Hey HT, i'm trying to learn how to weld but dont know the best way to go about it. I had a friend who told me to just buy a welder and learn on my own but it didnt seem right to me, dont want to do something wong and have serious problems. Can some1 give me some advice? Maybe a school or tips?

 

I prefer learning by doing. Tackle some small projects like building a work table, etc.

 

Rotten that's actually not a bad idea but what type, or do you know of a welder i should use since i'm not to familiar with it that much.

 

take a evening class at a community college, usualy they are one ore two nights a week for like two or three hours a night.

 

Either go to school or have someone to teach you.

 

Take a class at a collage or better yet go back to you high school shop teacher.

 

I would suggest taking a beginners course at a community college to learn all the basics and practice without having to buy all the equipment.

 

Yeah I thought you had the equipment... Probably best to take a class, get familiar with all the methods.

If you're going to buy one welder to get started it'd be a decent 110V MIG welder (wire feed WITH gas, not just flux core)

 

Oh ok, sounds like a good idea. I will look into the local community college around my area and learn the basics there. Thanks every1 and rotten for the wlder recommendation.

 

i still say you can teach yourself... as long as you have the right tools and are pointed in the right direction (ask for advice, do research)... you can teach yourself

practice on scrap metal...

 

practice practice unless u have no common sense take a class

 

If you know anyone who welds, then ask them to give you some help. I read up on a lot of information and theory on how to weld, bought a machine, and got to welding. My next door neighbor is a welder by trade so he has come over and given me a few pointers. I've learned more in 10 minute conversations with him than any other way.

and practice practice practice.

 

what kind of welder did you get???

 

and also what are you goin to weld??? there are a couple of different processes GTAW (Tig) GMAW(mig) and SMAW (stick)

 

Learned how to weld just like I learned how to drive....stole a Nissan Pulsar at 13, beat the hell out of it, then brought it back....lol. Only difference is I actually bought my welder...hahaha. F'd up a little when I was young, but who didn't.

Learn by buying, then doing, then asking questions, then improving, then practicing...etc.

 

Well i actually haven't bought a welder yet, still looking into getting one within the next couple weeks. As of right now i want to make a work table, then eventually once i get some experience i would like to move onto manifolds and such. Thanks for all the help, and i will be practicing often to get my welds right.

 

TIG requires more skill than MIG, it is also a lot slower. What are you looking to do?

 

^^^ As of right now i just want to practice and make a work table so i can work on this motor i have but eventually get to the point where i can fabricate my own stuff such as turbo manifolds.

 

Welding isn't something you can read about and become an overnight pro. Its like learning to play a musical instrument. With daily practice you will only get better. BUT you must practice! Post some pics of you welds if you want us to critique them. There are some very knowledgeable people on here who will tell you what your doing wrong and how you can improve.

 

I never learned how to weld or use a TIG welder... research and practice.. and lots of it!!

 

Lol

 

If I were you I would just buy a used welder and just teach yourself. Its really just trial and error. Mig is ridiculously easy. Tig on the other hand, I would go to school for.