How would a gimp like me get along in class?

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Now and again I've considered taking a local welding class just for my own benefit.  It won't be too long now that I'll have a lot of time on my hand.  I'm halfway tossing the idea to enroll for the fall or spring.  However I'm a uncertain how I'd do things.  Since you guys have been in classes/instruction, how do you think I'd get along in a welding class?  How does it work?  I'm speaking from a practical point of view using tools and machines.  Are tools supplied or do you bring your own?  How do you think an instructor would handle my situation?  I don't want to be a burden.  As for my situation - I don't have use of my left arm or hand.Thoughts?Lincoln AC225 and CartLincoln WeldPak HD and CartOne hand
Reply:I'd have to say you will most definitely have your work cut out for you.  It wouldn't be impossible, but it will be difficult.Stick welding can be done one-handed, but more difficult to control your arc.TIG would basically be out of the question, unfortunately.MIG would probably be the easiest to handle for running beads.Angle grinders aren't really safe to use one-handed.Lighting and setting an oxy-acetylene torch could be done one-handed, anthough it wouldn't be terribly safe.The biggest issue I see would be fitup of pieces...  Holding them in just the right place while tack welding together.  Everything else (except feeding filler rod) could probably be coped with. Tools are generally supplied... At least the basics.  Bring your own shield, glove(s), and protective wear unless you like wearing still-damp-from-the-last-guy's-sweat leathers.  I think most instructors would be willing to help you find ways to cope with your situation. The classes I've taken are basically self-paced.  If you need a demo of a new position, the lab techs or instructor will be happy to oblige.  Your eyesight is more important than having use of both hands, IMO.  There's a guy in one of my classes with rather poor eyesight, and he struggles every step of the way.If you have the gumption and determination simply to try it, you've got what it takes to do just fine in the class.Last edited by anickode; 07-02-2012 at 02:46 PM.
Reply:Rick V recently took a welding class.  He is an old fart too and did fine.     You need to provide your own personal protective equipment (PPE's).   Some schools provide welding hoods others don't.   Leather gloves, saftey glasses and leather welding sleeves, pants, or apron etc.  There are several choices out there as well as other flame resistant materials.   Each program will specify what they accept.   I am assuming that you have an upper extermity disability like something stroke induced and not amputee type of issue.  You will probably have to stay with MIG welding do to that or possibly stick (smaw). Due to your disability.   As for other accomodations.  Just contact the college disabled student services office for whatever assistance you need.   Those with a prothetic upper limb could definitely do TIG with adaptation made for holding the torch assembly..   Go for it though.  Don't let a disability hold u back.   I am Deaf and Autistic (Asperger's) so I speak from experience as far as that goes.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:I would contact the school/instructor.  Get in there to watch and discuss the situation.  No harm in checking it out."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:You strike me as very capable and adaptive. I'd talk to the instructor and make sure he/she is flexible and willing to experiment a little. The course will be invaluable for theory and proper technique. Adapting to your limitation will be up to you. If i recall crawford was taking some courses and was looking into tig with a feeder... he hasn't been on for a while so not sure how it worked out. I'd say go for it and plan on tooling up as you experiment with processes and techniques. For example smaller pnuematic grinders may be easier to handle than electric.
