I'm looking at possibly getting into welding, it's a skill I always wanted but never got around to learning. Just hobby/home shop stuff. What is the best way to learn how to weld without spending a lot of money? I've looked (albeit briefly) into community college courses but they seem to be 4 semesters and thousands of dollars. I don't want to invest a lot of money. Thanks.
Best way to learn hobby welding
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Downwindtracker 2
Well-known member
A buzzbox and time under the hood. Watch some weldingtipsandtricks vids. Then get a fire lit.
Buy a relatively inexpensive but decent welder (e.g. Lincoln 140 or something) and practice. Watch/read stuff online to get an idea of how to do it and do it safely.
I have never had formal welding training but taught myself enough to be decent at it...sure a class might help, but I'm able to do what I need around the house/garage and I'm not doing anything structural or safety critical.
I have never had formal welding training but taught myself enough to be decent at it...sure a class might help, but I'm able to do what I need around the house/garage and I'm not doing anything structural or safety critical.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
I did 5 semesters at community college and think I spent about $300 on the whole thing. Even got certified for 2 inch steel plate all position in both SMAW and FCAW. You only have to do one semester at a time....
bczygan
Well-known member
That must have been some time agoI remember when community courses were free...
A lot of places they still are free......for people 60 and over.
I'm taking every welding and fabrication and automotive course they have at my local CC. Just buy books.
Bill
Wamsutta
Well-known member
That must have been some time ago
It was $17 per unit back then and the class was 5 units. Now it's up to $46 per unit.
That's reasonable. I need to do some more research. But like others said, I might just get setup and read/watch vids and go to town. (I need to double check my fire extinguisher...)
Wamsutta
Well-known member
Welding is one of the very few things where you have to be there in person to learn it. Books and videos won't cut it. I say this in the interest of saving you time.
Completely untrue...maybe for some people this is the case or that it will take a lot longer, but you can definitely learn it independently.
driftpin
Well-known member
Some info, for purposes of comparison.
Here's a course I found in the local community college (in FL):
AMT0140C Aircraft Welding Clock Hours: 40.00 A theory and practice of welding methods used in aircraft construction and repair is thoroughly covered with emphasis on gas welding and advanced work in helix arc welding.
In-state tuition is $84 credit hr. though I believe they have some-sort of low or no-cost tuition for >age 65. I tried a search for the info on that, but was unsuccessful.
Another course, same school:
AMT1140C Aircraft Welding Credit Hours: 1 This course is for Inter-Institutional Articulation purposes only for Major codes A005 A.A.S. Aviation Maintenance Management and/or Major code 2204 A.S. Aviation Maintenance Management. Articulation of Credits for PSAV FAA Aircraft Airframe Courses Major Code 5272 and/or valid FAA Aircraft Airframe certification by evaluation of prior learning experience. A theory and practice of welding methods used in aircraft construction and repair is thoroughly covered with emphasis on gas welding and advanced work in helix arc welding. Laboratory fee is required.
This one looks like a good one for the beginner (same college):
MTE1651C Basic Welding Credit Hours: 4 Provides basic welding knowledge and skills necessary to make repairs on ferrous materials used in the marine industry. Emphasis on metallurgy and uses of metals. The course is designed for the student with no welding background and includes the safety and theory of gas welding, metal cutting, brazing with brass and silver alloys, AC/DC arc welding stick, and introduction to aluminum TIG and MIG welding.
Here's another FL state school, in Miami-Dade County, if you want to do theory online first, and then go-into hands-on:
This online Welder Technician course is an accelerated training package that will provide you the required knowledge and skills you need for success as a welder. The course provides an intensive overview of the skills necessary for a welder technician to perform the job, including lessons in math, inspection, safety, materials, quality, metal cutting, grinding, forming, robotics, rigging, and welding.
