Educate me

[dcarman]

Sadly, my only welding 'experience' is running and fetching for welders at my dad's shop when I was a lad. I know you cannot look directly at it without eye protection, and not much else.

I am wondering if it is worth learning a bit about welding (thinking a community college class or 2) so I can someone minor things for myself. In my head, I am thinking I may need to attach hook(s) to my bucket; d-rings or similar to the trailer.

What I would like to know from the community is two-fold. 1) what other things would I likely need to use welding for in my small retirement operation? 2) Do you think it is worth my time to learn at this point?

Thanks,

T

Education is the cheapest thing you can buy(as my dad would say)! And truely it is, because it always pays back, however the equipment needed to do it right is not! You would need a welder, grinders, cutting equipment . . . etc., however much your new hobby demands. Oh, and a place to do that sort of thing, you can't do it your living room. The question is do you enjoy that type of thing? In my time I have built quicktach's for my tractors, trailers - lots of trailers of different types - and a myriad of other things. If you enjoy it like I do the enjoyment is limitless.

 

[boatmoter]

Sadly, my only welding 'experience' is running and fetching for welders at my dad's shop when I was a lad. I know you cannot look directly at it without eye protection, and not much else.

I am wondering if it is worth learning a bit about welding (thinking a community college class or 2) so I can someone minor things for myself. In my head, I am thinking I may need to attach hook(s) to my bucket; d-rings or similar to the trailer.

What I would like to know from the community is two-fold. 1) what other things would I likely need to use welding for in my small retirement operation? 2) Do you think it is worth my time to learn at this point?

Thanks,

T

I know what your saying. I have a mig, my welding holds really good,but they look like a 3 yr old did them in a sand box

 

[Robert walker]

I'm self taught and no good at it but I sure do a lot of it and so far it's all held together. I think it's worth figuring out

sounds like your welding and mine are about the same. were the reason they invented grinders

 

[Torvy]

I know what your saying. I have a mig, my welding holds really good,but they look like a 3 yr old did them in a sand box

Haha, I Know that will be the best I can expect. My art skills rival a 3 year old. Function over form is my unofficial motto.

 

[DML1214]

I'm 68, retired, and made my first weld a couple weeks ago. Ugly looking, but strong. I may have ground off more weld and spatter than I put on! My son and son-in-law, both weld and have the equipment, so I borrowed my son's Hobart 140 MIG welder and some equipment from both of them. Picked up a few items from Harbor and along with some words of wisdom from both of them, did some practice welding on some scrap metal. It took a while, but got progressively better welds before I welded my first broken tool. Still have a long ways to go, and plan to keep practicing and learning. I don't expect to ever be as good as a seasoned professional, but to have the ability to fix things on my equipment (tractors, backhoes, mowers, implements & tools) and maybe fabricate a few simple things to improve efficiency, will check off something that's been on my bucket list for many, many years. I say go for it and never stop learning new skils.

 

[aircommuter]

I think you have heard about everything you need, you must pick apart the pieces of each reply that fits you. Personally I have never learned anything that I didn’t want to take to the pro level, that’s just my way. I don’t like not knowing or trusting others. Self sufficiency is best for me. I do think having a machine at home is good to accelerate your progress. I started in my dad’s shop when I was 10 and when I put that hood on I said I can’t see anything! My dad said you will. With a 14” stick of rod and an old black transformer that wires were open and attached with nuts I struck the arc. That has snow balled into many machines of different types. In 2000 I started my single largest welding project and teaching my 13 year son at the same time. Making pontoons 54’ long in 6’ closed compartments for our houseboat. It took 400 lbs of welding wire when I quit counting.

 

[yomax4]

I'm 68, retired, and made my first weld a couple weeks ago. Ugly looking, but strong. I may have ground off more weld and spatter than I put on! My son and son-in-law, both weld and have the equipment, so I borrowed my son's Hobart 140 MIG welder and some equipment from both of them. Picked up a few items from Harbor and along with some words of wisdom from both of them, did some practice welding on some scrap metal. It took a while, but got progressively better welds before I welded my first broken tool. Still have a long ways to go, and plan to keep practicing and learning. I don't expect to ever be as good as a seasoned professional, but to have the ability to fix things on my equipment (tractors, backhoes, mowers, implements & tools) and maybe fabricate a few simple things to improve efficiency, will check off something that's been on my bucket list for many, many years. I say go for it and never stop learning new skils.

I started out building tree stands because I couldn't buy what I wanted. Then a small utility trailer then small implements and repairs. It all happens fairly quickly so you will indeed be a good welder in not too much time.

 

[redmt]

Sadly, my only welding 'experience' is running and fetching for welders at my dad's shop when I was a lad. I know you cannot look directly at it without eye protection, and not much else.