Reply:I teach welding at a community college.  I know we would do all we could to accommodate someone with a disability.  We have a department on campus, dedicated to organizing resources to help those with disabilities.  I suspect your community college is no different.  Call admissions and discuss your situation and they can refer you to the correct area.  Sent from my DROID3 using Tapatalk 2Jay DavisAWS-CWIC-60 Specialty Welding ContractorLoving husband, and father of two boys (
Reply:Thanks guys.  Your info and thoughts are helpful.  I'm taking notes.Southpaw, I broke my neck in college and lost the use of my arm.  It's there and I have a few movements in the shoulder, and elbow flexion (probably the strongest thing I have left) but my arm is no where near what I'd call dependable or controllable, especially for extended periods of time doing work (I can only keep it bent when I jog for about 3mls/30min before I drop it down because my bicep gets to tired).  When I use any tools I leave my arm at my side (or back).  When I weld I just put it behind my back.  I've experimented using my arm as a rest when I weld, but I need to stitch up a better fitting glove.  Elsewhere around the house I've been known to burn myself (Where'd that blister come from?) or cut myself (Where's the blood coming from?) and not know it.  I don't have any tactile function below the elbow.Lincoln AC225 and CartLincoln WeldPak HD and CartOne hand
Reply:Where I help out I can't see any problems that you have that would be insurmountable.  95%+ of the class is working on your technique and developing the eye hand coordination that's required to weld.Tacking up coupons might be a "challenge", but with a couple of magnets and may be a jig I don't think that would slow you down very much at all. The toughest part is figuring out the best way to hold the coupons the 1st time. Even 2 handed students face this challenge some what.The school provides all the equipment, you supply all the PPE ( hood, gloves, jacket, respirator if you wish..) About the only "hard" item most people bring is a set of dikes or welpers to cut the wire.You have a can do attitude from what I've seen. I doubt that mig or stick will present any issues. Tig is a bit more problematical. You really need at least partial control and use of the 2nd arm/hand if you aren't using a tig feeder ( and very few places have them). That said, I've seen someone with out one hand, do tig, so it's possible. ( He fed rod with his injured arm and reset the rod with his torch hand when needed.).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:On the topic of tools, are you allowed to bring in your own?  For material size/thickness, is that dependent on the process that is being worked on at that point in the class?Lincoln AC225 and CartLincoln WeldPak HD and CartOne hand
Reply:The community college near me offers different processes in different classes: oxy-acetylene class, SMAW class, advanced SMAW, and then something called "inert gas welding" which I can't tell means MIG or TIG or what. Are you interested to work on a particular size of material, or does your school offer a glimpse into many processes in a single class?
Reply:Originally Posted by Monica  I don't want to be a burden.  Thoughts?
Reply:Another thought- once you make the decision to go to school, enroll early! Class sizes are limited, and it's a long wait for next semester to roll around. And if you work during the day and are counting on night classes, the class you want may not be offered at night next time around.
Reply:I'm really interested in Mig/FC.  I don't feel like Stick but I feel some responsibility towards the greater good to know how to do it.  If my only argument is "I don't really wanna", I have no real excuse.  The material I'd use with any kind of regularity would be 1/8-1/4" but an ambitious 3/8"-1/2" project wouldn't be out of the question.  I've done a few projects already, guess you could say on a wing and prayer.As far as community colleges go, for the area, I've seen Tarrant County College.  Can I just jump in and take a class here and there?  Or should I follow a curriculum like the basic certification and actually learn "how to" from tip to tail?  I have my B.S. already, but I kind of like the idea of having working knowledge of a certified trade skill.  I do enjoy skilled hobbies and it wouldn't take much more to it official.  (an I think Im talking myself into going to school again).Here's the Basic Certificate reqs:  https://waj.tccd.edu/TCC/WebAdvisor3...&SUBMIT=SUBMITEnrollment space is a consideration but not too important that I be on rush.  I'm my own boss and work/ed from home so I'm very flexible.  And this is just something to do for myself so no deadlines looming or pressure.Last edited by Monica; 07-02-2012 at 06:14 PM.Lincoln AC225 and CartLincoln WeldPak HD and CartOne hand
Reply:RE: Can I just jump in and take a class here and there? Or should I follow a curriculum like the basic certification and actually learn "how to" from tip to tail?That will depend upon the school; as other have pointed out - phone the school and talk to a few people; they will have the answers.Having taken Technical College oxy/acet and stick welding courses at night, the only thing I see as difficult might be tacking pieces together but, as other have said, there are ways to do that - magnets, clamps, etc.All good advice here... Monica, your determination is inspirational; I think you'd do well and have a lot of fun! Rick V 1 Airco Heliwelder 3A/DDR3 CTC 70/90 amp Stick/Tig Inverters in Parallel1 Lincoln MIG PAK 151 Oxy-Acet
Reply:Yeah, I should give them a call.  I appreciate the kind words Broccoli, Rick, DSW.Lincoln AC225 and CartLincoln WeldPak HD and CartOne hand
Reply:I clicked that link, and the 5 courses in that sequence would qualify students for a "certificate of completion", which is different than a "welding certification". I'm sure "certificate of completion" is a phrase the school uses and not intended to mislead, but you may want to check into that. Also, is the Blueprint course specific to welding? There are welding symbols that may not be covered in a generic course... another bullet point for the phone call.Good luck with it! I have been wanting to take similar courses, just to learn the proper way to do things (I'm sure I've self-taught myself the wrong way).
