Retired and back in class

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I've been working as a master hvacr contractor for forty years and retired in March of last year due to back problems. I think I'm a descent farmer welder, but decided, partially due to you guys guidance and intelligence. So Monday, I started a basic welding course with my cousin and his two grandsons. Even the first three hours were very enlightening and informative. I wish my obligations weren't so heavy that I could take a five day/week full time course. But for now this will have to do. Thanks for all your help. I'll be asking more questions soon. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:i hope your experience in the classes is better than mine was. the teacher mostly just sat at his desk on his computer and gave us the rods and metal and just had us burn em up.Lincoln 225 ac (my first machine)farmhand 115vac 70amp mig/fc toymiller aead 200le (my main machine)
Reply:Congrats on retiring !      What kind of obligations do you have ?  I retired two years ago at 61 and told my wife that the first 10 years are for me, next ten for us, and if any time left sometime for the kids.    Have fun in the class. Do you need any help buying equipment ? We have no problem helping you spend money.
Reply:I believe the instructor will be a hands on type. The facilities are spotless and wonderful equipment. Everyone in class "weld" some, but all are looking for the correct way. Most of them need safety instruction on PPE, torch operation and safety, grinding, and welding. I've always helped to take care of my family and neighbors. Last year both elderly women have lost immediate family and now don't have family near to help with outside and help with daily issues they don't know about. Secondly, I have a 42 year old nephew who's a severe alcoholic so I make myself available to his wife for issues, car repair, safety and stress relief. She will be in surgery tomorrow and when she gets out my wife and I are having her come here for her recovery. My older brother live in a trailer on my property, etc., etc.Do I need any help buying equipment? If this is an offer, I'm overwhelmed and grateful that you would even offer. But if you are wanting to help me spend my money, read your last sentence, the thank you know. Many others have already applied!:-)) I must tell y'all that each of you have touch me in how caring, helpful, and intelligent. I can't thank you enough.Pigeonpoop, is suppose to send me a HF kind of new plasma cutter. That will be sweet.Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkLast edited by papasmirf; 02-12-2014 at 11:51 AM.
Reply:papasmirf, our paths were very similar albeit my experience with "back in class" was 15 years back. I retired after 37 years and enrolled in a JC welding courses. I welded around the house with buzz box/gas and fixed a number of items, but after taking several classes at the JC things started to fall into place. I have since built several trailers (one enclosed) and a few aluminum projects plus a couple of times I ran across a repair that I had to ask some folks here about. Personally, I was in a JC program that excells in this area and I learned allot. I would go to school even when it was not class time just to practice, especially with TIG. Cant begin to count the rods we burned but overall I would do it again. I think the key is being in a good program. I always choose courses with the most demanding instructors and gave it my best. I love to weld and No regrets!GeezerPower Mig 255C185 TIGBlue 175 MIGRanger 8 Kohler 20HP1974 5K Lincoln/Wisconsin Powered (Cherry)Victor/Harris O/AK 487 Spool Gun
Reply:Sounds great. The fact you have family in the class will make it even better. Always nice to be able to do things as a family. I've got a father and son in the night class this term. Dad already has structural certs, but is brushing up on his skills and working on tig. The son is just starting out.Have fun and feel free to post up picts and ask questions..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:Hm, I retired in Jan/14.  Welding class might be a good investment, thanks for the tip!