I want to get into some "recreational welding", like maybe making small things like a roof rack, or maybe even a bumper. Aside from watching You Tube videos, or buying a random welder and trial and error, what's a good way to learn? The local community colleges seem to advertise welding for degrees, not just for the weekend welder. What did ya'll do, those who do weld?

Thanks!
Jamie

 

I took a local course through a community "adult education" program. It was taught at a high school and they covered Oxy-acetylene, stick, MIG, and TIG welding. I learned a bunch and it was well worth it.

 

You could also look to see if there's a "Maker Space" in your vicinity. They usually offer sessions in things like welding.

 

I would spend the instruction money to fund a better welder, most of it is trial and error anyway and learning your particular machine. Today's Mig welders are so much easier than the methods of yesteryear, and that along with the info on the internet should make leaning pretty easy for the casual DIY guy. The metal must be clean, joints tight, no exposed skin, good mask, ear protection, and watch for any flammable materials near where u weld. I bought a lincoln wire feed flux core many years ago and I use it often.

 

Thanks for all the replies. My neighbor has a flux-core welder his first comment was wanting a better welder because his was "dirty". Makes a lot of sense wanting a good welder. I'll keep my eyes peeled for some kind of workshop I can take and then start figuring out what I can get as a machine inside my budget.

 

I would go and buy good welding equipment and just practice on scrap metal.

 

A really nice welder for cheap is a Lotos Mig 140. Comes with a mask, everything you need to run gas, and a roll of mig wire. It will also run flux core which I what I do. It's on amazon. I think they just went up, but still a decent deal.

 

Ask the neighbor to play with his kit for half a day. He will have it set optimally for that unit, means you get to learn what it should be doing Vs buying a rig and not really knowing. And he will be on hand for little tips and stuff.

I learned by being shown the minimal, then practicing.

I agree flux core is not ideal, I find it harder to obtain decent results than shield gas wire. Your neighbors mig set might well have the potential to take gas. They often do, just need to flip the polarity.

A college course would be great, but they will teach you a load of stuff you don't really need to know to knock up a roof rack and a bumper. Cool if you have the time and money for that.

Good luck.

 

Taking a class is the best, but if you're a quick learner and mechanically inclined you can teach yourself. I'm sure there are some basic videos/instructions online....I seem to remember we use to have these strange buildings?? I think they were called a library or something

Technique and finish will come with practice. A solid/strong weld will come with an understanding of what you're actually trying to do. I a lot people don't get good penetration. It looks like they welded it, but all they really did was put a metal band-aid on it.

I taught myself a long time ago. Mine have never been the prettiest, but they're strong. When you teach yourself, it makes for good stories. Like the time I caught my shirt on fire. Or the time (when I was 1st learning) that had the brilliant idea to do some welding on my CJ in shorts. Everything was fine until I jumped in the shower that night and discovered how painful a welding/flash burn can be. I cooked my knees pretty good. Anyway, the point is- its not hard. Don't jump in and think you can safely do a frame repair right away, but don't be scared of it. Do pay attention the some of the safety aspects though....like burns, eye protection, and don't for get the fumes- they're not something you want to make a habit of breathing.