Reply:Originally Posted by asdfI clicked that link, and the 5 courses in that sequence would qualify students for a "certificate of completion", which is different than a "welding certification". I'm sure "certificate of completion" is a phrase the school uses and not intended to mislead, but you may want to check into that. Also, is the Blueprint course specific to welding? There are welding symbols that may not be covered in a generic course... another bullet point for the phone call.Good luck with it! I have been wanting to take similar courses, just to learn the proper way to do things (I'm sure I've self-taught myself the wrong way).
Reply:Originally Posted by MonicaOn the topic of tools, are you allowed to bring in your own?  For material size/thickness, is that dependent on the process that is being worked on at that point in the class?
Reply:I s'pect if you take some pics of what you have been up to in the past they would be glad to have you in class. Crawford did make it a go as I recall!I think the last thing I'd do is tell a one handed welder you can't TIG with one hand and then leave money on the table waiting for them to figure it out & get my dough.   From time to time with deep cracks I feed the filler over my right wrist and through the ring and little finger of my torch hand. I feed it with the other hand on the torch hand forearm.I think tomorrow I'll try just laying the filler over the crotch of my elbow and pulling it with the ring and little finger on the torch hand & see if I can make some attempt. (Ought to be funny with a #18 torch, but you never know).Just another task looking for a solution Monica, good luck.Matt
Reply:Monica, I have read every post you have posted on here and can say that you are more capable than many who would be attending the class with you.  Your determination, critical thinking skills and attention to detail will far outweigh any obstacle you physically have.  I would carry pictures of your projects to have on hand if there is any question from the administration or instructor.as for special tools I would bring along any tool that you partically find comfortable.  I can't remember it you opted for an air grinder instead of an electric grinder.  the airgrinder is easier to hold due to the smaller diameter of the body due to not having to house the electric motor to supply the work.  Here is a link to some grinders I have used and are top notch http://www.patcoairtools.com/.
