how much would it cost to ...

[Moon]

I did not think of the hooks for the FEL when I purchased my tractor. Now I realize I need em.
I would like to learn to weld. My boy had welding in HS a few years ago so he could help / assist me with the project.

...so i have a few questions:

What kind of welder would you need to weld the hooks on?

Is this a good project for someone just starting out welding? Ofcourse I'd practice on junk stuff first.

What kind of welding unit would I need and how much does it cost (ball park)?

What other items besides a welder would I need & how much do they run?

Thanks in Advance for your answers.
Moon of Ohio

 

[Bob_Skurka]

A few years ago I bought a small battery operated welder from Sears for about $300. It has become amazingly useful. The thing I like is that it can be used "in the field." The downside is that it has limited capacity to handle larger jobs without the need to be recharged mid-stream. But even with that shortcoming, it is capable of a lot more than I expected.

 

[TC18guy]

I'd like to learn some simple welding too. I can dream up all kinds of projects, but I don't even know where to start. My father-in-law has said he would teach me, but we never seem to make time for it.

 

[Charlie_in_TX]

Try over on the "Do It Yourself" forum. This question has been asked and answered many times there. In short, a buzz box (AC stick welder) will work. Like most everything else, the more you spend (like a DC stick welder) the better the machine.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

I learned to weld in college with a gas torch. Basically you can get several different types of welders. I'm a desk jocky by trade so I don't really want a full blown set up in my garage, just something easy. I like a little wire-feed welder that allows me to feed the wire with the push of a simple trigger. It is simple and easy, but not very heavy duty.

Small welders can be had for a few hundred dollars. Typically they plug into a 15 or 20amp outlet. The smaller units do not need any shielding gas so you pretty much just plug them in and weld.

As you go up in size & cost & capability you also go up in complexity. Things like shielding gas come into play where you have both the welder and a tank of gas. None of this is rocket science and anyone can learn . . . but a really good looking weld is something that takes a lot of practice. My welds hold up, but look ugly! Sort of like my drywall projects. I can hang the sheetrock, but the taping and mudding looks like an amature did it.

 

[GerardC]

Try this web page G

 

[MadReferee]

Check with your local Vocational Tech school or even high school. Lots of times they will have night adult education classes covering several trades. Welding is usually one of the most popular. At least at class you will learn the basics the correct way. Remember the key to any good weld is proper bead penetration.

I started back in the 70's with an oxy/acetlyene setup, progressed to an AC stick welder, and then to Mig. Once I got to the Mig I have used it exclusively and have never looked back.

 

[MadReferee]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( ...so i have a few questions:

What kind of welder would you need to weld the hooks on?)</font>

A good AC stick welder, around 150 or so amps output will do just fine.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Is this a good project for someone just starting out welding? Ofcourse I'd practice on junk stuff first.)</font>

Yes, the perfect first project.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( What kind of welding unit would I need and how much does it cost (ball park)?)</font>

Check with your local welding shop or online or even Sears. You should be ale to get a good AC stick welder for anywhere from $150-$300. Hobart, Lincoln, Sears are good and there are probably others too. Stay away from the el cheapo Harbor Freight kind.)</font>

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( What other items besides a welder would I need & how much do they run?)</font>

A good auto darkening helmet anywhere from $50 to $200.
Welders gloves, a hand grinder, chipping hammer, magnets to hold material while being welded, C clamps, locking C-clamp pliers, etc.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[Bird]

Moon, I'll agree that a welder and the ability to use it is invaluable, but if the hooks on the bucket are the only thing you have in mind right now, there are alternatives to having them welded on. In fact, I had the welder, but I installed my hooks by drilling holes in the top of the bucket and installed them on U-bolts so I could lay them back out of the way when I wasn't using them.

 

[Moon]

Thanks for the replies all.
I had seen some bolted on, and being able to flip the hook back could be handy, but I prefer having em welded on.
The adult vocational class is a good suggestion Mad. It's one of those things I've thought of doing, but haven't. Maybe once I have a welder I'll be more motivated to take a class or two.
Another good find, the Holbert site, GeraldC. purty cool.
I have a couple small trailers that could use a little welding also, so I have a few projects in mind, but the hooks for the bucket are at the top of that list.
Bob, glad to hear that the small lower end welders can be really handy to have around. I'm sure that is the type I'll start out with. ....Now I'm off to the projects forum or the how do i forum and see what I can find.
Thanks Guys!