New to welding

[Alex33]

hi everyone,

im an apprentice plumber and im very interested in learning how to mig and tig weld, i have done alot of oxy/acetylene fusion welding with steel and a little bit of stick welding but want to get into some more serious stuff i want to buy a welder and was just wonidering if you guys could run me through the basics of what to look for in a good machine

all your help would be much appreciated thanks.

[SuperArc]

Hi Alex......Welcome.

It's kinda hard to type up a few paragraphs here on how to get started, when there are books written about the subject. May I suggest a few things to get you in the right direction. By no means am I an "expert," however I like you, once started out at "rock bottom" as each and everyone of us here did.

1) If possible, seek professional welding training. Trade schools, community colleges, professionals willing to train you, amateurs willing to train you. The difference between a "professional" and "amateur" is soley....... compensation. By no means does the word "amateur" indicate that one is NOT a qualified "expert" at ANY skill. It just means the difference of one being compensated or not for their particular skill. There are thousands of "amateurs" out there that can perform a task or skill BETTER than a professional. So, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

2) If you can't get real training, start training yourself. Seek, watch, ask, read, study and PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE yourself with welding. Never stop practicing.

3) Start off with a basic book on "how to weld." There are dozens of books out there. May I suggest an EXCELLENT book by Todd Bridigum:
http://images.betterworldbooks.com/076/How-to-Weld-9780760331743.jpg

...and that's just for starters. It will tell you the basics of everything you need to know. The illustrations in the book also show many "current" production machines out there. It explains various welding processes from MIG, TIG, Stick (SMAW), Oxy fuel, cutting, tools needed, safety, and welding exercises you can do yourself.

4) Learn as much as you can from places like this website. It's excellent! Most people here are very helpful. Some are just ....... XXXX CENSORED XXXX with chips on their shoulders and attitudes like their "chit" don't stink. Just ignore those very few. They're everywhere in this world and we can't seem to avoid them. :(

5) Go to http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com

There you will see soooo many how-to videos by the owner (Jody) and his awesome videos! It will explain a lot! Have a 12 pack of beer the day you're on his website doing your own "self study." It's A+ stuff!

6) As you get more questions, you can come to this site and ask away. However, remember the last two sentences in suggestion #4 above.

Once you start reading a book or two and watch some videos and ask some questions by experienced guys, you'll start to learn some of the basics. You'll also have many more questions to ask by experienced welders. You'll learn quickly also that you'll have to make a decision on what type of welder you want to be. Do you want to be a paid pro? Do you want to just do hobby welding? Lawn art welder, DIYer welder???? If you want to become a professional type, it's strongly recommended that you get formal training of some sort (suggestion #1). Everything else that doesn't demand "critical" and/or "structural" type welds can be had from your own self study course you put together yourself.

Again, welcome and I hope I've shed some light on where to go to get started. It's not "brain surgury" and don't let anyone try to tell you that it is. It does however take skill, patience, a learning curve and experience to "get better" as you move along.

Again, welcome. :drinkup:

[Alex33]

Hey superarc,
Thanks for all your Suggestions they were a massive help and a really good starting point For me and I definitely agree with you about number 4.

Thanks again very much appreciated

[BD1]

My condolences on being a plumber. Just kidding, I'm a fitter.
SUPERARC said it all once again extremely well. In my location the plumbers do have a arc
welding program . You may want to disclosure your location or area. There are members all
over that may live next door and be willing to help.
Here's some sites that may help too.

http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/communities/mboard/forumdisplay.php?3-Welding-Discussions

http://www.hobartwelders.com/weldtalk/

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/ You may have to join to see the pictures.

I can't wait to help you spend money on toys ! :blob3: Make sure to ask and research BEFORE purchasing . Good Luck and welcome :waving:

[Alex33]

Hey, I didn't even think of saying where I was from haha. I'm actually from Sydney Australia.

[BD1]

Hey, I didn't even think of saying where I was from haha. I'm actually from Sydney Australia.

Ok MATE ! you may want to try and get a hold of Mick 120 he might live next door ! Here's
one of the threads he posted on.
You might want to think about these for your shop too. Good reading.





http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?p=1067641&posted=1#post1067641