Reply:I was thinking of a couple of accomodations.  1.  200 amp torch as its lighter and smaller than a 400 amp one in both the gun and cable. If the program does not have one this is a reasonable accomodation for both the school and a business under ADA.1a.  Check out Bernard's and Profax/lenco websites.  Both companies make a huge variety of torches in different sizes angles etc.   For example my Bernard Q400 you can rotate the nozzle and head 360 degrees.  So holding the gun in a normal position you could have the wire coming out upwards for overhead welding...  also the make angles from straight to 60* bent.   Might even have right angle guns2.  Get a guide wheel made to attach onto or near the head that will help support the gun.   Its just a cutting wheel from a small tubing cutter and a few pieces of metal.   I will draw a pic when I get home.  On the road at the moment for another 800 miles...    fatigue is going to be your biggest challange I think.    Look at guides for OA torches to see what I am talking about.  If u are not shooting at a career I would not worry about doing a whole certificate program.   plus actual welding skills exams from AWS etc in certified processes are what businesses care about.  Not if you completed a list of classes. I would consider taking a Computer Aided design class or even a google sletch up class so you can design your projects prior to buildingAlso I am sure if you ask, you will find some local WW experts willing to help you out....   I just got a great TIG lesson from Shovelon while I was in CA.Last edited by soutthpaw; 07-02-2012 at 10:12 PM.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:There are a couple of things I have noticed from my time in a local program. Everything was tailored to suit the desires of the student, and the goals that he or she had set for themselves. Some people may only want to focus on one aspect for a certain hobby, while others may want to get certified for a higher paying job. If you desire to follow along with the program, it will cover as much as the school is prepared to teach. Generally, they will make every effort to accommodate the student. We've had deaf students accompanied by American Sign Language interpreter/assistants from the student body right alongside, (getting lots of free tutorials in welding I might add)! The only people that struggle through welding classes either lack motivation, at least a modicum of intelligence, or the maturity to discipline themselves to progress and give it their all. You don't strike me as any of those sorts.City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWKeep in mind all schools are a bit different as to what they do or allow...As far as bringing in your own tools, sure, I can't see why not. Just make sure they are clearly and obviously marked as yours. I've brought in plenty of my own tools, mostly because I have a work truck full of them, and they are easy to access. At the 1st school I took classes at, part of it was thru necessity. The day school instructor and night school instructor were two different people, and getting access to tools at night was sometimes an issue. the tools were there, simply the night school instructor either didn't know where they were or had a key to access them. Where I help out, all you have to do is ask for the tools to get them from lock up, but I still bring in a few specialized tools from time to time to make things easier on myself.As far as material sizes, thicknesses, again, it's dependent on the school/ process. The 1st place I went, material was limited for "basic" students. You received a piece of 12" long  3/8" thick 3" angle and worked to fill it with bead material. Not too exciting, but it saved on material and allowed you to get the basic motions down, especially with stick. Where I'm at now, there is a variety of materials to work with, dependent on the process. 1/8" 3x6" flat steel for mig/ tig, 3/8" 3x6" flat steel for stick, 1/4" 3x6" SS for stainless tig, 1/8" 3x6" alum for AC tig, and 6" round steel for pipe training, both tig and stick. Programs vary as far as what you can take, and in what order also. Where I started out, you had to take stick 1st. Then you could do any other processes in smesters after that. Now as far as I understand it the current program starts people out there on OA/ stick 1st. Where I help out, it's pretty much what ever process you want to learn, based on equipment availability. There's only so many AC tigs, and mig booths, but any booth will run DC tig or stick. Looking at the link you posted, there looks like one class for blueprint reading, one for each process, FC wire, stick, gas mig, and tig. My guess is you can take them in any order from what I see, and most likely if you want to further your skills, you simply take the class again, and start where you left off the semester before. That's the way the school does it where I'm at. Usually with tig, it takes several semesters for students to get thru all the positions, simply due to the learning curve typical with tig. Mig on the other hand, it's not uncommon for a student to finish all the basic joints in 7 weeks of a 10 week semester, and then either work on specialized mig, like sheet metal to gain employment, or move on to another process like tig/stick. Many of the students sign up with the plan to finish mig and find a job, and the instructor knows what places local require what sorts of testing for employment, and students wok on what they need to pass that test once finished.Looks like WLDG-1430 ( gas mig) and WLDG-1412 ( FC mig) would be the two primary classes that would interest you to start. The blueprint reading class probably would have limited use for the hobbyist except as interesting information, but very useful for someone looking to get hired where print reading was a qualification for the job.Certificates of Participation are usually a fancy way to say you simply showed up to class. It has no meaning on what you learned. Some employers pay for all or part of a students class, and a certificate simply says the student showed up, and usually is good enough for employers to reimburse the employee. Some schools also separately offer certification testing. I had one instructor who mentioned if someone wanted/needed to get a cert for work, he'd tailor the class to that students needs, including practice tests, then help the student arrange for the actual test outside of class.  To determine what is offered/ available at the location you are looking at, you'll need to contact the school or instructor.Also don't forget the CC are not your only option. Many high school votec programs offer night classes. These classes tend to be geared a bit more towards the hobbyist or the person looking to get an entry level job with limited school skills, though advanced training is certainly possible with many programs. You may find one program fits your needs better than another. I switched schools after 3 terms simply due to the fact the night instructor that was very good left for personal reasons, and the new instructor wasn't as good. There are at least 4 votec programs in my area all offering a variety of programs, from basics up to one program designed to get students with skills thru advanced certs. In that program all you do is work on what it takes to pass the test.
