Completely An Amateur

[Sarazwork]

I have NEVER welded before. EVER! But I'm game. (not the four legged kind.) I have an arc welder. I want to learn how to use it.

Here is what I know about welding.

If my clothes are on fire; If the building is burning; If my hair is standing on end and I am feeling shocked; if there are holes forming in my work; if I smell flesh burning... These are signs that I am doing something wrong.

Wear heavy gloves, use a good welding mask, read the directions on the equipment.

Practice makes you better, there is no such thing as perfect.

Strong welds can be pretty, but pretty welds aren't always strong. :drool:

That's it. That's what I know.

Where should I start? What should I read? What do I need to know?:confused3:

 

[Depmandog]

I am guessing you are close to Raleigh? There will be beginners classes at the community college or votech schools throughout your area.

The quickest way to locate the classes would be to contact a couple of the welding supply houses. They might even offer beginners classes.

I know years ago, we bought some oxy-acetylene torch sets, and the welding supply sent out a "instructor" to give our guys a tutorial on the proper use. They did the same thing when we purchased a plasma torch.

I unfortunately have a medical implant that precludes me from welding. The wires that travel up my spine wouldn't take kindly to the occasional jolt that us hack welders seem to get on occasion, so I myself am no expert; but having someone who can give you hands on instruction is invaluable. Watching someone lay a bead, then having them watch you is what you need.

Hope my suggestions help!

 

[Sarazwork]

I'm in Arkansas. No community colleges nearby. But I can go to Little Rock. I think that would probably be my best bet. I also want to learn some blacksmithing. I am thinking that those skills are invaluable for a farmer and a nerdy person like me in the boondocks who needs to be able to fix my own stuff. Sorry to hear about the medical implant. Those kinds of things just make life a whole lot more complicated when you have to fix stuff. Don't need to go blowing any fuses...

 

[/pine]

Where should I start? What should I read?

IMO...
I would start with any scrap iron you have laying around (the less rusty the better)
If you don't have a manual for your welder try to find one similar...so you can start with the basic settings for the type/thickness of the metal you are welding...

Learn to make sure you are getting good penetration regardless of how good or bad your welds look...(poor looking welds can be just as effective as professional looking welds)

If you are going to paint your projects and your welds are not the prettiest...use a dab of bondo (body filler) and your finger to smooth them out before priming/painting...

 

[Depmandog]

I'm in Arkansas. No community colleges nearby. But I can go to Little Rock. I think that would probably be my best bet. I also want to learn some blacksmithing. I am thinking that those skills are invaluable for a farmer and a nerdy person like me in the boondocks who needs to be able to fix my own stuff. Sorry to hear about the medical implant. Those kinds of things just make life a whole lot more complicated when you have to fix stuff. Don't need to go blowing any fuses...

I imagine there would be a couple of blacksmith guilds in Arkansas, if they are close to you - I have no clue.

I did see where UALR offers a smithing class through the art dept. http://ualr.edu/art/

That may or not be of interest, I think I would build a forge and start playing around with it. Finding another smith to ask questions would be invaluable. You know most farriers have some experience - at least in shaping horseshoes.

I can see the allure of shaping metal. I love the smell of a coal fired forge. Brings back some feel good memories of my youth.

Both great skills to have. Guess I will stick to building stuff with wood

 

[flusher]

If you can't take welding classes, I found these videos from Wall Mountain to be very helpful.

Instructional Welding Videos

Get yourself a decent autodarkening helmet (mine is a $49 job from Northern Tool).
Welding jacket, balaclava (tight fitting hood like race car drivers wear) and welding gloves.
The balaclava protects your ears from sparks and keeps sparks from getting under your collar and down your shirt.

Welding hammer, wire brush, 90 degree magnets for holding pieces in place while welding.

AND a good 4-1/2" angle grinder with cutting blades, grinding blades and wire brush wheels. That grinder will become your most important tool besides your welder. Mine is a Makita from Home Depot.

You say you have an arc welder. What kind? AC or AC/DC? Which brand? Which model?

Mine is a Hobart Stickmate LX AC/DC unit ($400 or so at Tractor Supply).

Get yourself 5 pound boxes of 1/8" 6011, 7014 and 7018 electrodes (I get mine at Tractor Supply).

Look at the videos and pay attention to the instructions, especially the information on how to maneuver the puddle. Learn to weld two-handed, not one handed. Learn patience--don't move the puddle too quickly. Give the heat time to penetrate the workpiece and let the puddle tie into the metal.
Practice your butt off.

Good luck

 

[Ed of all trades]

Strong welds can be pretty, but pretty welds aren't always strong. :drool:

That's it. That's what I know.
As a general rule Strong welds are pretty and weak welds are ugly, an ugly weld might hold but that does not mean it was strong. The only weak pretty weld I can think of is one with not enough amps and is setting on top of the metal.
I second the blacksmith guild idea Depmandog had, I am a member here in Va and the info available is great. Good luck with the process Ed

 

[Shield Arc]

Another thought. Run an ad in your local Craigs list / news paper to see if an experienced weldor would be willing to give you lessons. One of the members here has come over to my shop for a couple lessons.
Here is a thread I started about a kid I helped start. You never know you just might find an old beat up weldor like myself who has nothing but time on his hands, and doesn't mind passing on his knowledge.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/welding/240673-teaching-welding.html

 

[LD1]

I pretty much agree with others. Starting from scratch is tough. You need to find someone who knows how to weld and invite them over for a few beers:drink: That way you can see what it is supposed to look like by letting him weld. Then have him watch you and give pointers.

If you have an AC only machine, Stick with 6013 or 7014 for this learning phase. They lay down real nice and will build your confidence. 6011 and 7018 and alot trickier to run, and I dont want you to get discouraged right off the bat trying to run one of them rods. Others have already commented on the other equipment you need.

Do you know anyone that can weld that would be willing to help you out for an evening?

 

[Gary Fowler]

I looked up Brasfield (one s) on Mapquest and I see it is on I40 east of LR. If that is the right place then you are more than 80 miles from me, but I would be happy to give you some pointers if you are ever down toward Bismarck. I dont have any scrap laying around to weld on but I do have a very good welding machine and torch.
Also if you are going to get into some serious practicing, you may as well go for 50# can of rods, they are cheaper that way by about half. Note that 7018 need to be kept in heated storage or you could use a Seal a meal vacuum storage system to seal them in small packages that you would intend to burn when opened. 60xx rods only need to be in dry storage and dont put any heat on them.