How would a gimp like me get along in class?

[Monica]

Now and again I've considered taking a local welding class just for my own benefit. It won't be too long now that I'll have a lot of time on my hand. I'm halfway tossing the idea to enroll for the fall or spring. However I'm a uncertain how I'd do things. Since you guys have been in classes/instruction, how do you think I'd get along in a welding class? How does it work? I'm speaking from a practical point of view using tools and machines. Are tools supplied or do you bring your own? How do you think an instructor would handle my situation? I don't want to be a burden. As for my situation - I don't have use of my left arm or hand.

Thoughts?

[anickode]

I'd have to say you will most definitely have your work cut out for you. It wouldn't be impossible, but it will be difficult.

Stick welding can be done one-handed, but more difficult to control your arc.
TIG would basically be out of the question, unfortunately.
MIG would probably be the easiest to handle for running beads.
Angle grinders aren't really safe to use one-handed.
Lighting and setting an oxy-acetylene torch could be done one-handed, anthough it wouldn't be terribly safe.

The biggest issue I see would be fitup of pieces... Holding them in just the right place while tack welding together. Everything else (except feeding filler rod) could probably be coped with.

Tools are generally supplied... At least the basics. Bring your own shield, glove(s), and protective wear unless you like wearing still-damp-from-the-last-guy's-sweat leathers. I think most instructors would be willing to help you find ways to cope with your situation.

The classes I've taken are basically self-paced. If you need a demo of a new position, the lab techs or instructor will be happy to oblige. Your eyesight is more important than having use of both hands, IMO. There's a guy in one of my classes with rather poor eyesight, and he struggles every step of the way.

If you have the gumption and determination simply to try it, you've got what it takes to do just fine in the class.

[soutthpaw]

Rick V recently took a welding class. He is an old fart too and did fine. You need to provide your own personal protective equipment (PPE's). Some schools provide welding hoods others don't. Leather gloves, saftey glasses and leather welding sleeves, pants, or apron etc. There are several choices out there as well as other flame resistant materials. Each program will specify what they accept. I am assuming that you have an upper extermity disability like something stroke induced and not amputee type of issue. You will probably have to stay with MIG welding do to that or possibly stick (smaw). Due to your disability. As for other accomodations. Just contact the college disabled student services office for whatever assistance you need.
Those with a prothetic upper limb could definitely do TIG with adaptation made for holding the torch assembly..
Go for it though. Don't let a disability hold u back. I am Deaf and Autistic (Asperger's) so I speak from experience as far as that goes.

[Oldendum]

I would contact the school/instructor. Get in there to watch and discuss the situation. No harm in checking it out.

[forhire]

You strike me as very capable and adaptive. I'd talk to the instructor and make sure he/she is flexible and willing to experiment a little. The course will be invaluable for theory and proper technique. Adapting to your limitation will be up to you. If i recall crawford was taking some courses and was looking into tig with a feeder... he hasn't been on for a while so not sure how it worked out. I'd say go for it and plan on tooling up as you experiment with processes and techniques. For example smaller pnuematic grinders may be easier to handle than electric.

[jbyrd]

I teach welding at a community college. I know we would do all we could to accommodate someone with a disability. We have a department on campus, dedicated to organizing resources to help those with disabilities. I suspect your community college is no different. Call admissions and discuss your situation and they can refer you to the correct area.

Sent from my DROID3 using Tapatalk 2

[Monica]

Thanks guys. Your info and thoughts are helpful. I'm taking notes.

Southpaw, I broke my neck in college and lost the use of my arm. It's there and I have a few movements in the shoulder, and elbow flexion (probably the strongest thing I have left) but my arm is no where near what I'd call dependable or controllable, especially for extended periods of time doing work (I can only keep it bent when I jog for about 3mls/30min before I drop it down because my bicep gets to tired). When I use any tools I leave my arm at my side (or back). When I weld I just put it behind my back. I've experimented using my arm as a rest when I weld, but I need to stitch up a better fitting glove. Elsewhere around the house I've been known to burn myself (Where'd that blister come from?) or cut myself (Where's the blood coming from?) and not know it. I don't have any tactile function below the elbow.

[DSW]

Where I help out I can't see any problems that you have that would be insurmountable. 95%+ of the class is working on your technique and developing the eye hand coordination that's required to weld.

Tacking up coupons might be a "challenge", but with a couple of magnets and may be a jig I don't think that would slow you down very much at all. The toughest part is figuring out the best way to hold the coupons the 1st time. Even 2 handed students face this challenge some what.

The school provides all the equipment, you supply all the PPE ( hood, gloves, jacket, respirator if you wish..) About the only "hard" item most people bring is a set of dikes or welpers to cut the wire.


