Welding to learn in Wa

[RexB]

Howdy, I'm Rex the head groundskeeper in my clearing in the Washington woods. Because nobody else wants the job. Retired Navy, no pro welding experience. I manage to stick pieces of metal together but want to learn to weld the right way.

Two l'il welders: a 230v singlephase stick and a 115v 110a MiG that's real handy. Instantdark helmets, magnets, grinders, apron, drillpress, bandsaws and other stuff in the shop.

I'll be reading here with lots of interest and asking ignorant questions.

[ThunderRobo]

Welcome, RexB!!!!!!!!!

[zapster]

Welcome to the shop!..

No such thing as an "ignnorant" question..

I've asked plenty!!


...zap!

[Ries]

Rex- there is a pretty decent welding program at Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon, and a World Class one at Bellingham Technical College in Bellingham. Might even be something in Oak Harbor.
You might consider taking a class at one- particularly to get you up to speed on Tig, which will make you want to buy an expensive machine, of course.

Central Welding Supply in Burlington is a great place- really knowledgeable, nice guys, good stock on most things, and they will order you anything you need quickly.

Lots of welders, blacksmiths, metalworkers and machinists all around you- although you might not be able to see em thru the trees.
My friend Nick Lyle, one of the best blacksmiths around, is setting up shop on Whidbey now, building a big forge for his huge power hammers.
Paul Thorne, another world class blacksmith, teaches and has a forge just north of the Deception Pass Bridge.

[RexB]

Thanks Ries, I was considering classes, good info about the techschools. And I'll check Central Welding Supply cuz good suppliers are a little scarce out here.

When I'm up on the north end will look for Nick Lyle's and Paul Thorne's signs and stop in say Hi.

I know two good welders on the island (just haven't met more yet); Linc has a shop at Oak Harbor and stores lots of steel too (but he's 75yo and retiring); and Rocky in south end welds/repairs heavy equipment.

Can't "see 'em thru the trees" is right LOL. I left a tree buffer around my place, just cleared two acres inside of eight. Can't see squat around 'cept beautiful firs, alder-weeds, and the sky.

Nice to virtually meet you and I'll look up your friends here one day :thumbup:

[Ries]

You'll never find Nick- he is actually down by Langley, but he doesnt wanna be found- but here is his website
http://www.whitesavageandlyle.com/

but Paul is open to visitors, and even teaches workshops now and again-
http://www.thornemetals.com/

There are several more blacksmiths on Whidbey.
Another guy I know just moved down to Languish with his one man CNC machine shop- and hidden away not far from you is one of the world class tinkerer and inventors of all time- Ro Purser, who helped reverse engineer venetian style glassblowing, built the tools to do it from scratch, and has a complete overhead lineshaft antique machine shop.
He is low profile as well, but I doubt he is more than 10 miles from you- keep your eyes open, Whidbey is full of amazingly talented, creative metalworkers.
http://www.ropurser.com/

[RexB]

I won't lookout for Nick then, lots of us came to Whidbey to lay low. Both those places and work look too far out of my paycheck but I bookmarked for future ref, thanks.

[lorenzo]

Hey RexB......... welcome to the forum.

[Weldordie]

Originally Posted by zapster

Welcome to the shop!..

No such thing as an "ignnorant" question..

I've asked plenty!!


...zap!

Excuse me, but all questions are based on ignorance. Perhaps you meant to say that there are no stupid questions.