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This has probably been asked a hundred times but I was wondering if any professional welders do any type of teaching on the side like on weekends or nights?  I have always enjoyed welding and would like to learn from someone that knows what they are doing but I have a career as a mechanical engineer and dont have alot of time to got to a school.  Also I dont mind paying for the teaching or the supplies.  I have done welding on projects around the house for the last few years but I dont really know what I am doing right or wrong.  Is this something that is done or is it kind of out of line to ask around at welding shops if there are people that do this.  Thanks for any input.
Reply:Post your location and maybe a member will be able to help or direct you to an instructor.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com
Reply:I’ve had several members here, and another forum come to my shop for welding lessons. I never charge a dime.Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Keep in mind that just because someone can weld, that doesn't mean they can teach. I know quite a few welders who are really good, but couldn't explain how they do what they do. That's not always the best when trying to learn and improve.You can talk to known instructors who teach at schools some are willing to do "side" work and teach outside of the school. Others are more than willing to help those who have odd schedules fit time in. A few years back there was a police officer who was taking classes at the tech school. Because of his schedule, the instructor would allow him to come in to either the morning or afternoon day class, or one of the two night classes depending on what fit his schedule best. Since it was all pretty much one on one anyways, then work on his own practicing, it really didn't matter when he was able to make it in to "class"..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:'' Keep in mind that just because someone can weld, that doesn't mean they can teach . I think there are many occupations where this exists. Many people have all the book smarts and papers hangin on the wall but they aren't worth shlt in the field or real world. DSW is right too, however, if he can't teach but YOU are a good OBSERVER you will learn by watching. In my case, my UNION has some of the best welding instructors I have seen. ALL of them were in the field and became teachers. One of my apprentices , whom I had with me for years, is one the top instructors. He is one bada$$ welder. Sure I taught him but it wasn't me. He took welding to the next level.
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1DSW is right too, however, if he can't teach but YOU are a good OBSERVER you will learn by watching.
Reply:'' Great instructors can hold their students hand and move it as needed to do the weld so the student gets real feed back on what they should be doing.''COOL !   I remember the first time someone did that for me , aaaaaa like many decades ago.   Dam could I weld !!!  For about a 30 seconds. I don't know about the '' GREAT '' part but the look on their face when they pick up their hood ,      They can't believe how easy it was..... UNTIL they tried it by them self.
Reply:If you can't give us a location. No one can help!!
Reply:Originally Posted by theweldorIf you can't give us a location. No one can help!!
Reply:I have taught a bunch through the years and am still doing it. It used to be guys but lately it's been women. They tend to pick it up fast and do very well. They mainly want to learn to make art. After they have some skills down then we start building a sculpture out of all the scrap pieces I find in the scrap box. It get's them used to welding all the non normal joints that will come up with art stuff. You can see the red head's sculpture coming along. I think it's in her garden now. After that then they pick a small project and I help them make it. Then a bigger project and so on. The one girl made her a stool for helping her work on her car. We screwed down aluminum diamond plate for a little bit of cool factor.I enjoy it a lot and plan to keep doing it. Attached ImagesLast edited by Bob; 04-25-2016 at 09:39 PM.
Reply:Hey BOB, didn't you post the pic on the right before ??? The jeans look familiar .
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1I don't know about the '' GREAT '' part ...
Reply:Sorry for the delay on responding. I live in Laramie, WY.  I agree with alot of what is said here.  I have found that observing is a great way to learn if you know what you are looking for.  Along the lines of what DSW said,  I grew up racing motocross and noticed once I felt what it was like to do something right then my skill level increased.
Reply:Originally Posted by BobI have taught a bunch through the years and am still doing it. It used to be guys but lately it's been women. They tend to pick it up fast and do very well. They mainly want to learn to make art. After they have some skills down then we start building a sculpture out of all the scrap pieces I find in the scrap box. It get's them used to welding all the non normal joints that will come up with art stuff. You can see the red head's sculpture coming along. I think it's in her garden now. After that then they pick a small project and I help them make it. Then a bigger project and so on. The one girl made her a stool for helping her work on her car. We screwed down aluminum diamond plate for a little bit of cool factor.I enjoy it a lot and plan to keep doing it.
Reply:I'm a little over two hours from you in Aurora, CO. I haven't set up my own shop area yet, but when I do in the near future, I wouldn't have a problem helping you out. I only have a stick/TIG machine, but it has all the bells and whistles we could go through. I have been on the road working and have all my stuff at my parents place, but should get my own place soon because I'm done with road work after this week.I haven't done too much teaching with welding, but have done lots of training people in the military and have developed a knack for regurgitating information, and went to a 7 month full time welding school, and have been welding for over 10 years now.
Reply:TheBFA, thanks for the info.  Ill keep you in mind when the time comes.