summer. Most welders I know hate the shit, but it pays good in my neck of the woods. Worst thing I ever done, every ass hole in the world wanting you to weld something. But definately is a skill learned hands on, you may get the basics from a book, but the skill comes from doing it. Oh yea never weld in shorts the results are not good. Blistered my balls once, that sucked.

 

[cuthroat]

I started welding while in high school and out of high school was certified to weld up to 2 inch plate. You can make good money here doing it but I have superb vision and after welding for 4 years I could tell it was taking its toll. If you just want to get into it as a hobby just buy a $600-700 Miller MIG and go to work! If your actually wanting to make a career out of this or plan on welding some heavier metals like Walli was talking about you should invest in a good TIG welder, I like Lincoln for indoors, Miller for outdoors.

You can watch a video or whatever to get started but like anything it takes a lot of practice and I would recommend just getting some scrap metal and learn on that before you attempt any actual welding. I took like 21 college credit hours while in HS and I have to say that most of the instruction you'll go through is safety type stuff and then its all practicing. If you have the time to go through a college course like that it may be worth it but I believe you can teach yourself to become just as good of a welder.

It can be a lot of fun, don't go for one of the cheap welders though, you get what you pay for and anything under $500 is almost guaranteed to be shit. Not many chics like this kind of stuff so thats pretty freaking hot. Have fun.

 

[p0ink]

i think www.smartflix.com has some welding instructionals to rent.

however...i don't know...welding is a bit different than basket weaving..

 

[digimon7068]

I seriously want to learn, but the only formal courses I can find are comprehensive classes at local tech schools that run 9 months in the evenings. What I'd like to do is first get some hands-on experience crash course style, see if I like it, and am any good at it, then perhaps invest the $1000 to take the school classes.

Any of you welders think I could actually learn how to MIG worth a shit from a DIY style instructional video?

between that and just messing around with scrap metal of different strengths and thicknesses?? hell yeah. i'm a decent welder and i had nothing more than a couple of pointers. a mig welder is nothing more than an electric caulking gun. ok. . .so my welds probably wouldn't win any prizes. . .but they will stand up to an off-road pounding (including roll-overs). also, the better the machine, the easier it is to for a n00b to make good welds. . .a miller is easier to use than a craftsman. . .it's also a lot more expensive. also, the gas (rather than flux-core) models make for a nicer, easier learning experience.

also, a speed-glass helmet makes the learning process a LOT easier.

i you have (or have access to) a mig welder, get some scrap metal and practice. . .mess around with the heat and the wire speed until you get nice looking, sturdy welds. . .it's not that hard. . .especially with a speed-glass helmet.

 

[rsnoble-im-back]

Fuck welding. Whenever I run a big job if any of that crap comes about I call the hall and have a welder sent out, even though im pretty good. Most good welders are really cocky, if they think playing with molten metal in 100degree sun is the shit--have at it. In my personal shop I have 2 migs, a tig set up, 2 plasma cutters, cutting torch, etc.

My advice......if you really have an interest, even if recreational, just apply the $300.00 for a junk welder towards the course. Welding isn't something you can just watch a video and then do it. It takes practice. Countless hours and in most cases years to be really good. A fucking monkey could mig black iron, it gets a little more challenging when you build say something like strainers for a nuclear plant and have to have your welds x-rayed.

 

[BNG]

Learning to weld is no big deal if you have good hand eye coordination. If you want to do it for money then one way is to join the Union and get into an apprentice program. Formal training and certifications will get you higher starting wages.
If it's just for you, many community colleges have classes cheap. Sometimes even stores / distributors have hobby classes. It gives them a chance to showcase their stuff and get you to buy. There is so much info to put out on this that it would be a book, and I'm not much on the idea of typing that much.

 

[hog#head#cheese]

First,Not everyone can weld even if taught it takes a very steady hand that can move in circular motions for hours.Second if your gonna buy a rig don't skimp get a Miller with good leads.Welding is VERY hard work remember your working with iron and steel its hot as fuck your gonna get burnt and your gonna use your back(without a helper)the pay can be good as a pipeliner but it will take you years to pass xray test's.If I was you go get a job as a helper(Offshore)and see how you fit in as a woman it won;t be easy but iv'e seen it done.I worked in the oilfield for 10 years welding comes naturally to me.

 

[Humble Pride]

I'm a certified welder with about 3 years experience and i can't find work "anywhere"...................

 

[hog#head#cheese]

I'm a certified welder with about 3 years experience and i can't find work "anywhere"...................

Plenty work in the gulf

 

[Humble Pride]

Plenty work in the gulf

That's a looooong way from MA...............

Maybe I should move...............

 

[hog#head#cheese]

That's a looooong way from MA...............

Maybe I should move...............

You live offshore at the job site

 

[Humble Pride]

You live offshore at the job site

How so you "get-in" to something like that??

 

[hog#head#cheese]

How so you "get-in" to something like that??

PM me bro i'll fly ya str8

 

[*ebony*]

I seriously want to learn, but the only formal courses I can find are comprehensive classes at local tech schools that run 9 months in the evenings. What I'd like to do is first get some hands-on experience crash course style, see if I like it, and am any good at it, then perhaps invest the $1000 to take the school classes.

Any of you welders think I could actually learn how to MIG worth a shit from a DIY style instructional video?

hi RW. i took welding class in high school awhile back and i thought it was really fun. if you like to work with your hands, go for it. i took shop too and made really cool stuff with wood, that was cool. in the class we did mostly arc and little bit of mig and tig. if you have a steady hand and patience than you wont get frustrated with it.

