Welding class for a hobbyist?

[TT_Vert]

I did some searching here and someone mentioned the local welding supply place hosting a 1 on 1 course. Does anyone have any recommendations how someone could become "competent' at welding. I just want to learn more about the basics, how to know when the problem is the material contamination, wire speed, voltage issues, etc. I realize I a can stick two pieces together fine and when they are the same thickness I'm usually ok but that's about it. From there I realize how incompetent I am. I just want to get better than I am and know what to do when something doesn't go as planned. I don't weld enough to really figure out what is what but I had hoped I could just play with settings and see what they do and learn but I'm realizing I need a bit more guidance than what I'm doing. I'm open to any suggestions you guys may have for places I can go to learn.

Thanks
Dave

 

[Stuntmonkey]

Most local community colleges have classes for that.

 

[mike93lx]

I took a great class at a local vocational high school.

But I wouldn't expect to be doing any classes for a while.

There are tons of videos on YouTube. Weld.com, Welding tips and tricks are a couple I've watched. Check some vids and burn some wire/rod. Practice, practice practice

 

[TT_Vert]

Thanks, we are opening up schools here so I don't see any reason we wouldn't have higher voc classes. Aren't these college classes sort of like a class that builds you up to getting a welding cert? I'm looking for maybe a week or month long class to sort of teach me the basics and help me torubleshoot and set up my welder for different materials.

Dave

 

[MarkG]

Take at least one real, live class at a local college. Welding isn't the place for a 'learn it from YouTube' education. You need someone who can watch you (and who you can watch weld correctly!) and tell you what you are doing wrong and how to correct that. You won't get that from a video. Even a terrible weld will 'stick 2 pieces of metal together' (temporarily at least), but it will fail and much sooner than a correct weld will. It will look bad, besides.

There's still no substitute for real, in-person interaction in this world!

Once you have had a class or 3, then you'll be able to get more out of videos, but to start, you need a person.

 

[mike93lx]

Take at least one real, live class at a local college. Welding isn't the place for a 'learn it from YouTube' education. You need someone who can watch you and tell you what you are doing wrong and how to correct that. You won't get that from a video.

There's still no substitute for real, in-person interaction in this world!

Once you have had a class or 3, then you'll be able to get more out of videos, but to start, you need a person.

Amazing that anyone has managed to get proficient on their own...

A class will help, but this isn't rocket science. Tons of stuff can be learned through videos and forums

 

[pi_guy]

It is possible to learn on your own. I don't recommend it a class is the way to go it really will give you a jump up on learning it. The other aspect is how experienced are you with material science, tank safety, general mechanical knowledge and a little understanding of chemistry.
I took classes did supplementary reading and practiced when I could, I started in the 70's. Starting with gas welding is the perfect method to learn puddle control and hand motion.
I have done production runs for clients but my mainstay was repair of one off stuff or parts fabrication. If your doing art work you can kind of do your own thing, if you are welding trailers for public road use, you need to do it right.
Chemistry is important chlorinated cleaners and electric arc are a no no, Argon is heavier than air so if your in a vessel you can force out all the air the results are not pretty. My favorite is the BIC lighter in the pocket trick.
So my point being it not just striking the arc that you need to understand it is the whole process and the environment

 

[bdbecker]

...Aren't these college classes sort of like a class that builds you up to getting a welding cert? I'm looking for maybe a week or month long class to sort of teach me the basics and help me torubleshoot and set up my welder for different materials.

The local community college in my area offers both. Given your location, I'd have to think a similar thing would be available in your area. Look for programs under the "Adult Education" or "Continuing Education" sections on their websites. These classes are geared more towards what you are looking for - wanting to learn, but don't need the credits towards a degree or certification.

EDIT:
Found one for you... Welding Boot Camp
https://www.mchenry.edu/welding/index.asp

Here's a handy link that lists your area CC's for additional searching:
https://www.collegesimply.com/colleges-near/illinois/wauconda/community-colleges/

 

[rvieceli]

Our local community college also has both. A full on full time welding certification program and an Adult/Continuing Education class geared to the hobbyist.

the continuing ed class meets for 10 -3 hour sessions once per week. There is usually an instructor and a helper for about 12 students.

