Where to start?

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I am wanting to learn to weld and am curious where to begin? I know there are a lot of great(expensive) welding schools out there, but am hoping I can learn a cheaper way, i.e.-work/trade apprenticeship or teach myself using books/vids/etc. and the experience of the members of this forum. Not trying to break my arm here patting myself on the back, but I would def say I am of above average intelligence, a quick learner, and an experienced wood worker, so I am comfortable with the safe operation of various tools and equipment.    My ultimate goal in learning to weld is to one day be able to build my own bicycle frame/trailer, in addition to a solid understanding of welding and its applications to be able to complete the average metal fabrication projects, i.e.-brackets, braces, etc.  Thanks in advance for any and all advice*Currently living in Burlington, VT, but am open to any and all opportunities
Reply:Originally Posted by CaptDreadI am wanting to learn to weld and am curious where to begin? I know there are a lot of great(expensive) welding schools out there, but am hoping I can learn a cheaper way, i.e.-work/trade apprenticeship or teach myself using books/vids/etc. and the experience of the members of this forum. Not trying to break my arm here patting myself on the back, but I would def say I am of above average intelligence, a quick learner, and an experienced wood worker, so I am comfortable with the safe operation of various tools and equipment.    My ultimate goal in learning to weld is to one day be able to build my own bicycle frame/trailer, in addition to a solid understanding of welding and its applications to be able to complete the average metal fabrication projects, i.e.-brackets, braces, etc.  Thanks in advance for any and all advice*Currently living in Burlington, VT, but am open to any and all opportunities
Reply:Maybe one of the members here are close to you, and willing to help. I'm teaching a couple guys from another site how to weld.Or run an ad on Craigs list, to see if someone would be willing to teach you. There is nothing like one on one instruction!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:Robbie, thanks. That def makes me feel like I'm on the right track. Glad to know that there are 'self-taught' welders out there. I am def a 'self-taught' type person. Looking forward to the journey ahead. I am sure I will have many and more questions along the way. If you know of any good resources(books/vids/etc) that will help get me started, feel free to share. Thanks again!
Reply:CEP, thanks. That is def what I am looking for. Will be posting ads next, we have a great local community forum I plan to post on as well.
Reply:For years there was a guy on the local Craigs list offering his help to learn how to weld.Here are some good books for you. Lincoln's site is generally the cheapest. http://www.jflfoundation.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=24 Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:CEP, thanks. They'll give me something to chew on till I can get my hands dirty.
Reply:You tube, and welding tips and tricks will be huge help for you too. 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:Hello and welcome, Take a minute to add your location to your profile so we all know all the time where you are located.When you sit down and add up what it would cost you, rod/wire, gas, material, electric, not to mention instruction and equipment, a class is usually stupid cheap. Around me almost all the high school votech centers have night classes. They break down to about $11.50 an hour. Most guys  can burn way more material than that in an hour if they apply themselves. I'm amazed that they manage to keep the classes that inexpensive when you sit right down and start adding up costs.There is really no substitute for hands on instruction. Many times I spend a good deal of the time watching the student, not the weld. Seeing their position, booth condition and other things that are hard to convey with picts and text is many times as important as the welds themselves.If you want, feel free to post up picts of your practice welds along will as much info as possible and we'll help you out. We need to know machine used, voltage ( 230 or 110 if dual voltage machine) amps or volts, Wire speed, rod or wire size and type, gas type and flow rate, material and thickness, position if other than flat and so on. The more we know, the better we can help. Also good clear picts from several angles helps. You will also find many other help or how to threads here from others. I'd suggest you sit back and read thru a few dozen and see if any of them help. Most guys that are learning make similar mistakes. Reading the suggestions and looking at the picts can give you an idea what to look out for. Many times one of the biggest things I'm teaching guys is how to evaluate their own work so they can pick up when they are having issues and why.Good luck..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:DSW, thanks for your input. It is good to know that the schools can be a good deal, especially considering what I could take from it. Unfortunately, this is not an option financially. Although, I am looking at a local program and a grant possibility, but am kind of up against the deadlines for enrollment so we'll see what happens. I will be sure to use this forum for further guidance as I get going. I certainly appreciate the advice on how to help you, help me. For now, I am looking forward to finding that right teacher/opportunity and getting some experience. All the best
Reply:The way I learned is I found someone teach me , so I would suggest to find people near you who are willing to show you and pick from them. And...watch YT:
Reply:Thanks Ahmed!! That vid def has some great stuff. Really looking forward to getting some torch time! Been applying to some of the welding classes at the local high schools/tech schools in the area, but unfortunately there aren't enough students enrolling to have a class. Have had some good feedback from my CL ad tho. Got offered a laborer position somewhere, as long as they can assure me enough exposure to the processes to learn and possibly some torch time I will prob take it. It is very part-time gig with a light commitment.