Dorkiphus.net - Suppose for $hits and giggles that I wanted to learn how to weld.

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- - Suppose for $hits and giggles that I wanted to learn how to weld. (https://dorkiphus.net/porsche/showthread.php?t=17367)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lupin..the..3rd (Post 204081)

I'll bring some titanium, yttrium, and palladium stock. After we weld those, then we can move on to the more difficult metals.

Please do so. I get to keep the drops...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spike (Post 204053)

Make sure you use good ventilation if you do take up welding, and use proper eye shielding.

There is gathering discussion about welding gases leading to Parkinson's like symptoms due to inhaling too much manganese from the fumes. May be bunk, but best to use good ventilation. Also, beware of welding through zinc coatings - zinc oxide fumes can make you sick.

Welding is not that hard to pick up, so go to a class or two as suggested, use their tools and material, ask the instructor lots of questions, and amaze yourself at how you can liquify steel with house current.

Another good point. This aspect is not covered enough and I see many welding without fume protection. I have gotten to the point that I don't weld or grind unless wearing a respirator with the right cartridges and pre filters. I cut the bottom of my welding mask off and reworked it in a total slam job with cardboard and foil tape one night to make space for the respirator. We will be welding in the paddock rather than the shop unless it is windy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vicegrip (Post 204015)

Caution opinions to follow. What are your plans? Make a living or make a BBQ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vicegrip (Post 204089)

How about this for a big ass burning metal and burgers day? Beers, burgers and chips after the weldin's done.

Sounds like you will be building the BBQ in your welding class and then cooking burgers on it? :)

RedRS, you need a new avatar and screenname.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mscheidt (Post 204102)

RedRS, you need a new avatar and screenname.

My new screen name will be "WelderPadawan".

This thread has me excited. I would love to learn enough to become dangerous. I may even be able to bring a helmet or two. I could certainly bring foamy weed soda and beef.

Didn't know Kurt had a tig (why am I not surprised;) ). The syncro is a great machine. My dad has a 350 but no pulser. The water cooled torch is the greatest thing - so small. I can bring by a box or two of tungstens if needed and a autodark helmet (beat to hell but still works).

FWIW, The way my dad taught me to weld (on tig and I've repeated w/ a few buddies):

1) The ABSOLUTE #1 thing to learn and commit to memory: hot metal looks just like cold metal. Don't forget that and there wont be first aid required.

2) Learn puddle control in one spot(no filler) on 1/2" plate. Goof off for 15min just playing w/ making it bigger and smaller. Do the same on 1/8" plate. Even play w/ making the puddle 'droop' and even deliberately melt some holes. Play w/ tilting the torch. You get the feel of how big vs how deep the puddle it and the warning signs of when you've gone too far. Last step is to learn to bring it up to size quickly and hold on the 1/8 (lots of heat to start and backoff as the metal comes to temp).

3) Learn puddle control while moving: scribe some lines on the 1/2 plate. Run a puddle straight down a line at a desired constant width and smooth speed. Watch how torch tilt uses the arc force to push the puddle

4) Learn 2nd hand control: scribe & run some beads on the 1/2 plate w/ filler. If you run out of space, grind some down and start over. Do the same on 1/8" - then flip over to critique penetration.

5) 1/8 butt welds. Should be walk in the park now. Though you now get to watch, in shear amazement, what weld distortion is (and then how to minimize it;)

More complex things like Ts and odd shapes (tubes) are just application of the same fundamentals. You can teach tig to someone w/ good coordination and a grasp of whats happening in 1-2hrs. Once you understand puddle control, mig is then a 5-min lesson. Same stuff - just faster. Not enough time at Kurts for everyone to do all that though;(

FWIW2, if Kurt or Andy C can teach mig spray arc transfer I'm all ears. If I luck out and get the settings just right there is much rejoicing (<50% of time?) I can't invoke it 'at will' though (220V millermatic175 w/ infinite V&speed ctrl)

SMD

Go the college route if you have the time. That is how I got my license. My scupture prof made me do it so that I could use the university's room size MIG (could weld 3/4 plate in 1 pass). That is where I learned gas, then ars, then MIG then TIG. For most applications I like MIG. Its easy to use, inexpensive and allows you to get into a great rhythm due to the constant wire feed. TIG is great due to its flexibility and make the best looking welds and no that isn't bling as a good loking weld isusually a good indication of a strong weld. Gas and arc have their applications to but I jusat don't enjoy them, especially gas.

Quote:

Originally Posted by markwemple (Post 204125)

Any recos for schools in the Baltimore/D.C. area the teach welding? Lincoln Tech in Columbia comes to mind. I have no idea if HCC teaches welding, but I'll call and find out.

Gaithersburg HS in Mont Co had an adult education program where they would teach welding, any type. They supply eveything. You pay by the week.

I was in NY at the time. Up there it was BOCES, a vo-tech school for HS students that also taught classes for adults in the evenings. Also took a photography class there. Not sure for down here.