Covers the basic and gives you a lot of shop time and one on one if you want it. Highly recommend.

Ron

 

[sz0k30]

A local Community College. I took a course at one about 15 years ago for exactly the reason you give. It was a great Intro to Welding class. We got to do all 4 types: gas, stick, Mig & Tig.

While most of the guys were taking the class for credit, a couple of us older guys "Audited" the class. So no credit & no tests!

An added benefit was doing all 4 types. If you just decide to buy a Mig, that's probably all you'll ever wind up doing or knowing unless at some point you decide to step up to a Tig.

 

[pmason0]

I knew someone that was a professional welder, he did one of my cages for the race car, talked him into giving me a couple of lessons, his hourly rate was pretty good.

 

[letMeIn]

decide which type of welding you want to do, buy a welder and start practicing. A lot of info online, and you can get feedback from the forums.

I never liked going to school, bought a TIG welder and never looked back.

 

[nadogail]

My local IBEW Union Hall taught me the basics.

 

[thunderalley3]

Take a full class and enjoy it. I have taken a few over the years and I am scheduled to start another on August 24 as I am interested in TIG welding.

I do gas, stick and mig now and do gas cutting. It takes lot's of practice once you know the basics.I usually do all of the welding we need to do at home as I have ac in my shop at home and not at our business. I had something break one day so I welded it up at the shop. One of our maintenance guys looked it all over, said that looks nice. I asked if he was a welder? he said no but he was interested . I was just getting ready to tell him about the class at the college locally and he said "maybe tomorrow at lunch you can take a couple of minutes and show me how to do that, obviously it is easy as I have never seen you do it before and it looks good." End of discussion

 

[TT_Vert]

Thanks guys. I have a mig welder and have done some welding. When it works, my welds look great. It's when something isn't right when I need the education on. I also agree that just doing it and watching you tube for this ins't what i need. I tried it and given each situation is different it's very hard to do figure a lot out by this method. I'm going to have to find someone or a class hence the post.

Dave

 

[rvieceli]

Dave take a look at College of Lake County in Grayslake. It looks like they have an associates degree program as well as certificate programs. May want to talk to the welding instructor and see what is available or can be arranged.

https://www.clcillinois.edu/

If you're an old fart like me, Illinois Community colleges give tuition breaks for 60 and up and no tuition for 65 and up.

Ron

 

[TT_Vert]

Thank you sir, i'll do that. I'm 43 so no breaks but we'll see what the cost would be vs. finding an independent company to do it.

 

[Monza Harry]

Take at least one real, live class at a local college. Welding isn't the place for a 'learn it from YouTube' education. You need someone who can watch you (and who you can watch weld correctly!) and tell you what you are doing wrong and how to correct that. You won't get that from a video. Even a terrible weld will 'stick 2 pieces of metal together' (temporarily at least), but it will fail and much sooner than a correct weld will. It will look bad, besides.

There's still no substitute for real, in-person interaction in this world!

Once you have had a class or 3, then you'll be able to get more out of videos, but to start, you need a person.

Maybe, maybe not! I was lucky enough to figure out how "I" learned, when I was young, and this helped me learn more. When I read something I truly wanted to learn and had little prior knowledge on, I will read the book at least 3 times! Usually twice in a row go try it out and then time number three. But this is what works for me. I always remember this quote from a TV legal show: Senior lawyer to junior lawyer: I NEVER ask a question in open court that I don't know the answer to! This translates for me read/watch then get assistance (Class in this case), this gives me a better road map to watch for my missing "Bits" and therefore pick them up when going over this [from the second read/or the teacher].
I feel that watching the videos will give you enough info to ask really meaningful questions to things you just aren't getting yet. Sort of seeing the Exam before hand kind of idea. Then as Mark suggests go back to your books and the video's. Remember the pre-training is for your insight not to make you the class know it all, ie: don't let it get in the way.

The local community college in my area offers both. Given your location, I'd have to think a similar thing would be available in your area. Look for programs under the "Adult Education" or "Continuing Education" sections on their websites. These classes are geared more towards what you are looking for - wanting to learn, but don't need the credits towards a degree or certification.

