Learning How To Weld

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Trying to learn as much as I can about welding, I have consumed hours watching youtube videos (good and bad), read most of modern welding, and gone through 2 spools on my cheapo mig and and probably close to 3 tank fulls on my oxyacet.  I get a lot of scrap from the junk yard or sometimes just try to find scrap that people are throwing out.  Bedframes are a lot of fun.  I read a lot on here and I feel like I'm getting it but I don't actually know if I am.  I've tried to find classes around here and there is literally nothing.  The closest school that offers any kind of class at at all is 2 hours one way.  I would like to find a local shop that I could just go and watch and talk to them.  Maybe bribe them with some pulled pork and and brisket for a half day of fun?  My LWS wasn't much good in referring me to anyone that would do it.  So my question is - if someone approached you about learning to weld and would exchange really good food for it, would you take some time to work with them and help them learn some key basics.  having already gotten through some them.  Just asking.  What sparked this was the other day I was watching a youtube video and I saw this guy cut through what looked like 1/2 or 1" piece of plate in just under 2 minutes.  I immediately realized I was doing something wrong.
Reply:Well, you can start with going up to the left side of the page, to User CP and fill in your location.  Since I don't cook, I'll jump through hoops for a good meal or 9. However, see my full disclosure signature. Cheapo MIG, so does that mean fluxcore only?Look up Welding in the phone book, maybe they'll trade lessons for work. Probably harder with this economy.Modern Welding is a very good book and has some good color pics on how to set an O/A torch. My O/A came with a tip large enough to cut 3" if I remember right, so that shouldn't be your problem. If you have a camera, post pics in the MIG TIG Stick Oxy/Fuel section. Someone will give you things to try.Good Luck9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:Most guys around here are really uptight right now.  Bad economy and all.  You might not receive a cool response.  Might be the same in your area.Look at pics of good welds, keep changing your technique until you make the weld you want.  It'll hit you like a ton of bricks one day, when the perfect weld pops out.Make radical changes, or refine what seems to be leading where ya want to go.At least for me, and I ain't a good weldor, it seems to take a lot of time."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:howdy,seems most think this art is a secret of sorts.well, yes the best teacher is practice, but foremost being able to look over an experienced shoulder.my first class was OJT of about 30 seconds, then stickin 6013's ?the lead foreman went watch again.... OKWatch the Puddle.........flow is at that point.This is an ART of eye hand coordination, the slackers that will not help, well I guess their boat has not sunk yet... it will...There is no secret, women took this craft during WWII and to this day still hold artisan positions.Without being present, all I can say is, the weave will be the bead. burning 7018 will be most confusing because the puddle is beneath a thick layer of flux/slag, yet the weave is the bead.Don Not Try To Bribe, a true craftsman will help because he/she had to learn from someone. they owe that to their craft.........All EGO'S aside, where did you learn..... Before Birth ???????????????????????My Ignore List Hall of Shame:59halfstepBillyduaneb55jrw159mark8310Rojodiablo Sparky#1Stack of Dimes
Reply:Great advice guys. Thanks. I am somewhat in the same boat trying to recall 40-year old training in high school so I am depending upon practice to make that perfect weld. AND reading Sam's Bible, Lincoln's new Procedure Handbook (arc welding).Thanks again,SteveLast edited by rookie_steve; 04-01-2009 at 09:41 AM.Reason: forgot to add "arc welding"JunkYard Tools .com
Reply:The good news is while lots of small welding shops might not be kind to teaching you the trade, you can certainly find plenty of hobby welders that are more than capable. Post up on Craigslist or something like that in the Tool section where the guys at home looking for cheap tools will be looking.Will Cook for Welding Training...Oh, don't mention that you're a dude at first, might help your cause.
Reply:Bob -  I was in the same boat as you a bit over a year ago, and bought myself a Hobart MIG and started practicing. I built a couple of recumbent bicycles and various other projects, and learned more each time. I liked it well enough that I later bought and old stick machine (and now O/A) and practiced with that too. One of the best sources for learning at home (besides just practicing and reading) is the Wall Mountain videos. I have their Arc Welding I & II, and the one on GMAW(MIG) welding. All are excellent. Great views of the puddle in action, with lots of what to look for through the lens. You can pick them up at Tractor Supply or Northern Tool for $24.95 each, or order them online here:http://www.weldingvideos.com/By the way, I saw an ad on Craigslist last week from a retired welder offering individual instruction for $35/hour (your place and equipment). That seems like a pretty good deal to me, considering what piano lessons cost.Last edited by smyrna5; 04-01-2009 at 10:05 AM.
Reply:i tried responding to some welders for hire on craigslist in my area, but most will not respond.  My offer was 120 bucks for two hours.
Reply:Originally Posted by oxy moroni tried responding to some welders for hire on craigslist in my area, but most will not respond.  My offer was 120 bucks for two hours.
Reply:Originally Posted by chinesebobTrying to learn as much as I can about welding, I have consumed hours watching youtube videos (good and bad), read most of modern welding, and gone through 2 spools on my cheapo mig and and probably close to 3 tank fulls on my oxyacet.  I get a lot of scrap from the junk yard or sometimes just try to find scrap that people are throwing out.  Bedframes are a lot of fun.  I read a lot on here and I feel like I'm getting it but I don't actually know if I am.  I've tried to find classes around here and there is literally nothing.  The closest school that offers any kind of class at at all is 2 hours one way.  I would like to find a local shop that I could just go and watch and talk to them.  Maybe bribe them with some pulled pork and and brisket for a half day of fun?  My LWS wasn't much good in referring me to anyone that would do it.  So my question is - if someone approached you about learning to weld and would exchange really good food for it, would you take some time to work with them and help them learn some key basics.  having already gotten through some them.  Just asking.  What sparked this was the other day I was watching a youtube video and I saw this guy cut through what looked like 1/2 or 1" piece of plate in just under 2 minutes.  I immediately realized I was doing something wrong.
Reply:Hobart is not cheap.  I looked at that.  JVS - Tried all of them.  Local schools, local colleges, continuing education courses.  Nothing.  I've decided I'm just going to practice until I get it right.  I don't know what it is about my OA.  I love using it so I'm putting the arc, tig, and mig away until I can perform clean cuts and clean welds the old fashion way.
Reply:Originally Posted by oxy moroni tried responding to some welders for hire on craigslist in my area, but most will not respond.  My offer was 120 bucks for two hours.