Learning to weld

[e30onBBSs]

Would you guys recommend taking a welding class to learn or is youtube and information online sufficient to weld safely with zero experience? I hate dealing with exhaust shenanigans and would love to just weld some pieces together and call it a day!

[AndrewBird]

Check your local community colleges. Having someone who knows how to weld and being taught proper technique goes a long way. You can learn to weld on your own, but formal training is much better.

[Wschnitz]

I liked the course I took at Pratt. Was open you don't need to be a student. Like $200 they have all the equip and open shop hours. My teacher had like 40 years experience, using all forms.

[rturbo 930]

You could probably learn to stick some exhaust pieces together on your own, but I think you would be much better off taking a class.

[AndrewBird]

Exhaust stuff is actually one of the harder things to learn. Thin material and welding on a round surface can be tricky, not to mention you often can't orient what you are welding into an ideal position to weld.

Pin hole leaks can cause problems with running so you have to be certain your welds are good.

[jaywood]

Self taught welder here. YouTube was my main source along with trial and error.

[TurboJake]

The best way to learn welding is to weld. Classes do introduce you to technique, materials, and some do nomenclature. But it doesn't necessarily teach you how unless you're actually doing it in there.

Don't get me wrong. Classes are great, but not needed for a hobbyist to learn. Technique is the biggest thing you need, especially with TIG welding aluminum, ESPECIALLY using AC.

But, the class will also teach you that with tig welding aluminum, you need a thicker electrode with AC vs DC. ;)

[Exodus_2pt0]

Took a Norfolk Southern course for Mig and Stick welding for work. Mind you, I was already had plenty of experience Mig welding through my career in the auto world. Still, even after 10 years, I greatly improved after that class.

Biggest things, if you are welding with flux, NEVER go backwards or you will result in slag inclusion/pourus welds. And move slow. Slower, slower.

I don't know of this is a common misconception, but somebody once told me to make a c and fill it in. Don't do this, see above.

Start out on a flat piece of scrap, and lay straight beads. The biggest thing I learned from class was move slowly. Welding is all about muscle memory, and you have to train yourself to move at a consistent slow speed. It's easier with Mig because you don't have to worry about a whole lot. Stick is a little harder because you are thinking about angle (vertical and horizontal depending on the position), distance (stick burning down), speed, puddle control. It's easy to unconsciously speed up when you start thinking about other things.


Do some reading, or better yet as mentioned take a class. Welding is definitely a craft that is deeper than picking up a machine and going. It's good to have the background information so you don't develop bad habits.

I got lucky and work paid for mine. Now I just have to talk them in to sending me off for TIG.

[stonea]

Can anyone sign up for the Norfolk Southern course? I live in Norfolk and really need to learn how to weld and would prefer to learn from an expert than youtube.

[Exodus_2pt0]

Not sure. I do know they charged $1500 for the week long course. Spent about half a day in classroom and the rest of the week was welding for 8 hours straight with instructors walking around giving pointers and direction. Ended up getting AWS certified for horizontal, vertical, overhead T-joints and pipe. This was at their training facility in Atlanta, Georgia.



This was the pipe I tested out on (stick welding), didn't go crazy getting all the slag off, so that's what the rough edges you see are. Mind you this wasn't done looking down at it. The pipe was fitting parallel to the ground, looking at it, so it consists of vertical, horizontal, and overhead welds. Considering I never attempted anything like it before that, and was capable of a passing weld after a week, I'd say the class was well worth the cost.

[Vtec?lol]

Exhaust is the hardest to learn. Thin material. angles. ugh.

[AndrewBird]

The best way to learn welding is to weld. Classes do introduce you to technique, materials, and some do nomenclature. But it doesn't necessarily teach you how unless you're actually doing it in there.

Don't get me wrong. Classes are great, but not needed for a hobbyist to learn. Technique is the biggest thing you need, especially with TIG welding aluminum, ESPECIALLY using AC.

But, the class will also teach you that with tig welding aluminum, you need a thicker electrode with AC vs DC. ;)

I taught myself to weld with a little help from my father. Thought I was pretty good, then I took an actual class in college and realized I knew nothing.

There is a lot more to welding than just sticking two piece of metal together. I doubt many self taught welders could pass a cert test.

[Exodus_2pt0]

I doubt many self taught welders could pass a cert test.

No way in hell would I have passed any of my tests before I took the class.

[e30onBBSs]

Thanks guys I'm going to look for some night classes and hopefully get my own welder and weld some new exhaust hangers and have some peace of mind =P

[IronFreak]

If you're just looking to get the basics, community college is your best bet. couple hundo and you can take a class on pretty much any process you want. With exhaust (outside manifolds etc.) focus on mig (GMAW) welding. So you know, you'll have to provide basic equipment (safety items mainly) when taking classes. initial investment can kinda suck.

I highly recommend you take a basic principles of welding course, as you progress it'll help you significantly if you understand the fundamental process and what makes them work. you're going to constantly have to trouble shoot your machine, welds, materials etc. knowing the basics will serve you well.