Rookie Welder....Where to start?

[TNhobbyfarmer]

I would like to learn weld. I have never done it before. My idea is to read and possibly rent or buy a video or two and self teach. What type welder (cheap) would you recommend for a beginner? I don't plan on doing any serious welding but would like to have the capability and skill to do it if needed.

 

[passgas55]

Do you have a trade school in your area?

 

[TNhobbyfarmer]

Do you have a trade school in your area?

Yes. I have considered that route, but time constraints are a problem. I travel quite a bit in my job and find it hard to conform to a regular scheduled class.

 

[wushaw]

Videos, books, scrap metal, cheap used stick welder, lots of rods, a good helmet, perferably auto darkening and lots and lots of practice will get ya goin.

 

[Ifixcars]

Don't go too cheap on the welder though. Stay away from those 100 dollar 90 amp hobby stick welders, they are a waste of money. Go name brand, like Lincoln, Hobart, Miller etc.. They work good and can be found used. New is nice too if it's in your budget. If you are going to be welding thinner projects, you might want to spend a little more and get a mig unit. Get a couple of books, and read about welding processes, and think about what types of projects you are interested in before you buy. One good thing about buying a used namebrand welder is if you don't like it you can probably sell it for what you paid for it.

 

[CATMAN]

When you are practicing with scrap metal and make a 4" long bead on 1/4" to 3/8" thick metal during a butt joint, than mount the lower piece of metal into a big vise and use a big pipe wrench on the upper piece and bent the upper piece back and forth, back and forth, back and forth until your weld breaks apart OR the metal is going to break apart. You will probably be breaking your welds apart at first and you will see lack of penetration, and lack of heat on the backside on the welded material. This is what we did in 9th grade shop class to help understand that your weld may look halfways decent on the top, but doesn't pass this test at all. There are really good pictures of welds on most welder manufacturors websites that show "problem welds" and causes and cures to improve. Everybody will tell you take it just takes practice, practice and more practice. After scrap metal welds and you are getting bored (by not really accomplishing anything other than practice) and you want to build something, choose something none-critical to build. Maybe your first welding table. Don't be afraid to grind out your welds that your are unhappy with and redo them. Don't start by welding on tow hooks on your buddy's 4WD truck, this it what I call critical application! This is just a little info that might help.

 

[davemhughes]

There is lots of great help here on this site but if you take a look here at this link it has thousands of pro's and hobby welders that can answer any question you could ever have about welding. Its where I go when i really need to know something about welding or welding equipment....WeldingWeb™ - Professional Welding Forum - Powered by vBulletin

They recently helped me decide on a new welder. I got a Lincoln Mig 3200HD.....its a great little wire burner

 

[AlanB]

Come up to the house tommorrow and we can try the various types of welders and let you get a feel for them.

931-551-8129

 

[DCRC]

Yes. I have considered that route, but time constraints are a problem. I travel quite a bit in my job and find it hard to conform to a regular scheduled class.

If your not going for a degree most schools are pretty flexable with night classes.

I took a welding class at night. The instructer asked me what I was looking to get out of it. I told him I wanted to tig weld thin tubing and that's pretty much all I practiced on, except for a few "coupons" when I first started.

Your best bet would be to get a 220v wire feed mig with gas shielding somewhere in he 175-200v range. If your just doing auto body stuff you can get buy with a 110v machine.

 

[bobkrack]

Don't go too cheap on the welder though. Stay away from those 100 dollar 90 amp hobby stick welders, they are a waste of money. Go name brand, like Lincoln, Hobart, Miller etc.. They work good and can be found used. New is nice too if it's in your budget. If you are going to be welding thinner projects, you might want to spend a little more and get a mig unit. Get a couple of books, and read about welding processes, and think about what types of projects you are interested in before you buy. One good thing about buying a used namebrand welder is if you don't like it you can probably sell it for what you paid for it.

The 220V AC welders are probably the very best way to start , and yes-a used one is most likely to be saleable at near the price you paid for it(around $100 or so). Start with at 3/16" or 1/4" scrap metal using E7014, E6013, or E6011.

Wire feed might be an easy way to start but you will probably do a lot of welding (practice) and end up with a good looking weld that won't hold anything. I'd say start with stick then consider wire-feed.

Absolutely think seriously on the auto-darkening hood...Harbor Freight around $60.00 - you won't go wrong with that one for a starter (or maybe even the only one you will ever buy).

Whatever you do, do NOT skip the personal protection equipment!

Bob