New to welding

[weldhard]

Hi I am new to welding and would like some suggestions on the BEST deal for a beginner like me. I have come to your section of this site because I this is where the cheapest welders can be had. I haven't mucj available cash so would appreciate any help that you may give.
Joe

[denrep]

Hello Weldhard,

What's the typical sort of welding you have in mind?

What electric power do you have available?

Good luck

[longevity-inc.com]

Weldhard,

We offer some of the best deals on the net and are the biggest distributor of imported welding products. Our customer service is top notch and our quality of the products is unmatched.

I understand you are on a budget, but in order for me to give you the best deal, I must agree with Denrep, and ask you some questions to better qualify you for one of our products. I want you to purchase something that is not only affordable, but also something that will meet your exact expectations and needs.

Either call us or post on here what it is exactly you are hoping to do. Also, check out our full welding forum at www.longevity-inc.com/forum - it is the leading imported welder forum on the net and there is plenty of useful information on our products right there, which may give you a better idea of what you need!

Simon

[specter]

Huh :confused:Jucke32u. Sounds like more like spam and nothing to do with weldhard's topic with being new to welding.

[longevity-inc.com]

We got him Tom, but i was unable to ban him from posting spam all over the site.

Simon

[specter]

Took me awhile but I research after he posted and finally learned World of War is some sort of electronic video game and nothing to do with welding.:gunsfirin

[Rojodiablo]

We got him Tom, but i was unable to ban him from posting spam all over the site.

Simon

I got your message...he's dead now!!:drinkup:

[specter]

Thanks for getting rid of junke32u.

Weldhard was looking for help on welding and welders. He wasn't looking where to go to play or buy Wargaming videos.

Back to your question weldhard. If you have No background or experience in welding you may want to search around the internet for welding help for beginners. If you have a local community college check to see if they have any courses offered for beginners.

Are you looking to become a welder for a fulltime job if so again check into schools. In the old days welding shops would take on apprentices. Our shop participates in such a program with the local community college. Its a great program as we get cheap help the the individual gets actual shop experience and skills. Plus many certifications require both school and actual shop training.

If your looking to just fool around with welding as a hobby I would still consider some sort of training. If you buy a welder and set you house on fire because of a lack of experience many insurance companies may not cover the damage you caused by neligelence.

Tom

[rhett]

hi weldhard,

Welding is an "Art", being eye / hand coordination that achieves the ultimate fusion of two parts into one. The simplest of processes today is “flux core wire feed (Innershield)” which most all MIG machines can perform. Stick welding will be the best initial learning process if occupational welding is a goal.

There is the book learning required to understand properties and results of a process chosen to achieve a strong durable weld.

Already said, seek accredited schooling if it is to become an occupational skill.

As for the hobbyist, finding a skilled welder that will allow one to observe over the shoulder is the best training tool available. Your local Library has all the reading materials desired for proof of concept. Ha, watch the puddle!!!, That is where I got started.

Rhett

[reefera4m]

The best deal for a new welder, as Rhett said, is schooling. Although I’d even say this for someone who’s just wants to weld as a hobby. My local community technical college offers a welding course (151) that is basically an introduction to the most common types of welding, Oxy/Acetylene (Gas) SMAW (‘Stick’), GMAW (MIG), GTAW (TIG) as well as Plasma Cutting and Carbon Arc Cutting. You learn the basics as well as some more useful information such as the difference in short-circuiting vs. spray transfer (and therefore what you get when you purchase a machine). A class such as this can give you exposure to different brands of machines as well. Well worth the $235 the course cost.

It’s after the course that cost money – to outfit my shop so my sons could learn to weld:
$700 MM175 (Xmas Sale price a few years ago, include 1 full tank of gas and a spool of wire)
$250 Harris OXY/Acetylene Set include tanks, gauges, hood, gloves, slag hammer, book, cutting torch, three tips, and hoses (Big Nickel and a good hearted seller – Xmas spirited)
Plus a few hundred bucks in misc tools, toolbox, extra auto-darkening helmets, etc.

Best lesson – Take a CLASS, shop Craigslist to start, and when you learn enough ask the Welding Web for next steps – especially for equipment!