Places to weld when you don't have garage/shop

admin

Hey guys this is my first post.  Been lurking for about 6 months or so.  I am taking welding classes at a local Tech school.  I've definitely picked up the welding bug and really enjoy it.  However, I don't have anywhere to weld outside of school.  My school is 8am-2pm so it leaves me with a lot of extra time I could be welding.Anyways, what are some of my options on places i could weld at?  Someone in class mentioned welding in one of those rented storage units, not too sure about that though.  Are there like 500 sq feet shops i could rent?  Any thoughts or idea?   Thanks!Nick
Reply:How much land do you have at home?  Can you weld in your home garage?  Do you own a welder?  Do you have 240V outlet(s) somewhere?What I did (cheap, at home hobby welding) was run 240V to my garage.  Whenever I want to weld, I have to take the cars out, but it beats welding outdoors, or having to rent a place.
Reply:Add your location to your User CP at the top left so we know where you are at. Someone here might be local and have some suggestions.I've welded in my yard or drive way when I had an apartment. I ran a long 230v extension cord out a window from the dryer outlet or range to power my machine. If you do tig, it would be possible to weld inside. There are a few co op places that rent "shop" space sort of like belonging to a gym. Usually they are more geared towards wood working, but some also have metal working facilities. I know I was reading about one chain that did this in the fall, but I can't locate my link right now. Search "maker space" or Maker shop" and see if anything comes up.Edit: found the link I was looking for...http://www.techshop.ws/tools_and_equipment.html Another thought would be a night class at a tech school. I know several guys who pay for the class simply to have the use of the shop facilities for doing their own small projects.You may be able to find some one who would be willing to rent out an old garage or out building. I'm renting an old barn as my "shop". Primarily I use it for storage, but I do have a decent sized roofed area if I need to work on larger projects. 230v power is my biggest hurdle right now since I have to pay to upgrade the electric service if I want 230v power.I can tell you U store it places almost always have "no welding" listed in the contract, so that's not really an option..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:How about intern at a shop that does welding and metal work?  In my home town (Bemidji) there is a specific program to partner with local businesses.  Or you could just introduce yourself to some local shops - never hurts to ask

Dave J.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Look for the cheep adult education classes and find one that will allow you to do what you want once you get your training in. Where I live you could continually take this one class do what you want and have access to sheers, brakes, benders, plasma cam, mig, tig, gas, and much more all for around $300 2 nights a week for 3 months at a time. It really is a great deal but not all classes will allow this.
Reply:I started with a no-name buzz box at my grandma's house because there was a 230V outlet in the garage. Look at all of your options. If you can afford to rent a place, you should be able to afford an engine driven welder instead. Then, you can weld everywhere."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!

" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:Thanks for all the replies guys.  Currently I do not have a welding machine. There may be a garage i can use for small projects but not often.  My tech school offers night classes and i know the night teacher.  I'm definitely going to look into taking the night classes.   I live in the Tampa, FL area.
Reply:Get a tig welder and weld in your living room! Done

I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:is your instructor pretty laid back? Mine normally lets students come in after, before, or on days they aren't in class, just as long as he is there teaching and there is an open booth. We always have people coming and going, never hurts to ask!
Reply:two words {ENCLOSED TRAILER } with good clean air !TO INVENT  YOU NEED A GOOD IMAGINATION  AND A  PILE OF JUNK'' - THOMAS EDISONMost Of The Time People Don't see The Quality of a Good Job Unitl they see a Bad Job !! -Scott Esplin
Reply:Tig welder and diy fume extractor and weld inside.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Hmmmm.....friend of mine did welding in a backyard 10 ft X 10 ft glass green house with the glass whited out to stop the arc flash annoying the neighbours......anything is possible.Ian.
Reply:just do like i have to, i have a three car garage but its full to the brim with ''goodies'' so i still have to weld in driveway ! i dont do a whole lot of ''shop'' welding anyway. most of my jobs are portable or on site.MM 251MM 135Lincoln Pro cut 55Bobcat 250Miller Thunderbolt ac/dcolder ac forneyJackson nexgen 3n13-Smith OP setups97 Dodge dieselMakita chopsawJet swivel head bandsawlincoln tig 300/30030a spoolgunpuma port. gas air comp.
Reply:

Originally Posted by weldermike

Get a tig welder and weld in your living room! Done


Reply:I weld out of my carport keep scrape and a metal break 60 gallon compresser and 3 welders bandsaw  dont have much room but  use the driveway whenever i need to hoping to build  a shop before long i live in tennessee anyone else on here from the southMILLERMATIC 212 AUTOSETMILLER BOBCAT 250MILLER DIALARC HFMILLER 15A SPOOLGUNMILLER S32P WIRE FEEDERTHERMAL ARC 186 AC/DCPAKMASTER 100XL PLUS
Reply:I  weld at my garage, it is located back of my house and it is quite spacious for welding.welding protective clothing
Reply:Driveway here, or side yard which is gravel.  But, if the tech school will allow it, that's gonna be your best bet if the hours match with your hours.  Access to all the equipment a person could want, usually practice scrap is included, instructors to help critique and teach you, and for you to watch.  Dedicated tungsten grinder, fire extinguishers, and room to work.  Damn, makes me want to go back and do the same thing again.
Reply:

Originally Posted by MinnesotaDave

How about intern at a shop that does welding and metal work?  In my home town (Bemidji) there is a specific program to partner with local businesses.  Or you could just introduce yourself to some local shops - never hurts to ask

Dave J.