16 Hours of GMAW Training/Instruction?

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I finally found a place that offers welding training/instruction! There's a beginner GMAW class that they hold on weekends for the hobbyist which is exactly what I want to be. Is 16 hours enough hands on training/instruction to get me started on the right foot? I guess it's better than no formal training/instruction at all but wanted to see if it's worth the price lol. The place is charging $375 for the 16 hours of training. They also offer an "advanced" GMAW course which I'm planning on taking right after the beginner course, assuming I like welding and find the instruction to be satisfactory. Sent several requests for info to the local community colleges near me so hopefully I hear back from them soon. I'm hoping to kickstart my soon-to-be welding hobby with formal training then lots and lots of practice along with reading, YouTube videos, etc.
Reply:I think you'll be way ahead of the game by taking that class.  $375 for 16 hours is very, very reasonable.  Having someone walk you through the basics, then be there to demonstrate is huge and having that person then be there to watch you and make corrections before you develop bad habits is a major benefit.  You should be able to leave that class and tackle most hobby projects pretty easily and start building advanced skills on a solid foundation.Check out my bench vise website:  http://mivise.comMiller Syncrowave 250DXMillermatic 350P with XR AlumaProMiller Regency 200 with 22A feeder and Spoolmatic 3Hobart Champion EliteEverlast PowerTig 210EXT
Reply:Oh hell yes! That sounds great, thanks for the reply. I've wanted to learn how to weld for years so finally going to do it. Hopefully I can skip the community college welding classes and use the money saved on a welder and welding gear/accessories.
Reply:Good for you in not getting too complicated here and the 210 is the right machine for you, the new hobby guy.  They got u 4 a poster child on the wall where they designed it.  The only thing better than that is another one with small wire in it for sheet and exhaust. Its a machine for fixing stuff.  You got one you wont feel like upgrading a day after you use it.  You never see them for sale as people that buy them kee them.Last edited by Sberry; 7 Hours Ago at 08:41 PM.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:

Originally Posted by Sberry

Good for you in not getting too complicated here and the 210 is the right machine for you, the new hobby guy.  They got u 4 a poster child on the wall where they designed it.  The only thing better than that is another one with small wire in it for sheet and exhaust. Its a machine for fixing stuff.  You got one you wont feel like upgrading a day after you use it.  You never see them for sale as people that buy them kee them.
Reply:i dont think gmaw is the way to start a begginer.     id think $  375 would easily buy u a full semester  of  1 or 2 nights a week  (lecture and shop time) w/ a good/full book at the community college.       it is par, to spend  a whole semester on understanding  safety, regulators,, torch, gas welding, cutting/grinderss,polarities , filler metals ,etc  and a better hands on concept on puddle control/characteristics from gas and stick welding and learn to set up a welder.   all boring stuff, i know, but in long run, u'll thank urself.    after a good begginer course,  u can turn urself loose on whatever other types of welding processes,  u want w/ a lil  utube or a book, and get satisfactory results