Learning to Weld?

Hi Bill,

To answer your first question you only get what you pay for

Most people now use a Mig type welder due to it`s ease of use together with it`s low distortion capabilities.

If possible aim for one with a 250 amp range or as close as possible,that should do for all welding work you may come across on a jeep this will also depend on the mains power you have at home or in the workshop.

A well known brand would be the way to go.

Your second question.

There is no substitute for experience,videos can make it look very simple and can give some basic tips but there is no better way than having a go yourself.

Best to play around with odd scraps of metal of various thicknesses but start off with two plates the same and try glueing them together by altering the settings on the machine see how that affects the weld,after welding try breaking the steel apart,at first you will have great beads of weld and will also find that the weld has either stuck to just one piece.it is a matter of trial an error until you find you have penetrated both pieces of steel without blowing holes in the steel or end up with great beads of weld.

First try just welding two flat pieces together when you have mastered that try two at right angles and so on.

Geoff

classes are the way to go. i just learned how to weld over the last 2 months. my job needs me to be able to weld all kinds of things. i am being paid while im learning. miller is what we use at work. if you look in the back ground of all mt discovery channel shows you see miller welders and miller welding helmets. i just purchased a miller elite helmet w/ the 29 roadster design for use at work and home. it is auto darking and you will not be disapointed w/ it. it only takes once to burn your eyes and w/ a auto darking mask you are much safer. learning from a video could be ok i guess but w/out haveing a experenced welder there to correct your mistakes and help you correct yourself is going to make it a bit harder. welding is alot of fun. i love the smell of burnt metal in the morning. i also love the plasma gun. that is most likely the coolest thing man has ever created. look up a company called Airgas  www.airgas.com  we have an airgas located here in baltimore they supply all those shows from the discovery channel w. their equpt. my helmet cost me 260.00. it usuly goes for 350. it can be adjusted for cutting w/ the plasma gun, tig, mig, stick,... i also can start something and never stop to flip my mask up. that way i can keep moving and never worry about flash burning my eyes. those masks can start at about 50.00 and go way way up.

good luck and have fun. 

  Thanks for all the great input (and the links) guys ... Good solid info!

  This site is tops!

  Bill