12 months/125 contact hours
More info at the link:https://careertraining.ed2go.com/mdc/training-programs/welding-technician
The heart of the program, as-far as welding:
Welding and Assembly
Welding Safety Essentials 101
Safety for Assembly 105
PPE for Welding 111
Safety for Soldering 115
Tools for Threaded Fasteners 120
Welding Fumes and Gases Safety 121
Electrical Safety for Welding 131
Introduction to Welding 141
Introduction to Welding Processes 151
Material Tests for Welding 201
Welding Ferrous Metals 211
Welding Nonferrous Metals 212
Overview of Weld Types 221
Overview of Weld Defects 222
Welding Symbols and Codes 231
Electrical Power for Arc Welding 241
Introduction to SMAW 252
Introduction to GMAW 251
Fabrication Process 232
Overview of Soldering 271
Plasma Cutting 283
Oxyfuel Cutting Applications 282
SMAW Applications 311
GMAW Applications 301
Advanced GMAW Applications 302
GTAW Applications 331
Since it's online for theory, you could do this anywhere.
Here's a course I found in the local community college (in FL):
AMT0140C Aircraft Welding Clock Hours: 40.00 A theory and practice of welding methods used in aircraft construction and repair is thoroughly covered with emphasis on gas welding and advanced work in helix arc welding.
In-state tuition is $84 credit hr. though I believe they have some-sort of low or no-cost tuition for >age 65. I tried a search for the info on that, but was unsuccessful.
Another course, same school:
AMT1140C Aircraft Welding Credit Hours: 1 This course is for Inter-Institutional Articulation purposes only for Major codes A005 A.A.S. Aviation Maintenance Management and/or Major code 2204 A.S. Aviation Maintenance Management. Articulation of Credits for PSAV FAA Aircraft Airframe Courses Major Code 5272 and/or valid FAA Aircraft Airframe certification by evaluation of prior learning experience. A theory and practice of welding methods used in aircraft construction and repair is thoroughly covered with emphasis on gas welding and advanced work in helix arc welding. Laboratory fee is required.
This one looks like a good one for the beginner (same college):
MTE1651C Basic Welding Credit Hours: 4 Provides basic welding knowledge and skills necessary to make repairs on ferrous materials used in the marine industry. Emphasis on metallurgy and uses of metals. The course is designed for the student with no welding background and includes the safety and theory of gas welding, metal cutting, brazing with brass and silver alloys, AC/DC arc welding stick, and introduction to aluminum TIG and MIG welding.
Here's another FL state school, in Miami-Dade County, if you want to do theory online first, and then go-into hands-on:
This online Welder Technician course is an accelerated training package that will provide you the required knowledge and skills you need for success as a welder. The course provides an intensive overview of the skills necessary for a welder technician to perform the job, including lessons in math, inspection, safety, materials, quality, metal cutting, grinding, forming, robotics, rigging, and welding.
12 months/125 contact hours
More info at the link:https://careertraining.ed2go.com/mdc/training-programs/welding-technician
The heart of the program, as-far as welding:
Welding and Assembly
Welding Safety Essentials 101
Safety for Assembly 105
PPE for Welding 111
Safety for Soldering 115
Tools for Threaded Fasteners 120
Welding Fumes and Gases Safety 121
Electrical Safety for Welding 131
Introduction to Welding 141
Introduction to Welding Processes 151
Material Tests for Welding 201
Welding Ferrous Metals 211
Welding Nonferrous Metals 212
Overview of Weld Types 221
Overview of Weld Defects 222
Welding Symbols and Codes 231
Electrical Power for Arc Welding 241
Introduction to SMAW 252
Introduction to GMAW 251
Fabrication Process 232
Overview of Soldering 271
Plasma Cutting 283
Oxyfuel Cutting Applications 282
SMAW Applications 311
GMAW Applications 301
Advanced GMAW Applications 302
GTAW Applications 331
Since it's online for theory, you could do this anywhere.
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PhantomEB
Well-known member
Buy a decent machine, invest in grinders. A chopsaw is nice for thicker stuff.
Definitely look into a class!
Definitely look into a class!
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Practice, practice, practice ! This means you need lost of pieces of scrap. Classes use little pieces (slightly larger than a credit card) often called "coupons".
The cheapest welding machine is what is commonly referred to a "stick". Not the easiest to learn for a noobie. MIG is pretty easy to learn to do well in a short period of time. The problem is most inexpensive MIG welders are very limiting. Low power (because they are 120V only) and no capability to add gas when you want to step up your game.