You have a can do attitude from what I've seen. I doubt that mig or stick will present any issues. Tig is a bit more problematical. You really need at least partial control and use of the 2nd arm/hand if you aren't using a tig feeder ( and very few places have them). That said, I've seen someone with out one hand, do tig, so it's possible. ( He fed rod with his injured arm and reset the rod with his torch hand when needed.)

[Monica]

On the topic of tools, are you allowed to bring in your own?

For material size/thickness, is that dependent on the process that is being worked on at that point in the class?

[asdf]

The community college near me offers different processes in different classes: oxy-acetylene class, SMAW class, advanced SMAW, and then something called "inert gas welding" which I can't tell means MIG or TIG or what. Are you interested to work on a particular size of material, or does your school offer a glimpse into many processes in a single class?

[Broccoli1]

Originally Posted by Monica

I don't want to be a burden.

Thoughts?

Folks that are a burden in class and in life are those that don't use their brain- reading your posts you'll do just fine. I wouldn't be concerned about having you in class with me.

[asdf]

Another thought- once you make the decision to go to school, enroll early! Class sizes are limited, and it's a long wait for next semester to roll around. And if you work during the day and are counting on night classes, the class you want may not be offered at night next time around.

[Monica]

I'm really interested in Mig/FC. I don't feel like Stick but I feel some responsibility towards the greater good to know how to do it. If my only argument is "I don't really wanna", I have no real excuse.

The material I'd use with any kind of regularity would be 1/8-1/4" but an ambitious 3/8"-1/2" project wouldn't be out of the question. I've done a few projects already, guess you could say on a wing and prayer.

As far as community colleges go, for the area, I've seen Tarrant County College.

Can I just jump in and take a class here and there? Or should I follow a curriculum like the basic certification and actually learn "how to" from tip to tail? I have my B.S. already, but I kind of like the idea of having working knowledge of a certified trade skill. I do enjoy skilled hobbies and it wouldn't take much more to it official. (an I think Im talking myself into going to school again).

Here's the Basic Certificate reqs: https://waj.tccd.edu/TCC/WebAdvisor3...&SUBMIT=SUBMIT

Enrollment space is a consideration but not too important that I be on rush. I'm my own boss and work/ed from home so I'm very flexible. And this is just something to do for myself so no deadlines looming or pressure.

[Rick V]

RE: Can I just jump in and take a class here and there? Or should I follow a curriculum like the basic certification and actually learn "how to" from tip to tail?
That will depend upon the school; as other have pointed out - phone the school and talk to a few people; they will have the answers.

Having taken Technical College oxy/acet and stick welding courses at night, the only thing I see as difficult might be tacking pieces together but, as other have said, there are ways to do that - magnets, clamps, etc.

All good advice here...
Monica, your determination is inspirational; I think you'd do well and have a lot of fun!

[Monica]

Yeah, I should give them a call. I appreciate the kind words Broccoli, Rick, DSW.

[asdf]

I clicked that link, and the 5 courses in that sequence would qualify students for a "certificate of completion", which is different than a "welding certification". I'm sure "certificate of completion" is a phrase the school uses and not intended to mislead, but you may want to check into that. Also, is the Blueprint course specific to welding? There are welding symbols that may not be covered in a generic course... another bullet point for the phone call.

Good luck with it! I have been wanting to take similar courses, just to learn the proper way to do things (I'm sure I've self-taught myself the wrong way).

[Monica]

Originally Posted by asdf

I clicked that link, and the 5 courses in that sequence would qualify students for a "certificate of completion", which is different than a "welding certification". I'm sure "certificate of completion" is a phrase the school uses and not intended to mislead, but you may want to check into that. Also, is the Blueprint course specific to welding? There are welding symbols that may not be covered in a generic course... another bullet point for the phone call.

Good luck with it! I have been wanting to take similar courses, just to learn the proper way to do things (I'm sure I've self-taught myself the wrong way).

That's a good catch. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. That does make it look like a "skills only" set of classes. I'll ask to be certain that I know what I'm getting.

There is an AAS Welding Technology curriculum that I'm curious if would be worth looking at. I'd only consider it if, 1) an AAS is worth anything and 2) they'd take ALL my credits from my BS to fill core & electives. Otherwise the Cert of Completion would be the option.

[DSW]

Originally Posted by Monica

On the topic of tools, are you allowed to bring in your own?

For material size/thickness, is that dependent on the process that is being worked on at that point in the class?

Originally Posted by Monica

I'm really interested in Mig/FC. I don't feel like Stick but I feel some responsibility towards the greater good to know how to do it. If my only argument is "I don't really wanna", I have no real excuse.

