Learning how to weld
 

Hello all, How hard is it to learn basic welding? Nothing fancy, just the very basics. I bought a rust bucket on ebay that will probably need metal welded into both rear floor pans. I'm thinking of doing it myself and learning a skill as well. What kind/brand welder do I need? Any ideas/advice pro or con appreciated. Thanks, JEFF

This will be my first question I will try to answer:)

There are 2 basic types of welding

Stick

and Mig/Tig

IMO Mig/Tig would be the route to go. I know in my area I went to a Vocational School to learn Welding. It's not that hard but there basics you should know. I'm sure there are instructional videos you could buy. But truly Hands on experience is the key.

there's also gas welding and brazing( oxy-acetylene), but not for sheet metal from a recent annodized tin box like they make today. most important thing you need to know is that flashes from the electric welding will blind you if you look at it without proper filter mask, AND, that the flashes that you catch with your eyes create cumlitive damage. Each arc burns a little till your eyes are blinded. No worries, Just wear the proper mask, and don't let unprotected folks into your work area when welding.

Sign up for adult Ed at your nearest Jr. College for a welding class. I want to take one too.

You can also use a wire feed welder. No special gases. 110v power. nice/ easy to use in the shop or out in the yard. Just start putting things together. practice and then practice some more. Get a grinder/ portable bandsaw/ files/ gloves/ eye protection/ shields/ fire extinguisher(:rolleyes:). Have fun.

Keep a spray bottle around with water in it, lots of little paint and insulation fires start as you weld and are easily extinguished this way.

I too am a welder wannabe, bought a little mig welder a couple of years ago and make sparks. I can get welding done by people who know what they're doing for real jobs, but for little patch jobs or quick fixtures it is really a handy skill.

take a class, learning on your own is hit or miss. I learned more from 5 minutes of instruction than in 5 years of backyard trial and error. Heck i would have saved the cost of the class in grinding wheels

just dont weld the fuel line and you should be fine.

Welding classes are only around $100.

jeff,

not hard at all, but you need to do some homework first. ive just completed rust repairs on my 87 300DT. read my blog. you will see what ive just gone thru

bob

I took a "mini" welding class at a local high school. It was an adult class and cost only $150 bucks. Its was a 5 week class 3 times a week. I basicaly learned to weld in that class. Mig/stick/oxyfuel



I have a small mig welder (110v unfortunately) that works just fine for everything ive done so far with it. For repairing sheet metal rust and floor pan rust this is all you need

I just took a class this past summer. It was $450 for 10 3hr classes.

I already had a MIG and TIG welder and was self taught. I took the class to verify my technique.

For sheet metal, definately go with MIG. I had a flux core wire feed welder and didn't like it. Lots of splatter to clean up. I sold that unit and bought a Miller 175

I cannot recommend a 220V welder high enough.
truely, if you cheap out and get the 110V unit you will be sorry.
you can find display models on clearance, I did. I paid 450 for my miller 175 INCLUDING a small gas bottle. learned quickly that the small bottle is not worth it. traded it in for the tall gas bottle, have never looked back.
the 175 comes with a cheapo regulator that is fine for learning and light jobs, and it comes with a spool of flux core wire if you don't wanna get the bottle right away.
it comes with the adapter for both size spools of wire, and the whip is ready for a spool gun if you want to weld aluminum someday... (another 450 or so for that gun... never went that way yet, but it's nice to know it's an option.)
my technique has improved over the years, but I would like to take a class someday. I can weld up to 1/2" steel with it (SLOWLY) and down to thin sheet metal with thin wire.
the 110v models will stall constantly on anything over 3/16" unless you REALLY know what you are doing...

NOT speaking from awsome skill....
 

My cousin with the body shop is way better, and knowledgeable - when you do practice (scrap, stuff about to be recycled, etc) be sure to use good ventilation. Some coatings and platings can release hazardous fumes, like cadmium or similar.

Your class should cover this.

Also If you get anything military surplus and it has a matte or soft, almost velvet like finish, look for "carc" - short for 'chemical agent resistant coating' cold clean it of ALL paint before applying any heat or it will release large amounts of isocyanates, among other things.