I am wondering if it is worth learning a bit about welding (thinking a community college class or 2) so I can someone minor things for myself. In my head, I am thinking I may need to attach hook(s) to my bucket; d-rings or similar to the trailer.

What I would like to know from the community is two-fold. 1) what other things would I likely need to use welding for in my small retirement operation? 2) Do you think it is worth my time to learn at this point?

Thanks,

T

Never pass up the opportunity to learn something new, especially if it is useful to you or can save you money. I learned to weld in 1966. I took a brush up Tig class at the community college in 2016 and stayed for 4 semesters. I learned a few new skills and taught many many old school ways to the "kids". It was very rewarding in many ways. I now have 4 different welders in the shop that I use for different processes nearly every day from tinkering to building longer rails for my bandsaw mill to repairing a pivot shaft on my D4 dozer.
Do it, learn it, enjoy it. I'll be 71 in a couple months and it's still very rewarding !

 

[Richard]

Sadly, my only welding 'experience' is running and fetching for welders at my dad's shop when I was a lad. I know you cannot look directly at it without eye protection, and not much else.

I am wondering if it is worth learning a bit about welding (thinking a community college class or 2) so I can someone minor things for myself. In my head, I am thinking I may need to attach hook(s) to my bucket; d-rings or similar to the trailer.

What I would like to know from the community is two-fold. 1) what other things would I likely need to use welding for in my small retirement operation? 2) Do you think it is worth my time to learn at this point?

Thanks,

T

Not read entire thread.... I'm not too far from your situation.

For work, I cover various places. One of them is the Technical schools that teach welding, auto, nursing.... so on...

I asked them once about me taking a class or two there. I was told that's totally fine BUT, they would want me to sign a waiver. HuH?

The waiver, is to certify that I am ONLY doing it for personal use, not for a career. As it turns out, they wanted to protect their job placement (after certification) percentages. I totally understand that.

Have not looked into it further as I don't really have the time to devote.

Brother in law brought his portable 110V welder here. I needed to weld a jack stand onto my 15' rotary cutter so I can remove it from tractor without having to use backhoe to hoist it.

It snapped off.

But for a first attempt ever in my life.... AND, it was snagged on some brush that helped levrage the jack... I can deal with the humility.

A larger welder would have given more heat. Half of the circle looked like a very good weld, the other half.... well.... even I could tell it was poorly done. More of a glue on job!

 

[jonathansfather]

When I was 12 years old, my Dad was a coal miner but we operated a family garage/gas station on the side. Dad was not a professional, but learned on his own to weld, cut, and blow out holes. Back then (early '70s) all we had was an old NAPA buzz box and small oxygen and gas tanks, nothing fancy like today. Dad had two helmets and made me watch him as he worked. He never used me as a gopher. Always had his rods, etc. close by. He always let me run a short bead or two on whatever he was welding. Dad's gone now since late 2018, but what I've just shared are memories I will never, ever forget. I'd bet money that you have a relative, friend, coworker, or neighbor that could teach you just like my Dad taught me. Classes are okay, but with diesel at $4.50 and time limited, I'd go with learning at home or close by. YouTube's always helpful. Nothing like hands on with a buddy. Best of luck to you and all TBN tractorheads. God bless all and be safe weldin and cuttin.

 

[db13]

Sadly, my only welding 'experience' is running and fetching for welders at my dad's shop when I was a lad. I know you cannot look directly at it without eye protection, and not much else.

I am wondering if it is worth learning a bit about welding (thinking a community college class or 2) so I can someone minor things for myself. In my head, I am thinking I may need to attach hook(s) to my bucket; d-rings or similar to the trailer.

What I would like to know from the community is two-fold. 1) what other things would I likely need to use welding for in my small retirement operation? 2) Do you think it is worth my time to learn at this point?

Thank

Sadly, my only welding 'experience' is running and fetching for welders at my dad's shop when I was a lad. I know you cannot look directly at it without eye protection, and not much else.

I am wondering if it is worth learning a bit about welding (thinking a community college class or 2) so I can someone minor things for myself. In my head, I am thinking I may need to attach hook(s) to my bucket; d-rings or similar to the trailer.

What I would like to know from the community is two-fold. 1) what other things would I likely need to use welding for in my small retirement operation? 2) Do you think it is worth my time to learn at this point?

Thanks,

T

I bought a mig welder and started sticking stuff together ...I talked to people who weld for a living and watched any videos I could find on the subject...that was 25+ years ago and today...I still can't weld like a pro but it's good enough for the farm (not pretty but welds hold).But if you have the time and money by all means take a class it can't hurt..I had neither back then...

'

s good enough for the farm

 

[kwijybo]

Yes, take the classes, even if they are only 'skills' classes, where they teach you the basics. Community Colleges are usually cheap. They supply the materials and equipment, so you get experience with a lot of different equipment and processes. Besides, it's a LOT of fun.