EDIT:
Found one for you... Welding Boot Camp
https://www.mchenry.edu/welding/index.asp

Here's a handy link that lists your area CC's for additional searching:
https://www.collegesimply.com/colleges-near/illinois/wauconda/community-colleges/

Meaningful insight for our age group, [at 43 you have already started transitioning from your youth thought processes to experience based thinking. My last thought for you is perhaps volunteer on a race team (cars, off-road etc.) this may give you access to additional equipment and various teachers.
Professional class room training can be enormously beneficial, if the teacher/instructor is knowledgeable and able to transfer this to their students. Also while laying fire to metal is the only way to get good at this remember to not pick up the bad habits we all do from time to time.
Harry

 

[TT_Vert]

Maybe, maybe not! I was lucky enough to figure out how "I" learned, when I was young, and this helped me learn more. When I read something I truly wanted to learn and had little prior knowledge on, I will read the book at least 3 times! Usually twice in a row go try it out and then time number three. But this is what works for me. I always remember this quote from a TV legal show: Senior lawyer to junior lawyer: I NEVER ask a question in open court that I don't know the answer to! This translates for me read/watch then get assistance (Class in this case), this gives me a better road map to watch for my missing "Bits" and therefore pick them up when going over this [from the second read/or the teacher].
I feel that watching the videos will give you enough info to ask really meaningful questions to things you just aren't getting yet. Sort of seeing the Exam before hand kind of idea. Then as Mark suggests go back to your books and the video's. Remember the pre-training is for your insight not to make you the class know it all, ie: don't let it get in the way.

Meaningful insight for our age group, [at 43 you have already started transitioning from your youth thought processes to experience based thinking. My last thought for you is perhaps volunteer on a race team (cars, off-road etc.) this may give you access to additional equipment and various teachers.
Professional class room training can be enormously beneficial, if the teacher/instructor is knowledgeable and able to transfer this to their students. Also while laying fire to metal is the only way to get good at this remember to not pick up the bad habits we all do from time to time.
Harry

Thanks for the input. I do like to "pre learn" everything I do which is where I sort of am at now. I understand the basics and what should work as well as basic terminology, i now need help applying this info and fine tuning everything. I don't really have the time nor the social circle to get into a race team or the like. Maybe 20 years ago that is something I could have done but my time is valuable to me so I need something concise and to the immediate goal (Becoming a competent welder)

 

[yelchevelle]

I have a friend whose brother was a really sharp guy, but always in trouble. He needed a job and he applied for a welding position in a plant. He had never welded a day in his life. He came in for the interview (Which he said he knew how to weld) and got the job Contingent on him passing a welding test with an X-ray. He was supposed to come back the following Monday or Tuesday. He watched YouTube videos all weekend and passed his test. He quit the job like 2-3 weeks later because he decided he wanted to go fishing or something.

 

[brownbagg]

we got a local community college that have night classes 5-10, yes it a good idea but its not really in a good part of town. it would be 30 miles for me one way. 10, im ready for bed. Be nice if they had saturday day classes

 

[Aaron_W]

I've been taking welding classes at a local Community College. I've taken stick / oxy fuel, MIG and was taking TIG when covid hit. I've watched a lot of YouTube mostly Jody at WT&T, Weld dot com. Having a live instructor to give immediate feed back, correction and tips like how to handle welding dissimilar thicknesses was invaluable. YouTube U got me started but in person classes made a huge difference.

Not all welding schools are the same though, the CC where I am taking classes is aimed more at casual welders and preparation for students wanting to go onto a career oriented welding program, not providing certification. It was twice a week 6-10pm to fit into a working persons schedule.

 

[oldmachinenut]

I took an evening 16 week welding class at the college where I taught. The course covered oxy/acetylene welding cutting and brazing, stick, mig and tig. Our instructor worked days in industry at High Steel, a bridge fabrication company. I was 57 when I took the class and learned a lot and broke some bad welding habits I had acquired. I was obviously the oldest one in my class, a point not lost on my instructor. He said it was nice to have a student that wanted to learn and had to be told when class was over. Definitely go for the class if time and finances allow, nothing beats an expert standing in the welding booth teaching you.

