Looking to learn to weld

[BigBear2000]

I'm a college student looking to learn to do some basic welding. I'm wondering if anybody has any suggestions on the type of equipment I should look to buy and learn on and if there any good books to use.

Thanks!

 

[crewchief888]

sign up for a welding class at a local jc or tech school.

 

[5-0stank]

I think MIG is a great way to learn-as-you-go kind of thing. We learned a little about welding (stick and mig) in a high school class I took (engineering tech).

I have a Hobart MIG. I love it, very easy to use.

 

[Jack Olsen]

Don't buy. If you're in a college and they have any welding classes, take them. Free use of machines. Free consumables. And you get credit for doing cool stuff.

 

[VegasBruce]

Don't buy. If you're in a college and they have any welding classes, take them. Free use of machines. Free consumables. And you get credit for doing cool stuff.

That would be the best way IMHO. Take a few see what type of welding you like best, without having to invest in the equipment.

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

+1 on taking a class. It's the best way to learn the ropes and burn some metal. Another big plus is that most JC's and community colleges can get you certified and you'll have a backup career if it's something you like doing.

 

[nikonica]

I agree also on taking a class first, or at least have someone who knows how to weld show you some things.

When you're ready to purchase your first welder, my recommendation is to go for a 110V MIG welder. New or (good) used, Hobart, Miller, Lincoln, HTP, Century, it really doesn't matter all that much. Get yourself a shielding gas bottle and regulator too, because welding with shielding gas is infinitely more pleasant than welding with flux-core wire.

This way, if and when you're ready to move on to something bigger, you still have your 110V welder which you can take anywhere. And honestly, at least for me, 95% of the welding I do I can do with my 110V Hobart anyway.

Welding is so much fun and very useful, you'll really love it.

 

[Tom Hintz]

I think that everyone would agree that taking classes is the best way to learn welding but if my email is any indication trying to find classes with a schedule that fits yours can be difficult.
Another point would be to get the best equipment that you can afford the first time around. One of the odd things about learning anything is that very often cheap equipment is the hardest to use which compounds the difficulty of learning. I understand working with budgets but I would rather save up some to get a better machine - whether you choose stick, MIG or TIG - the first time.

 

[stinkity stoink]

try this website. Some good info here http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/index.html

 

[GarageEnvy]

My town offers adult classes for all sorts of topics. Most are offered at night and usually only one or two nights a week. I took a welding class twice through adult community ed. It was offered at a high school within walking distance and taught by a professional welder and welding equipment supplier with 35+ years experience. The class was all of $35. Maybe your town offers something similar.

If you are absolutely set on buying equipment the Lincoln 225 welders that you see everywhere are great for learning to stick weld. I think you could buy one new with some rod, gloves and helmet and probably be in the $300-$400 range. I have a little Hobart 135 machine that works quite well up to about 3/16". It's not a high duty cycle machine but for home use it is fine.

 

[kc-steve]

I learned in high school, but I guess that's out of the question now. Junior College would be as good if not better. Frankly though, those classes still (usually) cost money. There's no free lunch out there unless you have a "friend" to watch and give tips while you practice. But then that means choosing the type of welder before you learn. I've felt that learning a stick welder first gives you the basics for almost all other types of electric welders.

And try not to "muddy" the learning waters by buying a cheap welder. Stay with Lincoln, Miller or Hobart if possible.

Steve

 

[JimDon]

I've had four welding classes. It's worth the money. The instructors can show you so much stuff to make it an easier learn. Buy a book. I'll post my welding book title later, because I can't remember it off the top of my head. Join a welding forum. I'm on the Hobart forum and have learned so much more there, it is unbelieveable. The guys on that forum are a lot of pros and they're not afraid to share their wealth of knowledge. Don't buy equipment until you're really ready. I bought a used Miller stick off craigslist for $45. It works like a dream. I don't need to invest in a ton more. Get yourself an AD helmet. I bought a Horrible Freight one for $39 with a coupon. Lots of discusssions on cheap vs. expensive hoods. You can read all about it in the Hobart Forum. Been using mine for over 5 years and never been flashed yet. PM me if you need more info. I'm willing to share and can help steer you in the right direction. Don't ever be afraid to ask questions.
Cheers,
Jim Don