Reply:Oh crap, if you are still looking for an air tool - depending on your hand size check out a snap on PT250a (may get one cheap at flea-bay).You can adjust the speed/torque to stall at very low rates & it will handle 4" disks (rated for 3"). Prolly one of my more pleasant finds in recent years.Matt
Reply:The best parts on a man are between his ears and behind his ribcage. You seem to be using both just fine. Keep that up and you can do anything you want to in life.Monica,One thing that you might consider for using a grinder is to find one with a switch that you can lock or tywrap on. Then use it with a foot switch. I have several of these foot switches     http://www.harborfreight.com/momenta...tch-96619.html    that I use with different tools where it isn't always easy or safe to operate the power switch on the tool by hand safely. Maybe some kind of wrist brace could also be made to give you more control of the grinder. With this I'm thinking of something that clamps to the grinder body with a collar that clips to your forearm above your wrist. You have the determination to succeed. You will do well at anything that you try to do. You just need to find some non standard way to do it that works for you.  CharleyMiller MM252Miller Bobcat 225NTMiller DialArc HF / DIY Cooler2 Victor O/A TorchsetsMilwaukee 8" Metal SawMilwaukee Dry Cut "Chop" Saw 5 Ton Wallace Gantry Various Grinders, Benders, etc.
Reply:Originally Posted by anickode. . . Lighting and setting an oxy-acetylene torch could be done one-handed, anthough it wouldn't be terribly safe. . .
Reply:Thanks yall.  Looking forward to what I can get into.Lincoln AC225 and CartLincoln WeldPak HD and CartOne hand
Reply:Monica, a girl with your drive and good spirit, I would make  you my personal helper. Cheers to you girl I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:I suggest OBSERVING the processes first then making adaptive equipment at home and testing it so you don't spent "welding time" as "adaptive research" time.For example:One-armed (SMALL, 4.5") angle grinder use could be performed with the side handle set vertically and an upward-facing C or U padded bracket clamped securely (worm drive hose clamps with excess band trimmed off) such that you'd use your forearm to keep it the grinder body from twisting under load.Contemplate the attached crutch pic for an example. You might even bag one or two from a thrift store for parts.Such a handle arrangement could be fitted with all sorts of tools, includingHand files get a lot of use so practice with them. Prepare your practice and test coupons AT HOME or after hours if they'll let you. That applies to ANY welding student! Use class time to WELD.Air tools often have less starting torque and would be easier to handle. They make FOOT VALVES for air too! I like the foot switch idea a lot and it's a safe "deadman" for any power tool. Browse Ebay for lots of interesting photos of just about anything.If you consider the overall problem as an adaptive tool handling system question" you might even devise a moneymaking invention. Just because you have one HAND doesn't mean you cannot use one or more custom foot controls to actuate different things. Your options include electric, pneumatic, and mechanical. Pedals can actuate motorcycle or bicycle control cables (allows easy movement and location adjustment) which could move lever arms back and forth using spring return for short ranges.I use a Gasaver with my O/A setup. Everything would be easy to do one handed.