Bill

 

[NYBODYMAN]

Many BOCES/Vo-Tech High Schools offer night classes for adults.

 

[sophiahick]

I did some searching here and someone mentioned the local welding supply place hosting a 1 on 1 course. Does anyone have any recommendations how someone could become "competent' at welding. I just want to learn more about the basics, how to know when the problem is the material contamination, wire speed, voltage issues, etc. I realize I a can stick two pieces together fine and when they are the same thickness I'm usually ok but that's about it. From there I realize how incompetent I am. I just want to get better than I am and know what to do when something doesn't go as planned. I don't weld enough to really figure out what is what but I had hoped I could just play with settings and see what they do and learn but I'm realizing I need a bit more guidance than what I'm doing. I'm open to any suggestions you guys may have for places I can go to learn.

Thanks
Dave

Hi dear,
Welding is a career in high demand and going to welding school can be a good decision. After graduating from a welding school you can choose the field you're interested to work in.
You can even start your own business as a welder.
Since you wish to learn more about welding, welding school is a good option. You can gain experience in welding while learning.
Although finding a specialist ready to train you may be difficult, the experience you gain will be essential. You'll not only acquire a lifelong talent, but you'll also receive a mentor who can assist you navigate your career.
You can research online to find a nearby welding school.
All the very best dear
Thanks!

 

[BassProCamaro97]

TT I'm also a Wauconda guy and I went to Harper and took their Welding 1 course. I primarily took it for TIG which doesn't get covered until Welding2......However I learned many good MIG techniques in the class. I picked Harper for course because 75% of the class time is lab. They do not spend a lot of time with the theoretical.

Good luck.

~Jim~

 

[TT_Vert]

TT I'm also a Wauconda guy and I went to Harper and took their Welding 1 course. I primarily took it for TIG which doesn't get covered until Welding2......However I learned many good MIG techniques in the class. I picked Harper for course because 75% of the class time is lab. They do not spend a lot of time with the theoretical.

Good luck.

~Jim~

Thanks, I may look into this during the winter as my summer is pretty tight on time as I want to enjoy the weather.

Dave

 

[Walkers]

Years ago I was trying to improve my stick welding. I would bring coupons in to the guy in the welding shop at the utility company where I worked. He would give advice and I would go back home and practice. One day he said ‘you are just not getting what I am saying on this part‘ he had some pipes already tacked up and watched as I struck the arc, did the root, then on the hot pass he came up behind me, reached around and grabbed my hands and said ‘like this!’. I learned more in that 30 seconds than in a week of trying on my own.
Find a friend willing to spend a little time with you, even if it is time you pay for. It is well worth the effort/money.

 

[TT_Vert]

thanks, unfortunately I do not know anyone who welds.

 

[sz0k30]

The best bet is a course at a local community college. I did that many years ago & I loved it. At the time I didn't know anything about welding, but wanted to get a welder. The class was great! What I found especially informative was that the basic class covered the 4 types of welding: gas, stick, MIG & TIG. And actually my favorite was gas.

 

[engineer2]

The College of Lake County has welding classes. Been thinking about it myself. We could have the GJ Old Farts Welding Club.
CLC is opening their Advanced Technology Center at the old Lowes store in Gurnee. Glad to see they are doing that.
Not sure if the shop-type classes will move there.

 

[TT_Vert]

Yeah i talked to them pre-COVID and they wouldn't stop emailing me. Very annoying actually. This is what they said the rates were : "


In-district students are charged $147 per credit hour this fall. Are you just looking to take a few classes or get a degree/certificate?"

 

[engineer2]

PSFT 5 - Welding for Hobbyists​

Section: 001-In-Person Class | Open
Saturday 9:00AM - 1:00PM

No idea why they have it as "0 Units". Maybe because it's a 5 session class that is non-credit.