The material I'd use with any kind of regularity would be 1/8-1/4" but an ambitious 3/8"-1/2" project wouldn't be out of the question. I've done a few projects already, guess you could say on a wing and prayer.

As far as community colleges go, for the area, I've seen Tarrant County College.

Can I just jump in and take a class here and there? Or should I follow a curriculum like the basic certification and actually learn "how to" from tip to tail? I have my B.S. already, but I kind of like the idea of having working knowledge of a certified trade skill. I do enjoy skilled hobbies and it wouldn't take much more to it official. (an I think Im talking myself into going to school again).
.

Keep in mind all schools are a bit different as to what they do or allow...

As far as bringing in your own tools, sure, I can't see why not. Just make sure they are clearly and obviously marked as yours. I've brought in plenty of my own tools, mostly because I have a work truck full of them, and they are easy to access. At the 1st school I took classes at, part of it was thru necessity. The day school instructor and night school instructor were two different people, and getting access to tools at night was sometimes an issue. the tools were there, simply the night school instructor either didn't know where they were or had a key to access them. Where I help out, all you have to do is ask for the tools to get them from lock up, but I still bring in a few specialized tools from time to time to make things easier on myself.

As far as material sizes, thicknesses, again, it's dependent on the school/ process. The 1st place I went, material was limited for "basic" students. You received a piece of 12" long 3/8" thick 3" angle and worked to fill it with bead material. Not too exciting, but it saved on material and allowed you to get the basic motions down, especially with stick. Where I'm at now, there is a variety of materials to work with, dependent on the process. 1/8" 3x6" flat steel for mig/ tig, 3/8" 3x6" flat steel for stick, 1/4" 3x6" SS for stainless tig, 1/8" 3x6" alum for AC tig, and 6" round steel for pipe training, both tig and stick.

Programs vary as far as what you can take, and in what order also. Where I started out, you had to take stick 1st. Then you could do any other processes in smesters after that. Now as far as I understand it the current program starts people out there on OA/ stick 1st. Where I help out, it's pretty much what ever process you want to learn, based on equipment availability. There's only so many AC tigs, and mig booths, but any booth will run DC tig or stick.

Looking at the link you posted, there looks like one class for blueprint reading, one for each process, FC wire, stick, gas mig, and tig. My guess is you can take them in any order from what I see, and most likely if you want to further your skills, you simply take the class again, and start where you left off the semester before. That's the way the school does it where I'm at. Usually with tig, it takes several semesters for students to get thru all the positions, simply due to the learning curve typical with tig. Mig on the other hand, it's not uncommon for a student to finish all the basic joints in 7 weeks of a 10 week semester, and then either work on specialized mig, like sheet metal to gain employment, or move on to another process like tig/stick. Many of the students sign up with the plan to finish mig and find a job, and the instructor knows what places local require what sorts of testing for employment, and students wok on what they need to pass that test once finished.

Looks like WLDG-1430 ( gas mig) and WLDG-1412 ( FC mig) would be the two primary classes that would interest you to start. The blueprint reading class probably would have limited use for the hobbyist except as interesting information, but very useful for someone looking to get hired where print reading was a qualification for the job.


Certificates of Participation are usually a fancy way to say you simply showed up to class. It has no meaning on what you learned. Some employers pay for all or part of a students class, and a certificate simply says the student showed up, and usually is good enough for employers to reimburse the employee. Some schools also separately offer certification testing. I had one instructor who mentioned if someone wanted/needed to get a cert for work, he'd tailor the class to that students needs, including practice tests, then help the student arrange for the actual test outside of class. To determine what is offered/ available at the location you are looking at, you'll need to contact the school or instructor.

Also don't forget the CC are not your only option. Many high school votec programs offer night classes. These classes tend to be geared a bit more towards the hobbyist or the person looking to get an entry level job with limited school skills, though advanced training is certainly possible with many programs. You may find one program fits your needs better than another. I switched schools after 3 terms simply due to the fact the night instructor that was very good left for personal reasons, and the new instructor wasn't as good. There are at least 4 votec programs in my area all offering a variety of programs, from basics up to one program designed to get students with skills thru advanced certs. In that program all you do is work on what it takes to pass the test.

[Matt_Maguire]

I s'pect if you take some pics of what you have been up to in the past they would be glad to have you in class. Crawford did make it a go as I recall!

I think the last thing I'd do is tell a one handed welder you can't TIG with one hand and then leave money on the table waiting for them to figure it out & get my dough. From time to time with deep cracks I feed the filler over my right wrist and through the ring and little finger of my torch hand. I feed it with the other hand on the torch hand forearm.