Reply:In the community college welding courses I've taken, there were no grinders used.Metal coupons were usually 1/8 inch thick x 1.5 inch x 4 inch or 3/16 inch thick x 1.5 inch x 6 inches.You tacked then together for a lap or T joint then away you went welding.Slag was beaten off with a chipping hammer and/or manual wire brush.NO GRINDERS.Rick V 1 Airco Heliwelder 3A/DDR3 CTC 70/90 amp Stick/Tig Inverters in Parallel1 Lincoln MIG PAK 151 Oxy-Acet
Reply:Also you could have the instructor tack a bunch of coupons together for you. Or if I was the instructor I would have each student take turns doing that for you.  That way they get an understanding of what reasonable accomodations are and hopefully make them a little more aware and comfortable, around persons with disabilities...    You may not know what adaptation will benefit you till u start the class.   I definitely suggest an auto darkening hood with a grind setting that preferrably can be accessed on the outside of the hood..    this way u don't have to sed the torch down to push the hood up after the welding a bead...Oh I was going to also add that you are going to see a lot more old farts taking college courses out of personal interest with all the baby boomers hitting retirement...When I lived in CA I took a class almost every semester at $11 a unit it was a steal.   Unfortunately is more than $150 in CO for CC classes...  There is a bunch I want to take too.   More welding,  machining, auto painting, art, sewing, cad cam...etc....Last edited by soutthpaw; 07-03-2012 at 11:15 PM.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Cheap welding magnets from Harbor Freight etc will be quite handy.
Reply:Aluminum mig welding.http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...-welding-GMAW/http://www.weldreality.com/aluminum-welding-2.htmYou can do this. Combined with good NDT and WPS skills, you will have a job.I see more and more alum mig being done in the industry. Only problem is not enough people know how to do it properly and the equipment is quite pricey. But the results are stunning. IMO there is a great shortage of these weldors.I have 2 machines, CobraMig, and Miller 350P AlumaMig, and only one really good operator. This style gun would work wonderfully with the lead tucked in armpit to steady it. Done it many times myself one handed.What do you think?Of course the process is directly related to the ferrous metals also.Last edited by shovelon; 07-04-2012 at 10:47 AM.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpaw  I definitely suggest an auto darkening hood with a grind setting that preferrably can be accessed on the outside of the hood..    this way u don't have to sed the torch down to push the hood up after the welding a bead...Oh I was going to also add that you are going to see a lot more old farts taking college courses out of personal interest with all the baby boomers hitting retirement...When I lived in CA I took a class almost every semester at $11 a unit it was a steal.   Unfortunately is more than $150 in CO for CC classes...  There is a bunch I want to take too.   More welding,  machining, auto painting, art, sewing, cad cam...etc....
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonAluminum mig welding.http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...-welding-GMAW/http://www.weldreality.com/aluminum-welding-2.htmYou can do this. Combined with good NDT and WPS skills, you will have a job.I see more and more alum mig being done in the industry. Only problem is not enough people know how to do it properly and the equipment is quite pricey. But the results are stunning. IMO there is a great shortage of these weldors.I have 2 machines, CobraMig, and Miller 350P AlumaMig, and only one really good operator. This style gun would work wonderfully with the lead tucked in armpit to steady it. Done it many times myself one handed.What do you think?Of course the process is directly related to the ferrous metals also.
Reply:Originally Posted by MonicaWell I think that is pretty neat.  I'm going to be superficial here, but I like the looks of that gun    I do see the benefit in learning a skill that is in demand but not overloaded with the workforce (aluminum mig).  Probably going a route like that it'd be worth it to use to make some money/have a job doing it.
Reply:Since you'll do a lot of shop/bench work due to the nature of your limitations and the gear required to work around them, study pics of welding positioners and any workholding devices you can including those used in machine shops, then after you get the concepts, simplify the execution for what YOU want.Play with different ideas. Learning is tactile.You don't need to move yourself as much if the workpiece can move where you wish.A quickly repositionable workholding system is a weapon for anyone.  Look at "rollout wheel" threads as they can be quite handy and inexpensive to make.Wrenched fasteners can be replaced with knobs or hand cranks (ensure sufficient leverage).A slotted table top coupled with T-bolt clamps secured with wing nuts (for running them down quickly) tacked to standard (pick a size or sizes to reduce "wrench count") nuts (for final tightening by wrench) could be useful.Everyone should study these things because unless we drop dead, reduced mobility WILL be a fact of life. As welders and gearheads, we can make our own custom assistive devices to make our work more efficient while we are healthy (reducing damage) and preparing ourselve by actual shop practices for reduced lifting ability and mobility.My machinist buddy has jib hoists at his lathes for chuck swaps. His guys won't use them. That can fsck up your spine as surely as a car accident.Finally, since you shoot, consider gunsmithing. It uses smallish equipment with a lot of precise hand work (not necessarily two-handed) and there are already many interesting workholding options.Last edited by farmall; 07-04-2012 at 12:24 PM.
