How do I learn how to weld?

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Hey all!!  New to the forums and to the welding world.  I really am tired of using jb weld and etc to "weld" metal.  I want to buy a 110 welder.  I don't want to run 220 and won't be doing enough to justify it anyways.  I just have little projects I want to do.Is mig the easiest style to learn?  My dad, when I was young, had me try his welder.  It used these rods (that looked kinda of like sparklers) that you clamped onto.  I didn't like it at all so I sure don't want that.  What's the best way to learn once I've decided on a welder?  Should I take a class at my local tech school?  Any good books/websites?  Any help you all could give me would be greatly appreciated!!!
Reply:Hey jam92102,welcome to the forums and welding!!  If you just want an easy to use, fun, 110 volt machine, I would pick up a flux core wire feed welder.  Maybe a Hobart Handler 140 or something along those lines.  The welding you were talking about is called SMAW or "stick welding".  I would also recommend you buy the Miller Student Pack for $25 available here:  http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...dex.html#booksRemember to have fun!!!Esab TradeMaster TorchSmith AW1A Airline TorchLincoln AC/DC 225/125Millermatic 252 w/ Spoolmatic 15aThermal Arc 190 GTSSpeedGlas 9100v
Reply:Buy a welderBuy some metalBuy a sawCut the metal into small pieces.Weld the metal into large pieces.Sorry, couldn't resist, but seriously, jump in with both feet and practice a lot.
Reply:The best way is to sign up for a class at a local community or tech college.  Shy of that, you could get a video that will go over the basics of safety and, well... how to do it.  Smartflix.com rents them for $10, which is cheaper than buying them.Jack OlsenMy garage website
Reply:sign up for a welding class and try the different types of welding setups.  You will like one over another.  then you can make an assesment of what kind of machine you might want to get. Other choice: as stated in a post above, buy machine, rods, steel and get to practicing.Salas Repair General Welding & Fabrication
Reply:A class would be a really good way to really learn what you are doing, and get good at it.  That is probably your best choice..  Second best is to read and watch videos.  Learn the difference between a good weld and a bad one, and if you end up with a bad weld on something you are working on, develop the discipline to grind it out and do it over again.  You can learn a lot on your own, but having an instructor to help bring you a long will help you to make better welds quicker.Esab TradeMaster TorchSmith AW1A Airline TorchLincoln AC/DC 225/125Millermatic 252 w/ Spoolmatic 15aThermal Arc 190 GTSSpeedGlas 9100v
Reply:Hey, Jam.Welcome to the Forum and welding. Many of us are hobbiest that got started from an early introduction to welding - like you and your Dad. Then later, got the itch to really learn it.   Taking a class or at least finding someone to help you get started is a good idea. They can teach you better techniques so you don't have to unlearn bad habits. Plus you will enjoy it a lot more if you are successful with some small projects. Buy the best welder you can afford. There are some that will run on 110v and 220v, so if you don't have 220v now, you might want to go to it later. I would recommend you get one that is factory ready for gas. You will like your welds much better.Look on Craigslist.org for used welders and you will find something from the big 3 - Miller, Lincoln, or Hobart for less than a new 110v at the big box stores. Most of all, read all you can here or on-line and you will learn something new everyday.The Miller Student package is the best bargain around for good study materials. That is the best $25 you will spend.Don't forget the other items you will need too. I recommend an autodark helmet especially when you are beginning.Post your location in your profile and there may be a member close by that will help you get started!  Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com
Reply:There's a list of Welding Schools at http://directory.weldingmag.com/school/ (not fully sure when this was last updated)You can also find some online training through ToolinU at http://www.toolingu.com/dept-650-welding-training.html (disclaimer: ToolingU does advertise with us)
Reply:Thank you all so much for the warm welcome and the advice.  I was going to just buy one and try stuff, but I want to learn the right way and I want to learn the SAFE way.  That' s my main concern.  I know you can really hurt yourself if you're not careful.I'm tempted to sign up for a class at our local tech school.  Thanks again for all the help.
Reply:Jump in!!  You'll have a great time!!Esab TradeMaster TorchSmith AW1A Airline TorchLincoln AC/DC 225/125Millermatic 252 w/ Spoolmatic 15aThermal Arc 190 GTSSpeedGlas 9100v
Reply:An old guy I knew when I was a teenager told me that you had to fill your mouth with marbles. Every time you make a good weld you get to spit out a marble. When you've lost all your marbles you can call yourself a welder.Tough as nails and damn near as smart
Reply:Originally Posted by Jack OlsenThe best way is to sign up for a class at a local community or tech college.  Shy of that, you could get a video that will go over the basics of safety and, well... how to do it.  Smartflix.com rents them for $10, which is cheaper than buying them.