I think tomorrow I'll try just laying the filler over the crotch of my elbow and pulling it with the ring and little finger on the torch hand & see if I can make some attempt. (Ought to be funny with a #18 torch, but you never know).

Just another task looking for a solution Monica, good luck.

Matt

[Scott Young]

Monica, I have read every post you have posted on here and can say that you are more capable than many who would be attending the class with you. Your determination, critical thinking skills and attention to detail will far outweigh any obstacle you physically have. I would carry pictures of your projects to have on hand if there is any question from the administration or instructor.

as for special tools I would bring along any tool that you partically find comfortable. I can't remember it you opted for an air grinder instead of an electric grinder. the airgrinder is easier to hold due to the smaller diameter of the body due to not having to house the electric motor to supply the work. Here is a link to some grinders I have used and are top notch http://www.patcoairtools.com/.

[soutthpaw]

I was thinking of a couple of accomodations.
1. 200 amp torch as its lighter and smaller than a 400 amp one in both the gun and cable. If the program does not have one this is a reasonable accomodation for both the school and a business under ADA.
1a. Check out Bernard's and Profax/lenco websites. Both companies make a huge variety of torches in different sizes angles etc. For example my Bernard Q400 you can rotate the nozzle and head 360 degrees. So holding the gun in a normal position you could have the wire coming out upwards for overhead welding... also the make angles from straight to 60* bent. Might even have right angle guns
2. Get a guide wheel made to attach onto or near the head that will help support the gun. Its just a cutting wheel from a small tubing cutter and a few pieces of metal. I will draw a pic when I get home. On the road at the moment for another 800 miles... fatigue is going to be your biggest challange I think. Look at guides for OA torches to see what I am talking about.

If u are not shooting at a career I would not worry about doing a whole certificate program. plus actual welding skills exams from AWS etc in certified processes are what businesses care about. Not if you completed a list of classes.

I would consider taking a Computer Aided design class or even a google sletch up class so you can design your projects prior to building

Also I am sure if you ask, you will find some local WW experts willing to help you out.... I just got a great TIG lesson from Shovelon while I was in CA.

[tanglediver]

There are a couple of things I have noticed from my time in a local program. Everything was tailored to suit the desires of the student, and the goals that he or she had set for themselves. Some people may only want to focus on one aspect for a certain hobby, while others may want to get certified for a higher paying job. If you desire to follow along with the program, it will cover as much as the school is prepared to teach. Generally, they will make every effort to accommodate the student. We've had deaf students accompanied by American Sign Language interpreter/assistants from the student body right alongside, (getting lots of free tutorials in welding I might add)!
The only people that struggle through welding classes either lack motivation, at least a modicum of intelligence, or the maturity to discipline themselves to progress and give it their all. You don't strike me as any of those sorts.

[Monica]

Originally Posted by DSW

Keep in mind all schools are a bit different as to what they do or allow...

As far as bringing in your own tools, sure, I can't see why not. Just make sure they are clearly and obviously marked as yours. I've brought in plenty of my own tools, mostly because I have a work truck full of them, and they are easy to access. At the 1st school I took classes at, part of it was thru necessity. The day school instructor and night school instructor were two different people, and getting access to tools at night was sometimes an issue. the tools were there, simply the night school instructor either didn't know where they were or had a key to access them. Where I help out, all you have to do is ask for the tools to get them from lock up, but I still bring in a few specialized tools from time to time to make things easier on myself.

As far as material sizes, thicknesses, again, it's dependent on the school/ process. The 1st place I went, material was limited for "basic" students. You received a piece of 12" long 3/8" thick 3" angle and worked to fill it with bead material. Not too exciting, but it saved on material and allowed you to get the basic motions down, especially with stick. Where I'm at now, there is a variety of materials to work with, dependent on the process. 1/8" 3x6" flat steel for mig/ tig, 3/8" 3x6" flat steel for stick, 1/4" 3x6" SS for stainless tig, 1/8" 3x6" alum for AC tig, and 6" round steel for pipe training, both tig and stick.

Programs vary as far as what you can take, and in what order also. Where I started out, you had to take stick 1st. Then you could do any other processes in smesters after that. Now as far as I understand it the current program starts people out there on OA/ stick 1st. Where I help out, it's pretty much what ever process you want to learn, based on equipment availability. There's only so many AC tigs, and mig booths, but any booth will run DC tig or stick.