I took classes in my 40's, back about 2005. Don't regret it at all

 

[redmt]

Here's a couple pointers. The one thing that will make you a good welder as opposed to a bird shxt welder is seeing what your doing. Get as good a helmet as you can afford plus an extra 50 bucks. Next is a decent machine. I will strongly suggest 175 amp 220 volt machine. The little 110 welders have their place, but not for actually welding. Any of the name brand machines will be acceptable. Stay away from the off brand imported crap. You will outgrow it as soon as you learn to run a decent bead, if the machine will even run a decent bead at all.

 

[Richard]

but what I've just shared are memories I will never, ever forget. I'd bet money that you have a relative, friend, coworker, or neighbor that could teach you just like my Dad taught me.

You make a good point.

I've got a neighbor who's got a machine shop at his house. (probably cost $500K or more to build) He's 75+ and a widower. He's becoming a casual "+" friend. Though he has an assistant he pays..... I've thought about asking him if he'd mind if I hung out with them on the weekends to give him a chance to mentor me to some degree.

My logic being, he is a full sized book of information, experience, skill and wisdom. I'd be honored to absorb some of that book to carry it on after his time (or ability) arrives.

We've worked together on a couple projects. To be fair, he might have been playing to my ego, but he's made several comments that he likes how I think and some of the creative ways I've gotten to my results.

He's got a small house, several acres...all hidden from the road, then next to the house is his nice shop. All metal shop below and the upstairs has a full woodshop.

Heck, he even has a full sized (though it's a small example) tug-boat in one of his bays as one of his toys. Now, who the dickens, in East Tennessee, has a tugboat in their shop?? (he was a licensed Tug operator in his younger days)

At one time, had a Rolls Royce jet engine in his shop.

He definately has some interesting things going on and I'd love to mooch some of the knowledge.

 

[MT Kioti]

By all means, learn from the local community college if you can. I took a night class there back in the 70's and they covered a wide spectrum of what I needed to know, and about all kinds of welding. Probably the best bang-for-the-buck I got in education. At the time, I think the class cost $25 for 10 weeks at one night per week.

Proper education of any kind is never a waste.

 

[pacosperson]

Sadly, my only welding 'experience' is running and fetching for welders at my dad's shop when I was a lad. I know you cannot look directly at it without eye protection, and not much else.

I am wondering if it is worth learning a bit about welding (thinking a community college class or 2) so I can someone minor things for myself. In my head, I am thinking I may need to attach hook(s) to my bucket; d-rings or similar to the trailer.

What I would like to know from the community is two-fold. 1) what other things would I likely need to use welding for in my small retirement operation? 2) Do you think it is worth my time to learn at this point?

Thanks,

T

Definitely go to a night course offering hands on training. You will experience different types of welders and different types of materials and different types of positions. You good pal who knows how to weld and will show you probably does not have these abilities. You will gain information that will last a lifetime. And. hopefully, give you the knowledge of what to avoid in order to stay alive. I have never been a welder, my background is engineering. I did take one of those night courses, 'just in case'. I ended up owning a commercial Hobart MIG machine, a Miller TIG machine and a set of tanks so I can braze. You never know what life will bring or what you'll need. Get knowledge.

 

[EddieWalker]

Something you'll notice when people talk about welding without any training is the claim of how strong their weld is, even though it's ugly, or doesn't look strong. When you take a class, you will be taught what happens when a weld is done properly, and why a strong weld looks pretty.

An ugly weld is never a strong weld.

 

[nybirdman]

I worked as a pipe welder/fitter for 42 years.Used all types of machines and materials.Nothing wrong with gaining a little knowledge.
I would start you with a stick welder:AC/DC 220 volt machine and lots of scrap mild steel.Keep your rods "dry",a simple bulb in a box will do.
I also taught our apprentices and in the NYS prison system;take a basic class for sure and wear ALL the safety gear.

 

[9035768HM]

There is not a time when I repaired something when I wasn’t mindful of the fact that I didn’t have to pay for the repair or be sidelined waiting for someone to come and do it for me. I learned over 40 years ago in high school. There are other skills to learn as well - cutting with the torch, brazing and silver soldering. All useful and part of being self sufficient

 

[jcman]

20 years ago one of our local high school welding instructor offered a 4 week evening class introductory to welding. I always wanted to be able to weld and braze after working on a wheat ranch right out of high school. Took the class and one of the first things he said was that if you learn to weld with acetylene you can weld with anything. I found a used set of acetylene, bought it and used what I learned in class to make a metal welding table out of some scrap I had plus a few new pieces of steel. Also made a forge using a weed burner. A little later bought at wirefeed welder from Harbor Freight for under $200 and have been welding lots of stuff. I've saved many dollars repairing broken farm equipment and made a few custom parts. Right now I'm making a frog out of some old horseshoes. Taking a class I think is the best way to go but supplement it with U-Tube and books from the library.