The cheapest welding machine is what is commonly referred to a "stick". Not the easiest to learn for a noobie. MIG is pretty easy to learn to do well in a short period of time. The problem is most inexpensive MIG welders are very limiting. Low power (because they are 120V only) and no capability to add gas when you want to step up your game.
sz0k30
Well-known member
I took a class at a Community College about 12 years ago. The class was very affordable. I don't know where in the hell you find thousand dollar community college courses? All I took was one "Intro to welding class". In that class we did all 4 kinds of welding: stick, gas, MIG & TIG.. Very fun & educational. P.S.: I audited the class which means it wasn't for credit & I didn't have to take any tests. Then I bought a MIG & have done many projects since.
matt_i
Well-known member
I started with a mig welder (240vac, 130A output) and a horizontal bandsaw and an angle grinder and started pushing some beads on pieces of 1/8" flat stock in 1993-ish. Prior to that I had a 10 minute trial period in an engineering class to get me started although I had sweat soldered a couple hundred copper fittings in my youth to get some idea of how to use heat.
I still have all of those tools but some capabilites have been upgraded as I got more into it. The good news is any of them would sell should you lose interest or decide to upgrade.
With the advent of auto-dark hoods, today's excellent how-to videos and the more widespread use of residential shop welders there are many more resources.
I still have all of those tools but some capabilites have been upgraded as I got more into it. The good news is any of them would sell should you lose interest or decide to upgrade.
With the advent of auto-dark hoods, today's excellent how-to videos and the more widespread use of residential shop welders there are many more resources.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
There is no substitute for standing over your instructor's shoulder watching him weld. It is THE fastest way to learn.
You can learn with just proper books dvd and a practice projects... dependents on the process you are looking for... school is definitely good thing at least the instructor can correct your bad habits...
I learned from DVDs back in the days.. only course I have taken a class in HS many blue moons ago with O/A. so.. but knowledge still applies... just forgot a lot of welding symbols already, but you don't needed those as hobby welder. It's all about knowing your joints, your metals, your machine... and practice.
this was the DVD I got but I guess you can find it in google now a days.. his stick and O/A welding is great also.. after that then I view specific technique videos from welding tips and tricks...
Nothing beats practice, but you still needed to know the basics...
https://www.google.com/search?sourc...hUKEwjbrIWz8fHmAhWSiOAKHaHPDIQQ4dUDCAc&uact=5
I learned from DVDs back in the days.. only course I have taken a class in HS many blue moons ago with O/A. so.. but knowledge still applies... just forgot a lot of welding symbols already, but you don't needed those as hobby welder. It's all about knowing your joints, your metals, your machine... and practice.
this was the DVD I got but I guess you can find it in google now a days.. his stick and O/A welding is great also.. after that then I view specific technique videos from welding tips and tricks...
Nothing beats practice, but you still needed to know the basics...
https://www.google.com/search?sourc...hUKEwjbrIWz8fHmAhWSiOAKHaHPDIQQ4dUDCAc&uact=5
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lolaetype
Well-known member
Years ago I bought Harbor Freight's cheapest flux wire welder and actually got fairly proficient with it. Friends tole me I should really get a MIG welder but I didn't do enough welding to justify the purchase. Then my BIL passed away and my sister asked me if I wanted his Northern Tool MIG welder. The difference was night and day. I can actually produce welds I'd be proud to show others.
I taught myself by reading, watching videos and practicing, practicing, practicing. aCquire some scrap and start welding. If there were a community college in town that offered a class I'd take it just because I could.
I bought my initial equipment, A HF welding cart, on sale and with a 20% off coupon (with a free flashlight
), a HF set of leather apron and welding gloves, and an auto-darkening helmet. The rest, clamps, magnets and vise grips as I needed them. Also, an angle grinder can be your best friend.
Like some other's here I don't do safety critical welds, just some light work. hna
I taught myself by reading, watching videos and practicing, practicing, practicing. aCquire some scrap and start welding. If there were a community college in town that offered a class I'd take it just because I could.
I bought my initial equipment, A HF welding cart, on sale and with a 20% off coupon (with a free flashlight
), a HF set of leather apron and welding gloves, and an auto-darkening helmet. The rest, clamps, magnets and vise grips as I needed them. Also, an angle grinder can be your best friend. Like some other's here I don't do safety critical welds, just some light work. hna
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TailGunner3000
Well-known member
I think what you're referring to is a flux core wire feed welder. MIG welders by their very nature (Metal Inert Gas) automatically use gas. As was pointed out, flux core wire feeds have their limitations, but they are an inexpensive way to get started.
