welding basics

admin

Hi. I'm interested in welding, but I need to learn how to crawl first before I can walk. Can anyone recommend any site or book where I can learn the basics of welding? Difference between mig, tig, arc, gas, etc. Parts and their uses? What those things are for? Just something to get me started. I'd really appreciate it. Thanks.
Reply:auren, I like the attitude that you gotta crawl before you walk, and while I don't like sending you here, HoFart does have some good information for a guy starting out.http://www.hobartwelders.com/techtips.htmlThis will give you some answers and probably more questions, but it's a good place to start learning.Appreciation Gains You Recognition-
Reply:Auren, Franz is spot on.  You can also check out the www.millerwelds.com and go the education section.I could not get into any classes near me, so have learned everything by either these forums, reading, or doing.  Definitely not the ideal route, but it is possible.If you end up going my route, I would definitely advise you taking some of your early work to a welding shop.  Just walk in and explain what you're doing and how you can't find any classes etc.  Ask them  if they would mind just taking a look at a piece of two you have with your to see what they think.  There is a chance they'll scoff you off, but the shop I did this to was extremely helpfull.  They told me to bring anything by any time I wanted to.  Maybe I lucked out, but I think they'd likely appereciate someone trying to learn this stuff on their own.Good luck and ask as many questions as you want.  Just remember, in a web forum or email list, you may not always want to believe everything you read though.  If you hang around long enough, you'll quickly figure out which guys truly want to help.  Trust me, there are plenty of great folks that want to help.  Problem is one or two evil doers can take you off track for a little while.  So ask away, and if something does not sound right, do not hesitate to ask for clarification.Good luck.
Reply:you can try  www.lincolnelectric.com and look under the james f. lincoln part of the site,  they offer books that are a great resourse CHEAP. and they send them right out too.there are links posted at the bottom of this page that might also be a good source for you, good luck brian
Reply:One I'd add. Franz has sugested this before, but I'll steal his idea. Take a dozen "Crispy Creames" with when you visit the weld shop. It will generate a lot of good will
Reply:I know in my shop when somebody comes in with Krispy Kremes it definitely gets our attention.
Reply:Another site that I like it Esab University  http://www.esabna.com/html/eu.cfm Lots of info, quizzes too.One place to look, check out the  local technical or community college many offer welding classes in the evenings and on weekends.  Skeptic
Reply:Hi Franz, Junk, arcdawg, flajim, Skeptic. Thanks very much for your advices! I'll definitely do all those. Thanks for helping me start  Also thanks motordoctor for the confirmation on the Krispy Kreme
Reply:Miller Student Package.Just go on the Miller site and go to their Education section.Best $25 I've spent in a while.