Trying to learn a variety of machines, advice please

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Sorry for the long post as I try to explain my situation, and I'd like to thank in advance those who take the time to read through and any advice offered.  I've been watching the forum for a while trying to pick up advice, but have finally decided I need to start at the beginning and work my way up.  I have watched my dad weld for years, mostly mig with a little stick mixed in.  Unless we were pressed for time on a job, he'd usually let me weld some coupons or if the project was mine and not too critical on the project itself.  With the machine dialed in and advice on what angle to best hold the torch, pushing or pulling and what movement or "figure to draw" I could manage welds that I wouldn't be ashamed to call my own and little criticism.  I can also get the settings close enough to weld, but I'm sure would need some fine tuning to produce good welds.  My equipment list is as follows:Airco DipPak 200 running on 3 phase- used primarilyMiller Millermatic 120 110v Miller  Stick AC/DC - not 100% might be a thunderboltPlasmaTec 40 DV ( http://www.parkermetalworking.com/pa...100106_002.htm )Esab PCM 500 (I think)I agree with the general consensus that taking actual classes would be most beneficial, but I won't be able to manage that for a few months.  In the meantime I'm looking for alternatives, preferably books, to learn as much as one can without hands on instruction.  While welding is my main concern, I would also like to become more proficient using a plasma cutter.  I find myself cutting more with my gas torches than with the plasma cutters as I can get more consistent results.In addition to learning the ins and outs of the processes themselves, I'm also concerned about keeping my machines working to their full potential.  While the owners manuals are informative, I wonder if there isn't a more in depth manual available like a Factory Service Manual for a car as compared to the owners manual.  While model or even brand specific manuals existing or being available to the public may be too much to ask, perhaps there's something that covers maintenance, service and troubleshooting in a broad sense?Thanks for reading and I appreciate any an all help, advice or guidance you can offer.Corey
Reply:Well I am not an expert so take my opinions with a shaker of salt. Personally I prefer TIG because of the precision and Stick when it is too thick to TIG. I took a class in OxyTorch welding, Stick and TIG and I do alright. I have seen several MIG welds fail because of insufficient penetration. One of them was at a pretty dangerous time. Its easy to lay a great looking MIG weld only to find its little more than soldered and only half way through. My instructor told me that edge prep is the key to everything. He said if you dont clean the surfaces properly and bevel appropriately, that all of the contaminants you get in the weld will turn it into garbage. I have a couple of welding books written by a guy who is obviously not an author as the whole book is a primitive question and answer format. However, I learned a ton from them. Welding Essentials by Galvery & Marlow ( ISBN 978-0-8311-3301-6 )Welding Fabrication and Repair by Marlow ( ISBN 0-8311-3155-1 )And then after those I took a the classes and I learned more than I could in 2 dozen books.Miller Syncrowave 200 Runner (Home)Victor Journeyman Torch Rig (Home)Jet Horizontal and Vertical BandsawMiller Spectrum 375 (Next on the List)
Reply:1. Is your Dad a formally trained weldor (or does he have many years of experience)?  If so, you've got the perfect opportunity to learn first hand from his experience.  He has more equipment than your typical hobbiest.2.  Your local library may have a good Welding book.  My local library had a welding text book which was quite thorough.  I learned a lot about the different processes, joint preparation, terminology, etc.3.  Call a welding school and see if they will tell you what books they use with their students.4.  The Miller website has some good information relatiting to MIG, TIG, SMAW.5.  Now combine the advice of #1-4 and add consistent practice, practice and more practice.  (Oh, don't forget to cut up some of your coupons (practice pieces) to inspect your weld penetration.)No body does anything really well without consistent regular practice.  This applies to everything in life: piano, sports, art, etc.  Good luck!
Reply:Hi Corey and a welcome to the welding web to you!  You could go to most welder manufacturer web sites and download a manual for the machines you have. Just have the model no. and sometimes the serial no. handy.  And don't forget the video you can watch on line of different welding processes. Miller has one, I know. There are others. Too, if you put or have put your location in there may me a member close by you who can help out.  Really comes down to practice and test your welds. You can do it! Wish you success in your welding ventures!Rodney                                   The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it.'  Proverbs 10:22 NKJV