 

[javaguru]

My dad taught me when I was in the single digits. Find somebody in real life that welds and has a couple of brain cells, they can teach you, apprenticeship.

 

[needtogetarmy]

That's just what I thought as well. I don't know anyone who is an experienced welder, so there's no one I could call on to inspect my work, so how could I be sure I'm developing any skills. I'm guessing I wouldn't be able to tell by the look of my weld and compare to a video?

No I don't have a welder, but I've seen some small setups on Ebay stores for under $300. The biggest reason I wanted to go the DIY route first was actually not the money, but the classes would mean not getting home until almost 11pm every Mon to Thurs night for 9 months.

Do you know anyone who welds? If so I would hook up with them and get some OJT. I learned how to fix engines by having a friend show me. Same with woodworking (but I did take a class in high school for that)

 

[all the whey]

This is all you need to know.

 

[all the whey]

This is all you need to know.

 

[javaguru]

Too bad that wasn't her body...

 

[all the whey]

Too bad that wasn't her body...

Next week she is going to watch Pretty Woman, and want to be a prostitute.

 

[javaguru]

Next week she is going to watch Pretty Woman, and want to be a prostitute.

The end of the fairytale is that the bitch always gets fat and bitchy.

 

[all the whey]

The end of the fairytale is that the bitch always gets fat and bitchy.

We should write children's books together.


(I didn't get this career Idea from a cheezy 80's movie like Rottonwillow did)

 

[billfred]

I'm a certified welder with about 3 years experience and i can't find work "anywhere"...................

Come to West Texas. You won't even have time to sleep your work load will be so full.

 

[all the whey]

Come to West Texas. You won't even have time to sleep your work load will be so full.

Do you still have time to dance?

 

[Humble Pride]

I'm out work, so I have "plenty" of time to dance,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[DannoMight]

I seriously want to learn, but the only formal courses I can find are comprehensive classes at local tech schools that run 9 months in the evenings. What I'd like to do is first get some hands-on experience crash course style, see if I like it, and am any good at it, then perhaps invest the $1000 to take the school classes.

Any of you welders think I could actually learn how to MIG worth a shit from a DIY style instructional video?

i kinda know how to weld already. its not too hard as long as you have a steady hand and know how to adjust the welder to the steel your welding. shit close to where i live and ironworker makes some good $$ as long as they are working. they get $40 per hr plus an annuity and also anything over 8 hrs or 40in a week is overtime pay @ 2x scale so basically $80hr for a journeyman.

 

[RottenWillow]

i kinda know how to weld already. its not too hard as long as you have a steady hand and know how to adjust the welder to the steel your welding. shit close to where i live and ironworker makes some good $$ as long as they are working. they get $40 per hr plus an annuity and also anything over 8 hrs or 40in a week is overtime pay @ 2x scale so basically $80hr for a journeyman.

Mostly I'm interested in learning for the car modding we're doing right now. It requires welding and neither me or my fiancee knows how, so that's the one thing we'll have to pay someone to do. I think I've got the patience to be reasonably good at it, then in the future we won't have to go to a metal fab shop for anything.

I think I'm going with a TIG welder since it seems to be the most versatile and it also gives you more control than the other types.

 

[RottenWillow]

You know all those 199 dollar mig welders and even most of the ones on Ebay, they suck buddy. A good mig welder is gonna cost you. Also, on setting up a welder Miller has these cards, they have a pull thing in the middle, and you line up the metal size with the type of metal and they give you the starting point. Yu must fine tune from there depending on how you weld. Why are you choosing Mig? I like Tig myself. You can pick up a Miller Dynasty Tig welder for about 2700 bucks. Get used to the term "stack of dimes" also. Because thats what you want. I just worked at a place not long ago and well, they just had me pulling beads as fast as I could, and if it looked like sheot we grinded. That sucked. Your best bet is to hit the Adult Education school in your area. They have probably two night classes a week or a 6 hour saturday course I am sure. OOps, TIG welders are also stick welders, as well as your high end MIG welders are also stick welders. 220V is what you want, not those cheap 110V. They don't penetrate and are mostly made for small gauge steel or sheet metal. With TIG you can do anything, the possibilities are endless. Not only that but when you get good (10 or so years) You'll be able to weld anything. BTW MIG welding is fast man. I mean fast.

Watch you puddle, run it, in small circular motions and move. And don't think a welding job is easy. At times its hardcore man..............

Just tellin' ya how it is bro......
Good luck.......
Keep us posted........
Walli

screwed up the karma message. I am taking your advice and getting a TIG setup. Thanks.

 

[Humble Pride]

Mostly I'm interested in learning for the car modding we're doing right now. It requires welding and neither me or my fiancee knows how, so that's the one thing we'll have to pay someone to do. I think I've got the patience to be reasonably good at it, then in the future we won't have to go to a metal fab shop for anything.

I think I'm going with a TIG welder since it seems to be the most versatile and it also gives you more control than the other types.

why not spend about $3K and get a unit that can Stick/Mig/Tig weld..........................

worth every penny

 

[RottenWillow]

why not spend about $3K and get a unit that can Stick/Mig/Tig weld..........................

worth every penny

You're offering me $2500 to add to the $500 max we have to spend on a welder?

 

[Humble Pride]

You're offering me $2500 to add to the $500 max we have to spend on a welder?

$500 for a water cooled Tig machine with pedal and all??????

Make sure it's rated to weld thicker than "tin-foil"