Reply:First I'd like to give you a hand for thinking this upIn my Jr. College stick welding class everything was supplied short of personl gear, hood, gloves leathers etc.  You probably have most of that anyways.  There isn't much grinding except to clean  scale so you can work on a  1/4" sheet.  Obviously you would be "shorthanded"   a bit but I think it's doable.   There are numerous students and getting a little hep would not affect the grade.  They are interested in your quality of weld and not  so much on  making or  cleaning the coupon.   One way to shine is to be a little smarter... my shop grades were high Cs really but I only missed maybe 1-2 quastion on written tests  in the whole semester... which helped a lot. The one grief I had was I was way too slow   And that almost got me because ya' gotta finsih to get a decent grade.   My solution was to use MONEY... i went to my local supplier got a large pile of coupon blanks made up... cost me a few bucks and college kids don't got that dough and I had welders at my shop.  So I practiced more, and I made up the coupons ready for the welding at home.  My prof was aok with that as long as I did the  actual inspected beads in the class... Saved my butt,  I caught up and did ok at the end. ps: Chicks get good treatment...weldors are gentlemen.Last edited by PapaLion; 07-04-2012 at 03:36 PM.Lincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:I sent off the first email this morning to the local high school VoTech teachers.  I included a few links and pics.  Hope to hear from them soon.  I'm uncertain if I'll hear back though since it's summer break right now.  If I don't, I'll call the main district lines to see when teachers will be back.Will be contacting the TCC prof in a little while.Lincoln AC225 and CartLincoln WeldPak HD and CartOne hand
Reply:Originally Posted by MonicaI sent off the first email this morning to the local high school VoTech teachers.  I included a few links and pics.  Hope to hear from them soon.  I'm uncertain if I'll hear back though since it's summer break right now.  If I don't, I'll call the main district lines to see when teachers will be back.Will be contacting the TCC prof in a little while.
Reply:Texas has got a thing called a  MetroPlex. sheesh Papa that's sumthin'...the other Papanice offer to help good going.Lincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:Originally Posted by PapaLionTexas has got a thing called a  MetroPlex. sheesh Papa that's sumthin'...the other Papanice offer to help good going.
Reply:If the assist gear works, share pics and data!There are LOTS of folks, including more young veterans every year, with limited mobility and missing limbs.i went to my local supplier got a large pile of coupon blanks made up
Reply:I can't add more than many have said. Just do it. Talk to the instructors. If they are worth their salt, they'll be more than helpful. If the others in the class are good people, they won't mind helping either. Let your welding thus far do the talking. They'll know you're capable.Just do it!200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.
