How to start welding?

Question

Im wanting to learn how to do basic welding. I would like to eventually be able to do light fabriction, car restorations, exhaust pipe installing....Eventually...But right now I just want to get started and want to know what the most basic materials are that i should get to start practicing with. I went to my local home depot and saw three different types of gasses. oxygen, propane, and mapp. From what ive read so far oxygen/acetylane is one of the most basic and universal welding methods. But i dont even know what exactly gas/gasses and materials I need to do that method with.

Installing my own exhaust kit and minor automotive repairs would be the one thing i could actually see myself welding in the near future. however, if that requires more advanced skills then i could hold off on that for now, but I still want/need to start somewhere...

Could somone please help me?

Answer 1

I'm like you. I want to do something and I just dive in and do it. However, sometimes it is better to learn another way, and this is one of them.



Basic welding is easy, once you know what you're doing. However, if you don't take precautions you can end up with some pretty nasty burns, not just to your hands but to your eyes also. ARC welding uses electricity to "melt" the metals, and the light, if looked directly at, can burn your eyes badly. Gas welding can be dangerous due to the nature of the gas, very flammable. Even the basic way of holding the torch can cause problems and it is easier if you have a "teacher" to show you how and explain the risks. This really isn't that hard, but like chemistry, the wrong things together can go "boom."



I was lucky. My uncle was employed as a "body man" in a car dealership. Later on, he opened his own shop to do that stuff. All I had to do was hang around and I ended up working. Welding was one of the skills I picked up. If you have family like this, you can learn for free. If not, try taking classes in school or college. This way you have little expense and a wealth of knowledge to learn from. Since 9/11, having some of the equipment to weld with could be illegal, and in the wrong areas is is anyway. Fire hazards are just one small issue to worry with. There are also ventilation issues with the fumes. Even melting lead for reloading is dangerous if you don't know what you're doing.



What you can do is start reading about it. Some of the more advanced parts can take time to learn, so the more time you have the better. Also, it could help you land a job working in the field, if they will teach you while you work.



Just check around and see what you can find. Most people see jobs as a way to earn money, but the smart ones learn and earn, making it pay off in more ways than one.

Answer 2

I'd agree to practice the different types of weld before moving on to the next one. Your hand brain co-ordination only works with practice and remembers the movements practiced. Without the practice you'll be hard pressed to remember how each technique is done when you come back to it. The main welding technique used now is MIG welding, so you should concentrate on that when you get to learn it. Stick is also still used in many places also. Gas is used for repair works sometimes, but mainly just for heating these days as MIG does most of what can be done with gas.

Answer 3

oxy acetylene welding is pretty much dead, they only teach it out of tradition. I've seen a lot of Silver brazing. If you work on cars start with a semi-automatic wire fed machine. then the basic shielding gas is Argon, sometimes a helium for aluminum and sometimes co2.

you can pick up a Miller or Lincoln electric MIG starter kit at Home Depot, but go to a welding store for an awsome one. Just pick up a basic MIG book and the Lincoln Electric manual. Just to learn the definitions. Sure you can fool around for a while, but you are going to need classes pretty fast. You're going to trip the breakers in your garage, so use the lowest setting, do not mess witht the breakers. If you can get a beefed up wiring and 30 amp brach circuit you will be safe to weld as a beginner.

Answer 4

Try your local community college. They may have a basic welding course. Ours does, for around $80 a credit hour, less if you do not want the college credits.

Answer 5

Do what "Matt C" said go to your local community college and maybe even get certified.

learn TIG if your looking for a job in welding

Answer 6

U tube has some great info on welding gear and technique . well worth a look

good luck

Answer 7

Yes, i agree with the other guy. go to home depot buy the Lincoln wire feed, watch Video ur on ur way