TailGunner3000
Well-known member
I also recommend the Steve Bleile videos.
kmacht
Well-known member
It depends on what you actually want to end up welding. Are you planning on sheetmetal body work, fabricating motor mounts out of 1/4" steel plate or just random stuff like welding a fence post? Each will require slightly different skills and tool sets.
Personally I think a small oxy/acetylene setup is the best way to really learn how to weld. It will teach you about heat control, creating and moving a puddle, proper penetration, controlling warpage, etc. Things tend to move slower when welding with oxy/acetylene and small changes in technique don't lead to drastic changes in the weld. The problem with jumping straight into a mig welder is that most people just set the dials on the machine to something they think is close and then get all sorts of variations in their welds because they don't know how to control the puddle or penetration and the mig is doing the work so fast they can't really see what is happening or how to correct it. You can make some really pretty looking welds with a mig welder that won't hold up worth a damn because of improper penetration or technique. Once you master the oxy/acetylene torch setup you can almost always sell it for close to what you paid for it and then go invest in either a mig or tig.
Personally I think a small oxy/acetylene setup is the best way to really learn how to weld. It will teach you about heat control, creating and moving a puddle, proper penetration, controlling warpage, etc. Things tend to move slower when welding with oxy/acetylene and small changes in technique don't lead to drastic changes in the weld. The problem with jumping straight into a mig welder is that most people just set the dials on the machine to something they think is close and then get all sorts of variations in their welds because they don't know how to control the puddle or penetration and the mig is doing the work so fast they can't really see what is happening or how to correct it. You can make some really pretty looking welds with a mig welder that won't hold up worth a damn because of improper penetration or technique. Once you master the oxy/acetylene torch setup you can almost always sell it for close to what you paid for it and then go invest in either a mig or tig.
Depends on what you want to weld. Thin stuff like body panels, and maybe up to 3/16" or 1/4" thick? Or 1/4" and thicker?
You can learn a lot from the community college. You can also learn a lot by doing. I taught myself when I was 15. Gave money I saved from scrapping aluminum cans to my uncle who went to auctions. Got a Miller Arc welder AC225 with extension cord, ground lead, hot lead, rods and helmet for $75. Still have that welder.
Later on I got a flux core MIG, then a regular MIG (with shield gas). The shield gas is the way to go on MIG.
Go MIG if you only plant to weld up to 3/16" to 1/4" most of the time. If most of you plan to do is 1/4" or thicker, buy an ARC welder. Ideally you need both.
Pick whichever one you think based on what thickness you plan to weld and start welding. Get some scrap and go.
You can learn a lot from the community college. You can also learn a lot by doing. I taught myself when I was 15. Gave money I saved from scrapping aluminum cans to my uncle who went to auctions. Got a Miller Arc welder AC225 with extension cord, ground lead, hot lead, rods and helmet for $75. Still have that welder.
Later on I got a flux core MIG, then a regular MIG (with shield gas). The shield gas is the way to go on MIG.
Go MIG if you only plant to weld up to 3/16" to 1/4" most of the time. If most of you plan to do is 1/4" or thicker, buy an ARC welder. Ideally you need both.
Pick whichever one you think based on what thickness you plan to weld and start welding. Get some scrap and go.
jgromada
Well-known member
I have read this thread with much interest. I'd like to get into welding but ran into a few roadblocks. First seems hard to find a place like a Community College that offers classes. I get the impression from some people that it might not be necessary and learning on a project might be ok. I am thinking all my welding would be outside because i only have a single car garage type shop that is pretty pack in.
I have some projects sitting around (some older cars) that i could work/practice on and its only me that has to be satisfied with the results. I guess i am uncertain in what would be a good starting point for equipment in light of what i want to do with it?
I have some projects sitting around (some older cars) that i could work/practice on and its only me that has to be satisfied with the results. I guess i am uncertain in what would be a good starting point for equipment in light of what i want to do with it?
Fastest? Yes, definitely. Only way? Heck no!
Being able to weld 2 pieces of metal together and being able to weld to pass tests, are totally different. Ive met people that told me they could weld and have a setup at their house. Go over there and check out their welds and it looks like they used their feet to weld it. sure it will hold but dam. Or it looks good on one side and not the other. Lots of posers in the welding category.
