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I want to learn to weld..

Posted on 5/15/24 at 4:03 pm
Posted by Pandy Fackler
Member since Jun 2018
16524 posts
Posted on 5/15/24 at 4:03 pm
Is this something I can teach myself to do, watching YouTube videos or whatever, or do I have to take some sort of class?

I want to build a BBQ grill for kicks.
Posted by beerJeep
Louisiana
Member since Nov 2016
35864 posts
Posted on 5/15/24 at 4:04 pm to
quote:

Is this something I can teach myself to do


Yep. Go get you some acetylene torches and a pair of Oakley’s to protect ya vision and you should be good to go.
Posted by Obtuse1
Westside Bodymore Yo
Member since Sep 2016
27354 posts
Posted on 5/15/24 at 4:05 pm to
The more YT welding vids I watch the less adept I am at welding it seems. I hope it is just from having higher expectations but I am honestly not sure.
Posted by MorbidTheClown
Baton Rouge
Member since Jan 2015
68226 posts
Posted on 5/15/24 at 4:05 pm to
assuming mig welding? i'm guessing most could learn from videos if you have enough scrap iron type stuff to practice on.

it's been a long time, i don't even know if stick welding is thing any more.
This post was edited on 5/15/24 at 4:07 pm
Posted by El Segundo Guy
SE OK
Member since Aug 2014
9999 posts
Posted on 5/15/24 at 4:07 pm to
It's possible to self teach. I learned how to MIG weld and stick weld from a book and YouTube.

By no means am I good enough to be a welder like El Gaucho, but I can do the stuff I need for mumy purposes. Like weld a chain hook onto a FEL, work on my rotary cutter, build little projects, etc. I'd have no problem tackling a smoker if I needed one.

I spent a shite ton of time on a grinder fixing my frick ups, but it was good practice.
Posted by Obtuse1
Westside Bodymore Yo
Member since Sep 2016
27354 posts
Posted on 5/15/24 at 4:09 pm to
quote:

it's been a long time, i don't even know if stick welding is thing any more.


SMAW is definitely still useful and widely used. Many with argue learning stick welding first will make you a better welder in the long run.
Posted by MorbidTheClown
Baton Rouge
Member since Jan 2015
68226 posts
Posted on 5/15/24 at 4:12 pm to
when i learned a long long time ago we started with Tig, then Stick then Mig.

i sucked at tig, no coordination. mig always seemed easier.
Posted by LaBR4
Baton Rouge
Member since Sep 2005
51810 posts
Posted on 5/15/24 at 4:13 pm to
You must enroll into your nearest Community College


This post was edited on 5/15/24 at 4:17 pm
Posted by Walt OReilly
Poplarville, MS
Member since Oct 2005
124694 posts
Posted on 5/15/24 at 4:14 pm to
Get you a nice FR pearl button up. A pair of TIG gloves. Welding hood and and a chipping hammer
Posted by LaBR4
Baton Rouge
Member since Sep 2005
51810 posts
Posted on 5/15/24 at 4:15 pm to
Posted by Obtuse1
Westside Bodymore Yo
Member since Sep 2016
27354 posts
Posted on 5/15/24 at 4:19 pm to
quote:

when i learned a long long time ago we started with Tig, then Stick then Mig.

i sucked at tig, no coordination. mig always seemed easier.


Most people will agree MIG is the easiest to learn and you do have to be more coordinated to be a good TIG welder.


Posted by CaptainsWafer
TD Platinum Member
Member since Feb 2006
58561 posts
Posted on 5/15/24 at 4:20 pm to
Welding isn’t hard.

Being a good welder is hard.
Posted by chili pup
Member since Sep 2011
3697 posts
Posted on 5/15/24 at 4:20 pm to
MIG welding is your cleaner weld. TIG is more for soft metals such as aluminum.
Screw arc welding (stick welding)
You can teach yourself. Get you a good pair of leather welding gloves. A good leather welding jacket and a decent MiG welder. If you have the money, purchase a plasma cutter. I learned in trade school by using the plasma cutter making the small plates. I took auto body repair. We had donated hoods from cars to make plates to weld on. Try laying a bead on one plate just on top of it. Make sure the metal you are welding is clean. What I mean by this, don't weld on anything with paint or rust. Clean it up with a sander or grinder. Get to understanding heat (welder) vs the thickness of the metal. Just move up from there. Then start butt welding with two pieces of metal. You can lay a strong weld after a while. Also don't forget a good welding helmet.
This post was edited on 5/15/24 at 4:29 pm
Posted by JoePepitone
Waffle House #1494
Member since Feb 2014
10993 posts
Posted on 5/15/24 at 4:24 pm to
It's not that hard to do once you learn how to set the amperage on your welder to match the electrode you're using to the type and thickness of the material you're welding.
Posted by Corriente Kid
Central Texas
Member since Aug 2021
483 posts
Posted on 5/15/24 at 4:25 pm to
Is this something I can teach myself to do[quote]

You can teach yourself to weld. I taught myself to weld when I was younger before youtube by welding h braces for fence building. The most important thing is getting the setting right. When first learning you want to put the welder on the lowest setting you can without the rod sticking. Otherwise you will burn holes in the metal since you will not be experienced to move real fast.
Posted by Corriente Kid
Central Texas
Member since Aug 2021
483 posts
Posted on 5/15/24 at 4:27 pm to
quote:

i don't even know if stick welding is thing any more


It is most definitely still a thing.
This post was edited on 5/21/24 at 3:47 pm
Posted by LSUballs
RayVegas LA
Member since Feb 2008
38272 posts
Posted on 5/15/24 at 4:27 pm to
Women actually make good welders, though bot many of them do it. Yall's hands are more naturally steady than that of a male.
Posted by Corriente Kid
Central Texas
Member since Aug 2021
483 posts
Posted on 5/15/24 at 4:28 pm to
Start off using 6010 welding rods. Most beginners use 6011's but the 6010 is easier to nock the slag off and doesn't splatter as bad
Posted by MorbidTheClown
Baton Rouge
Member since Jan 2015
68226 posts
Posted on 5/15/24 at 4:28 pm to
quote:

Only professional welders use mig


eh, my best friend rebuilds old cars as a hobby and uses a mig welder. i don't consider him a professional.
Posted by MrBobDobalina
BRo.LA
Member since Oct 2011
3058 posts
Posted on 5/15/24 at 4:29 pm to
The only way to learn to weld is to start burning rods. If youve ever used a hot glue gun, youre basically a certified MIG welder.

TIG is a little more artist fartsy and usually needs a shielding gas. Machines cost more and need a good supply of bottles.

6010 is the foundation. Being able to burn a rod and work the puddle gives you enough understanding to be able to jump to any of the 3 main types of welding. There are good deals to be found on used stick welding machines as they are the most common for shade tree.

If you have a buddy who knows anything about welding, buy him a case of beer, buy a hood and gloves and start trying to stick stuff together.
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