Reply:From reading the replies in this thread, it is clear that there is a wide variation between welding programs.The program I attend is a community college program that is focused on teaching the skills that are necessary for landing welding employment.  When you're done with the program, you have an A.S. in welding technology.  Local employers look for the graduates because they know its a strong skill based program.  Every class has a syllabus and a progression check off sheet for demonstrated skills.  You are graded by real world welding inspectors who teach PT at night, and they don't cut you any slack.  Do the skill, or flunk out.  They want you to succeed, but don't coddle you.  There are no "do whatever you want" classes -- every class is focused on industrial skills development and your welds are tested just like in the real world.Other programs may be more recreational in focus -- get the information about which is which, and then decide which program suits you best and choose the one that fits your needs and interests.In the program I attend, we must provide and always bring our own personal protection -- helmet, jacket, gloves, safety goggles, welpers and steel toed shoes or boots (or we go home if we forget them).  Also TIG electrodes for TIG class, and most people bring their own measuring tape, small square, soap stone, and other "essentials" so as not to have to wait in line or go and hunt them.  They supply grinders, but you will eventually want to have your own with your own grits and the attachments you prefer to do the job you want to do and how you want to do it.    A pair of vice grips for holding hot coupons firmly to allow quenching is a good thing.  Normal welpers can be limited in grip strength and bad things can happen when you're swinging the red hot coupons over your carry bag on the way to the quench tank   If you're doing a class where you need to do work on coupons that spans more than one class period, you'll need to have a locker there, or a way to transport the coupons back and forth to class.  I had a 5 gallon plastic bucket with coupons in one hand, and my Miller bag with helmet, jacket etc in the other.  You'll just have to figure out a way to get everything you need back and forth.  Some of the guys in my class had a roller bag that worked pretty well for them...In our MIG class, there was a lot of grinding.  Mostly to prepare the heavier coupons for bend testing after welding them up, but on others the multi-pass welds had to be ground flat before the fluxcore passes were done, and that took substantial time as well.  That could not be done with a bench grinder.  The coupons were held in a large welding vise and ground there with a hand held grinder.  It would be useful for you to review the syllabus and progression sheet with the instructor for each specific class you are interested in, so you can identify the areas where you will need to figure out a "solution" in advance to do what the class requires...Just keep in mind that the classes help teach you the skills, and how to do them right, but afterwards you can focus on what you want to do and how you want to do it.  I'm sure any capable program would love to have you and would take it as a challenge to figure out how to help you succeed. Good luck!
Reply:Originally Posted by Rick VIn the community college welding courses I've taken, there were no grinders used.
Reply:It is also possible to make a grinder handle as mentioned before and include a "torque bar" which looks like a conventional side handle but reached far enough to SAFELY brace against your beltline.Many folks using large grinders brace their left arm against their rib cage to support the grinder. The same effect could be had with the "arm" attached to the grinder.If you are gonna weld, you need a way to grind and polish.Flap wheels are pretty safe, and can be spun by electric or pneumatic die grinders.A benchmount beld sander is extremely useful. Don't neglect the possibility of bolting a workpiece to a handle to get more leverage. I hold awkward pieces in a vise by bolting them to a hunk of angle which has lots of holes and gets new ones as needed.There's no reason you couldn't try the same sort of thing on the end of a "crutch handle". It wouldn't do everything, but would do some things.
Reply:Worked with a guy in a shop that had a deformed right arm (or left, I can't recall the details in any form of clarity...he had his upper arm and some elbow mobility maybe an inch or so under the elbow...he would brace the mig gun with what he had and hold the mig gun with his other hand) that welded and did the jobs he was assigned just fine...I think it's a matter of using what you have to the fullest potential and work with what you can.Certain tools are often supplied, although I supply most of my own and would urge you to do the same.  I've made it a habbit, "if I need or borrow something, I buy it and toss it into my job box...convieniently located at work!)  A lot of the work you will be able to do will be based on the work a given shop does.Last edited by mb_welder; 07-07-2012 at 12:54 AM.
Reply:I think rlitman is right about the air tools. Much smaller tool body and more modulation of speed. Plus they don't continue to spin like electric tools. Die grinder and a couple air grinders and your good to go. Just some coffee shop engineering: Be interesting to see if an arm (Canada Arm Junior????  could be made to bolt to a grinder. It could take the bulk of the weight and have a steering dampener affect. Moves freely slowly but if it jerks, it tightens, stopping the tool from moving dangerously.Maybe an arm that would hold the work at adjustable angles would allow you to get at the work more easily with the grinder. Work piece size would be a factor, of course.200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.