If you want to learn how to become a profienct welder you need to take a class or have somebody teach you that knows what real welding is about and how to do it. I had a welding class in HS, at a community college, dive school, and my pipe fitters local. Learned something at every class.
Welding in a booth with get you started. You will learn the foundation of proper technique and heat. Get comfortable with that and then the real fun starts, welding in the field.
In a booth you can set your gaps up perfectly how you like them. Sometimes in the field it doesn't work like that and that's where you really learn how to weld.
Drive 1000 miles away to take a welding test. If you bust out no job no paycheck.
Separates the welders from the guys that think they are "welders".
I didn't want to be a poser welder so I did everything I could to become better. Nuclear plants, chip plants, refineries, coal burners, paper mills. All different in how/what is welded.
After you get some classes under your belt, then the videos/books will help. Like what was previously mentioned, not going to learn how to really weld watching a video or reading a book. Watching a instructor, hands on is how its done. This is why the union has apprenticeships for it.
If you want to learn how to become a profienct welder you need to take a class or have somebody teach you that knows what real welding is about and how to do it. I had a welding class in HS, at a community college, dive school, and my pipe fitters local. Learned something at every class.
Welding in a booth with get you started. You will learn the foundation of proper technique and heat. Get comfortable with that and then the real fun starts, welding in the field.
In a booth you can set your gaps up perfectly how you like them. Sometimes in the field it doesn't work like that and that's where you really learn how to weld.
Drive 1000 miles away to take a welding test. If you bust out no job no paycheck.
Separates the welders from the guys that think they are "welders".
I didn't want to be a poser welder so I did everything I could to become better. Nuclear plants, chip plants, refineries, coal burners, paper mills. All different in how/what is welded.
After you get some classes under your belt, then the videos/books will help. Like what was previously mentioned, not going to learn how to really weld watching a video or reading a book. Watching a instructor, hands on is how its done. This is why the union has apprenticeships for it.
TimTaylor75
Well-known member
Why not find someone local to you that you or someone you know third party that has one? Someone that may let you try out their setup before you invest in your own equipment.
sberry
Banned
The post above is on. Big difference though for a hobby and a career especially in construction and some fabrication.
The small wire feed was invented for this crowd. The ideal machine that all the mfg s have really worked on and near perfected is the 180/211 class. Very competitive for cost and quality.
The small wire feed was invented for this crowd. The ideal machine that all the mfg s have really worked on and near perfected is the 180/211 class. Very competitive for cost and quality.
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Stuart in MN
Well-known member
I'd take a closer look at the course catalogs for your local community college, tech school, high school or adult extension system. I took an intro to welding class some years back at my local technical college; it was aimed exactly at amateurs who just wanted to learn the basics, it was one night a week for 12 weeks and the cost was very reasonable.
These kinds of classes may not be obvious at first look, you may have to dig through the information from the schools to find them, or just give 'em a call and ask.
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This is great advice and I've thought about it. Seems like everyone I know who welds is an amature like me, I don't know if I'd trust them to teach the 'proper' way.
SBerry, big difference. Nothing wrong with hobby welding at all. Weld a fence or something like that. Sooner or later somebody is going ask you to weld something important, happened to me all the time. I don't even have a welder at the house!
As for the mig guns, used them one time in one of my CC classes. We never used them on the job, more of a production weld deal. They are as rare on the job as a 6010 is at a nuclear plant. They catch you with one of those rods and you are going to the house
As for the mig guns, used them one time in one of my CC classes. We never used them on the job, more of a production weld deal. They are as rare on the job as a 6010 is at a nuclear plant. They catch you with one of those rods and you are going to the house
Downwindtracker 2
Well-known member
Run an extension cord from the dryer plug to the garage.
Aaron_W
Well-known member
I'm taking classes at a Community college, starting my 3rd semester. I've taken stick / oxy-fuel, MIG and will start TIG in a few weeks. The prices here are quite reasonable, I think I've paid $46/unit and they are 3 or 4 unit classes so less than $200 per semester.
Cost varies by state, I've come to realize California community colleges are relatively cheap, some states you would pay $1000+ for these classes.
The biggest thing the classes have provided for me is organization (what welds to do, in what order), enforced practice time and fairly immediate feedback.
