Teach Me About Welding

[DonPowers]

Miller has lots of instructional stuff on their website and I'm sure others do too.

http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/improving-your-skills/mig/

 

[pi_guy]

Was not recommending a college welding class, in years past BOCES an adult education program ran hands on welding classes. Learning the safety aspects of tank handling and proper preparation is not really covered in videos. Ventilation and the use of proper solvents is not something to learn by doing. In the past welding suppliers have had hands on demonstrations you need to look in that area.
Yes I know it the internet and everybody has a different opinion, and you can always find somebody who never took a class and can do nuclear grade welds on their first try. But you are not hearing from the guy who destroyed his shop or killed himself because he was too smart to take a class.

 

[ngonerogwu]

I've posted this in more detail before, but in short..

The Eastwood 135 can be had for 200 every day if you look for the promo code on this site.

I had one, it is def worth $200.

Long story short I returned it and bought a well used Hobart 210 off CL. It cost more than double, but is worth much more.

 

[Coach James]

When I went to the local welding supply store to inquire about welders, they were adament about not selling me a machine until I took a class. I appreciated their integrity. Taking a class made everything so much easier.

We learned gas welding first, how to hook up Oxy-act tanks, safety, then using a cutting torch, then Mig. We worked with both Miller 135 and 200 amp machines. Our instructor also spent time on showing us how to trouble shoot problems with our welds and machines.

I ended up buying a Miller 140 + a tank of gas and it's been great.

Find a way to take a class first.

Coach

 

[AndyA]

want cheap, 200 dollar. find a garage sale cracker box. most time $50

+1.

If you just want to learn how to weld, this will be the cheapest route.
Look for a Lincoln AC-225 on craigslist or garage sales. Make sure the selector knob isn't twisted off, and the switch goes "kerchunk" to all positions. Otherwise there isn't much that goes wrong with these.

Pros:
Cheap!
Great practice for stick welding (later you'll want a larger DC welder).
Works great for 1/8" thickness and up.
Is capable of structural welds with proper skill

Cons:
Needs a 220volt/50amps dedicated circuit.
Won't work well for thin sheet metal.
Only welds steel (yeah there ARE aluminum rods, but I wouldn't expect good results)
Welds will have slag that needs to be cleaned
AC only (unless you find the AC/DC version, but that's more money)

Also you could look for a DC stick machine: idealarc, thunderbolt, dialarc, etc. These will probably sell for $500 or $600. If you buy the AC225 and you're serious about welding, you'll be upgrading to something else. The DC welder would be a 'keeper' machine.

A proper mig machine isn't going to be available in your budget. Expect to be in the $1000 ballpark for a good one.
As others have said, you CAN get away using a cheap mig machine. The cost of a good machine is usually worth it, if you plan on using it for several years to come.

 

[xbeatles4x]

Well I need to go back through this thread and re read info and maybe ask a few questions in the near future. Just picked up the project car 69 bus.

 

[Nermal43]

I was in your shoes about a year and a half ago. I didn't have much free time, but always wanted to weld. I spend about a week or two on welding forums and youtube watching the techniques and beginning tips. I wanted to be sure I actually enjoyed welding before spending a lot of dough. So, I bought a 90 amp Harbor Freight piece of junk. Loved it. It sputtered and spat, but I was soon laying dimes (some of the time). Fast forward, I now have a nice 240 plasma cutter, and am preparing to buy a Miller 211. Don't be afraid. Vent your work area well and police any flamables. I still use my HF auto-darkening hood, but have good gloves and a good leather apron. Weld in leather boots and not tennis shoes (don't ask). There is a lot of good advice above, but if you lack time, money, or both, don't be afraid to give it a shot. Good luck and report back on how it goes.