Getting started welding, what do I need?

[BikerDad]

I'm planning on getting started with some welding. I know I'll need a welder (95% likely to get Miller 211), a helmet, some gloves.

What else will I need? (part of the reason for the question is the $400 Miller "other stuff" rebate. I want to use it well.)

What else will be really handy to have, but not immediately needed?

Note: I don't expect to ever purchase another welder, so I want to start with one that is likely to do everything I anticipate doing. I am hobbyist/diy. I realize I could probably start with a less expensive machine, but then I run a higher risk of outgrowing it. Cry once...

I would like to get some training. There is a university here that's a jumped up tech college (roughly equivalent to an A&M) with some welding as part of their automotive program, and a distinct full blown technology/trades oriented community college with what looks to be a pretty good welding program. Unfortunately, neither one of them offers squat in the way of non-degree, i.e. continuing ed, classes in the welding realm. Some other schools 30 or so miles away do have some classes. So the matter of training is being considered, I simply haven't sorted out the details.

 

[zkling]

An outlet capable of powering aforementioned welder. No that is not a smartass reply. Something to take into consideration.

Do a search for the countless threads that mention the basics. This gets discussed at least once a week.

 

[bcradio]

gas tank

 

[trackwelder]

Spare tips, spare nozzle, spatter spray, roll of welding wire. Welding jacket or sleeves, wire brush, clamps. Drive rolls for different diameter welding wire. A welding cap is nice to have when welding under a car or trailer to help keep hot stuff out of your hair.

 

[altersaddle]

Fire extinguisher and a clean place to weld. Welding blanket(s). A nice respirator that fits under your hood is also a good investment.

 

[Tim37]

Everyone forgets a good grinder with a flap disk.

Good prep work makes all the difference.

 

[philofab]

Def get a regulator and mix bottle (CO2 / Argon Mix). Don't mess with flux core unless you plan on welding outside in the wind on structural stuff.

Welding blankets (wet them before every use), leather gloves, safety glasses.

If your garage has an electric dryer plug make yourself an extension cord and use that outlet. That's what I did when I was younger. Use 6GA + wire for it or do the math for the amp draw vs length.

Remember to stand brooms upside down in your garage so they don't combust.

 

[Thumper68]

I'm planning on getting started with some welding. I know I'll need a welder (95% likely to get Miller 211), a helmet, some gloves.

What else will I need? (part of the reason for the question is the $400 Miller "other stuff" rebate. I want to use it well.)

What else will be really handy to have, but not immediately needed?

Note: I don't expect to ever purchase another welder, so I want to start with one that is likely to do everything I anticipate doing. I am hobbyist/diy. I realize I could probably start with a less expensive machine, but then I run a higher risk of outgrowing it. Cry once...

I would like to get some training. There is a university here that's a jumped up tech college (roughly equivalent to an A&M) with some welding as part of their automotive program, and a distinct full blown technology/trades oriented community college with what looks to be a pretty good welding program. Unfortunately, neither one of them offers squat in the way of non-degree, i.e. continuing ed, classes in the welding realm. Some other schools 30 or so miles away do have some classes. So the matter of training is being considered, I simply haven't sorted out the details.

Did you just check their web site? I was looking for machineing classes at our local tech schools, just the basics like you are looking for and didn't see anything listed on any of the web sites but when I called I found that there are evening classes in most of the things that they teach, cont ed style with a great course in beginning machine tool. They do offer the same in the welding and auto repair area. 2 nights a week for 10 weeks.

I would stock up on consumables, wire, tips and several pairs of gloves and don't forget a welding jacket, leather or flame proof cotton. I welded for years with my heavy leathers and just picked up a cotton jacket last year, so nice during the summer months, well anytime really since my shop is heated.

 

[strutaeng]

Location: garage with power for welder, fire extinguisher, good ventilation

Equipment: Welder (I would recommend stick welding because it is so versatile), gloves, auto-darkening helmet, chipping hammer, wire brush, angle grinder or two with various discs, vise for testing welds to failure, maybe a portable band saw or abrasive chop saw.

Training: technical school welding class to learn how to weld properly with different welding processes (SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, etc.) Otherwise, lots of youtube videos and welding web forum reading and patience.

Have you considered an inexpensive buzz box Thunderbolt and a 120V wire welder? You can use the stick for heavy welding and the wire welding for sheetmetal. Plus, you get to learn both processes.

Good luck!

 

[K-Dog]

A respirator of some sorts is a good idea.