You could step up to WLD 170 General Welding for 3 credit hours.
$147 per credit hour till pretty cheap. We have always called it "College of Last Chance"

 

[fordkid88]

So take this with a grain of salt but I'm a bit salty about techs and welding programs, granted I took a fabrication program and not a welding program so I can roll **** and run press brakes and and cutting tables but I feel you'll learn the basics and that's about it. I haven't touched a mig setup since school and for Tig we went covid and did it online. But I didn't learn as much as I hoped. Stainless and aluminum was almost non existent. Ive learned what I learned in the industry. I think what's more important than welding is fitment, that's what'll kill. What will move and shrink, preloading, heat straightening, things like that I struggle with.

I just built a large frame with a lot of welding on one side and bowed up on one side and down on the other. Real ***** to fix...

 

[ez-duzit]

...There are tons of videos on YouTube. Weld.com, Welding tips and tricks are a couple I've watched. Check some vids and burn some wire/rod. Practice, practice practice

This. You don't need a class to start welding. Just read your manual, watch some Youtube videos, join WeldingWeb forum.

 

[mikegt4]

My brother is (now retired so was) a pipefitter/welder. He had and used nuclear certification among lots of other certs, his welds were works of art. I never learned to weld because it was easy to just have him do it. One day he decided to move out west after his wife was diagnosed with a terminal disease and thats were she wanted to spend her remaining time. At that point I had to learn to weld and took a course at the local community college in the evening. Learning to weld goes so much better when you have someone who knows what they are doing show you the right way to weld. I am not good at it but I can do hobby level work, mostly due to aging eyes. After some recent eye surgery I invested in a new Lincoln 3350 helmet and now I can see great so my welding is much improved.

 

[Bodj Built]

My brother is (now retired so was) a pipefitter/welder. He had and used nuclear certification among lots of other certs, his welds were works of art. I never learned to weld because it was easy to just have him do it. One day he decided to move out west after his wife was diagnosed with a terminal disease and thats were she wanted to spend her remaining time. At that point I had to learn to weld and took a course at the local community college in the evening. Learning to weld goes so much better when you have someone who knows what they are doing show you the right way to weld. I am not good at it but I can do hobby level work, mostly due to aging eyes. After some recent eye surgery I invested in a new Lincoln 3350 helmet and now I can see great so my welding is much improved.

Being able to see is HUGE. I have a miller digital elite that is great, and I threw a set of cheater lenses in. It's helped a ton. My girlfriend and I did a little project together, so I got her a cheap helmet on amazon, and it is seriously incredible how clear it is. $35 or so and I will sometimes reach for it over my miller (if my lens is scratched hah). I try not to use hers and to keep it clean so she'll continue enjoy working in the garage with me

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QJ1Y527/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[InDaRed2]

YouTube and trial and error. Seriously. I just taught myself to Tig weld in less than a week.

Couple channels I've been watching that helped a ton: welding tips and tricks, weld.com and precision arc Tig welding.

 

[king nero]

It is possible to learn on your own. I don't recommend it a class is the way to go it really will give you a jump up on learning it. The other aspect is how experienced are you with material science, tank safety, general mechanical knowledge and a little understanding of chemistry.
I took classes did supplementary reading and practiced when I could, I started in the 70's. Starting with gas welding is the perfect method to learn puddle control and hand motion.
I have done production runs for clients but my mainstay was repair of one off stuff or parts fabrication. If your doing art work you can kind of do your own thing, if you are welding trailers for public road use, you need to do it right.
Chemistry is important chlorinated cleaners and electric arc are a no no, Argon is heavier than air so if your in a vessel you can force out all the air the results are not pretty. My favorite is the BIC lighter in the pocket trick.
So my point being it not just striking the arc that you need to understand it is the whole process and the environment

Chlorinated cleaners and any arc (think oxy-acetylene welding or even plasma cutting) are also a nono, don't know why you specifically say electric arc?
FWIW, where I live, it's been years since I last saw a commercial cleaner with chlorine. But indeed it can be a bit of wisdom that might come in handy one day.

Could you share the BIC lighter trick? I'm guessing lighters use propane or butane or a mixture of both, and consequently the gas will fall down?

 

[cspcrx]

Check with your local welding supply stores. I took a two hour class at a local one by me. Brought my welder in, used their gas and metal. Showed me how to set it up my machine then showed me how to do some different welds. Really helped me a lot!