[smdubovsky]

Yes, you can often take a class at a voc-ed/comm college. I also have a good book you can borrow.

Edit: Yes, school provides everything.

[Lupin..the..3rd]

This ought to keep you busy for a while:

http://www.nvcc.edu/curcatalog/descr...sp?subject=WEL

[Cliff Claven]

go to your local library and read some books

[Rennen]

Originally Posted by Cliff Claven

go to your local library and read some books

Should I take a welder to the library?

[edevinney]

Originally Posted by RedRS

Should I take a welder to the library?

Of course not, silly. Books just burn when heated rather than melt and fuse.

[scott]

semi serious content ahead....


Buy a welder ... read the owners manual. practice, practice practice.

If you still stink at it, take a class.

if you still stink at it ...buy a better welder.

if you still stink at it, join the culb of about half of every one that says they can weld...

seriously though, it depends on what you want/need to weld... mig is sorta easy, electric stick I find difficult...little experience at i. tig ... $$$ and I understand that it can be hard,

the class will instruct you on what is a good weld what is a good looking weld and what is safe.



Scott

[Dr K]

As a NON-welder, I'd recommend starting with MIG. Find a Dorki with equipment and a little time, and try working on scrap metal. When you start getting better, go watch Vicegrip weld. He's an artist, but I believe he makes it look too easy so you should practice first.

Just my 1 cent (not worth 2 cents).

Peter

[Fritz]

I have a buddy who found a used TIG welder at a yard sale and picked it up as a toy. He ended up grabbing scraps from a junkyard and making "art".. Poor art at that... But his welding skills are now great.

[Vicegrip]

Originally Posted by scott

semi serious content ahead....


Buy a welder ... read the owners manual. practice, practice practice.

If you still stink at it, take a class.

if you still stink at it ...buy a better welder.

if you still stink at it, join the culb of about half of every one that says they can weld...

seriously though, it depends on what you want/need to weld... mig is sorta easy, electric stick I find difficult...little experience at i. tig ... $$$ and I understand that it can be hard,

the class will instruct you on what is a good weld what is a good looking weld and what is safe.



Scott

Caution opinions to follow. What are your plans? Make a living or make a BBQ? For most things other than making a living follow the above. Get a nice entry level welding machine and burn some metal. Start with a Mig welder, NOT a wire feed welder, a Mig. They are the same other than the Mig uses a gas to keep O2 away from the molten metal. Spend the $ to use gas. flux core is the other wire feed method and it works but there is more splatter, mess and smoke.

Originally Posted by Dr K

As a NON-welder, I'd recommend starting with MIG. Find a Dorki with equipment and a little time, and try working on scrap metal. When you start getting better, go watch Vicegrip weld. He's an artist, but I believe he makes it look too easy so you should practice first.

Just my 1 cent (not worth 2 cents).

Peter

disagree with the artist part but agree with starting with Mig.


Short list of a home welding kit. Mig welder* Auto dark helmet, Gloves jean jacket or welding jacket. 2 grinders, one for a wire wheel one fro a grinding wheel. fire extingusher. Some way to cut metal (import hacksaw is not an answer)

There is almost as much internet print on 120 volt or 220 volt welders as there is about motor oil or H&N systems. I find that a 120 volt Mig will do many things and most of what a home based user will encounter. The ability to plug in where you are is very handy.

I have been asked about and have walked a couple of Dorki through the entry level basics of the various methods of melting metals together. How about a Dorki Sat at my home shop introduction to welding? I am not a certified weldor and have no training other than an hour or so of hands on welding done so far and a 24/7 curiosity of how and why things work. I will supply the coffee, the work place, tools and electricity. Any that want to try their hand will bring some Home Depot or Lowes purchased 1/8 X 2 or so mill flat metal. 1/8 inch stock is the sweet spot in ease of welding. Thin enough to cut and bend easily but thick enough to not blast holes if you blink. We can cut some samples, weld them back together and then try and break the welds. Anyone that has a welding helmet would be encouraged to bring it along so you can watch others. No, sunglasses will not work....

Be warned, the guy that can weld will find many friends at his door.

[Fritz]

Originally Posted by Vicegrip

How about a Dorki Sat at my home shop introduction to welding?

That's a great offer. I'd like to learn as well. And I can bring donuts.