If you are disciplined enough to put in several hours a week practicing bead after bead, and use a good text and some youtube videos (I like Jody at Welding Tips and Tricks), there is really nothing stopping you from learning on your own.
The main advantage I got from class was 6 hours a week welding, and an instructor who could look at my welds and verify I was doing it right or identify what I was doing wrong and offer some correction.
Having a good welder help you is great, but just being able to lay down a good bead, doesn't mean they have the teaching ability to help you do a good weld. It is nice having that person who can actually tell you what you are doing wrong, not just tell you your weld looks like ****.
Cost varies by state, I've come to realize California community colleges are relatively cheap, some states you would pay $1000+ for these classes.
The biggest thing the classes have provided for me is organization (what welds to do, in what order), enforced practice time and fairly immediate feedback.
If you are disciplined enough to put in several hours a week practicing bead after bead, and use a good text and some youtube videos (I like Jody at Welding Tips and Tricks), there is really nothing stopping you from learning on your own.
The main advantage I got from class was 6 hours a week welding, and an instructor who could look at my welds and verify I was doing it right or identify what I was doing wrong and offer some correction.
Having a good welder help you is great, but just being able to lay down a good bead, doesn't mean they have the teaching ability to help you do a good weld. It is nice having that person who can actually tell you what you are doing wrong, not just tell you your weld looks like ****.
sberry
Banned
Out in the general world of home/hobby and small shop mig is the workhorse. I used them in small job shops, never on a real construction site. Lots of tig on nukes. All the structural lo hy, every pipe tig root, both carbon and SS, smaller stuff all the way out. Zillons of socket welds.
sberry
Banned
Yes,,,I went thru this with a couple of buds. They asked me to teach them but since they were not paying me and I wasn't paying them it didn't work due to the fact they wanted to do it like they wanted to. But,,,,,,, but,,,,, this works better for me. I said,, yes, this is ok for this but if you have to do it right wont be able to.
sberry
Banned
One thing that is important to consider is,,,, guys that are really gifted with their hands have a much easier time with tig. Its a both hands at the same time process.
Very true Aaron.
Rod angle, heat, speed, can be determined by looking at the weld to some degree and corrections can be made from that. Having somebody over your shoulder watching really helps the most during the process. Afterwards, inspect the weld and make the corrections.
TIG welding is where it is at. Strong, clean and you don't get burned up. Ill take a TIG gun and stainless pipe over any other type of welding.
Weld some 9% chrome and you will run back to the tig gun! Pipe heated to 425 degrees, J bevel and on scaffold in the dead of the summer = not fun at all. Like welding with a sparkler, arm isn't long enough to get away from it!
Enjoy learning it. Ask questions. After you get decent at welding plate do some pipe. My union instructor would come into the both after we had it tacted up and hold it against the sheet metal in-between the booths and have us tac it to the wall and say weld it up. Could be in the corner, up high, or 6in off the ground. After you were done, cut some straps and bend it up. I had my share of those bust out. Taught me how important heat and the gap are though.
Experience making welds in different positions and outside of the "Easy" positions, makes a good welder. But have fun with it. If your not going to do it for a paycheck then no pressure at all
Rod angle, heat, speed, can be determined by looking at the weld to some degree and corrections can be made from that. Having somebody over your shoulder watching really helps the most during the process. Afterwards, inspect the weld and make the corrections.
TIG welding is where it is at. Strong, clean and you don't get burned up. Ill take a TIG gun and stainless pipe over any other type of welding.
Weld some 9% chrome and you will run back to the tig gun! Pipe heated to 425 degrees, J bevel and on scaffold in the dead of the summer = not fun at all. Like welding with a sparkler, arm isn't long enough to get away from it!
Enjoy learning it. Ask questions. After you get decent at welding plate do some pipe. My union instructor would come into the both after we had it tacted up and hold it against the sheet metal in-between the booths and have us tac it to the wall and say weld it up. Could be in the corner, up high, or 6in off the ground. After you were done, cut some straps and bend it up. I had my share of those bust out. Taught me how important heat and the gap are though.
Experience making welds in different positions and outside of the "Easy" positions, makes a good welder. But have fun with it. If your not going to do it for a paycheck then no pressure at all
Feed the big wire from the back side on the root pass. That weld will pass a X-ray every time.