Apex or lincon tech, alternatives?

admin

I would like to learn to weld titanium and also aluminum to build things like unicycle frames and other mechanized projects. Is it worthwhile to take the full on Apex Technical course load or would signing up for just a core and a GTAW module at Lincoln Electric be a better option? The main benefit I see from Apex is getting 30+ hours a week (times 7 months) of experience in, which will cover all the safety issues but only basic GTAW usage as the last module:Basic GTAW Operation & Principles:- Study set up parameters and welding procedures for GTAW and plasma Arc Cutting (PAC)- Study the characteristics, application and weldability of carbon steel, aluminum and stainless steel plate and tubing.- Identify the characteristics of constant current machines.- Identify current effects on weld penetration.- Define the characteristics of inert gasses.From what I could gather reading about this process, to really use this process in my own projects I will probably be spending most of my time designing purge dams to enclose the area underneath the weld, and a different types of jigs to keep the work perfectly lined up.I'm pretty sure buying my own equipment first and using only self-study is ruled out but would the Lincoln Electric program be more directed and appropriate than what seems to be a more general program at Apex?Lester