Old Dog, New Trick

[bugnout]

Hello,

Hi, I'm taking a welding class at the local Comm College. Just getting ready to take the Oxy midterm, seems I have a knack for this. Can't wait to start stick. Next semester MIG and TIG. I think I'm going to continue to certification. Not for a career, I've just always wanted to learn to weld.

What am I going to do with it? maybe build a rock buggy or a hot rod for myself.

[ls1ta]

I'm in school for welding now, stick by far is the easiest! omg. I wanna teach you lol.
Welcome!!!

[SWells]

Welcome to the site bugnout, helpful bunch of folks here!

[MAC702]

Welcome! You're on a great path whether you decide to make a living with it or not!

[duaneb55]

Welcome to the forum bugnout. Keep us posted on your progress and there's a lot of pros here willing to answer any of your questions. Myself, I'm just a hobby guy and learn new things all the time here.

[bugnout]

Just finished the midterm, project was to weld 14 1.5x3 inch plates together, butt welds, corners, lap and T weld. Here's my practice box. The graded box was much better.

[Mondo]

Welcome to the forum!
The box looks good! Great way to practice and test your skill! Now go drill a 7/16 hole in one side and thread it with a 1/4" NPT tap. Install an air fitting and connect an air hose... CAUTION: Use only a very low pressure setting on the air regulator, only about 2 psi is plenty. You don't need to rupture the thing! Then drop it into a bucket of water and see if you have a fish tank aerator or a submarine.

I made a similar box in a one-day MIG seminar back in March. Out of eight students we had eight aquarium aerators. The point was to demonstrate how much porosity you can have even for welds that might look good. The instuctor said in nearly a dozen years teaching he has seen only one student make a submarine on the first try. That student had been welding for years and was taking the MIG seminar only because his employer required it as they were changing processes.

-Mondo

[bugnout]

I'm sure mine is an aquarium bubbler. After it sat for a week, noticed some moisture on the bottom.

Just started stick, 6010 rod doing lap joints. Took me all night to get the hang of it. I didn't recognize the weld pool as easily as I did with gas. Finally got two good welds at the end of class. Always good to end on a high note, but I'm itchin to get some more practice in.