Learning to weld

[bluedog225]

I'd like to learn how to weld basic stuff. I plan on taking a class at the local community college but would like to read a book first.

Before I go buy welding for dummies, I thought I'd see if anyone here has a recommendation.

E.g.:

https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=22626945104&searchurl=kn%3DLearn%2Bwelding%26sortby%3D17

https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=30000970207&searchurl=kn%3DHaynes%2Bwelding%26sortby%3D17

Thanks

Tom

[Paul Pless]

Re: Learning to weld

I plan on taking a class at the local community college

best idea ever wrt welding
miller's youtube page is pretty good too

[willmarsh3]

Re: Learning to weld

+1 for taking a class. Then practice, practice, practice! I took the class in 2004, got a Miller MIG set and welded some things for my boat.

[oznabrag]

Re: Learning to weld

best idea ever wrt welding
miller's youtube page is pretty good too

Not a welder, but I can generally stick things together.

I agree that if you want to acquire a reasonable set of skills, the Community College is likely your best bet.

Welding is a VAST subject. With several processes, and an unbelievable encyclopedia of knowledge available for each process, basic techniques for your chosen equipment is the best you can hope for, realistically.

This is not to say that you can't learn to weld, but to suggest that drawing limits around what you want to accomplish will make the whole thing less formidable.

Best o' luck, Tom.

We really oughtta bend an elbow, you know.

[Paul Pless]

Re: Learning to weld

With several processes. . .

i'd like to learn play around with EXW some

[wsgilliam]

Re: Learning to weld

Comm college or trade school.............oh sorry I nodded off at the idea of a welding book. There is no substitute for practice in welding, and the good welders are expensive so going someplace that has them to use is really the best option. You can get a good stick or flux core for under $500ish, but again, you might find frustration or disappointed.

[Tom Wilkinson]

Re: Learning to weld

Check out the you tube channel welding tips and tricks. Great guy, used to be an aircraft welder and welding instructor at Delta air lines. His videos are some of the best I have seen and he covers many different subjects.
His website http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/Jody.html
You tube sample

http://youtu.be/iOWcncmRdZ8

[Canoeyawl]

Re: Learning to weld

Welding is a lot like playing the piano. You have to do it.

[Phil Y]

Re: Learning to weld

I've always stick welded really badly. I never do enough of it to become fluent. Have a couple of cheap arc welding machines, they kind of do the job but I suspect bigger is better. I seem to be able to stick stuff together, but far from elegant. I have heard MIG is better, easier, less likely to blow holes in light metal. So I hunted around a bit and a couple of weeks ago bought myself a used big ass 3 phase MIG, for $400. Our local big box hardware store sells the gas for $100 a bottle, with a $200 deposit on the bottle, no rental charge. So just waiting until I have $300 to spare then ready to play. I'm a dyed in the wool trial and error guy, so no books or classes for me.

[Old Dryfoot]

Re: Learning to weld

Weldingweb dot com is a good hangout for the curious.
+1 for classes, with a beater 4x4 being a close second.

[Memphis Mike]

Re: Learning to weld

Don't put your eye out and don't breath in the gases. Oh wait!

[lupussonic]

Re: Learning to weld

You can't go wrong with quantity...

[Memphis Mike]

Re: Learning to weld

I've always stick welded really badly. I never do enough of it to become fluent. Have a couple of cheap arc welding machines, they kind of do the job but I suspect bigger is better. I seem to be able to stick stuff together, but far from elegant. I have heard MIG is better, easier, less likely to blow holes in light metal. So I hunted around a bit and a couple of weeks ago bought myself a used big ass 3 phase MIG, for $400. Our local big box hardware store sells the gas for $100 a bottle, with a $200 deposit on the bottle, no rental charge. So just waiting until I have $300 to spare then ready to play. I'm a dyed in the wool trial and error guy, so no books or classes for me.

And it shows.

[PeterSibley]

Re: Learning to weld

I've always stick welded really badly. I never do enough of it to become fluent. Have a couple of cheap arc welding machines, they kind of do the job but I suspect bigger is better. I seem to be able to stick stuff together, but far from elegant. I have heard MIG is better, easier, less likely to blow holes in light metal. So I hunted around a bit and a couple of weeks ago bought myself a used big ass 3 phase MIG, for $400. Our local big box hardware store sells the gas for $100 a bottle, with a $200 deposit on the bottle, no rental charge. So just waiting until I have $300 to spare then ready to play. I'm a dyed in the wool trial and error guy, so no books or classes for me.

No TAFE courses in your area Phil? I did one 30 years ago called Farm Welding, it was very helpful.

[Hugh Conway]

Re: Learning to weld

If you've a local manufacturer that needs welders, ask who does the training for them they likely need workers. Reason why? A local trade school had an after hours, non-credit, poorly advertised welding course. Like $800 per technique, pay per technique.