Need to get back to work dont know what to do about practice.

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I have been thinking about going back to work after a medical issue a year ago and idk what to do in this situation. I know i need practice but I do not own a welder and many people i know just own those AC fcaw machines lol. So i have been thinking I should just purchase a welder that I can use at home and practice  for a welding test.1.What is the most common process used in the industry?2.What process rig should I buy?3. Should I really invest money in a well known brand such as miller when more or less im just using it to fix a lawn mower deck or using it for practice.I know these questions seem a little dumb but it has been stressing me out some as I need and just want to get back to work.
Reply:What process were you welding with before your medical issue?  You should know what machine and process you used for that type of work.  Are you wanting to go back doing what you did before or learn another process?  A little more information is needed before people can recomend a machine.DanManipulator Of Metal
Reply:You could buy a MIG and just make furniture for people. People pay a lot for that custom stuff...John 3:16(2) Miller Pheonix 456(2) Millermertic 252Dynasty 210DXHobart 210MVPDoringer D350 SA Cold SawScotchman 350LT Cold SawWebb 10x50 MillWebb 15x40 LatheGeka Bendicrop Ironworker
Reply:In school we used all three tig stick wirefeed (mig and fcaw)some oxy-acetylene(they should teach it alot more). Before the medical issue i was running a miller and sometimes a lincoln mig spray arc transfer for 5th wheels for JOST. I had multiple jobs they would move me around the welding area. I like mig its alright but it seemed monotonous if I had to I would not hesitate to take a job using it again as far as that is concerned. I also live in Eastern Tennessee seems like Eastman dominates the region for anything like stick and tig that is not a privately owned shop.
Reply:You might look at taking a night class just to make use of their equipment. We often have "students" who simply need practice time to prep for a job because they are out of practice, or they haven't done this for quite awhile. Many programs are designed with getting a cert etc in mind for those looking for a job, and the time is geared towards guys who need to practice before going to pass a cert test..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:I was considering going back and taking a night class wasnt sure what the price on that would be ?And Econdron i see you have the hobart mvp heard they were pretty nice. How are you liking it?Last edited by chrism1791; 05-29-2014 at 08:35 PM.
Reply:1+ for take a class. If you can't get into a class, find any old buzzbox, and do some stick welding. Stick welding is good practice for any kind of welding. MIG will seem pretty easy after some SMAW.Ian TannerKawasaki KX450 and many other fine tools
Reply:Originally Posted by chrism1791I was considering going back and taking a night class wasnt sure what the price on that would be ?And Econdron i see you have the hobart mvp heard they were pretty nice. How are you liking it?
Reply:a Couple of my dads old buddies have mentioned they might have a old buzzbox or a ac/dc they just have not got back to me yet. You would think with 210 unit such as that it would have the .023 for thin sheet metal..