Looking at the link you posted, there looks like one class for blueprint reading, one for each process, FC wire, stick, gas mig, and tig. My guess is you can take them in any order from what I see, and most likely if you want to further your skills, you simply take the class again, and start where you left off the semester before. That's the way the school does it where I'm at. Usually with tig, it takes several semesters for students to get thru all the positions, simply due to the learning curve typical with tig. Mig on the other hand, it's not uncommon for a student to finish all the basic joints in 7 weeks of a 10 week semester, and then either work on specialized mig, like sheet metal to gain employment, or move on to another process like tig/stick. Many of the students sign up with the plan to finish mig and find a job, and the instructor knows what places local require what sorts of testing for employment, and students wok on what they need to pass that test once finished.

Looks like WLDG-1430 ( gas mig) and WLDG-1412 ( FC mig) would be the two primary classes that would interest you to start. The blueprint reading class probably would have limited use for the hobbyist except as interesting information, but very useful for someone looking to get hired where print reading was a qualification for the job.


Certificates of Participation are usually a fancy way to say you simply showed up to class. It has no meaning on what you learned. Some employers pay for all or part of a students class, and a certificate simply says the student showed up, and usually is good enough for employers to reimburse the employee. Some schools also separately offer certification testing. I had one instructor who mentioned if someone wanted/needed to get a cert for work, he'd tailor the class to that students needs, including practice tests, then help the student arrange for the actual test outside of class. To determine what is offered/ available at the location you are looking at, you'll need to contact the school or instructor.

Also don't forget the CC are not your only option. Many high school votec programs offer night classes. These classes tend to be geared a bit more towards the hobbyist or the person looking to get an entry level job with limited school skills, though advanced training is certainly possible with many programs. You may find one program fits your needs better than another. I switched schools after 3 terms simply due to the fact the night instructor that was very good left for personal reasons, and the new instructor wasn't as good. There are at least 4 votec programs in my area all offering a variety of programs, from basics up to one program designed to get students with skills thru advanced certs. In that program all you do is work on what it takes to pass the test.

Thank you. I looked up the AutoTech/Shop teacher at my local high school and will drop him a note. Overall, I'll do my homework on which location would work best.

Originally Posted by Matt_Maguire

I s'pect if you take some pics of what you have been up to in the past they would be glad to have you in class. Crawford did make it a go as I recall!

I think the last thing I'd do is tell a one handed welder you can't TIG with one hand and then leave money on the table waiting for them to figure it out & get my dough. From time to time with deep cracks I feed the filler over my right wrist and through the ring and little finger of my torch hand. I feed it with the other hand on the torch hand forearm.

I think tomorrow I'll try just laying the filler over the crotch of my elbow and pulling it with the ring and little finger on the torch hand & see if I can make some attempt. (Ought to be funny with a #18 torch, but you never know).

Just another task looking for a solution Monica, good luck.

Matt

Thanks Matt. I wouldn't lay that bet either. Soon as you tell someone "they can't", they'll figure out how just to show you different. I look forward to hearing how the experiment goes.

Originally Posted by Scott Young

Monica, I have read every post you have posted on here and can say that you are more capable than many who would be attending the class with you. Your determination, critical thinking skills and attention to detail will far outweigh any obstacle you physically have. I would carry pictures of your projects to have on hand if there is any question from the administration or instructor.

as for special tools I would bring along any tool that you partically find comfortable. I can't remember it you opted for an air grinder instead of an electric grinder. the airgrinder is easier to hold due to the smaller diameter of the body due to not having to house the electric motor to supply the work. Here is a link to some grinders I have used and are top notch http://www.patcoairtools.com/.

Thank you Scott. A portfolio of sorts wouldn't be a bad thing to have. I can explain my methods and open a few eyes. I have been using a Craftsman rotary grinder with a Dremel right angle attachment and Dremel grinding discs like a mini angle grinder. It works great. The downside is capacity of course. Working large materials would be a task. It is corded and that means lots of heat in the tool during extended use.

While I'm here, I'll mention the angle grinder. I cannot use it safely with one hand. We did do a brainstorm here a while back about designs for a handle and switch to attach to a grinder so that I may use it. I have not attempted to built it but I think the design and function is absolutely viable.

I've been halfway shopping for a bench grinder. That'll help around here too.

Thanks for the link on the grinders. I don't get pneumatics until I can get a big compressor in here.

[Matt_Maguire]

Oh crap, if you are still looking for an air tool - depending on your hand size check out a snap on PT250a (may get one cheap at flea-bay).

You can adjust the speed/torque to stall at very low rates & it will handle 4" disks (rated for 3"). Prolly one of my more pleasant finds in recent years.

Matt

[Inkydoggy]

The best parts on a man are between his ears and behind his ribcage. You seem to be using both just fine. Keep that up and you can do anything you want to in life.