Joel_BC
Super Self-Sufficient
Hi. A couple people here have mentioned their desire to learn welding.
A couple years back, I came across some oxy-acetylene welding equipment at an estate sale. For $150, I got at least $600-worth of equipment in good shape. I had seen welding done before, but had never had any training (not even any dabbler's experience) with it before.
I found that the guys locally who were skilled with welding were either disinterested in teaching a complete beginner, or just too professionally busy to do so - and did not want to do more welding in their after-hours. Going to day- or night-school for instruction was too difficult, as for me that would require an hour and forty minutes of driving for each class session. So, I'm self taught, though since I got started I've been able to ask a question now and again from a person with experience.
I've used two main sources for learning on my own: books, and Youtube videos. I borrowed a good book from our local library. Later, I got a couple more good books from used bookstores. I feel that books are good for learning the saftey aspects, for getting the theoretical background about working with metals (and welding processes, and welding supplies), and for the generalities of technique. The videos available on Youtube are, in my opinion, the next best thing to standing there and actually working with a teacher or pro welder.
For the self-guided aspects: First, borrow or obtain your book. Read it - you probably don't need to read the whole thing, but pay particular attention to the sections on the type of welding equipment you choose to use. And definitely read the saftey info - all welding involves dangers, but they're manageable. This is adult stuff, but both men and women can learn the skills and be safe and effective - even a level-headed young person in their late teens can. Get some instruction from an accomplished welder in your neighborhood, if you can.
On Youtube, search using appropriate terms, such as: acetylene welding. or, arc welding. or, wire-feed welding. Many videos will show up. Go through them to find the ones showing the level and type of technique you're after.
I have gas welding equipment (also known as oxy-fuel, or oxy-acetylene equipment). You can look up Oxy-fuel welding on Wikipedia for info about it. Why do I like it? It's versatile. You can weld, cut steel, braze, hard solder, heat metals for bending or forming, temper or anneal metals, etc. However, welding steel with this equipment is slower than with arc or wire-feed equipment. And besides patience, the technique with oxy-fuel equipment requires more finesse.
Personally, I'm planning on getting some instruction with the electric (arc and wire-feed) methods from a couple friends when they can find time. Electric welding allows you to work faster for welding, per se - and whereas oxy-fuel welding is generally considered to be useful for steel up to 1/4-inch thick, electeric welding can be used for much thikcer material, if you need to. But you can't cut steel with electric, you can't braze or solder, you can't heat form.
A couple years back, I came across some oxy-acetylene welding equipment at an estate sale. For $150, I got at least $600-worth of equipment in good shape. I had seen welding done before, but had never had any training (not even any dabbler's experience) with it before.
I found that the guys locally who were skilled with welding were either disinterested in teaching a complete beginner, or just too professionally busy to do so - and did not want to do more welding in their after-hours. Going to day- or night-school for instruction was too difficult, as for me that would require an hour and forty minutes of driving for each class session. So, I'm self taught, though since I got started I've been able to ask a question now and again from a person with experience.
I've used two main sources for learning on my own: books, and Youtube videos. I borrowed a good book from our local library. Later, I got a couple more good books from used bookstores. I feel that books are good for learning the saftey aspects, for getting the theoretical background about working with metals (and welding processes, and welding supplies), and for the generalities of technique. The videos available on Youtube are, in my opinion, the next best thing to standing there and actually working with a teacher or pro welder.
For the self-guided aspects: First, borrow or obtain your book. Read it - you probably don't need to read the whole thing, but pay particular attention to the sections on the type of welding equipment you choose to use. And definitely read the saftey info - all welding involves dangers, but they're manageable. This is adult stuff, but both men and women can learn the skills and be safe and effective - even a level-headed young person in their late teens can. Get some instruction from an accomplished welder in your neighborhood, if you can.
On Youtube, search using appropriate terms, such as: acetylene welding. or, arc welding. or, wire-feed welding. Many videos will show up. Go through them to find the ones showing the level and type of technique you're after.
I have gas welding equipment (also known as oxy-fuel, or oxy-acetylene equipment). You can look up Oxy-fuel welding on Wikipedia for info about it. Why do I like it? It's versatile. You can weld, cut steel, braze, hard solder, heat metals for bending or forming, temper or anneal metals, etc. However, welding steel with this equipment is slower than with arc or wire-feed equipment. And besides patience, the technique with oxy-fuel equipment requires more finesse.
Personally, I'm planning on getting some instruction with the electric (arc and wire-feed) methods from a couple friends when they can find time. Electric welding allows you to work faster for welding, per se - and whereas oxy-fuel welding is generally considered to be useful for steel up to 1/4-inch thick, electeric welding can be used for much thikcer material, if you need to. But you can't cut steel with electric, you can't braze or solder, you can't heat form.
years ago I took a trades discovery for women class...
sorry forgot my manners 
