Book suggestions for a newbie

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Hi All,I am actually writing this for a young man that has been helping my wife and I out on our property. We live in a rather rural area, and while his family is not able to help him gain an education, I have told him I would do what I could to help.The young man is 15 now, and wants to attend a trade school for welding in the worst way. It does sound like he will have that chance in a year or two, but for now is stuck with mom that is not able to help him along in any way.I thought for his upcoming B-day I might get him a basic or fundamentals of welding book...one that he can study on his own and gain some basic knowledge of the craft he wishes to persue. One that includes some math and other skills would be fine, but to my knowledge he has never had access to any real study guides for the subject.Ultimately, he says he wants to weld underwater (big need here in WA state for this), but knows he needs to be expert in the basics first. He has a ton of zeal for this, and I think he may find himself quite successful in life as a welder if he is given a chance to persue his dream.Any suggestions on a textbook, or other books that he might study independently before he begins a trade school?Thank you in advance for any assistance.Best regards,Mike B
Reply:Originally Posted by Mike BHi All,I am actually writing this for a young man that has been helping my wife and I out on our property. We live in a rather rural area, and while his family is not able to help him gain an education, I have told him I would do what I could to help.The young man is 15 now, and wants to attend a trade school for welding in the worst way. It does sound like he will have that chance in a year or two, but for now is stuck with mom that is not able to help him along in any way.I thought for his upcoming B-day I might get him a basic or fundamentals of welding book...one that he can study on his own and gain some basic knowledge of the craft he wishes to persue. One that includes some math and other skills would be fine, but to my knowledge he has never had access to any real study guides for the subject.Ultimately, he says he wants to weld underwater (big need here in WA state for this), but knows he needs to be expert in the basics first. He has a ton of zeal for this, and I think he may find himself quite successful in life as a welder if he is given a chance to persue his dream.Any suggestions on a textbook, or other books that he might study independently before he begins a trade school?Thank you in advance for any assistance.Best regards,Mike B
Reply:For half that price, the Miller Student Package has several books that get into the details of each process and includes field calculators and a free jacket with a qualifying welder purchase.http://www.millerwelds.com/education/tools/#training
Reply:I really like the Richard Finch book, called Welders Handbook, from HP books. Not too expensive, simple enough to understand, but covers all the basics.I am also a big fan of Fabricators Handbook by Ron Fournier- if he is at all interested in cars, this is the book- it covers welding, but also all kinds of cool tricks of fabrication that hardly any other books mention.This guy is the king of what those guys on the cheesey car and motorcycle build shows try to do.Only he does it right.Again, HP books.Both are often available cheap, used, at abebooks.com
Reply:I would get the book "how to weld damn near anything."  It based on the Monster Garage TV series and has lots of pictures of projects and some basic methods and not too much technical stuff.  Too much of that will put off a kid.http://www.themotorbookstore.com/how-to-weld.htmlIt's not a text or anything, but it will be a good stepping stone in keeping his interest level up.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:I actually used an older version of this book when I took my CC classes in the mid 80's - thought it was a great book. Should be better now...http://www.amazon.com/Welding-Princi...e=UTF8&s=booksI'd also second the Miller training books...Great gesture by the way....I'm sure he'll appreciate it!
Reply:Hi all,Thank you so much for the thoughtful replies. I have a number of connections in the book selling world (I'm a collector myself) and will seewhat I can find available for those suggestions in the used market.This fellow is a sharp young man, but is still lacking in the math department...and getting him to stay in High School has been a challenge, especially considering the high dropout rate of the local HS. Still, he is hanging in there and I do hope he will concentrate especially on the algebra and geometry parts as I am sure those are much needed skills for welding and fabrication. He is sticking in school only to continue towards his goal..but what more can be asked of him? Nothing, at least in my thinking...as he knows what he wants and is chasing after it to the best of his abilities! All the best,Mike
Reply:You are doing a huge service for this young fella.  Often, just showing an interest and a providing a gentle nudge in the right direction makes a huge difference in a young person's life.  It did for me.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:I bought Welder's Handbook by Richard Finch.  A lot of info on all types of welding, easy to get and has a couple of projects like a small trailer, mechanical finger, welding table, etc.  I bought mine at Borders or the competition, i cant remember their name.  It was less than 20 bucks.  By the way, that book "How to weld damn near anything" was written by Richard Finch, the author of the book I recomend.ThormoldLast edited by Thormold; 09-14-2006 at 11:11 AM.
Reply:Go to Amazon and get Modern Welding, and while your there get an Audel's book. Both great referance books.