Where can I learn Welding basics?

[jw33]

My advice when you get ready to buy a machine and money is a concern, buy a used name brand over the new chinese stuff. Yes the chinese inverter stuff is cheap, but it does not work as well at least right out of the box.

[95DRGT]

I am self taught also. Get a welder and get to practicing. There are several books you could buy if your a reader.

You know I've noticed a certain anti-intellectualism going around this country ever since around 1980, coincidentally enough. I was in Nashville, Tennessee last weekend and after the show I went to a waffle house and I'm sitting there and I'm eating and reading a book. I don't know anybody, I'm alone, I'm eating and I'm reading a book. This waitress comes over to me (mocks chewing gum) 'what you readin' for?'...wow, I've never been asked that; not 'What am I reading', 'What am I reading for?' Well, goddamnit, you stumped me...I guess I read for a lot of reasons — the main one is so I don't end up being a fuckin' waffle waitress. Yeah, that would be pretty high on the list. Then this trucker in the booth next to me gets up, stands over me and says [mocks Southern drawl] 'Well, looks like we got ourselves a readah'...aahh, what the fuck's goin' on? It's like I walked into a Klan rally in a Boy George costume or something. Am I stepping out of some intellectual closet here? I read, there I said it. I feel better.

[Skidonenko]

You know I've noticed a certain anti-intellectualism going around this country ever since around 1980, coincidentally enough. I was in Nashville, Tennessee last weekend and after the show I went to a waffle house and I'm sitting there and I'm eating and reading a book. I don't know anybody, I'm alone, I'm eating and I'm reading a book. This waitress comes over to me (mocks chewing gum) 'what you readin' for?'...wow, I've never been asked that; not 'What am I reading', 'What am I reading for?' Well, goddamnit, you stumped me...I guess I read for a lot of reasons — the main one is so I don't end up being a fuckin' waffle waitress. Yeah, that would be pretty high on the list. Then this trucker in the booth next to me gets up, stands over me and says [mocks Southern drawl] 'Well, looks like we got ourselves a readah'...aahh, what the fuck's goin' on? It's like I walked into a Klan rally in a Boy George costume or something. Am I stepping out of some intellectual closet here? I read, there I said it. I feel better.

Idiocracy is here

[turbostang]

You know I've noticed a certain anti-intellectualism going around this country ever since around 1980, coincidentally enough. I was in Nashville, Tennessee last weekend and after the show I went to a waffle house and I'm sitting there and I'm eating and reading a book. I don't know anybody, I'm alone, I'm eating and I'm reading a book. This waitress comes over to me (mocks chewing gum) 'what you readin' for?'...wow, I've never been asked that; not 'What am I reading', 'What am I reading for?' Well, goddamnit, you stumped me...I guess I read for a lot of reasons — the main one is so I don't end up being a fuckin' waffle waitress. Yeah, that would be pretty high on the list. Then this trucker in the booth next to me gets up, stands over me and says [mocks Southern drawl] 'Well, looks like we got ourselves a readah'...aahh, what the fuck's goin' on? It's like I walked into a Klan rally in a Boy George costume or something. Am I stepping out of some intellectual closet here? I read, there I said it. I feel better.

Um.. ok?

[junior]

A good tip I got from greenbullit (Paul) was don't move my hand to right before I go tru the metal, seems to have helped me alot

[TTls1coupe]

QFT.

I'm self taught - with only one class in high school (back when high school had cool shit like that)

I took a job that evolved into some heavy fab work, but only Tig'd a half dozen times there in 12 years or so...but no one ever believes it.

My first turbo kit, I bought a 1200$ welder and got after it. Now, with all the import stuff, welding is cheap.

If you buy a welder, i'd be glad to show you how to use it. I've offered MANY times to MANY people and not a single person has taken me up on it. My time is very limited, but all the stuff I do is welding, so it's not like i'm doing anything that i'm not already working on.

I'll take you up on that. I know alittle but can use the help. I do alot of fab work at the shop but just tack it all up for Chris to come and weld it up. Have been looking for my on tig welder but need some cash and when I have it it go's to my car lol. 972-757-3639 hit me up.

[Aceman85turbo]

I called up everlast and told them I was having a hard time finding a second hand miller dynasty 200dx, told them what i wanted to pay and they gave me a huge discount on their new 185 micro http://www.everlastgenerators.com/Po...o-3910-pd.html

[TexasT]

I called up everlast and told them I was having a hard time finding a second hand miller dynasty 200dx, told them what i wanted to pay and they gave me a huge discount on their new 185 micro http://www.everlastgenerators.com/Po...o-3910-pd.html

Care to elaborate on just how much a "huge discount" is? Also it reads in the description that it is powered by a generator that puts out "clean power". What does this mean? Will it run on 120v or 220v or does it have to have a generator to power it.
?

TIA

[TexasT]

actually at work i just got done talking to our "air gas" guy and he quoted me $133 for a 40lb argon tank full, and $18 to refill so im going to try the flux and shop for a cheaper tank...

will 40lb be enough?? i just want to learn...

A 40 isn't very big. I would want a 125 or 200 but these are much bigger. This makes them harder to transport but will have a bigger volume of gas for not much more money. Check Craigslist list for used cylinders. Even if out of date it doesn't cost much to have them retested. Then you will own it and just pay to have it filled.

[junior]

anyone been doing any welding???

my cousin wants me to build him some cages for his dogs so i have a couple of projects but right now business is picking up and havent had time to do any welding :-(

[BajaBob]

+1 for an auto darkening helmet. Will improve greatly improve your abilities.

I got a welding basics book from half priced books on MIG (what I own) and read it all. I still open it every once and a while, good reference for a new welder.

[BajaBob]

Here is some of my shit. No formal instruction, just a couple youtube videos, books and lots of practice.

[junior]

nice! looks like you are using gas, am i correct, i need to quit being lazy and find a tank so i can use gas!

[BajaBob]

nice! looks like you are using gas, am i correct, i need to quit being lazy and find a tank so i can use gas!

Gas indeed. I am so lazy, I hate dealing with slag. My local welding supply here in College Station hooked me up with small/medium bottle (RR) for a great price. I can have it filled with them in a couple minutes. It lasts me a solid 6-9 months depending on usage... for me it's the perfect size since I only weld maybe a couple times a month.

[turbostang]

Bob, I have a couple things to point out that may help you some.

First thing, The short weld looks to be a bit too hot, as evidence of the splatter and the near concave-ness of the weld.

The second pic, it much too cold - You can see the stacking and near the edges you can easily see where your 'weave' started and stopped. A slight bit more heat, or a bit less wire will get you much better results.

Last but not least, Put your work in a comfortable position and the two things above will get a lot easier. I know that's not always possible, but you don't want to weld out of postion if you don't absolutely have to.