Learning to weld?

[jiimi626]

Any suggestions on where I could go to learn some basics of welding? Not looking for a certificate or job, just a hobby I've always wanted to try. I actually have some equipment I've accumulated over the years from yard sales and auctions. I've watched a bunch of youtube videos and know it will take a lot of practice. I get the concepts, but sometimes having someone help with initial setup goes a long way. Wire feed speed, amperages, voltages, etc. Just looking for somewhere to help me get my rig set up (or tell me what to buy) and show me the basics.

Not really looking to build anything structural or safety related, but have an old BBQ I'd like to patch up, sometimes welding a nut on stripped bolt can help, odd jobs like that. Could be a formal class, or just a good welder who wants a to either come to my place or me to his and show me the ropes on the side (will compensate).

Any thoughts? Located in middle St. Mary's but would travel if not too far.

Thanks,

Edited to add more info.

 

[Gilligan]

The good folks at Three Mules Welding (Mechanicsville and Lex Park) are a great source of advice on what to buy and how to set it up and are even known for providing a free demonstration or two. CSM has actual classes for all types of welding and certification but they cost over $2000 for every type; the classrooms are in Hughesville.

I thought that the Forrest Tech Center in L'town used to offer evening classes for the general public in welding but I don't see them listed anywhere.

 

[Clem72]

Do what I did, buy a cheap-ish mig/tig and experiment until you are happy with the results. Then buy something a little nicer and keep going.

You will NEVER be good enough to make a professional welder say it's "good enough". Every person I have ever met that welds as part of their livelihood shits all over every other welders work. I think it's in their union rules or something.

 

[PrchJrkr]

Any suggestions on where I could go to learn some basics of welding? Not looking for a certificate or job, just a hobby I've always wanted to try. I actually have some equipment I've accumulated over the years from yard sales and auctions. I've watched a bunch of youtube videos and know it will take a lot of practice. I get the concepts, but sometimes having someone help with initial setup goes a long way. Wire feed speed, amperages, voltages, etc. Just looking for somewhere to help me get my rig set up (or tell me what to buy) and show me the basics.

Not really looking to build anything structural or safety related, but have an old BBQ I'd like to patch up, sometimes welding a nut on stripped bolt can help, odd jobs like that. Could be a formal class, or just a good welder who wants a to either come to my place or me to his and show me the ropes on the side (will compensate).

Any thoughts? Located in middle St. Mary's but would travel if not too far.

Thanks,

Edited to add more info.

I have a cheap mig setup, a 120v stick welder, and a set of torches. I've never had time to hone my skills, but I've stuck a few projects together over the years. Thankfully, I know someone with real equipment and real ability for when I need something welded properly.

Good on you for trying to learn how to weld. I hope to become a better welder once retirement actually means slowing down.

 

[GURPS]

Any suggestions on where I could go to learn some basics of welding?

Stick, Mig, TIG ?

find / acquire some scrap iron, stick a couple of pieces together and start welding ......

when laying down a good bead the sound should be like eggs frying

 

[Clem72]

Stick, Mig, TIG ?

find / acquire some scrap iron, stick a couple of pieces together and start welding ......

when laying down a good bead the sound should be like eggs frying

If one of those Chinese "laser welders" ever come down below $1k I might buy one. I understand their limitations and have seen a pizza oven in person that was assembled with one and I guarantee the welds are strong enough for hobbyist use (I.E. building toys, not vehicles or anything you would depend on to keep you alive).

 

[black dog]

If one of those Chinese "laser welders" ever come down below $1k I might buy one. I understand their limitations and have seen a pizza oven in person that was assembled with one and I guarantee the welds are strong enough for hobbyist use (I.E. building toys, not vehicles or anything you would depend on to keep you alive).

Below a $1,000 for a welder. LOL

 

[black dog]

Like Gilligan said in post #2, stop in the Three Mules in Mechanicsville and see one of the Oliver boys, give them your welder budget and what you want to do with it and they will hook you up. Figure out it you want to just mig or you are looking at a mutli process machine that will do stick, mig and tig only for ferris steel. I haven't looked at the new process machines in a few years, someone now might build a multi process machine that will also to alum and stainless tig. Tell them a good looking Indiana man said hello.
@buddscreek