Retire on a beach, not in a hospital.

 

[lonestarky]

Fire extinguisher, gloves, good autodarkening helmet.

For the "hobbyist", respirator is OK, but only if you're being really safety conscious.

80% is set up. Good grinds, square cuts, and good clamps/magnets. The other 20% is learned, I.e. which way things will pull and cool, and how to keep things from cracking and burning through. You can figure most of that out with books/YouTube and practice.

The other important thing is a safe place to do it. Garage full of rags, plastic fuel containers close, spray paint and aerosol cans close, water 100 yds away, be on the lookout for these sorts of things. Not with burning your garage down to fix a beat up old lawnmower handle.

 

[Coach James]

A cotton cap so when the bits of hot metal land on your head, they don't burn your scalp.

Coach

 

[RedneckWelder]

4 1/2" grinder with both grinding wheels and flap disks.

Clear faceshield for grinding. Most autodark helmets can be used with a grinder too but I like to try to save the cover lenses from getting scratched up too much.

PPE- at least some kind of cotton jacket (I use $20 denim jackets from Tractor Supply). Welding cap and earplugs for keeping the slag off of your head and out of your ears. Also buy good comfortable gloves, not the cheapest thing on the shelf.

GOOD helmet and extra cover lenses. I can't see the puddle worth a damn with the el cheapo autodarks. Keeping a cover lens on it that is clean and scratch free makes life easier on you.

Wire brush

Wrench and pliers- wrench for changing gas tanks, pliers for working on the mig gun and cutting excess wire (many like to use a pair of welpers, which are like fancy needle nose pliers)

various clamps, vise grips, vise grip clamps, magnets, a square, tape measure, etc for holding stuff in place and layout

Some way to cut metal. You can use a cutoff disk and the angle grinder but that gets old quick IMHO. Portaband, normal bandsaw, and a torch are what I typically use.

80% is set up. Good grinds, square cuts, and good clamps/magnets

This so much. It's kind of like painting. The prep work ***** but is critical.

 

[philofab]

I would spend a little more and get a 220v wirefeed. 170+ amps. The little Lincoln 175+ I bought in highschool still does great and has hundreds of hours on it.

A 120v machine has no duty cycle and most circuits won't support it.

As far as stick welding I don't think a hobbyist needs that headache.

 

[RedneckWelder]

I would spend a little more and get a 220v wirefeed. 170+ amps. The little Lincoln 175+ I bought in highschool still does great and has hundreds of hours on it.

A 120v machine has no duty cycle and most circuits won't support it.

As far as stick welding I don't think a hobbyist needs that headache.

The 211 he is planning on buying is a 220v machine. Actually a dual voltage machine that can either run as a 110v welder or be plugged into a 220v outlet for that extra punch.

 

[Joe B.]

I would like to get some training. There is a university here that's a jumped up tech college (roughly equivalent to an A&M) with some welding as part of their automotive program, and a distinct full blown technology/trades oriented community college with what looks to be a pretty good welding program. Unfortunately, neither one of them offers squat in the way of non-degree, i.e. continuing ed, classes in the welding realm. Some other schools 30 or so miles away do have some classes. So the matter of training is being considered, I simply haven't sorted out the details.

I took a hobbyist welding class years ago at the community college and it sucked. It was mainly a few hours of instruction and then we could weld on our own. The problem for me was that I was living in an apartment at the time and no place to do any other work on the materials so I could not really build anything. I would have much preferred the vocational class that would have had the expectation that I really learn what I'm doing. I would go join the vocational class. You will probably get competent more quickly than you would on your own. Otherwise, I would just stick with youtube.

 

[rockinacummins]

Clamps, fire retardant clothing, good ventilation, wire brush, good grinder, and plenty of time for practice!

 

[RedneckWelder]

As far as training goes, talk to the instructors and see what class would work best for you.

Also look around your area and you might find a welder willing to mentor you and show you the ropes. After I went through a few classes I wound up apprenticing with a welder in my area who had about 40 years of experience, and I learned a lot from him.

The downside of my classes and apprenticeship was that it was all stick, so I didn't learn any mig until recently. The only mig class time I got was about two days in an introductory welding class for my current degree and I've been able to gain some experience here and there with MIG but not nearly as much as I have with stick.

 

[AnEv942]

Trying not to repeat, Consumables, magnets, clamps.
If your getting the spool gun then an extra regulator and short hose set up for the aluminum shielding gas makes it simpler to change bottles.