Hey!

[G-ManBart]

Hey all,

I'm a newbie here, but have lurked for about a year. Late last year I set out to start learning to weld with the help of a couple of friends, lots of YouTube videos, and feedback from the welding section on another forum. I started with brazing, then gas torch welding, and now stick welding. I'm actually shopping for a TIG machine, but I'm not in a rush to make that move just yet. It got to the point that when I would do searches on various welding topics I'd wind up here, so I figured I might as well join!

I'm just a hobbyist, but I've got enough heavy equipment (backhoe, dozer, dump truck, farm tractor w/implements) that I really had to learn how to weld. So far I'm having a really good time, have made a few things that turned out well, and I look forward to keeping on the path to really get good (for a hobbyist). The only downside I can see is that I'm buying more stuff, and looking at projects I never could have thought of in the past, and that can get expensive quickly!

I'm looking forward to learning a lot here!

[Broccoli1]

Welcome to the Zoo

[Weldalittle]

Hey all,

I'm actually shopping for a TIG machine, but I'm not in a rush to make that move just yet.

I'm looking for a good TIG unit myself. In the meantime, I put together a scratch tig setup to learn on. Seeing as you have a stick setup, you might try the same thing. It sure is difficult, but it's still fun learning. And once I'm skilled enough (probably many years!), it will allow enough control to be really anal about my welds.

[M J Mauer]

Bart, welcome to the forum.

[G-ManBart]

I'm looking for a good TIG unit myself. In the meantime, I put together a scratch tig setup to learn on. Seeing as you have a stick setup, you might try the same thing. It sure is difficult, but it's still fun learning. And once I'm skilled enough (probably many years!), it will allow enough control to be really anal about my welds.

Good point. I was considering getting the TIG rig for my Everlast, but haven't quite decided...thinking I'd rather put that money towards a proper TIG machine.

[G-ManBart]

Thanks for the welcome all!